Toronto Public School unveils Aboriginal mural

“Pondee is the Awabakal word for the place on Lake Macquarie where Toronto is situated,” the school’s head of Aboriginal education, Teresa Doyle, said.

“This is why our students thought it would be a great name to identify who they are. Pondee Kids meet weekly, giving them a chance to get to know other indigenous students in our school and participate in cultural activities.”

The mural completes the 12-month Pondee Kids project which has also involved rendering brickwork, and establishing gardens in what had previously been an uninviting part of the school.

Aboriginal education worker Jenny Ryan said the unveiling of the first stage of work was the culmination of community-wide co-operation.

“The project wasn’t meant to be this big, but we’ve been working one day a week, on Thursdays, for 12 months,” Mr Ryan said.

“Parents, our kids, and staff have all chipped in.”

Donations from local businesses had made the project possible, she said.

Bunnings Morisset and Toronto Glass were among the major contributors.

The rainbow serpent features mirrored glass tiles which sparkle in the sun.

Ms Ryan said the school population of 160 students included 34 indigenous children.

It’s no surprise, then, that the school had an excellent program for Aboriginal students, Ms Doyle said.

“At Toronto Public School we have a team who are enthusiastic about supporting the learning opportunities for all Aboriginal students,” she said.

The school backed indigenous students and parents with personalised learning plans, cultural activities, and the Pondee Kids group, she said.

An afternoon tea was held to celebrate the unveiling of the work, and Ms Ryan cut the ribbon to the applause of students and staff.

Director of public schools in the Lake Macquarie West network, Louise Gallagher, attended the ceremony. Ms Gallagher told students she had strong ties with Toronto having been a former teacher at the high school.