At St. Michael School, the spirit of community and collaboration thrived, and the journey to find an identity was nothing short of inspiring. Over the past three years, St. Michael’s students and staff embarked on an enriching Deep Learning journey, culminating in the adoption of a school mascot and the creation of a vibrant mural that reflected the school’s values and multicultural identity.
The Making of a Mascot
In the 2021-2022 school year, St. Michael School lacked a unifying symbol to rally behind. Principal Deborah Langdon, along with the dedicated grade 6 students and their teacher, Jennifer Moore, took up the challenge to fill this void. Through collaborative efforts and the use of digital platforms, students designed potential mascots and initiated a school-wide voting process. The result was the birth of Pete the Panther, a symbol of strength and unity.
Embracing the Panther Pride
With the mascot chosen, the St. Michael community embraced the Panther identity wholeheartedly. A daily recital of a “Panther Pledge” became a cherished tradition, reinforcing the values of the school community. Recognizing the significance of this endeavor, stakeholder Pool Works generously contributed to the cause, providing every school member with a Pete the Panther t-shirt.
A Mural of Unity and Diversity
Building on this momentum, St. Michael’s embarked on another ambitious project that year. Collaborating with artist Jimmy Baptiste, the school’s Black Student Association and French Immersion students created a breathtaking graffiti mural. Located prominently in the front foyer, the mural served as a visual celebration of the school’s values, diversity, and inclusivity. Pete the Panther stood tall amidst vibrant colors, symbolizing the spirited community of St. Michael’s.
As the school year progressed, St. Michael’s continued to celebrate its identity and accomplishments. Through the unveiling of Pete the Panther and the vibrant mural, the school reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and pride among its students and stakeholders. St. Michael’s exemplified the power of collaboration, creativity, and community spirit with each brush stroke and every roar of Panther Pride.
