The Coat of Arms was the creation of Mr. John Roper, the first head of the Art Department of Don Mills Collegiate Institute. The Motto was inspired by Mr. Fred Oliver.
The following are excerpts from Mr. Roper’s description of the motif of the Coat of Arms:
“Our Coat of Arms is composed of the traditional Shield, Helmet, Mantling and, of course, Motto. Our shield is half-round in shape and is inclined slightly to the dexter or bearer’s right. This inclination is symbolic of the bearer’s efforts to follow what is right.
The surface of the Shield is called the Field and the various designs on it are known as the Chargers. The Field of our Coat is black with the heraldic ‘Sun in its Splendor’ as the Charge. The sun in its splendor, which is always gold with sixteen rays alternately straight and wavy, symbolizes light and power.
The Mantling is the elegant, flowing drapery, which at first served to protect the wearer of the helmet from the rays of the sun. The Mantling may be considered to represent the protection provided by knowledge, understanding, tolerance, moderation and wisdom; qualities which our school seeks to foster.
Beneath the Shield on a white band appears our school Motto: ‘OMNIA PER SCIENTIUM’, which means ‘Through knowledge, all things are possible’.”