Our values, told by those who hold them
At Moerlina, we decided to ask the people who know it best: the children.
Over the course of two years, students, staff, parents and grandparents were involved in an inclusive process to explore and define the values that sit at the heart of Moerlina. But it was the children who ultimately shaped what these values should be and how they should be articulated.
And their words were wonderfully simple. There was no need for complicated language or carefully crafted statements.
When asked about JOY, they said:
”Sliding down the hill, muddy puddles, doing maths! We feel joy together and know everyone loves all of us.”
For CONNECTION, they described starting at Kindy and feeling that Kindy was like home — a place where you belong and will always remain connected.
For BEING OURSELVES, they said:
“We can go our own way and be unique in our own way.”
And perhaps most beautifully, when describing KINDNESS, one child said:
“When a piece of love comes from your heart to connect us to each other.”
These are the words that now form part of Moerlina’s visual identity.
From words to artwork
Once the values had been articulated, children brought them to life through a series of creative workshops using pen and ink. The result is colourful, joyful and wonderfully uncomplicated artwork — created by the children and accompanied by their own words.
The artwork now forms part of interpretive signage throughout the school and has been extended into one of Moerlina’s most distinctive features: the fence at the front of the school.
Affectionately known as the Peppy Tree Fence, the colourful installation creates a welcoming entry point to Moerlina, with children’s artwork and ideas woven through the design. Key concepts including Wonder, Opportunity and Connection invite people passing by to stop, look and think about what happens behind the fence.
”We hope the artwork makes people in the community and people who walk past curious to come inside and explore Moerlina.”
Maria Marsh, Co-Principal
Values you can see
Perhaps what makes the project so special is that you can see the values as soon as you enter the school. The artwork is deliberately colourful and simple. It doesn’t look like typical school signage — and that is exactly the point.
The result is a set of values that feel lived rather than prescribed. They are about joy, growing, kindness, connection, being yourself and having the courage to be both brave and gentle at the same time.
Most importantly, the children’s words remind us that values don’t have to be complicated; they just have to be real.
Other stories from Moerlina School
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