Kadri Mereweather

Principal's Message

The Bur Oak is a distinctive native tree with a short trunk and widespread, picturesque limbs, which give a rugged appearance. If given enough room, the tree will grow wider (up to 30 plus metres) than it is tall (up to 27 metres). The heavily fringed cups of the acorns resemble ‘burs’, thus distinguishing its name. It has the characteristic oak ‘taproot’ that quickly branches out into finer root systems. The underground system of the Bur Oak resembles a mirror image of the mighty structure above the ground, making it able to withstand the winds of time. Because of its tolerance to a wide range of soils and resistance to blights such as pollution, drought and salt the Bur Oak is a hardy tree that can grow for 200 to 300 years. The wood of the Bur Oak is similar in appearance to the White Oak, but the Bur Oak is   superior in strength.  Its shade and lofty beauty will be appreciated by present and future generations.

In 1994, the Bur Oak tree was identified as characteristically representative of the Town and chosen as the Town of Markham’s Bicentennial Tree. It was used on their bicentennial logo. Many fine examples of the Bur Oak are spread across the Town, naturally occurring in valley lands and forests.

“Bur Oak Avenue” acknowledges the fact that the street transects many emerging communities on whose land the Bur Oak is found. This also promotes the environmentally sound issues and objectives of the ‘Communities in Bloom’ program.

Of all the trees in pre-historic times, the oak was considered sacred, demanding respect, because many ancient tribes considered it the first tree created. Its acorn, for Nordic tribes, symbolized productivity and immortality. The Celtic Druids believed that carrying an acorn would preserve one’s youth. The Greeks (Zeus) and Romans (Jupiter) associated the oak tree with kingship and knowledge.

In Victorian times, the oak tree stood for hospitality.  The Bur Oak is a fitting symbol, not only for the Town, but also for a secondary school interested in welcoming students into a legacy of education that they will long remember.