Fitzroy is known for its local artists, art galleries and beautiful displays of art in and around the community.

Core to our philosophy is to integrate into the local community that surrounds us. We saw a great opportunity to incorporate our beautiful Atelier to host Art Classes especially for our children and to create some beautiful artworks at our service, turning some plain brick walls into vibrant and exciting visual interpretations of what is core to Fitzroy ELC’s philosophy and goals for our children.

We briefed Melbourne Artists Diego Mercado & Chuck Mayfield about our philosophy and belief that ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ (african proverb). We believe this to mean that everyone from family, friends, educators, teachers and the community, all have a role to play in each child’s learning journey. These artists, in turn, have been able to visually represent through art, an interpretation of our philosophy and what we believe it takes for a child to thrive during the course of their early learning experience.

Elements of our playground mural explained…

Astronauts

We believe that the true magic of teaching and learning comes from spontaneous, genuine and thoughtful interactions, provisions and relationships with the children.

Depicting the child and adult as two astronauts represents that all children in their early learning journey are inevitably led by someone or something in their growth and development journey. This person leading them could be a parent, grandparent, aunt, cousin, family friend, their Educator or Teacher – or even the community that surrounds them. It also highlighting the limitless depths and extent of a child’s imagination, dreams and aspirations. All children are different and can grow up to be whatever they want to be, based on their interests, personalities and pursuits.

In addition to current research and pedagody, each child’s current knowledge, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the foundation of our program and curriculum. We value and encourage family input, communication and involvement.

Outer Space

Represents the unlimited potential and imagination that children possess and cultivate to develop emotionally, cognitively and thrive as they move through their early learning journey. 

Wedge-tailed Eagle

In Australian Aboriginal mythology, Bunjil is a creator deity, culture hero and ancestral being, often depicted as a wedge–tailed eagle.

In the Kulin nation in central Victoria he was regarded as one of two moiety ancestors, the other being Waa the crow. A Bunurong story tells of a time of conflict among the Kulin nations, when people argued and fought with one another, neglecting their families and the land. The mounting chaos and disunity angered the sea, which began to rise until it had covered the plains and threatened to flood the entire country. The people went to Bunjil and asked him to help them stop the sea from rising; Bunjil agreed to do so, but only if the people would change their ways and respect the laws and each other. Bunjil then walked out to the sea, raised his spear and ordered the water to stop rising.

Bunjil or the Wedge Tailed Eagle in our mural therefore represents stories of the Dreamtime, this particular bird as a protector of the land, people and freedom and finally it is symbolic that we encourage children to ‘spread their wings’ as they embark on and move through their early learning journey at Fitzroy ELC.

The Dandelion

The dandelion represents magical, whimsical opportunities for every child, with each strand representing the individual child but together it represents the entire village and community that the child belongs to.

What is the spiritual meaning of a dandelion?

In a sense, the dandelion can be a symbol of life. … When we see a dandelion head, they are reminded of all the things you have and will wish for. How do you make a wish with a dandelion?

Hold the fluffy head of your dandelion near your mouth and turn carefully in the direction of the breeze. This insures a good flight for your wish and keeps all the seeds from landing on your clothing or in your hair….For the magic to be at its best you must blow all the seeds off with one breath.

Mountains and plants – nature –  The natural landscape represents the earth, and the notion that our dreams and ideas can also be realised and executed in reality. We are not just floating through space, but flying high with a birds eye view.