Oakleigh Grammar’s Junior School students have explored global citizenship and cultural connectedness through a collaborative mural art project completed during Term 1 by Year 2 and Year 5 students.
Guided by Junior School Art Teacher Vibha Tripathi along with guest muralist Ms Candela Alconada, students participated in a series of structured mural-making sessions held throughout Term 1 in the Junior School Art Room. The project invited students to reflect on identity, diversity and belonging, working together to express the concept of Internationalism through art.
The initiative formed part of Ms Tripathi’s Teaching Impact Fellowship with the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, themed Creativity for Internationalism. Through the Fellowship, Ms Tripathi designed learning experiences that empowered students to share ideas, listen to different perspectives and contribute meaningfully to a collective artwork.
Junior School Art Teacher Vibha Tripathi reflected on the project:
“Our Junior School students have developed their mural-making skills, combining technical artistry with a meaningful exploration of ‘Internationalism’. The completed work now stands as a vibrant and enduring symbol of global unity within the School, enriching the campus environment. Importantly, the project has fostered a ripple effect across the student community, encouraging collaboration, cultural awareness and an appreciation of diverse perspectives.”
The mural also reflects Oakleigh Grammar’s identity as a proud international school. As an IB World School offering the Middle Years Programme and a committed Round Square member school, Oakleigh Grammar actively promotes global mindedness and values-based education from the earliest years of schooling. The project aligns closely with the Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service, embedding these principles in authentic and age-appropriate learning.
Principal Mark Robertson welcomed the project, noting its strong alignment with the school’s educational vision.
“Congratulations are extended to our Junior School students under the expert tutelage of Ms Tripathi on the completion of the mural reflecting the Round Square Ideals for internationalism expressed through creativity in art.”
Throughout the project, students demonstrated Oakleigh Grammar’s HARK values of Humility, Aspiration, Respect and Kindness as they worked across year levels, negotiated ideas and supported one another in the creative process.
The finished mural now stands as a visual expression of the school’s commitment to internationalism, creativity and community and a lasting reminder that global understanding begins with curiosity, respect and shared experience.
