'Journey of Knowledge' | St Laurence's College Reconciliation Action Plan Artwork

Wednesday 4 May marks the official reveal of St Laurence's College Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Artwork - 'Journey of Knowledge'. 

The journey of the artworks compilation starts in 2019 when then Year 11 student Asher Salam (Yalanji/Mualgal) painted a piece for his Arts in Practice project. The artwork was built upon in 2020 in recognition of National Reconciliation Week with staff and students adding their fingerprints to signify unity. Asher and his father, Riki Salam (Yalanji/Mualgal), have since reimagined this image to reflect themes of Reconciliation in 2022. On Wednesday 4 May, St Laurence's College unveiled a new, digital version of the artwork titled 'Journey of Knowledge'. 


'Journey of Knowledge' is comprised of many elements that are significant to the Lauries Journey. This artwork depicts that as a community we are grounded by our belonging to place, to faith and to one another. 

At the base of the artwork lies the Hill. This motif represents the greater community. From near and far, meaningful relationships with families, friends, businesses and Catholic entities are essential to the everyday life of the College. Above the Hill is a circular Meeting Place, which depicts the St Laurence's College 'Light on the Hill'. Surrounding this image are u-shaped symbols which portray people seated together. 10 different houses (symbolised by 10 different colours) come together to learn, live, teach and grow.

From the Meeting Place, the Tree of Knowledge grows tall. It is surrounded by the River, which flows knowledge from fresh and salt water. In duality, the Turrbal (North) and Jagera (South) sides of the River also represent the Greater Brisbane (Meeanjin) landscape, accompanied by arch-shaped mountains and hills. These cultural pathways are coloured by each House of the St Laurence's College community. Moreover, the wavey lines which spur from these landscapes illustrate each eight year levels of the College. 

In recognition of the Edmund Rice Education Australia Touchstones (Inclusive Community, Justice and Solidarity, Gospel Spirituality and Liberating Education) large stars line the top of the artwork. The biggest of these stars represents the St Laurence's College vision of an authentic Catholic community, celebrated in the Edmund Rice tradition. To live justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8) remains central to 'Journey of Knowledge'. 

At Mass on Wednesday 4 May, College Principal Mr Chris Leadbetter unveiled the Reconciliation Action Plan Artwork to the College community. This presentation was shared as part of our Edmund Rice Feast Day celebration. It was an honour for 'Journey of Knowledge' to receive a blessing from Auxiliary Bishop Tim Norton SVD. 

Special thanks to We are 27 Creative for the commission of this artwork.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2022 (27 May-3 June) is 'Be Brave. Make Change.' At St Laurence's College, this theme challenges us to adopt the teachings of the Edmund Rice tradition and put our faith into action.