The unveiling of our centenary sculpture on Monday morning was a milestone moment for the School. In honouring our past and embracing the future, it is important to understand where Donvale sits in the overall Carey storyline.
Donvale opened back in 1989 with 82 students and 13 staff. Since those humble beginnings, the School has grown to a community of just under 300 students, 180 families and approximately 45 staff. From the outset, the School has maintained a commitment to going beyond the academics in an effort to nurture curiosity, collaboration and creative thinking. To that end, the visual and performing arts have been at the heart of some the most memorable whole-school projects which have left their mark on our campus and indeed in the local community. These endeavours are part of our DNA and they have helped to shape who we are.
Most importantly, in every case, these artist pursuits have connected learning areas with concepts in mathematics, science, history, storytelling or Languages coming to the fore. Continuing this tradition, our sculpture involved every student and every staff member as we created an artistic installation with a powerful story represented in three strikingly beautiful mosaic leaves.
- The child is the central leaf the most prominent, and integral part of the learning landscape. The tones reflect the comfort of the embracing landscape alongside the blues of the Mullum Mullum creek. The creek reflects the flowing nature of the student in their learning journey, and their capacity as an individual to respond to the curriculum.
- To the left is the parent leaf, the birth of their child. We respect the land of the Wurundjeri people through the colours of our Australian wattles. These symbols are shown in the oranges, yellows, and the colour of the earth.
- To the right is the leaf of the educators who nurture and provide knowledge. One side of this leaf depicts the colours of our flowering gums, and the reds connect us to the earth with the deep brown of the tree trunks.
As you pass through our campus, this imposing sculpture will be a constant reminder of this three-way partnership which underpins every move we make.
Steve Wilson
Head of Carey Donvale
