Panorama Ridge Secondary 24-25

LEARNING THAT MATTERS:

In a world that is constantly evolving, the capacity for self-awareness, a sense of belonging, and the discovery of one’s voice has become increasingly essential. At Panorama Ridge, students are actively engaged in this important journey through rich, interdisciplinary learning experiences that encourage reflection, connection, and expression across subject areas.

WHERE WE SEE THESE GOALS IN ACTION:

Over the course of the school year, students have engaged in meaningful and sustained learning focused on these curricular competencies. This learning has taken place not only within classroom settings but also through experiences embedded in the broader school community, allowing students to apply and deepen their understanding in authentic, real-world contexts.

“Representation is important because it helps us understand where we come from and who we are. ” - Grade 8 Student

In April, students and staff collaborated to recognize and celebrate Sikh Heritage Month, creating opportunities for the school community to learn about and appreciate Sikh culture and contributions. A highlight of the month was a vibrant Vaisakhi celebration, organized by students, which brought together elements of cultural expression and education. The event featured dynamic Bhangra performances, traditional foods generously provided by local restaurants, visually striking art displays, and informative posters that explored Sikh history, values, and the significance of Vaisakhi. Through this celebration, students not only demonstrated leadership and initiative but also fostered a sense of inclusion, cultural pride, and community connection throughout the school.

"I like it when the teachers celebrate Indian culture. They can make a connection to my culture. They understand my life at home." - Grade 10 student

This year marked the second annual celebration of Cultural Celebration Day at our school—a growing event that highlights the rich cultural diversity of our community. Students participated in classroom discussions and activities exploring identity and heritage. At lunch, a lively cultural fair featured music, traditional clothing, artifacts, and food from a wide range of cultures represented by our students, staff and families. The event fostered pride, understanding, and connection across the school.

Every month, Indigenous students at Panorama Ridge and their friends were invited to a Friday pizza lunch. These lunches provided an opportunity for students to gather, form meaningful connections, and share in games and cultural experiences. Often, students from our feeder elementary schools would join in the fun.

In the Fall of 2024 we were excited to welcome the First Peoples in Residence program from the district. Indigenous facilitators spent the full week at the school. During the week students had numerous opportunities to 

These gatherings were an important rhythm in the life of the school year and helped students explore their personal connections to their culture and community. In addition, some of our senior Indigenous students participated in the district's Indigenous Student Leadership Council to further broaden their network and foster relationships with the community at large.  

This spring, the English Department hosted the second annual Poetry Café—an inspiring celebration of student voice, creativity, and community. The event was a great success, with over 60 students in attendance and more than 20 students courageously sharing their original work with a live audience. Through poetry, students explored themes connected to identity, belonging, justice, and lived experience, drawing from their own personal, social, and cultural perspectives. 

The event created a powerful space for self-expression and reflection, allowing students to engage thoughtfully with their values and the contexts that shape them. The Best Original Poem award went to “You Say You Love My Skin” by Amarachi Samuel, a Grade 12 student, whose moving piece challenged the audience to confront issues of race and authenticity in how we relate to one another. Events like the Poetry Café are a meaningful way for students to recognize and evaluate the forces that shape their worldview and to share those insights with others through art.

In Humanities 8, students explored and evaluated the role of their own personal and cultural contexts as they examined how Indigenous cultural identities are often appropriated by non-Indigenous people. Through this work, students developed their understanding of how their own cultural identities interact with and shape their lived experiences.

Grade 8 students gathered at Camp McLean for Grade 8 Day in September. . During the day, students connected with each other and built positive connections with key members of school staff, including counsellors, safe school liaisons, administrators, and youth care workers.

“In terms of representing everyone, things are getting better – culture and sexuality are represented across the school. The pride celebrations at the school are really important. Looking at it from a male perspective, men are usually supposed to not be fragile or talk about emotions as much. Now everyone is more open to talk and share their feelings.” - Grade 8 Student

During the school year, the Skittles Club worked to promote an inclusive and accepting culture around the school. They hosted a Pride Gallery Walk in which students from each department of the school worked to create displays that highlighted how LGBTQ2S individuals have contributed to a variety of disciplines.

In reflecting on their experiences, a number of students that attended the event noted how important it was for the school to highlight the experiences of historically marginalized groups.

“We learned to value how our words can impact other people – how they can make someone happy or sad. Our words can help a group of people or put a group of people down.” - Grade 8 Student

Our annual Indigenous Community Dinner was held this Spring. This event is organized by a team of students and teachers that wanted to gather together to celebrate the school year. Indigenous families from all of our feeder elementary schools and from Panorama Ridge gathered together at the school to share a meal and connect with each other. Students that attended were able to engage in meaningful conversations with other Indigenous students, parents, and elders, once again highlighting the connectivity of community.