At St. Joan of Arc Catholic Academy, the parents and guardians of our newcomer students came together in community at our Newcomer Parent Engagement and Student Mural Unveiling Evening on March 26, 2025 (Wednesday). At the event, which was sponsored by our Catholic School Parent Council (CSPC), they enjoyed an opportunity to explore relevant resources from our community agency partners, connect with staff and one another, and to appreciate the talents of our newcomer students.
Working with Mural Artist Kseniya Tsoy, in collaboration with Catholic Crosscultural Services, the mural art project aimed to promote creativity in youth artistic expression, build community, encourage leadership and civic engagement, support mental health, and bring newcomer youth and community together in enhancing a vibrant community.
The level of enthusiastic student engagement in the thematic creative design and execution, as a reflection of the joyfully optimistic view of the newcomer to the future, was inspiring. Symbols, as a reflection of the newcomer experience included:
- A Path & Keyhole: Representing the journey from the past into the future.
- Open Book: Meaning of the importance of education, and the opportunities it opens.
- Sun: Something that is omnipresent and is a beautiful symbol of hope.
- Nature & Butterflies: Symbols of positive change and hope.
- Rainbow: Symbol of a bright future.
- Human Figure: Representative of all students.
With appreciation to Vice Chair Kevin Morrison, Trustee Michael Del Grande, Associate Director Adrian Della Mora, Superintendent Kevin Malcolm, Community Relations Officer Jodelyn Huang, CSPC Chair Mary Salvatore, and Father Edwin Galea for joining us and our newcomer families.
With gratitude to the organizing team, student volunteers, and multiple community organizations for their support in the organization of the event.
Special thanks to Jarece Estiaga, Settlement Worker and Catholic Crosscultural Services for their support of our school community with the Mural Art Project and Kseniya Tsoy, Mural Artist, for the engagement of our students in their visioning and artistic expression.
