Students and staff were witness to a beautiful moment with the unveiling of a special Aboriginal cross for our College community, made from our own materials and decorated in Aboriginal art.
The cross represents St Norbert College and its relationship with the Whadjuk Noongar people of this land, as well as its commitment and ongoing support to our indigenous community within the walls of St Norbert College.
The unveiling occurred at an assembly to celebrate NAIDOC week, where it was explained that the wood was fashioned by our Technologies Technician, Mr Mark Lawson (pictured above), from a tree that had previously fallen on our property. The unique and beautiful artwork was designed and painted by Miss Celeste Haji-Ali (pictured top), a Yawuru woman, who has been a member of our staff over the past two years, as part of the CEWA Teacher Cadetship program.
Principal Mr Simon Harvey said the alluring colours included all five House colours along with the earthy traditional tones of Indigenous tradition and culture “all coming together as an illustration of our harmonious existence”.
“As a Christian community, the sacred Cross is a symbol of the redeeming nourishment of life and death, an endearing sign of our spiritual commitment of sacrifice and love,” Mr Harvey said. “In time this beautiful icon will feature prominently in our College administration for all to see.
“The symbolism of our Christian cross reminds us of the presence of God in our lives always. It was so poignant then that, on the occasion that Miss Haji-Ali’s cross came to light in our school, we also celebrated NAIDOC week and the theme this year, “Always was, always will be”.