By Jason Misner
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, HDSB STAFF

Limehouse Public School has come up with a creative way to give students a ‘hand’ in appreciating their learning environment through the painting of murals in an interesting place – its bathrooms.

Vice-Principal Carolyn Reist says the original paint in the bathroom was getting scratched up so it seemed like a great opportunity to do something special with the wall space in the fall. That’s where Limehouse parent Tania Lediard came into the picture – or mural, as it were. A mom of two students at the school, she was more than willing to lend the dozens of hours of after-school time needed to paint the boys and girls washrooms.

After students were consulted about what they wanted the murals to look like, a marine theme was chosen for the boys, which included a series of fish shapes and a pirate ship. The girls theme was a forest, complete with pink colours and pretty flowers. What made the project really special was the inclusion of the students, explains Reist. They all painted their handprint on the wall, providing that extra bit of ownership quality to the school. Teaching staff also placed their handprints on the wall.

“All students were involved in the creation of the mural in hopes their participation would lead to respecting the property,” says Reist, calling the murals “beautiful”.

The hope is the murals provide students a sense of self-respect, confidence, and a desire to always look out for each other.

“Staff, students and visitors have all been greatly impressed with the project. The washrooms are bright, cheerful and fresh looking,” says Reist. “The work was completed several weeks ago and students are still showing each other the part that has their handprint.”

“I think the school is one big family,” says Lediard. “I’m hoping the kids are happy. I think it turned out really well.”

Students think it turned out great.

Grade 5 student Callum says this project allowed all the students to take part in something together, helping beautify the school.

“I think it’s really cool because everyone got involved in it,” he says. “It looks amazing. Whenever you go in there, it’s full of life and colour.”

Brenna, in Grade 5, says, “It’s really cool. It shows our creativity as a school. Everyone has their hand on the wall to make them feel special.”

The school plans to create a commemorative mural in the foyer for its 50th anniversary this spring, adds Reist.