STUDENTS FOCUS ON HEALTH FOR CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION

Queensland school students are being encouraged to think about their health and wellbeing in a competition that will see their artwork showcased on Christmas cards.

Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts, Rod Welford, today announced that Be Active this Christmas was the theme for the 2007 Education Minister’s Christmas Card competition.

“This is an opportunity for creative Queensland students to demonstrate their talent and enthusiasm for art while recognising the importance of physical activity,” Mr Welford said.

“The winning designs – created with paint, pencil, watercolour or pastel – will be on my official Christmas cards this year.

“Last year’s competition was a great success, attracting more than 3800 entries from more than 100 Queensland schools.”

The five winners will each receive a $200 Australia Post gift voucher and a framed and personalised stamp sheet of their winning artwork.

The winners’ schools will each receive an $800 Australia Post gift voucher and a framed and personalised stamp sheet of the student’s winning artwork.

Australia Post State Communications Manager Teresa Mullan said the Education Minister's Christmas Card Competition helped foster the creative talents of Queensland students.

"Australia Post is delighted to continue support for this fun initiative and we encourage all students to get active with their art and participate," she said.

The competition is open to students from all Queensland schools.

Students and teachers can get additional information and entry details from the website at www.education.qld.gov.au/community/events/christmas

The competition closes on Friday 21 September 2007.

Media Contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000