Carving Connections Through Community

PIESS students launched the 2026/2027 school year with three inspiring days of carving alongside District Indigenous Support Worker, Quentin Harris. This meaningful project began several years ago when the original design work was developed in collaboration with Quentin and a group of Grade 8/9 students.

The design represents the islands of Mayne, Galiano, Pender and Saturna coming together; reflecting the connections that unite our island communities. Over the past four years, PIESS students have carefully carved five yellow cedar panels, slowly bringing the vision to life, one carving session at a time. 

The project has provided students with a hands-on opportunity to connect with Indigenous ways of knowing and being, while exploring the First Peoples Principles of Learning, including the understanding that "learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational." Through carving, students have experienced learning that is grounded in relationships, community, culture, and place.

This September, thanks to additional support from the PIESS Parent Advisory Council, we were able to welcome Quentin to our school for three consecutive days. Students from across grade levels had the opportunity to contribute to the carvings, learn new skills, and deepen their understanding of the stories, relationships, and traditions reflected in this important work.

Students enjoyed beginning the year in this hands-on way, carving and sanding with great concentration. The grade 4/5 class was particularly keen!

“I think carving was really, really fun. It’s definitely not easy, but something to look forward to in the morning. In carving, it’s not good to carve with one hand!” ~ Gr 5 student

“I liked how you could make a difference in the wood.”

“I really liked it. It felt good to carve every day after our morning circle.” ~ Wally

“Can we start the school year this way, every year?” ~ Ms. Emily, Gr 4/5 Teacher

Reflecting on the project, Quentin shared, “It makes me happy to see the enthusiasm for carving and the hands-on experience.” After four years of careful work, the carving panels are now reaching a stage where progress slows as students focus on refining the details. While many students enjoy the carving process because they can get lost in the groove, the project is entering an equally important next phase: sanding! This next step will require patience, care, and attention to detail as students continue bringing the five yellow cedar panels to life.

We are grateful to Quentin, our Parent Advisory Council, and the many students who have contributed their time and care to this ongoing project. Together, we are creating a lasting legacy that honours community, culture, and connection!

This was truly, a beautiful way to start the school year!