Caulfield Junior College (CJC) unveiled a vibrant new mural in its library on June 23, 2023, celebrating the diverse cultural backgrounds of its students. The mural, crafted by artist Shannon Lamden from “Hey, Nice Murals,” incorporates designs contributed by the students and features a blend of Australian, French, and Jewish motifs. This artistic project was developed in collaboration with CJC librarian Lisa Hermelin.
The mural aims to create an inviting atmosphere for both students and teachers. Lamden expressed her vision, stating, “I really wanted to make something bright and fun that the kids and the teachers would come in and enjoy.” The artwork plays a significant role in promoting inclusivity within the school community.
CJC accommodates approximately 545 students, including around 130 Jewish students. To ensure that these students feel represented, the mural prominently displays the Hebrew word “Shalom,” which translates to peace, hello, and goodbye. This inclusion reflects the school’s commitment to embracing its multicultural environment.
The mural also highlights educational programs offered by UJEB at CJC, such as a weekly Jewish Life class. In this class, students learn about Jewish festivals, Shabbat, traditions, Israel, and basic Hebrew. Additionally, a Hebrew Immersion Program runs three times a week, further enriching the students’ cultural experience.
CJC serves a significant number of French families, particularly through its French Binational Program (FBP). This program is represented in the mural with iconic French symbols, such as the Eiffel Tower. The FBP provides bilingual, bicultural education, assigning each class both a French and an Australian teacher to enhance the learning experience.
Funding for the mural came from the French committee and the library budget, reflecting a collaborative effort to celebrate the school’s cultural diversity. During the unveiling, CJC principal Chris Chant expressed pride in the mural’s addition to the library, stating, “We are very proud to launch and show to the public the first glimpse of our mural that’s been added to the library.”
He added, “The school was built in 1914 and a lot has changed in our school since then. This is just another addition to what we are doing around our school to reflect who our school is, who the students are in our school, and where they come from. The culturally significant pieces embedded in our mural reflect who our community is.”
A student at CJC also expressed appreciation for the mural, saying, “A big thank you to Shannon for painting this amazing mural because it brings light and colour to the library.” This mural stands as a testament to CJC’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and vibrant educational environment that celebrates the rich tapestry of its student body.
