Last month, students from John Oliver’s Filipino Student’s Club came together in the school library, along with their principal Andrew Schofield, vice-principal Jason Mark and District principal: newcomer welcome centre, Bruce Garnett, to officially present a series of murals they had created for the school. 

The murals were funded by the Pena Family Foundation and were completed under the guidance of the club’s sponsor and District multi-cultural liaison worker, Joy Jose, and Filipino muralist Bert Monterona, who also joined for the big reveal. 

Each piece was a unique and vivid interpretation of the artists’ Filipino heritage and held a personalized meaning for each student involved in the project. Before the presentations began, Schofield took a moment to thank those who helped make this project a success and emphasized its significance. 

“Your work is important. You are important. And your legacy is important,” he said, addressing the students. “When we walk through the corridors … Where do I see the power and energy of you young people? Your work now is going to be what people see. And for that, we are grateful as a school.” 

He continued by acknowledging the dedication and support of Jose, who many of the student artists fondly referred to as, “Tita Joy,” which in Tagalog means, “Aunt Joy.” 

“In addition to this being your legacy, this is also Joy’s legacy to our school,” he said, noting Jose’s upcoming retirement. “I think we should call the area where we place your work, Joy’s corridor, because it is a corridor of joy. This is a testament to you, as a mentor.”

Students applauded in agreement for Jose’s well-deserved honour. 

Jose replied with a heartfelt, “thank you.” 

One by one, the student artists began presenting their work. Some students completed a mural in a small group, while others created their work individually. Each piece connected back to the students’ shared heritage; however, the story on every canvas was distinct, signaling the students' own ideas of identity, ancestry and creativity. Vibrant colours and silent stories popped from each painting, as the students explained their meaning and the creative process. The art was every bit as spectacular as it was rooted in emotion. 

“I think this program is really meaningful for me, as a Filipino and as a newcomer as well,” said Grade 12 student Abigail Gache about the project. “It’s so fun to see my culture everywhere. There’s so many Filipinos in the school, and it’s so nice to see them all come together, even the people who don’t know each other get to know each other and connect over the one thing that connects us: being Filipino.” 

Twelve murals were revealed in total. Some inspirations included family, love, perseverance, tradition, music and overcoming adversity. Jose offered words of gratitude, appreciation and encouragement to the students. 

“These kids are very resilient,” she said, adding that despite hardships they may face, they will persevere. 

The presentation concluded with Monterona gifting one of his art pieces to the Pena family in thanks for their generosity. In addition to providing funding for this project, The Pena Family Foundation also supports students through post-secondary scholarships and access to trades programs. 

Schofield noted that a bigger celebration will be held at a later date, where the school will invite the broader community, students’ families and representatives of the Philippine Consulate. Great work, students! 

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Watch below for a documentary of the mural project, created by Erico Duque of Pontem Media.