From the TDSB Web:

"Italian Heritage Month is recognized proudly during the month of June at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). (Italian Heritage Month Poster). The TDSB passed a motion to recognize Italian Heritage Month in June in May 2012 and is also joined by the Province of Ontario in celebrating Italian Heritage Month since June 2010 when the Italian Heritage Month Act was passed. As stated in the Italian Heritage Act, 2010, “Ontario is home to more than 1,350,000 Italian Canadians. Since the 1880s, the Italian Canadian community has made and continues to make significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Province of Ontario.”

Italian traditions are shared throughout the City of Toronto and enjoyed by our students, staff, TDSB communities and beyond. Italian cuisine is one custom that is appreciated around the globe. There are infinite recipes that are enjoyed by many, from signature tomato sauces with pasta, to various meat and fish specialties, and let us not forget the amazing desserts!

David Rocco is a well-known chef recognized for his Italian style of cooking. His parents emigrated from Italy in the 1950’s and raised David with traditional Italian cooking flare. David’s interest in food and his Italian roots contributed to his success as author of numerous cookbooks such as Dolce Famiglia, (Harper Collins; November 2016), and Made In Italy (Clarkson Potter, Harper Collins, October 2011). He is also a celebrity chef and host of several internationally syndicated television series promoting Italian cuisine.

Multicultural broadcasting in Canada was founded by Johnny Lombardi (CHIN Radio, 1966 and CHIN-FM, 1967), son of Italian immigrants. Johnny’s passion for celebrating the Italian language expanded to recognizing multiculturalism in Toronto. A bench honouring his accomplishments is located near College Street and Grace Street.

Dina Pugliese is also a Canadian television personality of Italian immigrants. She is currently the co-host of Breakfast Television and she grew up in the Greater Toronto Area enjoying Italian customs. She provides insight into Italian family life in this past Chatelaine article.

People from around the world travel to Italy, and many decide to make this country their home. This year, as the world marks the 75th Liberation anniversary , it is interesting to note that there has been a large Jewish population in Italy since ancient Roman times. A museum called, National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah (MEIS) is currently being built in Ferrara, Italy, with an anticipated completion date in late 2020. Early in 2018 their inaugural exhibition was called “Jews, an Italian Story: The First Thousand Years”, that illustrates the history of Jewish presence in Italy from ancient Roman times until the Middle Ages.

TDSB Professional Library: bit.ly/PLItalianHeritageMonthGuide"

From the TDSB Web:

"June is Portuguese Speaking Heritage Month at TDSB

Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of June at the Toronto District School Board (Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month Poster). This year we recognize the significant contributions of Portuguese-Speaking individuals both nationally and internationally.

The contributions of the Portuguese-Speaking heritage to Canada are significant as they include the arts, sports, and public life. Canadians, along with all TDSB students, staff, and its communities and beyond all enjoy the energetic and vibrant traditions that are shared through the customs of this heritage. Over 1,400 TDSB students speak Portuguese as their mother tongue or as a primary language.

The bossa nova style of composition is known as the music of Brazil. This method of music is attributed to João Gilberto, a singer/songwriter and a musician whose passion was creating and performing music of his heritage. Further information about João Gilberto is available at this link: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jo%C3%A3o-gilberto-mn0000785283/biography and a performance of his amazing music may been seen at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfy2ggYnxsk

Cristiano Ronaldo is a renowned sports figure recognized for his talents on the soccer field. Cristano was born on February 5, 1985, and raised on the Portuguese island of Madeira. He has played with many teams throughout his career including Manchester United and Real Madrid and is currently playing with the Juventus Football Club since 2018. He was considered one of the highest-paid athletes by Forbes (2016 and 2017) and Time (2014) listed him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Further information about Cristiano Ronaldo may be found at https://www.biography.com/athlete/cristiano-ronaldo

Representing the citizens of Ontario in various government elected positions continues to be a way for Canadians to demonstrate their democratic privileges. Currently, Ana Bailão was elected in 2018 as City Councillor at the City of Toronto and acquired the position of Deputy Mayor. Ana Bailão was born in Villa Franca de Xira in Portugal in August 1976 and moved to Toronto with her family at the age of 15. She was elected as City Councillor in 2010 and continues to serve the citizens of her ward. For more information about City Councillor Ana Bailão, please see this link: http://www.anabailao.com/about_ana.

Internationally, there are 250 million Portuguese-speaking people worldwide, making it the fifth-most spoken language. The heroic efforts of many Portuguese-Speaking individuals had a momentous impact on thousands of people around the globe. This year, 2020, we mark the 75th Liberation Anniversary. We take this opportunity to highlight four Portuguese-Speaking individuals: Joaquim Carreira, Aristides de Sousa Mendes, Sampaio Garrido, and José Brito Mendes who risked their own lives to save thousands of Jewish individuals from the Holocaust through selfless acts. Their names have been engraved on the ‘Wall of Honor’ of the ‘Righteous of the Nations Garden’ at the Yad Vashem Memorial in Jerusalem, Israel. For additional information these four individuals and the ‘Wall of Honour’ may be found at the following link: https://portuguese-american-journal.com/honor-rev-joaquim-carreira-joins-righteous-of-the-nations-garden-wall-of-honor-israel/

Additional information about Portuguese-Speaking may be found on the attached document may be found below called “Did you know” and also in the resources provided by the TDSB Professional Library.

Did you know

TDSB Professional Library: bit.ly/PLPortugueseSpeakingHeritageMonthGuide "

From the TDSB Web

"During the month of June, people across the country mark National Indigenous History Month in recognition of the rights, histories, contemporary realities and extraordinary achievements of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The unique cultures and perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities are celebrated nationally and locally.

On June 21, the TDSB also recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day. June 21st is a day of significance for many Indigenous Peoples in Canada. It marks the day when the Sun is closest to the Earth. It is the longest day of the year and the shortest night. Many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples celebrate Summer Solstice. It is a time that reminds us to remain grounded, humble and appreciative. It is usually celebrated by coming together with family and community for a feast, although ceremonies and traditions are being marked in different ways this year due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional foods are an important aspect of the feast as they signify connection to the land and animals.

Learn more!

• National Indigenous History Month in Canada

• National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada

• Indigenous Education in the TDSB

• Read the TDSB declaration marking June as National Indigenous History Month "