BREAKING: School District 57 Retires Iconic Logo, Introduces New Design

URGENT UPDATE: School District 57 in Prince George has officially retired its iconic stick figure logo after more than 50 years, unveiling a vibrant new design that reflects local culture and community values. The announcement, made earlier today, marks a significant shift for the district, which has long been represented by the polarizing figure.

The newly designed logo, created by Monogram Communications, incorporates symbolism from Dakelh culture and features natural elements like the Fraser and Nechako Rivers. This change comes after extensive community feedback, with nearly 1,300 respondents participating in a survey aimed at shaping the new visual identity.

According to Kyla Graham, Senior Communications Manager at Monogram, the design process involved deep discussions with students, parents, and staff. “Everything from the brand story to the look and feel was informed by the collective voices of the School District 57 communities,” Graham stated. The goal was to create a logo that resonates with the diverse populations served by the district, which spans three traditional territories.

Community members expressed the desire for a logo that incorporates elements from the district’s natural landscape and reflects cultural traditions, while also maintaining a sense of youthfulness. After months of collaboration, Graham is thrilled with the final product, emphasizing its meaningful symbolism.

“We’re so thrilled with not just the design, but also the story it tells – it’s so meaningful, there’s so much symbolism in it,” Graham said.

The change has sparked mixed reactions. Local resident and former social studies teacher Glenn Thielmann fondly remembers the old logo, which he referred to as “Student at Desk in Box.” Thielmann noted that discussions about updating the logo had been ongoing for years, with the topic often brought up behind closed doors. In a post from 2022, Thielmann highlighted the importance of a logo that truly reflects the district’s mission of growth and transformation.

“It must be hard for students and parents to take talk of growth seriously when the district’s own logo puts students in a box,” he wrote. These sentiments echo the thoughts of many who advocated for change. Thielmann even created playful interpretations of the old logo in his communications with parents, illustrating its versatility.

While the new design aims to encapsulate community, culture, history, and values, Thielmann expressed concerns about the complexity of the new logo. “You can’t do all those things unless you have a really complicated logo,” he remarked. Despite his reservations, he congratulated the district for moving forward with the change.

“I’m encouraged, and there’s always more to do,” Thielmann added, looking forward to seeing the new logo represented across websites and physical signage.

This logo overhaul is not just a rebranding; it’s a reflection of the community’s identity and values. As School District 57 embraces this new chapter, the impact of the change will resonate with students, parents, and staff alike, marking a bold step into the future.

Stay tuned for updates as the district rolls out the new logo across its platforms.