GUELPH – Over the last few months, each and every student from kindergarten through Grade 8 in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Guelph pulled out their paint brush to contribute to a brand new art installation.
Grade 3 teacher Katie Belisle applied for a grant to create and display the mural within the halls of the school.
Sacred Heart is unique as the only publicly funded elementary school within the area to operate the IB Primary Year Program designation.
The mural reflects the 10 traits IB learners strive to be – inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective.
Each classroom brainstormed symbols for each trait, and artist and consultant educator Lydia Panart conceptualized the mural to be a tree with each branch showcasing a trait, representing the strong unity of the school.
“Our whole school was involved and that reflects our strength to work together,” Belisle said.
“I really wanted the whole school to be involved because I want each of the students to feel like they own this.”
“Art is important for the kids,” Panart said. “I know how important it is for me, and I see how important it is for them.”
The art installation is now complete.
