In May, senior art students unveiled a stunning mural titled “Island City, By Nature” at the School Board Office. This remarkable piece, created under the guidance of renowned artist Gary Nay, captures the essence of Richmond and celebrates the community's deep connection to the city. Each of the 22 locations represented in the mural was thoughtfully chosen by the 22 students in the class, reflecting their personal ties to Richmond.

The journey began months earlier when Gary started visiting the Grade 12 Art 2D class weekly. The collaboration kicked off with students studying Gary's previous mural works across Metro Vancouver. Inspired by his approach, the students gathered their ideas and images, which were then combined into a cohesive design. They created a color mockup and learned Gary’s signature "black line technique."

Throughout the project, students worked with latex paint and mastered the process of varnishing panels before installation. They learned to paint on large-scale wood panels, use controlled brush lines, and apply varnish. Beyond technical skills, the students also gained invaluable experience in collaboration —listening to others, adapting to new ideas and styles, working as a team, and trusting the creative process.

The culmination of their efforts was celebrated with an event attended by the artist, staff and students. This unveiling not only marked the completion of a beautiful artwork but also showcased the collective spirit and dedication of the students. 


 

In June, a group of students explored the traditional craft of basket weaving as part of their BC First Peoples 12 curriculum. Under the guidance of their teacher, they learned to weave baskets using locally sourced pine needles, blending Indigenous education with hands-on activity for a truly immersive experience.

Their adventure started in April when a significant windstorm provided an abundance of pine needles for harvesting. After thanking the tree for its gift of needles, the students prepared these materials, setting the stage for the basket-making process. Throughout the activity, they engaged in discussions on Indigenous education and the First Peoples Principles of Learning, emphasizing the deep connection to the land and the importance of using natural resources responsibly and with respect.

This pine needle basket weaving project was a crucial element of a broader unit exploring the connections of the Musqueam and other nations to the land. It exemplified holistic, experiential, reflective, and relational learning experiences, enriching students' understanding of Indigenous culture and cultivating a profound appreciation for its traditions.


 

An elementary school recently hosted an exciting week-long Toonie Talent Show where students and staff showcased their diverse talents. The event was a vibrant celebration of creativity, featuring an impressive line of performances such as juggling, singing, piano playing, martial arts demonstrations, violin performances, Rubik’s Cube solving, joke-telling, dancing and more. Each act highlighted the unique skills and dedication of the participants, making it an entertaining and inspiring experience for all attendees.

Adding to the excitement, the Toonie Talent Show also had a significant charitable component. The school community united to support the Richmond Food Bank, successfully collecting two boxes of food and raising an impressive $665 in donations. This effort underscores the school's commitment to community service and helping those in need.

This week-long showcase celebrated the immense talent within the school and also demonstrated the power of coming together for a worthy cause.


 

Several preschool students recently undertook an exciting art project that led to the creation of a stunning collection of colorful artwork. Inspired by the book "Vincent Paints His House," the class discussed the various hues of the colours mentioned in the story, sparking a range of creative activities. 

Students coloured paper with markers, scrunched it up, and applied drops of water, eagerly watching as the colours blended. When the paper was flattened out, it revealed vibrant tie-dye-like hues. They also experimented with watercolor tablets and printmaking by using items from their classroom.

Throughout the creative process, they observed that different mediums produced varying hues and discovered that nature is composed of a beautiful spectrum of colours. This hands-on project not only enhanced their artistic skills but also deepened their appreciation for the diversity of colours found in their surroundings. The experience was both educational and inspiring, leaving a lasting impact on the young learners.


 

During the week of June 17, students at a secondary school hosted a series of activities to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day. The week began with a bingo scavenger hunt, encouraging students to explore and learn about Indigenous cultures and histories in an interactive way.

On June 20, the school hosted an incredible performance by the renowned Indigenous dance group Coastal Wolf Pack. The event also included a delicious bannock and jam lunch, offering students a taste of traditional Indigenous cuisine.

Students were encouraged to wear orange and red, colours symbolizing both the pain and resilience of Indigenous peoples. The week-long festivities not only showcased the beauty of Indigenous cultures but also reinforced the school's commitment to understanding and supporting Indigenous communities. This created meaningful and lasting connections among the participants.


 

Over six months, students took an inspiring journey as they crafted a comic book focused on flood protection in Richmond. Part of the City of Richmond’s Engaging Artists in Community Program, this initiative featured cyanotype prints and drawings guided by artist Andrea Hoff. Eighty students collaborated together to create their unique comic.

Starting in January, weekly field trips had students exploring flood protection measures along the dyke, rain or shine. They gathered materials and developed narratives to convey their experiences. Utilizing cyanotype printing — a photographic technique — the students created distinctive illustrations for their comic.

After three months of field trips and creative sessions, they diligently finalized the pages of their comic book, titled "Hidden Stories of the Bioverse." On June 11, community members joined the students and Andrea Hoff for a celebratory launch event, unveiling their collaborative creation.

This project not only deepened the students’ understanding of environmental issues but also sharpened their artistic and storytelling abilities. Their dedication resulted in the creation of their first published book. 


 

Students from seven elementary schools across Richmond recently showcased their rich understanding of Canada’s heritage at the 2024 Richmond Regional Heritage Fair hosted at the Richmond Cultural Centre. Sponsored by the Richmond Museum Society, BC Heritage Fairs Society, Richmond School District, Richmond Heritage Commission, Canada’s History, and BC Arts Council, this annual event aims to immerse students in Canadian history and heritage through engaging, hands-on activities.

Starting with school-level presentations, Richmond students presented over 90 heritage projects in both English and French, covering a wide range of topics. These topics included notable Canadians, pivotal moments in Canada’s history, and personal narratives of family history and migration.

More than 10 students from our district received awards at the 2024 Heritage Fair across various categories. One student earned acclaim for his project titled "Our Forgotten Past" and was honoured with the BC Heritage Fairs Stellar Achievement Award. This student, among only three recipients of the Stellar Achievement Award, will proudly showcase his project at the upcoming BC Provincial Heritage Fair in Victoria.


 

As the school year draws to a close, schools across the district have been alive with the sound of music, showcasing the hard work and talent of their students. Numerous musical performances and events have brought together students, families and staff, highlighting the strong sense of community and gratitude shared within our district.

From vibrant year-end assemblies with captivating band performances to lunchtime concerts delighting families during pick-up, our schools hosted a variety of events. These year-end musical performances celebrate the immense creativity, dedication and hard work of our students and staff. They provide a joyful and memorable way to end the school year, demonstrating the power of music to bring people together and strengthen our community bonds.

Students recently completed an engaging project centered on planning, designing and building birdhouses tailored to specific bird species. This initiative allowed them to apply a range of skills and knowledge areas while making a positive contribution to the local environment.

The project kicked off with students researching various bird species to understand their unique needs and preferences for birdhouse styles. Each student then selected a specific bird species to design for. Utilizing the Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST) design process, they incorporated measurement concepts such as area, perimeter and volume to create detailed blueprints. This ensured that the birdhouses were both functional and suitable for the chosen species.

During the construction phase, students employed MakeDo tools and hot glue to cut and assemble their birdhouses. They also collected found materials to add aesthetic and functional details to their designs. This hands-on experience not only honed their practical skills but also encouraged creativity and problem-solving.

Overall, this project provided students with valuable learning experiences and cultivated a sense of environmental stewardship. By combining research, design and construction, the students created unique birdhouses that contribute to the local ecosystem.