Tatachilla teachers have been immortalised in a powerful sculptural artwork created by former deputy college captain Jade Harrison (Class of 2022).

Jade's striking sculpture is testament to the lifelong impact great educators can have on their students.

The artwork, entitled The Hands That Shaped Me, was unveiled at a special exhibition on Friday 13 June 2025 at Tabor College, where Jade is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Education (Secondary).

The piece comprises an arresting arrangement of life-sized hand castings taken from the people who have most profoundly guided and supported Jade — including Tatachilla staff members Chris McElligott, Bronwyn McLeod, Jessica Felgenhaur and Trent Heaft.

“In preparing for the work, I reflected on who had truly shaped me,” Jade said. “Recreating their hands felt like the most compelling way to express the depth of gratitude I feel. These staff members always made time for me, even when they were busy. They lifted me up and made me want to give back.”

Jade’s sculpture was produced using alginate, a seaweed-based biodegradable gel, to mould each hand, and Hydrostone, a high-strength gypsum cement, to capture every vein, crease, fingerprint and ring. “I chose Hydrostone because, once dry, it’s exceptionally hard-wearing and able to reproduce fine detail — this was essential for showing what makes every hand unique,” she explained.

Teachers who teach — and transform

Jade credits her former teachers’ passion, creativity and care with shaping both her artistic vision and her decision to become a teacher herself.

• On History teacher Bronwyn McLeod: “I’ll never forget a Year 11 History lesson on the French Revolution where Ms McLeod turned the classroom into an escape room. It was fun, challenging and far more impactful than rote learning.”
• On Visual Arts teacher Jessica Felgenhaur and Photography teacher Trent Heaft: “Their energy, commitment and willingness to share their expertise inspired me daily.”
• On Head of Middle and Senior Years, Chris McElligott: “He always lent a listening ear, made a genuine connection and mentored me in leadership. I really came out of my shell in my final year of school because of the support I received.”

Visual Arts teacher Jessica Felgenhaur, also a Tatachilla old scholar, was excited to be among those who attended the exhibition launch. “It’s a beautiful full-circle moment when a student becomes a teacher,” said Jessica. “Being part of Jade’s art-making process was a privilege and a reminder of the lasting impact teachers can have — and why we prioritise connection and relevance in our teaching.”

“I speak for all staff involved in Jade’s education when I say how proud we are,” Ms Felgenhaur added. “Watching her develop as both an educator and an artist — and knowing we played a positive role in her life’s path — is immensely fulfilling.”

A lifelong artist, a teacher in the making

An artist since childhood, Jade recalls “copious drawings” in her formative years and an early love affair with Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers. “If I could go back in time, I’d ask Van Gogh what his favourite time of day was to paint,” she said. “His work traverses all times of the day and night; his use of light and dark is so defining.”

Next, Jade will begin studies in oil painting — with a clear ambition in sight: to return to Tatachilla Lutheran College as a Visual Arts teacher. “I would love to come back and teach the way my teachers taught me — with empathy, passion, innovation and positivity — and be part of the college community again.”