Category: Art

On Wednesday we had a visit from the Burnaby Art Gallery and students had the opportunity to explore artwork that incorporates BC’s coastal landscape. We looked at the artwork of artists such as Toni Onley, who has spent years documenting the coast of BC using watercolours, etchings and drawings; and Gordon Smith, who had a life-long fascination with BC’s rugged coast. We learned how artists use colour and atmospheric perspective to show the stillness of undisturbed coastlines. We also learned about watercolour and used mixed media collage techniques to create an art work that is influenced by our own connections to the environment.

In Art students have been learning how to use shape as an element of art and created shape cities.

This week students had the privilege of learning about wild, native, and medicinal plants from Lori Synder, a First Nations Métis herbalist and educator. It was a rich learning experience and we are inspired by her teachings. We are also very excited about transforming our garden/outdoor classroom, making it a more diverse space where students can gather and learn more about native plants and indigenous ways of knowing and doing. As the season change and new plants are added, take time to observe, witness, and listen to what the garden is offering us.

In addition, students wore orange shirts throughout the week and explored age-appropriate lessons and had discussions about the meaning behind wearing orange shirts. This generation of children will have a far greater understanding of the history of residential schools, their negative impact, and the importance of reconciliation as we look critically at our country’s history and strive to do better. Tomorrow could be an opportunity to ask your children about what they have learned from their sessions with Lori and Mme Heardman this week.

“A medicine wheel is a foundation of teaching and learning that shows how different parts of life are connected and balanced. The symbol of four colours in a circle represents the interconnectivity of all aspects of a person’s relationship with themselves, others, and the natural and spiritual world”

Words by Joyce Perrault from “All Creation Represented: A Child’s Guide to the Medicine Wheels”