OUR NEW SCHOOL MUARL Check out the before & after pics!
We are so very grateful to have received consultation from Cree Elder Nôhkom Jo-Ann Saddleback from Maskwacis Samson – resulting in the addition of blueberries, an important plant for Nehiyawak or Plains Cree children and the white poplar, considered to be the first tree in their culture. We are also very grateful to Elder Jerry Saddleback also from Maskwacis Samson for his translation of the statement “All Children Matter” into sacred Cree syllabics for our mural. We feel that it is a fitting statement for an elementary school where truth and reconciliation should start. It is also a message that includes all children and one that embraces the diversity of our school and our community.
This mural is a culmination of many years of school council discussions. But came to fruition because of the generosity of parents, community members, and community partners. This has been our biggest fundraising project ever! We want to acknowledge all of the many contributions of these groups. Contributions in the form of the hours and hours of volunteer time to raise funds – for this time and effort we are very grateful. We also wish to thank all those who contributed financially – whether large or small – each dollar made a difference.
Thank you to the Strathcona Community League for their generous contribution; to the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market for the collaboration and funding for the King Edward kids from grades 3-6 to kids to paint their garbage cans (see Youtube video below); to the City of Edmonton for the Neighbourhoods Connection grant; to so many parents & family members connected to the school; to the generous contributions from the Black Stewart family in memory of Jan Black Stewart; and to the teachers and Principal Rygus for contributing to our FUNdrive and allowing us to take up a big chunk of the stage for a month! We would also like to thank our kids here at King Edward School! Your creative ideas can also be seen in this, our fabulous school mural – thank you kids!!!
Jesse Enns Power (She/Her), President of the King Edward Educational Parent Society (KEEPS)
ABOUT THE MURAL ARTIST -AJA LOUDEN
AJA Louden was recently recognized by Distinguished Artist Faye HeavyShield through the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation. Faye HeavyShield is quoted on the Foundation’s website, describing Louden’s work: “It is what the art reflects that has the most impact..he engages community with such energy. His projects invite the viewer and the public at large to share the lens” artsawards.ca
Our School
Discover creativity-infused learning at King Edward Elementary School!
King Edward Elementary is a vibrant community school located in the heart of historic, family-oriented Old Strathcona. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 achieve high levels of academic success in an arts-intensive learning environment.
Welcome message from King Edward Educational Parent Society (KEEPS) President Jesse Enns Power
We couldn’t be more proud of our little community school in the heart of one of the best neighbourhoods in the city. Parents and guardians (including grandparents, aunties, and uncles etc) play an important role in the health of our school community – inside the classrooms and out. From the creation of a community garden, to the funding of our art’s enrichment program, field trips, and library collection: our school wouldn’t be what it is without the involvement of families and their participation. In this bizarre time, when the community is constrained by health measures, the School Council is exploring new ways to bring our community members together. We are tackling essential issues such as racism, diversity, and inclusion in order to make our school community even better. We want to build relationships with our Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers and learn about the history of this land where our school now sits. We want to strengthen relationships with community partners. Please join us!
King Edward Elementary School 