School Mural Program - Boronia K-12 College

Boronia College engaged me to deliver a School Mural Program as part of a targeted initiative to increase student engagement, support mental health and wellbeing, and encourage participation in school life. The project centred around a prominent 13-metre-long by 4-metre-high external wall within the schools Art Garden court yard, providing both a physical and symbolic space for students to leave their mark on the school environment.

The program began with a Brainstorm Workshop involving approximately 30 students who had been identified as requiring additional engagement. This session created a supportive and inclusive space for students to explore themes such as school values, friendships, local community, and the native environment. It also provided an outlet for self-expression and connection—two critical foundations for improving wellbeing and fostering school pride. Contributions from a group of Indigenous students added important cultural depth to the discussion, incorporating elements of community, education, and place.

As a key mental health and wellbeing component, the program also included a Creative Expression Session, where students designed and painted their own skateboards using spray paints, stencils, and markers. This hands-on, two-hour weekly session was grounded in evidence showing that consistent creative activity can positively impact mental health, particularly for young people (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010). Students were encouraged to connect their skateboard artwork to personal stories and identity, creating a space for reflection, creativity, and emotional expression.

The resulting mural design was shaped by common themes: local flora and fauna, Indigenous cultural elements, and the natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges, which provide a backdrop to the school. The artwork incorporated:

• Rainbow Lorikeet – representing creativity, individuality, and community connection.

• Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo – symbolising joy, family bonds, and shared experiences.

• Indigenous patterns – reflecting community gathering, education journeys, and friendship circles.

• Gum Leaves (Mana Gum) – traditionally used in welcoming ceremonies, symbolising inclusivity and belonging.

• Native Pink Fingers Orchid – a locally found flower linked by students to the school grounds and the broader community.

Students participated in painting the mural over several Hands-On Workshops, using a Paint By Numbers method to ensure accessibility and inclusion for all skill levels. These sessions were critical in reinforcing the mural’s message, offering students a sense of ownership, pride, and accomplishment.

The impact of the program was profound. Not only did students report feeling more connected to their school environment, but teachers also observed a noticeable increase in engagement and participation among the cohort. Many students who typically avoided extracurricular involvement returned for additional painting sessions, eager to contribute further and see the final mural take shape—demonstrating a significant shift in attitude and school connection.

The program effectively merged creativity, culture, and community, providing a holistic approach to student engagement. The resulting mural stands as a bold and beautiful reminder of what’s possible when young people are empowered, included, and given space to express themselves.

“The Brainstorm Workshop gave us a chance to hear about Kyle's work & share some of our ideas for the mural. It's really cool seeing our ideas in the design Kyle made ...”

“I liked getting to paint my own skateboard. It was really relaxing and calming getting to spend some time sitting in the shade just painting and drawing and chatting to my friends about our designs...”

"I don't really like school most days, but I was really excited to come to school and help paint the Mural. Kyle was cool to let me come back again and help him finish it up as well. It was really cool seeing the change from the ugly blank wall to this awesome mural over the weeks and was fun to be part of it all ..."

Adrienne - Boronia K-12 College Assistant Principal, on my School Mural Program:

“It was a pleasure working with Kyle and having his Mural Program at our school. We selected students from year 9 that needed some additional engagement hoping the Program would see lasting benefits - and we were not disappointed! Kyle's manner with students and his enthusiasm was infectious and students that have poor attendance were turning up to every session and even volunteered to come back for additional session. It was really great seeing these students feel valued & enjoying their experience at school ...”