Tyabb Railway Station Primary School

Connecting Students to Country Through Art at Tyabb Railway Station Primary School

Their Story:

Tyabb Railway Station Primary School embarked on a transformative visual arts project aimed at deepening students’ connection to their local environment and cultural heritage. In collaboration with their Song Room Teaching Artist Adam Magennis from Kaptify Art, an artist with deep ties to the Bunurong area, the school initiated a visual arts project focusing on connecting to Country through art.

Students learned about the local flora and fauna, drawing inspiration from the school’s frog pond and indigenous plants. Adam guided the students in exploring the significance of these elements, sharing his knowledge of Bunurong culture. The project involved painting two water tanks using stencils and aerosol paints, with a focus on animals and plants native to the area.

Why it’s Special:

Through this project, students learned about the diversity of Indigenous peoples across Australia and the importance of storytelling through symbols. By connecting with local First Nations artists, students gained a deeper understanding of contemporary Indigenous art, culture and their surrounding environment. The involvement of the community and the connection to local Elders and Traditional Owners further enriched the students’ learning experience. The project culminated in a community event where students shared their learnings and artwork, strengthening the bond between the school and the broader community.

“The Song Room has had an amazing impact on our students. They are fully engaged and invested in the program. We believe it has had a positive impact on our students’ oral language, reading and writing abilities. On behalf of everyone at Tyabb Railway Station Primary School thank you for all that you do for our school.” Principal, Emma Slater

Help us celebrate this artwork by voting for Tyabb Railway Station Primary School’s beautiful artwork to be featured on our limited-edition tote bag!