Indigenous students at Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield have collaborated to create a stunning mural that reflects their Aboriginal identity and helps to build a sense of belonging.
The mural is now proudly displayed in the First Nations Room at the College, which is a unique safe space for Indigenous students.
The First Nations Program offered at the College aims to empower Indigenous students by helping them to connect to their culture and develop skills they will need for the future.
As part of this program, students were encouraged to come together and create a meaningful artwork that reflected their heritage and culture, which they did in collaboration with Adam Daniels, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander – Community & Student Liaison Officer from Sydney Catholic Schools, Souths Cares and the Marumali Program.
The students enjoyed the collaborative process of creating the mural
The end result is a stunning piece of artwork that captures the essence of Indigenous culture and identity.
Mr Pritchard said that creating the mural was an incredible experience for all.
“We were able to come together and share our ideas and our stories, and the end result is something that we can all be proud of – it really represents who we are and where we come from,” Mr Pritchard said.
“The new mural has only strengthened the sense of community and belonging in this space” – Frank Pritchard
The mural tells a number of different stories through its unique design and colouring
College Principal, Peter Wade, praised the students for their hard work and dedication.
“The First Nations Program at our College is all about empowering Indigenous students and helping them to achieve their goals,” Mr Wade said.
“This mural is a wonderful representation of that, and we are so proud of the students who were involved in its creation” – Peter Wade
Last year, Indigenous students also demonstrated their passion for preserving their culture by successfully taking a Coolamon from a tree on the school grounds.
The Coolamon is a traditional Aboriginal carrying vessel, and the students worked together to prepare it as a cultural piece to display in the First Nations Room.
Students taking the Coolamon from a tree on the school grounds
The Coolamon is a traditional Aboriginal carrying vessel, and the students worked together to prepare it as a cultural piece to display in the First Nations Room.
This project was an important moment for the students, as it allowed them to connect with their heritage and learn about the importance of traditional tools and practices.
It also allowed the wider school community to learn about Indigenous culture and history.
The successful completion of the Coolamon project, along with the creation of the Indigenous mural, are both powerful symbols of the positive impact that the First Nations Program is having on the students at Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield and the school’s commitment to reconciliation.
It is a testament to the creativity and resilience of Indigenous students and a reminder of the importance of supporting young people and building a more inclusive society for all.
