Please see Joanne Smith

The School Focused Youth Service coordinators, in collaboration with the Arts & Wellbeing Team at Ballarat Community Health created an art activities program for schools, titled “Art Connection". The program consists of:
* A hard copy Art Activities Handbook
* Kit of art materials for each student and facilitator (Recommended, funding may be required)
* A digital copy of the Art Activities Handbook to print and utilise when desired
* A Vimeo site showing step-by-step guides to completing the activities
The project aims to achieve improvements in behavior, educational engagement and achievement, and connection to peers.
The Art Connection Workbook provides a creative, gentle, and encouraging avenue for students to re-connect with school, whilst developing self-expression, creative thinking, relieving stress, providing a sense of achievement, and building resilience. Schools are able to use the program flexibly, sending the Workbook and materials home with the student or facilitating face-to-face activities at school, 1-on-1 or in groups. The workbook contains 16 activities, suitable for students from Grade 5 to Year 12.

In 2020, 364 students participated in program, across 27 schools in the Central Highlands Region of Victoria.
Using the Engagement Matrix, a tool designed by the South Australian Department of Education and Children's Services, coordinators devised a shortened Pre/Post survey for each group of students taking part in the program. The survey captured 8 identified domains affecting school engagement; Emotions, Confidence, Locus of Control, Dealing with Change, Peer Connection, Resilience, Satisfaction in Work and Participation in Learning.
The survey results showed:
*Decreases in anxiety,
*Increase in Self-belief and confidence
*Increase in Self-control/Behavior management
*Significant increase in Peer Connections
*Increase in Engagement in Learning

In 2021, coordinators devised an additional Educators Guide that assists school staff to facilitate the program with students.