The Crest
The PMSA crest is made up of a number of different elements. At the centre of the shield is a lamp on a stand. Light has always been associated with knowledge, and for centuries a lighted oil lamp has been used as a symbol for academic learning. For Christians, the lamp takes on additional significance as a metaphor for the gospel, most notably, Psalm 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. The surrounding shield represents protection and strength. Above the shield is an open book which represents the manifestation of learning and also represents the Bible. The Southern Cross sits across the book indicating the PMSA’s focus on education in the southern hemisphere. The PMSA’s motto below the shield “Pro Civitate Bene Fundata” is Latin for “Firmly founded for the good of the State” or “For the Good of the Community”.