A lasting symbol of connection

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31 May 2023

Coinciding with National Reconciliation Week, a new mural was launched at St Michael’s School, North Melbourne, in a special ceremony for students and their families.

The mural, located in the school’s covered gathering space, was launched by Deputy Principal Angela Flint and Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Education Officer Leila Gurruwiwi. Included in the launch was water from Ireland to unite the contemporary artwork with the early history of the school and its connection to the Sisters of Mercy.

Principal Angela Flint and Leila Gurruwiwi

Created by First Nation artist Merindah-Gunya, the painting is rich in symbols and meanings. The centralised meeting place depicted in the art is symbolic of the school community, with seven meeting places flowing from it to represent the year levels. Seven journey lines along the bottom and top corners symbolise the educational journey through the school, and a meeting place connected by water represents the diversity of students. Animal tracks represent the connection to the Wurundjeri Country on which the school is located. The water depicted at the bottom of the mural connects the land to the sea – a connection that is a central part of the Dreaming and significant to Wurundjeri people.

Group photo of students in front of the mural