INUVIK
Every class at East Three Elementary gathered in the school foyer in matching black T-shirts on Dec. 17, adorned in the school's new logo.

The staff and students of East Three Elementary gathered in the foyer in their just-received T-shirts, displaying the school's new logo. - Elaine Anselmi/NNSL photo

On the black background is the white outline of a wolf while blue and white lettering reads E3E. A Delta braid runs across the lettering and, above it, is the school's motto: We Belong.

The logo was designed by one of the school's own, Inuvialuit language teacher Donna Johns. Both the motto and the depiction, principal Deborah Reid said, represents the spirit of the school.

"We've got some swag now - pens, stuffed bears, hats and this is the T-shirt," she said. "We managed to get it in just before Christmas, which is nice because it's like a Christmas present to the kids."

Speaking from the balcony above the foyer while the approximately 160 students along with teachers gathered down below, Reid spoke about the significance of the logo.

The motto, she said, illustrates how the school is a family, and students should care for each other and be respectful of one another, like a family.

"The wolf," Reid said, "is an animal that has a great spirit, a strong spirit. The wolf represents us, we are wolves too because we are courageous, we have a family together. We have our intelligence and we look after one another like a family."

With the school only taking up its new residence three years ago, Reid said both elementary and secondary sides have gone through re-branding.

"Last year, on the secondary side, we went through a lot of work with a crest," said Reid, who only took the position of principal of both the secondary and elementary schools over the summer.

The colourful logo of East Three Secondary School depicts the four seasons, as well as inner, physical, mental and spiritual strength, with the motto: Rise Above.

The elementary crest was first presented last year, towards the end of the school year, and Reid said over the summer she had the banners and crests made up to decorate the halls in the school's colour of blue.

"When you walk in you feel like you're in a school, you know the colours," said Reid. "We've been trying to make that come alive."