Throughout the school year, there are numerous opportunities to foster connections, build understanding, explore how diversity enriches communities and celebrate together. What follows are some recent examples.
ÌýA pre-Nowruz celebration was put on for the community and staff at Twelfth Avenue Elementary. The District’s Settlement Workers in Schools or team hosted the luncheon, with several moms making traditional fare for the approaching Persian New Year. More than 70 people gathered at Gilmore Community School for Nowruz. Led by SWIS, students and their families who are newcomers from Afghanistan, Iran, Syria and Azerbaijan celebrated together with school staff.
The SWIS team also organized a Nowruz celebration for high school students. Nearly 40 students at Alpha Secondary expressed pride in their heritage with dancing and sharing food for the Persian New Year. Also at Alpha, a horn section and keyboard player were part of the Mardi Gras celebrations for what is known as Fat Tuesday – a feast day before the fasting season of Lent begins for Christians.
For Ramadan, students at Capitol Hill Elementary created lanterns. Children at South Slope Elementary and the BC Provincial School for the Deaf were among those who chose from a curated collection of library books – all to support learning and awareness of the Muslim holy month.
More than 25 Afghan women, who are parents in ΢ÃÜȦ Schools, gathered at Edmonds Community School in advance of International Women’s Day at a SWIS-organized event. The group of newcomers – including former officials, educators, and journalists – came together to talk about the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan, as well as to share joy in their own daughters’ learning at school in ΢ÃÜȦ.
Students at Gilpin Elementary gained a deeper understanding of culture, traditions, rhythm and rhyme, while learning to play drums and percussion instruments from around the world. The six-day Beats of Belonging project was funded through an ArtStarts grant with support from the school’s Parent Advisory Council. Nelson Elementary hosted a Cultural Fair with many projects to share learning on display.
Read about more opportunities in ΢ÃÜȦ Schools to celebrate culture, strengthen and support diversity:
A Journey Through Time: Exploring Black History Month – February 2025
Learning About Culture and Celebrating Lunar New Year – February 2025
Thousands Across BC Join District-Hosted Black Excellence Day Event – January 2025
Learning Through Indigenous Teachings and Honouring Culture – Multiple Stories
Illuminating Connection Through Culture and Community – November 2024
Deaf Awareness Flags Flown for First Time at Schools – October 2024
Unique Experiences Support Students Who are New to Canada – June 2024
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Showcase Draws Record Numbers – May 2024
Learning About Cultures and the Strength in Our Differences – April 2024
Celebrating Black History Month and Beyond – February 2024
Student Voice Elevated at District-led Black Excellence Day Event – January 2024
Celebrating the Strengths in our Differences and Working to Dismantle Racism – December 2023
Students’ Post-Secondary Horizons Ignited in Black Futures Program – May 2023
Cultural Traditions and Practices Honoured – May 2023
Sharing Culture and Celebrating Expressions of Who We Are – March 2023
Celebrating and Reflecting During Black History Month – February 2023
Students Presenting at Black Excellence Day Event for Thousands – January 2023
Celebrating Black Excellence Beyond Black History Month – October 2022
Next Steps Coming: Action on Racism – September 2022
Anti-Racism Lead Nominated for Premier’s Award for Work in District – September 2022
Raising Diverse Student Voices and Opportunities – May 2022
Honouring Community Traditions and Practices – May 2022
Honouring and Learning About Black History – February 2022
District Hosting Black Excellence Day for Thousands – January 2022
Dismantling Racism: Invitation to Engagement Process – May 2021
Asian Heritage Month: Honouring, Celebrating and Taking Action – May 2021
Black History Month: Celebrating & Learning – February 2021
Supporting Black Shirt Day – January 2021
Continuing Our Journey: Supporting Anti-Racism – October 2020
Action on Racism: ΢ÃÜȦ – June 2020
Celebrating Black History Month in ΢ÃÜȦ Schools – February 2019
Posted March 2025