Introducing... the Penhold Waskasoo Middle School Red Wings!
Penhold Waskasoo Middle School’s future students, staff and community have taken another step forward in preparing for the opening of their new school in September 2025. They have defined key elements of their identity, including a logo, an athletics logo and mascot.
Students, staff and parents have decided students will be known as the PWMS Red Wings.
Penhold Elementary School (PES) Principal Lisa Baird, who will serve as PWMS’s Principal when PES
closes and the new school opens, says, “As we prepare to open the doors of Penhold Waskasoo
Middle School this fall, the excitement in our school community is palpable. The process of designing a new building and creating a new identity has been a truly collaborative effort, and it’s been an incredible opportunity for students, staff, and parents to have their voices heard.”
Baird says, “The logo creation, in particular, has been a highlight of this journey. After a fun and engaging process, capturing the vision from the students at all three community schools as
well as staff and parents/guardians, it was clear the community was united in choosing the Waskasoo Red Wings as our new symbol.”
Giselle Meyer, Vice Principal of PES and the soon to be PWMS, says, “I am excited about the results of this process because it is one of the first steps in bringing PWMS to life for our students, staff and the community and creating our new visual identity.”
Meyer says, “I love that we have chosen to be the Red Wings. I love the connection to the area the school is built on, how the kids will be able to see Red Winged Blackbirds when they are walking in the paths behind the school, and how it is a mascot that fits a middle school; it was designed
specifically for students in this age group.”
What Red Wing Blackbirds represent
Red Winged Blackbirds are known to nest in the ponds and sloughs behind Penhold Waskasoo Middle School and Penhold Crossing School. The birds are said to represent change, transformation, love and compassion, inner strength, courage and determination.
These characteristics are aligned with feedback from students, staff and families who described the kind of experience that PWMS students should have.
A nod to the Red Wing habitat, its feathers and to agriculture
The school’s logo is a nod to bulrushes which are a habitat to Red Wing Blackbirds and are round behind the school, as well as to the feather of the bird. The logo also acknowledges the importance of agriculture in the community, as it could represent a head of wheat, and the idea of growth and harvest.
The school’s initials are contained within the frame, speaking to inclusiveness. The value of courage and integrity is shown through the strong, stable, confidence portrayed in the logo.
An active and athletic representation
The athletic logo is a portrayal of a blackbird that was, in part, inspired by the artwork of teacher David Massey. The wings show the bird in flight, speaking to the active and athletic nature of the
logo.
Momentum and excitement is building
Baird says, “This process has contributed to a real sense of momentum, sparking excitement and pride as we transition into this next chapter. As we say goodbye to being Panthers, knowing we’ll be the Red Wings gives us something fresh and empowering to rally around.
“There’s something special about being the Red Wings—it's not just about a mascot, but about embodying the spirit of resilience, strength, and community,” says Baird.
Kaydence F., a Grade 4 student at PES, says, “I am so excited for the new school and to become a Red Wing. I like the idea of being a Red Wing because birds in flight are like students flying everyday and everywhere to learn and see new things!”
Grade 5 student, Everly R., says she liked voting on what version of the Red Wing would be painted on the gym wall. “The face in the bird is bold and focused. I love the colours in the background and on the bird. The sun in the background reminded me of the sunrise in Penhold every morning. I love living in Penhold and being able to have a school close to where I live!”
Grade 6 student, Owen D. says, “I’m so excited to be a Waskasoo Red Wing because it feels like we’re starting something new and special together, and we as students get a say in what decisions are made.”
Nora P., a Grade 6 student, says, “It feels empowering to be part of a community where everyone has a say in shaping our future. Being the Red Wings makes it feel like we’re all part of something bigger. I’m looking forward to all the new traditions we’ll create and the fun memories we’ll make as we start this exciting journey together!”
Lisa Baird says having a visual identity is contributing to excitement about next steps. “We’re looking forward to what’s ahead as we continue to shape the culture of Penhold Waskasoo and make this opening year one full of energy, fun, and possibilities!”