Skip To Main Content
  • Culture
7. Evolution of our Crest
Jill Slattery

Only those with an eye for vintage Collingwood apparel will know that our classic Coat of Arms was not always the distinguished logo that emblazons the student uniform today.

It wasn't until 1988 when the first class of students reached Grade 12 that the need for a more sophisticated uniform became apparent. The Board of Governors decided on a navy blazer and would commission Graham Anderson - a member of the prestigious London-based College of Heralds - to design a formal Coat of Arms.

The design included a rising sun for British Columbia, two lions for the landmark mountains, a military top to recognize Lord Collingwood and Trafalgar, three laurels to represent the original three strands, and antlers to honour Clan Mackenzie, a nod to founding Head David Mackenzie. Finally, it adopted the motto "From Vision to Reality."

Today, this formal version of the crest has been retired in exchange for a simpler version (with the addition of a fourth laurel to recognize the "Service" strand) and is proudly embroidered onto every student's blazer and sweater, as well as being part of our official School logo.

Collingwood logos throughout the last 40 years