Ocean Grove Primary School has completed its First Nations Cultural Heritage project, which features new art installations around the school.
The school unveiled the ‘Rekindling the Wadawurrung Spirit in Ocean Grove’ project on Sunday, October 15, at 10am with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
Visual Arts teacher Jo Chapman said she was glad to be able to honour the First Nations community members and artists through the project.
“The ‘Rekindling the Wadawurrung Spirit in Ocean Grove’ project is a testament to the power of art and culture in education,” she said.
“It not only enriches the learning experience of our students but also serves as a beautiful symbol of reconciliation and respect for Wadawurrung, the Traditional Custodians of Country and the First Nations community.”
The school’s front entrance gates were transformed into a Creation Story named Dja, which means Country and tells the story of the region’s creation.
The two tunnels in the school’s new inclusion playground, named Djila-Tjarri, meaning Play, include art installations incorporating traditional symbols and contemporary art.
The project was completed through funding from the City of Greater Geelong’s First Nations Cultural Heritage Grant and included the work of Wadawurrung artist Billy-Jay O’Toole.
Mr O’Toole said it was important to leave a legacy for future generations to connect to, which made the project special.
“The most rewarding part of what I do is giving kids a sense of pride,” he said.
“It’s a sense of connection and leaving something significant behind that they can always hold close to them while they attend this school.”
The project’s launch marked a significant milestone in Ocean Grove Primary School’s commitment to reconciliation and cultural education.
