This colourful mural was painted in the foyer of Corsair Public School. It features pirate ships, also know as Corsair ships. Historically, trees were harvested from the area where the school now stands and were used for the building of many ships, including Corsair ships. The mural helps students, staff and the community to remember the historical significance of the school's name. It also helps us to remember important school values through the use of symbolism, outlined below. Careful research was done to determine the character of Corsair ships. The ships, some silhouetted, were placed against a colourful sun-lit sky to create a dramatic effect. By using enchanting, child-friendly subject matter, harmonious pleasant colours and dramatic composition, a joyful feeling was created and viewers feel like they are walking through a giant story book. Additionally, the distant horizon lines create an illusion of space making the foyer area seem larger.

All aboard! One Corsair ship has been placed in the foreground and reaches from the floor to the ceiling. This dramatic placement allows viewers a close-up perspective and offers an invitation for all viewers to use their imaginations and jump on board to join the pirates as they seek hidden treasures, travel and explore distant horizons together.

That's team work! Of course, a Corsair ship cannot be sailed by one pirate alone. Several pirates need to work together to raise the sails, steer, lower the anchor, climb to the crow's nest, swab the deck and much more. At Corsair Public School students learn about teamwork "pirate style".

SYMBOLISM:  “Exploration” is a theme that is prevalent in this mural design and is illustrated through the use of several symbols. A continental map of North America is painted in monochromatic blues, and forms a backdrop for foreground elements. The map suggests world exploration. The exploration theme is further developed through the compass and the constellations that both offer guidance and direction to those who travel and explore. A lighthouse is a traditional symbol that represents direction, guidance and safety for travelers especially through stormy weather. The symbols in this mural that offer direction and guidance cause us to think of the staff and community of Corsair Public School.

Symbolism: Distant islands dot the horizon and symbolize our futures that are waiting to be explored and discovered. The anchor symbolizes stability. Just as sailors use anchors to prevent their ships from floating adrift, students can feel “anchored” and supported by their school and community as they carefully explore their own horizons. Students are reminded that we can "offer an anchor" to others through supportive friendship and teamwork.

Click here to see photos of this mural project from beginning to end.