Linden Students Send Powerful Visual Message about Gender-Based Violence


Posted by Admin on December 22, 2021 at 9:55 PM

Elementary Students made mural components to honour victims of the December 6th Polytechnique Massacre in Montreal.

BREAK THE SILENCE, END THE VIOLENCE

Passersby on Yonge Street are stopping to look and reflect as they view an arresting mural draped from Linden’s rooftop.

It began on December 8th, when French Teacher Coco Lee and her Grade 10 French students led an All-School to honour the victims of the December 6th Polytechnique Massacre in Montreal, and to shed light on gender-based violence.

Grade 10 and 12 students led discussions with their middle and high school peers, prompting them with thought-provoking questions such as:

  • Define gender-based violence.
  • What factors would incite people to commit gender-based violence?
  • Why is it important that people discuss this topic?
  • What can we do to help find a solution?

Students then researched victims of gender-based violence, and were asked to write the name of a victim on a commemorative ribbon along with one or two words that reflect how one can initiate change to end violence against women.

Elementary students participated by painting different components of a mural, making handprints with red and orange paint.

On December 16th, Coco Lee and Grade 10 French students Serena, Marlen and Claire (Aisha was absent) attached the ribbons to the mural components, and hung the pieces on the chain-link fence of Linden’s rooftop playground. Now visible from Yonge Street, the mural sends a powerful message to the wider community.

Congratulations and thank you, Aisha, Claire, Marlen and Serena — and teacher Coco Lee — for hosting this important event!