¶ ST BRIGID’S School teachers have made a striking impression this term in new staff shirts inspired by local Aboriginal culture.
Teacher Brooke Cuthbertson worked with Collie Senior High School Shooting Stars participants to create the shirts, which were in the planning over the last year.
The Shooting Stars participants created the design, which shows the flowing rivers and rolling hills of Wilman and Kaniyang Noongar country (boodja).
“They all came together to create something that tells the story of where our school is situated and also elements of St Brigid’s,” Ms Cuthbertson, a Palawa woman, said.
“At the heart of our artwork is Minningup Pool, a sacred place for local Noongar people as it’s the resting place of the Ngangungudditj Walgu, the hairy-faced snake.
“We’ve also got some wetj, emu, and yongka, kangaroo, footprints, which show the deep connections to country, culture and community.”
St Brigid’s values, service, respect, kindness and learning, are represented by four smaller circles.
“At the centre, there’s a bigger symbol, symbolising the unity and collaborative spirit of our school community as we come together to learn and grow,” Ms Cuthbertson said.
Feedback from students and families has been overwhelmingly positive, Ms Cuthbertson added.