Welcoming message

Vicky, Audrey and Edwin in front of the mural. (Damjan Janevski) 266924_01

Tara Murray

A new mural at Catholic Regional College in St Albans is making everyone feel welcome.

The mural, which can be seen from across the school, represents the diversity that flows through the school.

Art teacher Flora Petruccelli said they wanted to create a special space.

“Basically we had a blank canvas on the stage,” she said.

“We wanted to beautify the school and we developed a group of staff and students.

“We wanted a message attached to it and all the kids wanted to celebrate the diversity of the school.

“We found out there were 40 different languages spoken at the school.”

The mural draws inspiration from flora and fauna and includes the word ‘welcome’ in all 40 languages, as well as an olive branch, which is the school’s symbol of peace.

With COVID ruining plans for the students to do the painting themselves, it was done over the school holidays.

“We got it done over the holidays to say a real welcome back. It’s really special,” Ms Petruccelli said.