Dear Y1 Parents,
As part of our unit Who We Are, we are inquiring into the similarities and differences across various cultural traditions and celebrations. In our effort to provide the students with different immersive and authentic experiences, we have arranged a series of events for you to participate in.
We currently have planned the following celebrations for students to explore. For each of the celebrations, students will explore decorations and symbols, food, colours, important traditions (dance, music, events), stories and characters associated with the tradition, and costumes. Some logistics are required for the events (see below).
If you are personally connected to any of these cultural celebrations and would like to share with the classes, please sign up here.
| Event | Description for Parents | Logistic and Action Required |
| Wednesday, January 8th Kwanzaa | Kwanzaa is a week-long cultural celebration honoring African heritage, community, and shared values through principles like unity, creativity, and faith. | |
| Monday, January 13th Diwali Friday, January 17th cultural breakfast (starting 8:45) | Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a joyous celebration of new beginnings, prosperity, and the triumph of light over darkness, observed with prayers, festive meals, and vibrant decorations. To kick off the new year, we invite families to partake in Cultural Breakfast for us to come together as a community over delicious food from your culture. | All parents are requested to join the Cultural Breakfast. We invite you to bring a simple breakfast snack to share with the class at 8:45am. Coffee and juice will be provided. We will host an informal parent gathering with Anthony following this event where we will discuss some Y1 specific topics. Please sign up here with the items you will bring. |
| Monday, January 20th Hanukkah Friday, January 24th Scottish night | Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration commemorating resilience and miracles, marked by lighting the menorah, sharing special foods, and enjoying family traditions. Scottish Night is a festive celebration of Scotland’s rich culture and traditions, featuring lively music, traditional dances, and shared stories of Scottish heritage. Mr. Owen and Ms. Lucy will share about their culture with us. Mr Erik will help students prepare for their very own Highland Games. | |
| Wednesday, January 29th Chinese new Year | Chinese New Year is a vibrant celebration of new beginnings, marked by family gatherings, festive meals, and cultural traditions symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and happiness. Our friends at H-Farm Vicenza will join us for this celebration. A special lunch will be provided by Ms. Lulu Zhang. | Children should wear at least one piece of red clothing. You will receive a specific communication about this event to detail our activities. All costs are included in the “2024-25 daily trips” payment, so no extra payment is needed. |
| Monday, February 3rd Ramadan | Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar dedicated to spiritual reflection, prayer, and community, observed through fasting from dawn to sunset and acts of generosity and compassion. Students will learn more about this holiday through stories and research. | |
| Monday, February 10th Japanese Cherry Blossom | The Japanese Cherry Blossom season, known as Sakura, is a cherished time celebrating nature’s beauty and renewal, marked by gatherings under blooming cherry trees to appreciate their fleeting splendor. Ms. Takako will join to discuss the significance of this special time. Students will learn a dance and take part in creative activities. | |
| Monday, February 17th Carnival | Carnaval is a lively cultural celebration filled with colorful parades, music, dance, and festive costumes, reflecting joy, community spirit, and cultural traditions from around the world. Students will compare and contrast various Carnival celebrations around the world. |
Please find here a pdf version of the schedule above.