the Y
the Y
At Y Kinders, children learn about the traditional land on which they live, learn and play.
Last week, artist Simone Thomson, was at Bayswater North Kindergarten creating a wonderful mural on the back wall of the kinder. To the delight of the children, their help was enlisted to add some touches to the final painting.
Along with their handprints, the symbols tell the story of the journey of the children and their families, as they come together at the kindergarten on Wurundjeri land.
The 5m long mural includes Bunjil the eagle and Waa the crow, who are depicted flying high above over the land and mountains. The groups at the kinder are named Kookaburra and Possum, with these animals also prominent in the mural. The gum leaves represent the Wurundjeri country. “Wurun” meaning the manna gum tree
Simone is a Melbourne-based Australian Aboriginal Artist, who produces authentic and modern Indigenous artwork. She has recently completed a number of pieces at primary schools and kindergartens.
Of her work with kindergartens, Simone said, “We cannot underestimate the importance and value of our young children learning Culture and the significance of its place in this country; we learn what we live. It is my hope that the small contributions of Aboriginal art I display in my lifetime will have an impact on the ones who view it and that in some small way – they will gain a newfound appreciation and respect for the oldest living Culture on Earth.”
The Y acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia of the lands on which we live, work and have programs and services. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.
Find out more about Bayswater North Kindergarten and their program here: ykinders.org.au/centres/bayswaternorth or visit the centre on their Open Day and see the new mural on 14th May between 10.30am-12.00m.
