On June 4, Dunsford District Elementary School (DDES) hosted a Family Arts Night BBQ in celebration of the recent school-wide Words Matter Campaign, which kicked off in February with an overall goal of strengthening the school’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment.
The BBQ was organized by the school’s Parent Council and staff, and invited the entire school community. The evening kicked off with a brief presentation about the campaign, with recommendations of how parents/guardians can support this important work at home. Attendees then travelled around the hallways to view art pieces, which included submissions from every class, each with a connection to the overall Words Matter theme, expressing how words, language, and kindness can shape a more inclusive world. Pieces included graffiti-style art, t-shirts, grass-grown communities, and tin foil sculptures.
Each class had a different and unique take of how they expressed themselves based on their interpretation of the overall theme. April Lawson’s Grade 6/7 class chose to use Métis dot art, which allowed students to reflect deeply on interconnectedness, belonging, and how language and identity are tied to place and culture. For this project, students researched animals through a Métis cultural lens and connected the animals’ unique traits to our Words Matter campaign.
“This project was one of the most meaningful art experiences we’ve had all year. Students truly connected with the Words Matter theme and expressed their learning in heartfelt, creative, and thoughtful ways,” said Lawson. “I’m incredibly proud of the insight and empathy my students demonstrated through their work.”
“I thought the process of making my art piece was very rewarding when I finished because I took my time and carefully dotted each section. I liked learning about what the animals meant in Métis culture,” said Grade 6 student, Jack Shier.
“I learned that Métis people use sunflowers in spiritual gatherings because they are believed to lead to good luck and fight off evil spirits. I also learned to take my time, working slowly, and carefully on my art piece,” said Grade 6 student, Sophie Taylor
A big shout-out to the school’s Parent Council for financially supporting this initiative!
