Arcadia Public School participated in the making of a section of the Golden Tapestry which is currently traveling to all parts of the Commonwealth including the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne 2006. The Golden Tapestry was a project for primary schools across the Commonwealth and through working on the Golden Tapestry children learnt to see their lives in a global perspective, to take pride in their own communities and culture and to understand and respect others.

The Golden Tapestry celebrates Her Majesty the Queen's 50 years as Head of the Commonwealth. It is designed to bring together the first generation of primary school children in the 21st Century, and to give them a voice to express what being part of the Commonwealth means to them.

The project began in late 2004, just before the children were about to begin their January summer vacation. They each brainstormed and drew their interpretation of the project theme. At the beginning of 2005 their ideas were transformed into what was to become the basis of the tapestry and, with parental help, all of the children contributed to the tapestry by working in small groups during craft lessons.

The tapestry is based around the hot summer sun shining through the large Camphor Laurel tree which dominates the school playground. Boating and fishing at nearby Berowra Waters, cricket, attending church and horse and motor bike riding are all depicted. The recent bushfires blackened part of our landscape and the local Bushfire Brigade was instrumental in saving many houses. Many families visit the centre of Sydney to celebrate New Year's Eve and Australia Day to enjoy the fireworks display over the Harbour Bridge. The children return to school in late January so our playground, our heritage listed staff room and our resident chooks (chickens) are also represented. The border depicts the many fresh fruits, flowers and vegetables that are available at the roadside stalls - and, of course, the children themselves.

The project has been collated during 2005 by a group of dedicated parents. Arcadia Public School has been proud and honored to be involved in this challenging yet rewarding project.

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