After many years of rain, hail and harsh summers, Griffith North Public’s mural received a special face lift recently, when Wiradjuri man Allan McKenzie Jr produced a tribute to the indigenous culture.
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The school says it’s very proud of the aboriginal heritage, unveiled the bright and colourful art work on Tuesday with a special assembly.
Mr McKenzie’s mural symbolises the transition into school beginning with kindergarten the large circle with six people sitting around it represents students meeting in a common area to start their learning.
Progressing to year one as you follow the hand prints towards the next circle, hand stencils were traditionally used to mark territory and define rank.
The children were taught a Wiradjuri song while a group of boys participated in a Aboriginal dance which were both preformed at the assembly.
Talented duo Lane Stewart, a Griffith North student, and Ty Powell, a year 11 Griffith High student, took to the stage with their didgeridoos and mesmerised the audience.
“In the future we are looking to update the other side of the mural,” teacher Dianne Maloni said
“Using traditional indigenous colours, not the modern contemporary colours that were use on the other side and create a cultural outdoor learning space in that area.
“Aboriginal prospectives are in all a key learning areas. I think its imperative for the next generation to be aware ...” Ms Maloni said.
Overall the mural represents the journey of a child’s life through education and the ongoing importance of the connection to culture and country.
The following circles identify the years two, three, four and five with the final circle showing the significant transition from primary school into high school.
