The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters and Flag
March 20, 2015
Vol. VI, p. 492
Arms of Elmwood School IncorporatedBlazonPer saltire Or and Vert four elm leaves their stems inward counterchanged; SymbolismThe school colours are gold and green. Gold symbolizes excellence and value, and green symbolizes youth and growth. The elm leaves evoke the once abundant majestic Rockcliffe Park neighbourhood elm trees that are the school’s namesake. The leaves also symbolize strength and growth, as well as the recognition of the importance of our environment. As Elmwood School is a girls’ school, the division of the shield alludes to triangles, an ancient female symbol. The four triangles also represent the four houses of the school. The division of the shield is evocative of an hourglass, acknowledging the inevitable passage of time for students, teachers and alumni. The “X” shape alludes to the cardinal directions, which are essential to the structure of knowing where one has been and which new direction to take. The multiple directions represent the multicultural and inclusive nature of the school, as well as the long history of Elmwood graduates travelling to the corners of the Earth to continue their studies. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a circlet of mullets Or, a female monarch butterfly Vert embellished Or; SymbolismThe butterfly is a symbol of the soul and the mind, nimble with the ability to travel far, and is a creature that undergoes transformation during its life. After a time of development and growth, butterflies stretch out their wings to fly on their own, a metaphor for the transformative journey of each student as she grows and matures through the years she is at the school. Each spring, Elmwood students release butterflies as part of a beloved tradition in the Junior School. The butterfly rests on a circle of stars, which represent excellence and navigational knowledge, and allude to the school’s motto. |
MottoBlazonSUMMA SUMMARUM; SymbolismThis Latin phrase means “Highest of the high” and was adopted in 1932, after its inclusion in the school song. Elmwood students are encouraged to exemplify this motto by being academically strong, socially adept, confident and resilient young women. |
SupportersBlazonTwo little owls (Athene noctua) Or standing on a rocky mount set with daffodils and trillium flowers proper, above barry wavy Or and Vert; SymbolismThe owls evoke wisdom, intelligence, knowledge and strength. They are also the attribute of Athena, the Greek goddess of the arts, craft and skills. The rocky mount evokes Rockcliffe Park, where the school is located, and the nearby Ottawa River is represented by the waves beneath the mount. The daffodil is the school emblem and it was chosen by Theodora Philpot, the school’s founder. It signifies rebirth and the resilience of nature by heralding the spring every year. Mrs. Philpot was inspired by a poem by William Wordsworth, “I wandered lonely as a cloud,” also known as “The Daffodils”. In amongst the daffodils are trilliums, the official flower of Ontario. |
Flag of Elmwood School IncorporatedBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on October 3, 2015 in Volume 149, page 2336 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Manon Labelle, Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterDebra MacGarvie CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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