Three students from Saint Joseph's Primary School took out top prizes in the Respect Awareness colouring and poetry competition, which had entries from all across the city and surrounding towns.

Year three student Ava McGrath placed second with her colouring, and said she was "really excited" with the result.

"I coloured in a picture with everyone being different, so it shows that we need to be respectful to everyone, no matter who they are," she said.

Year six students Erin Chu and Brody Campbell placed first and second respectively for their poems, with Brody saying he "didn't expect to get a prize".

Erin's win has motivated the young writer to keep at it.

"I like writing, so I'm really happy to have won, and I think I will keep trying to do more now," she said.

The school's Assistant Principal Therese Fernon said she was proud of the students' efforts.

"It fits perfectly with what we do at school, talking about respect and responsibility, being safe and a good learner," she said.

"It was a really good fit to have this competition in our school."

Respect Awareness' Kristen Whiticker said it was always a pleasure to help young learners make their mark and discover the importance of respect.

"It really helps to build on what schools are already doing and to reinforce that knowledge in a different, creative way," she said.

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