In 2019, Kelvin Grove State College implemented the rebranding of our College totem and four Houses with refreshed identities, a complete narrative connecting all of the College and Houses to the history of the local area.
A group of very committed and dedicated teachers explored the local history of the area that the College is situated on. The catalyst for this review was the official opening of Jagum Barrambin (our Indigenous Garden). Uncle Des Sandy shared the amazing Indigenous history of the local area that was significant to the current College grounds.
From this stimulus, a group of staff have researched the indigenous history as well as the history of the four significant historical figures whose surnames are our current Sports Houses - Herbert, Lutwyche, Bowen and Petrie. The group worked with local elders to determine the local animals that are important to the traditional owners and collated their names in both Yugara and Turubul language. The students and staff played a role through surveys in selecting the new totems for the Houses thereby linking and blending our local Indigenous history with our European history.
As a result our college Houses are: Bowen Baways (Bull Sharks), Herbert Gabuls (Carpet Snake), Lutwyche Juwherrs (Eagles) and the Petrie Mirris (Dingos).
This research has been cross-checked with the state library and validated and endorsed by local elders. We also introduced the Kelvin Grove State College Totem; the ‘Kuta’, a native bee found on the hillsides of the ranges to the west of Brisbane - that were named after this native bee - Mt Coot-tha.
The history around our restorative and reconciliation initiative includes the inclusive community support of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, artists, story tellers, performers, parents and carers. We are raising awareness of the culture of our First Nation People through education and community collaboration. We are empowering our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and our college community to foster reconciliation and create a positive change in our community.
Introduction of the House Totem initiative across the college, includes cultural educational programs such as embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into the curriculum across Prep to Year 12 through classroom facilitation (across faculties including English, Legal Studies and Philosophy and Reason) dance, song and art. We are also working with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to develop resources, teaching pedagogy for Pre-Service and New Teachers around the importance of connecting with their local Indigenous communities.
The College engaged the services of an indigenous graphic designer to convert our original house totem artwork (by Sharyn Malone) to a digital print that we could then use to brand our house totem suite. This included coming up with a design for our song lines which originated from the artwork in our yarning circle in our Indigenous garden and from our original house totem canvas prints. These song lines are now our shared narrative and have been incorporated into our college house totem signage, look books, house shirts and the house mascot costume. The above body of work has been governed, produced, and delivered by the Indigenous community and businesses.
Uncle Des Sandy – elder and advisor
Aunty Donna Page – elder who worked with Jimmy and Vis Arts department in early stages
Aunty Valda Coolwell – special events at college, elder and advisor
Uncle Michael Williams – elder who advised and gave approval for project
Uncle Bill Lowah – elder who advised and gave approval for project
Aunty Nicole Williams – wrote our acknowledgment of country – advisor and educator
Northside Elders Committee – advisors and approvers
Sharyn Malone – artist – community representative at college, events, vis arts faculty
Nattassia Georgetown – community advisor
Dita Southwood – community advisor
Katie Bond – community advisor
Elaine Chambers – graphic designer