From the Classroom to the Community

What started as a weekly art class has evolved into a meaningful community connection for the children at Nido Early School Wandi.

Every Tuesday, children participate in dedicated art experiences designed not only to foster creativity, but also to deepen their understanding of Noongar culture, the changing seasons, and the importance of caring for Country. Through hands-on experiences, conversations, and exploration, the children have been learning about the Noongar Season of Makuru and expressing their understanding through art.

This learning journey recently extended beyond the walls of the service and into the local community.

The children’s first exhibition was showcased at Success Library in the City of Cockburn, featuring clay creations inspired by Makuru. Using clay, natural treasures, loose parts and paint, children of all ages created unique pieces that reflected their observations of the season and the natural world around them.

The positive response to the exhibition led to a second partnership with the Darius Wells Library and Resource Centre in the City of Kwinana.

Drawing inspiration from their regular excursions to Bruny Park, the Kinder children immersed themselves in the natural environment, observing the landscape around them and expressing their perspectives through art. Using permanent markers and watercolour paints while at the park, the children created a collection of vibrant artworks that capture the beauty of the local environment and reflect their growing connection to Country.

What makes this initiative particularly special is that the artwork is no longer simply a classroom project. It has become a living community exhibition, with Darius Wells Library inviting Nido Wandi to continue using the display space and refresh the artworks every six to eight weeks in line with the changing Noongar seasons.

For the children, it’s an opportunity to see their learning celebrated within the wider community. For families, it’s a chance to witness the impact of the educational experiences taking place every day. And for the community, it’s a window into the meaningful ways Nido Wandi is embedding cultural awareness, creativity, and respect for Country into children’s learning journeys.

This is more than an art display.

It’s a story of children’s voices being shared, culture being celebrated, and community connections being strengthened, one season at a time.