Story Behind the Artwork
The Thomas Acres Public School mural celebrates Aboriginal culture, connection to Country and the school’s values, bringing together stories of community, learning, protection and belonging.
At the centre of the artwork, a meeting place represents Thomas Acres Public School and its Yarning Circle, a space where students and teachers come together to share knowledge and build connections.
A journey pathway with footprints symbolises the learning journey students undertake throughout their time at school. Bush foods and medicinal plants acknowledge the importance of Country and the traditional knowledge of Aboriginal people, while hunting tools represent the school’s values of Learner and Respectful.
Silhouettes of a boy holding a boomerang and a girl holding clapsticks represent the students. Lyrebird feathers surround the silhouettes, symbolising the lyrebird’s role in protecting the children.
The goanna and kangaroo represent the teachers, recognising their important role in guiding and supporting students throughout their education.
U-shaped symbols represent the different classes, while four coloured meeting places in red, yellow, green and blue acknowledge the school’s sporting houses: Hume, Macarthur, Ruse and Rose.
Together, these elements tell a story of cultural knowledge, protection, respect and the shared journey of students, teachers and the wider Thomas Acres Public School community.