Casey Grammar has officially unveiled a new arbour on campus during a special Reconciliation Week event, celebrating student creativity, sustainability and cultural respect.
The arbour, a thoughtfully designed outdoor structure combining seating and artwork, provides a calm, inclusive space for students to gather, reflect and connect.
The School’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee commissioned the Year 11 Product Design and Technology students to design and build the arbour.
Under the guidance of teacher Peter Young, it has been months in the making. Constructed from recycled timber, its wave-like seating was designed to comfortably accommodate both younger and older students, making it a welcoming space for all.
Adding cultural depth to the structure are four artworks created by local Aboriginal artist Sam Richards of Connecting Two Worlds.
Each artwork represents one of the school’s four houses and was developed in collaboration with the Year 6 and Year 12 House Captains, who met with Ms Richards to share the values and messages they wanted expressed through Aboriginal symbolism.
“Our arbour now stands as a symbol of shared learning, creativity and cultural appreciation,” school chaplain Monique Riviere-Pendle said.
“It reflects the way students can contribute meaningfully to physically shaping our school, and our commitment to showing respect for Aboriginal culture in a visible way.”
The project also involved younger students, with a Year 5 class helping to sand the timber slats for the seat after visiting the Product Design and Technology room as part of their preparation for their Reconciliation Week assembly.
The official opening, held on Monday 26 May, featured performances from the Year 4 Choir, who are participating in Reconciliation Australia’s Voices for Reconciliation program.
They joined choirs across the nation in performing Solid Rock.
The event also included the presence of artist Ms Richards, the Product Design and Technology students who built the arbour, the House Captains who contributed to the design, and the school’s newly appointed RAP Reps – two representatives from each Year 3 to Year 6 class, who will now contribute to initiatives across the school.
Principal Fiona Williams said the arbour was an inspiring example of student-led action.
“This project beautifully weaves together design thinking, environmental awareness and a deep respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,” she said.
“It’s a lasting and meaningful addition to our campus that will support reflection and learning for years to come.
“I’m incredibly proud of the students, staff and community members who brought this vision to life.”
