PETER CARNLEY ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
A SYMBOL FOR CHANGE AND ACCEPTANCE A challenge to unite and strengthen Indigenous culture and community spirit at Peter Carnley Anglican Community School through art was one that Year 9 student Jeremy Clowry was happy to answer. Jeremy, a young and proud Indigenous man from Durumbal Murray mob in Queensland, is becoming an inspiring voice for Indigenous youth, sharing his love of Aboriginal culture by playing the didgeridoo at School and ASC events, and through conversations about reconciliation and cultural acceptance. When issued a challenge by Principal Felicity House to create an original piece of artwork in the lead up to NAIDOC Week, Jeremy got to work. When he returned with an eye-catching design and shared his vision and inspiration behind his painting with Ms House, an idea was born to design a shirt for school staff with Jeremy’s design as the focus. Jeremy’s design combines a rendition of knowledge, journey and togetherness. Jeremy describes the symbolism behind the design: “There are 15 white dots in the design representing, not only purity, peace and new beginnings, but each year group within our School from Pre Kindy through to Year 12,” he said. “The design stretches up like branches on a family tree to meet the circle of staff members or ‘heart’ of the school, where we become one together in our community.
Representing all students and staff as one we branch out into our House Groups with all the colours and continue to stay connected together.” Jeremy said he found the painting process quite challenging at times but managed to relax his way into it. “At first I was being very precise with each dot distribution but then realised that I didn’t have to be absolutely perfect with every mark.,” he said. “It’s like us as human beings, we are not at all perfect, our imperfections make us so unique and special”, he said. Ms House said the shirt was one that all staff wore with pride, so its design could be shared and celebrated every day within the PCACS community. “Aboriginal people have for thousands of years used artistic designs and symbols to convey stories and messages which are incredibly important in their culture,” Ms House said. “Through meaningful conversations and inspiration from family, Jeremy decided to adopt a story telling approach to his design, carefully mapping out each element of the design but ensuring there was meaningful connection between all the elements.” When the entire School community gathered to acknowledge NAIDOC Week, Ms House invited every staff member to the stage, wearing their shirt with Jeremy’s design, to celebrate the inclusive community at the School. ASC News 17
