With smoke drifting over the students, teachers, parents and community members from the traditional smoking ceremony, Sacred Heart Central School held a commissioning liturgy for the Indigenous Stations of the Cross on Friday, March 24.
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The project took months to complete as students from kindergarten to year 10 worked together to create the tablets which were hung on totem poles during the ceremony.
“As a school community, we are constantly seeking opportunities to enhance our strong connection with our local Wiradjuri community,” principal Janet Cartwright said.
Each totem pole features a class indigenous name.
In front of the school administration block sits a community pole created by members of the community and a welcome pole, which features the artistic work of Cootamundra-based Wiradjuri man Peter Beath.
Mr Beath explains the pole includes the long-neck (or Gudhamang) turtle, which is iconic to Cootamundra.
There are also white lines representing the hills and a series of meeting places to mark the 14 Stations of the Cross.
While Mr Beath create the welcome pole, he kept students working on their own art entertained with traditional stories.
He and his father Bob Glanville were present at the liturgy creating the smoking ceremony for the occasion.
Father Joshy blessed the Stations of the Cross and sprinkled holy water onto the plaques before they were hung.
The totem poles will remain in place permanently while classes from kindergarten to year 10 will walk the Indigenous Stations of the Cross in Holy Week.
