School Mission

At Buchanan School our vision is to provide quality learning opportunities for all students within a safe and caring community. Buchanan School's mission and purpose encompasses the academic, emotional, physical and social dimensions to provide quality learning opportunities for all students. We respect the uniqueness and diversity of individuals and endeavour to create an environment which promotes dignity, worth and a sense of belonging.

Buchanan Bears

Within Indigenous cultures, the bear is a symbol of courage, strength and healing. During the 2020-2023 school years Blackfoot Elder Saa'kokoto and Metis Artist and Author Leah Dorion shared stories and teachings from the land with students, staff and parents. Work was undertaken to name a new school mascot that appropriately represented the people, plants and animals of the region of southern alberta. The symbol of the bear was chosen by students, staff and parents.  Artists Michelena Bamford and Lex Hilderman created a tile mosaic of the bear, mountains and sun that is in the main hallway of the school. The ceramic mosaic celebrates the courage, strength and resilience the students demonstrate each day in their learning. The sun, sky, mountains, river, trees, deer and birds represent the strong relationships student make to the land and sky, the animals and plants and to themselves and their community.