St Ethelbert’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery

These two paintings (recently painted by Mrs Rydz) are representative of growth. Both trees have within their canopy the groups of people in our school community who are working together under the light of the Holy Spirit.

The Infant painting has been set in the season of Spring. The grass under the tree is fresh and starting to grow. Two children are dwarfed by the big tree. They are at their start in education. A little boy sits studying a tiny mouse he’s found. He is gentle, allowing it to run along his arm. The little girl is also engrossed in the wonder of nature. She makes a daisy chain intended for a friendship gift.

The Junior painting is set in late summer. The grass has grown tall now. The two older children are now at the top end of the school. They lean on the tree trunk while gazing outward as if towards their future. The girl has found a dandelion which has bloomed, reaching its potential. She makes a wish for her dreams to come true as she gently blows the seeds away. Soon the girl will also be moving on. The boy also stands tall and confident. He notices a beautiful butterfly and holds out his hand for it to rest. He ponders on how not so long ago the butterfly was a mere caterpillar. He thinks of his own transformation and how he is ready to take off on a new adventure. The trees have three very strong roots, Inclusion, Thoughtfulness and Knowledge. The heading is our mission statement, ‘High Expectations for All, in the Light of Christ.’

Thank you so much to Mrs Rydz for painting these two beautiful paintings. They show a visual representation of our mission at St Ethelbert’s. They will be hung and referred to often in our school hall and our new office.