THE beautiful, tree-lined driveway at Downlands College is a Toowoomba landmark, and the bitumen recently became a canvas for student artwork.

Celebrating Sacred Heart Day, the theme 'Kickstart Your Sacred Heart' was interpreted in creative and colourful chalk paintings.

This activity challenged students to consider what it means to be 'Sacred Heart people'.

"It's such an important day for us as a College," said Anne McAtomney, Assistant Principal - Mission. "It's an opportunity to celebrate and give thanks for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) order that was founded in 1854 by Fr Jules Chevalier.

His vision was 'to be on earth the heart of God' and this is what we encourage of our students."

The Downlands Sacred Heart Day celebration is always simple and gentle, beginning with the painting of hearts on the faces of students and staff prior to a whole school Eucharist at the start of the day.

Language, song and symbols which evoke what it means to be 'Sacred Heart people' permeate the liturgical celebration.

The distribution of Have-a-Heart ice creams has also become a memorable tradition over recent years.