Delta School District

This project, painted by mural artist Jason Craft, captures Gibson’s distinct culture and values in its structure. A bear family is progressing from one side of the mural to the other. One of the cubs has been drawn towards the weathered, ancient Haida totem poles. The cub closest to the totem poles shows curiosity, wonder, and growing independence. However, he is still within a safe zone of distance from mother – tied into learning and building competency and growing under the guidance of staff/guardians. His mother is looking on at all viewers cautiously, with guardianship and authority. There is an essence of protection, and ethic of care and concern in the story. The scene is a west coast morning – capturing a moment of reflection on a quiet, peaceful day. The totem poles are weathered, ancient and mysterious – mystery is created in the artwork of the different totem poles with one of the characters being the bear and in the background scene. The artwork is balanced with the eagle giving lightness to the mural. The eagle has captured a salmon. The trees in the background are misty and subdued. The mural is representative of the vision of our school. A school that accepts all learners and exemplifies a team of committed individuals. The family element incorporates the idea of empathetic care for others, one’s neighbour, and the world. Learning is embraced by a positive and enriching future. At the heart of the school community is the belief that leadership is the work of everyone in the school; constructed through conversations, our student learning focus, evoking and supporting leadership in others, modeling and collaborative practices, and making connections among people in the learning community. A committed teacher, parent and/or family member serves as a guide to unlock rich experiences and thoughtful insights. All learning is embedded in a trusting environment in which relationships form a sense of safety for learners to take risks and develop a curiosity to learn.