John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

As we enter December, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that, for what it's worth, the chaotic and eternal year that was 2020 is finally coming to a close. Talk has gone from lockdowns to vaccines, from shutting down to opening up. The sun is coming out. 'Optimism' is the word of the day. That all means one thing: it's time for my annual schools Christmas card competition.

It is clear that students across Bennelong have used the spare time they've had to work on their art skills. One budding Rembrandt, Alfio Cavaleri—that's a great name for an artist, isn't it?—may well find himself shown in the National Gallery before long, and Kaitlyn Taylor's smart design of a stocking full of hand sanitiser brought joy to my office.

As usual, we have four runners up this year. I'm pleased to announce they are Alexander Lin, year 2, of Epping Heights, for his adorable Christmas penguins; Chelsea Bautista, year 6, from Our Lady Help of Christians, channelling all our desperation for a holiday this Christmas; Suzanne D'Souza, year 6, from St Michael's, for her nativity scene; and Anika Choubey, year 3, at North Ryde Public School, for her beautiful Christmas tree. But there can only be one winner, and this year the honour went to Serena Chen, year 3, of Epping Heights, for her celebration of Christmas cheer. Thank you again to everyone who entered this year, and congratulations to the excellent winners.

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