Primary school students in Rutherglen, Vic, have not only learned about the dairy industry, but democratic processes in decorating and naming a fibreglass cow.
Dairy Australia's 'Picasso cows' program has been a whole-school effort at St Mary's and all students voted in assembly to name their creation 'Buttercup'.
Visual arts teacher Jane van Zanten applied online on behalf of her school.
"We found out last year we were successful," she said.
"It's an initiative to help children understand the Australian dairy industry.
"One of our families is involved in the diary industry; that student came with a lot of knowledge.
"(But) some kids think milk just comes from the local shops.
"I did have one senior student say, 'It comes from the local IGA'.
"So it's taking it (their learning) right back.
"We did a reflection on what they learned and those were really great.
"One student commented she didn't realise there's such a process of heating milk and making sure the bacteria is taken out.
"It has brought a lot of joy to the kids and the school, especially after such a terrible year."
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Mrs van Zanten was among staff who had to apply for a permit to get to work during lockdowns.
"We had children who still needed to come to school," she said.
"Some students definitely missed the social side of school, so we were lucky this program brought everyone back together."
Mrs van Zanten said the fiberglass cow arrived wrapped in bubble wrap on a truck from Melbourne at the end of term one.
"We took on board this project and the idea was to design the cow, with the kids being involved in that process," she said.
"We have 97 children at school, we made sure every student drew and painted on the cow.
"Because we wanted to promote the dairy industry, and Buttercup will be outside in the cold Rutherglen winter, we asked the students to design a patch on a quilt for Buttercup with a dairy theme."
Years three to six got busy designing a square; students designed dairy trucks and dairy products.
"Our 1-2 class had the idea of giving Buttercup some socks," Mrs van Zanten said.
"At this stage we're thinking it could go in our vegetable garden.
"We're looking forward to our school being put on Dairy Australia's map online."
Dairy Australia's educational program began in 2009.
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