Last week, Year 2 had the privilege of becoming the first Junior School students to take part in an Art excursion, visiting the Gabrugal Yana trail in Western Sydney Parklands.
Sketchbooks in hand, students spent the morning drawing the art trees located at the beginning and end of the trail. Gabrugal Yana shares the stories of the six Dharug seasons through the works of First Nations artists, providing a meaningful opportunity for students to connect with Dharug culture and Country.
Students sketched the Dagara tree, recognised by its crescent-shaped dendroglyphs and bronze symbols representing the black cockatoo, a sign of the cold season. Everyone was surprised to discover that this remarkable art installation is located just 1300 metres from the College.
The excursion then continued to the Cecil Hills entrance of the Parklands, where students observed the Dugara Guwara tree. Its scaled patterns symbolise the diamond python and represent the very cold and windy season.
Throughout the excursion, students enjoyed being immersed in nature while developing their observational drawing skills. The experience also deepened their understanding and appreciation of what is widely recognised as the oldest and longest continuous tradition of art-making in the world.
Mrs Ann McDermott
Junior School Specialist Teacher (Visual Arts)