Our staff were proudly wearing their new First Nations shirt this week to commemorate Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week (26 May – 3 June). The shirt inspires cultural appreciation and a deeper understanding of the First Nations stories from Middle Swan, further connecting the school to the Elders and spirits that once gathered on this land.
Last year, our Year 11 Textiles students collaborated with our Boarding students to create the inspiring artwork which features stories of the land that resonate with our First Nations history. The artwork demonstrates in detail how La Salle College, Middle Swan connects with First Nations culture. Imagery in the painting such as the connection between the Swan River (the rainbow serpent) and the Yarning Circle, encourages our school community to connect with its ancestors.
Our students believe that by illustrating the story and creating an artwork that is now a shirt for all the staff at the College to proudly wear, our community can build a stronger connection with our First Nations culture. The idea of transferring the artwork onto a shirt means that the design is visible around the school to share, connect, engage, empower and serve others.
The project and the final product are a call from students urging individuals to accept vulnerability towards the future and push for connection and unity between cultures.
The 2025 theme for National Reconciliation Week was Bridging Now to Next and reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and emerging. We are proud of this inspiring and collaborative project between staff, students and community.
Student voice
“It was very inspirational to see everyone come together as a community to make the shirts”
Anisha, Yr 12 student
“It was a very reflective process; we were able to come together and design something that will bring people together to experience different cultures and traditions. It was a wonderful opportunity.”
Wyonna, Yr 12 student
“It was really unique and collaborative, team building activity that allows us and the First Nations kids to connect our backgrounds in one artwork.”
Evelyn, Yr 12 student
“The T-Shirt process was an engaging task that taught students about the importance of art in First Nations culture. This activity brought all the students together to teach the rest of the school the story of Middle Swan and the significance of the history of the land we are gathered on.”
Olivia, Yr 12 student
The shirt inspires cultural appreciation and a deeper understanding of the First Nations stories from Middle Swan, further connecting the school to the Elders and spirits that once gathered on this land.
