When students and staff work and play in the Angelicvm Learning Centre we are surrounded by our history. There are honour boards celebrating past student achievements and House shields honouring our most significant staff and students.

The most visually stunning links to our past are the three paintings by our First Nations students. The paintings were completed in 2016 as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations that year. They tell the stories of Aquinas College and the land on which it stands.

Land

The first piece is called LAND. It represents the flora and fauna you would expect to find in the area of the Mt Henry Peninsula. It is believed that the Peninsula was a significant meeting place for the Whadjuk Noongar people before European settlement.

Water

The second piece is titled WATER. It represents the aquatic life you would expect to find in the river in this area. The two snakes represent the Canning River (Dyarlgarro) and the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan) which meet near the Mount Henry Peninsula.

On Country

The final and largest piece is titled ON COUNTRY. The placement of this mural, overlooking our research resources and stories, is symbolic as it reminds us to always respect and consider the knowledge and perspectives of First Nations People.

The painting features the Waugal, who created the natural landscape.

In the centre of the mural, you can see the College crest with boomerangs used to represent the crucifix. This shows both the strength and power that comes from connecting with your heritage and that harmony can be found between Christianity and Aboriginal spirituality.

The red circles symbolise the four Edmund Rice Education Australia Touchstones and remind us to always strive to serve others and value the gift of learning.

Tribute

The development of these pieces by our First Nations students are a tribute to the art of their ancestors, The Dreaming of this land and appreciation of Aquinas College as a place that acknowledges, respects and protects Culture.

Linda Stade
Director of Learning Centre