In 2022, SASY formed a multi-disciplinary Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) committee of staff, senior leadership and board members and consulted with members of the local community to form SASY's first RAP which was published in February 2023. These documents demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation and outline specific actions to help deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and contribute to reconciliation in action.
As a school with strong connection to the Adelaide CBD on Kaurna land, SASY has built meaningful relationships with Aboriginal Elders and members of the Kaurna community. This ensures that our young people have the opportunity to learn from and connect with the land and its custodians.
SASY will continue to seek the voices and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our day-to-day work and future plans. Without these voices, SASY cannot hope to address the diverse needs of First Australians and acknowledges their significant and important input into SASY operations and education to date.
Commissioned by SASY, 'A beautiful life' was created by Kokatha and Arabana artist Mali Isabel.
The artwork ‘A beautiful life’ is about remaining positive and persevering through the tricky times which can be school for some.
The artwork‘s centrepiece is a large meeting place that represents the SASY school community. Surrounding this community is smaller meeting places, representing all the unique students and staff that attend the school. Each human symbol placed around
the meeting places is all different colours and sizes to represent the individuality of each student and their unique needs. Animal tracks can be seen making their way and coming together at these meeting places to support the growth and inclusivity of the
students.
Kangaroo tracks can be seen as Tarndanyangga is the Kaurna word for the Adelaide CBD which means male red kangaroo rock. Waterhole symbols are scattered across the canvas to symbolise pockets of calm spaces. Whether it be getting some fresh air, taking
some deep breaths, or taking a moment for yourself to simply be. The waterholes are also a reminder that mental health is super important in school environments and SASY creates the much-needed safe, supportive learning environments that cater to students’
mental health. Gold stars can be seen throughout the artwork representing the special moments created at school whether it be a proud teacher moment or an impactful moment during a student’s schooling career. The gold stars remind us how lucky we are to
have the opportunity to have an education and then it should never be taken for granted because it is also some of the best times of our lives. The bright colours used are to encourage freedom of expression from the young people of the future.
The original piece is hanging in Reception in our 30 Chesser Building and is the feature artwork in our SASY RAP documents.