Hillman Primary School kids create a mural for the Olympics

A local primary school’s international art collaboration with a Japanese school is on display at the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

Hillman Primary School linked up with the Hamagawa Elementary School in Japan to create an art mural as part of the Japan Art Mile Project. The mural, designed by both schools, highlights sustainability, the environment, recycling, marine life, peace and justice.

Hillman teacher Fiona Nutz said the project was “a wonderful learning opportunity” for the students.

“Hillman Primary School was honoured to be chosen as the school to represent Australia in the Japan Art Mile Projectand we thank the Global Friendship Committee for their support in facilitating our participation,” Ms Nutz said.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for my students to increase their self-confidence while learning about Japanese culture and global citizenship. As a teacher, it was a delight to see how proud my students were of their creation and how excited they are that it will be displayed as part of the Tokyo Olympics.”

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the City was excited to support Hillman Primary, which is the only Australian school participating in the project.

“The City’s Global Friendship Committee is dedicated to pursuing a range of issues including strengthening our cultural links with other cities and organisations, and developing economic, tourism and social relationships which boost growth for our City,” he said.

This mural is the second Hillman has made with a Japanese school with support from the Committee. In 2018 and 2019 they worked with Une Elementary School in Rockingham’s sister-city Ako to create a similar mural as part of the International Intercultural Mural Exchange program. The mural is on the Olympics website.