From Enquiry to Impact: An Art Incursion That Reached 138 Young Learners

When schools reach out to us, it usually starts with a simple question: 

Will this actually work for our students?

That was the starting point when Chairo Christian School (Pakenham Campus) submitted an enquiry through the Dya website on 31 August, looking for a creative incursion that would suit early primary year levels and feel genuinely worthwhile in the classroom.

After a few conversations with our Creative and Education team, they chose one of our most loved programs: Surprise! Meeting an Artist – School Incursion

 

So, What Does That Actually Look Like?

This program is designed to move beyond worksheets and step-by-step outcomes. Instead, it introduces students to a practicing artist and invites them to explore how ideas turn into art through conversation, observation, and hands-on making.

Who was involved?

On the day, 138 students took part across:

• Prep

• Year 1

• Year 2
  
  

That’s a lot of small humans, all with different personalities, energy levels, and ways of expressing themselves. Each session was paced and adjusted to suit the year level, so students stayed engaged without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

How the Sessions Unfolded

Rather than beginning with instructions, each session started with conversation. Students were introduced to the artist, encouraged to ask questions, and invited to share what they already knew or felt about art.

From there, the focus shifted to exploration. Students experimented with ideas, materials, and their own creative choices. Some were confident and expressive straight away, while others took time to observe before joining in. Both responses were equally supported.

For many students, this was their first time meeting an artist in person. Seeing creativity modelled as something human, imperfect, and approachable helped make art feel less intimidating and more achievable.

 

Hearing This Made Our Day

Following the incursion, the school shared this response during the follow-up process:

“Our students really enjoyed the experience!”

                         — Elizabeth “Liz” Dendulk, Art Teacher
                        Chairo Christian School, Pakenham Campus

Short feedback, but meaningful. It reflects what we aim for with every school partnership: students feeling engaged, comfortable, and positive about learning through art.

 

Why This Matters for Schools

Because sometimes students just need:

• A fresh face in the classroom

• A new way to think about creativity

• Permission to explore without pressure
  
  

Incursions like Surprise! Meeting an Artist aren’t about ticking a box. They’re about creating moments students remember, and giving teachers support through well-structured, meaningful experiences. Working with Chairo Christian School was a reminder that meaningful creative learning doesn’t need to be complicated.

With the right structure, the right facilitator, and space for students to explore, art becomes a powerful tool for connection and confidence. This is the kind of impact we aim to create with every school incursion.