October is Islamic Heritage Month at the TDSB
~from the TDSB web
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) proudly recognizes Islamic Heritage Month during the month of October since our Board of Trustee passed their motion on June 22, 2016. Our main theme for the month continues to be: Reflect. Celebrate. Learn.
Canadian Islamic Heritage Month is also recognized across our nation since October 2007. Subsequently, since November 2016, the province of Ontario established October as Islamic History Month through the Islamic Heritage Month Act, "proclaiming a month to be Islamic Heritage Month in Ontario will provide all Ontarians, both today and in future generations, with an opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and learn about the rich and longstanding Islamic history in the Province and the diverse roles and contributions of Muslim people in communities across Ontario. This new understanding will turn help combat anti-Islamic sentiment." (Link: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/16i20 )
The TDSB Islamic Heritage Month Volunteer Planning Committee initiated a poster created by photographs provided by author Richard A. Awid with the theme History of Early Canadian Muslims. It will be posted to the TDSB website and shared with all our schools shortly. In addition, we’re excited to release an updated version of the TDSB Islamic Heritage Month Resource Guidebook (2021) as it may be used as an educational tool to learn about the Islamic heritage.
During the month of October several Islamic Heritage Month events are being organized for students, staff and TDSB community members throughout the month of October. TDSB secondary and middle grade students will be invited to attend a virtual event with Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, former American Professional Basketball Player who challenged the International Basketball Federation when informed that she could not participate in the league while wearing a hijab. Bilqis will share the challenges she faced while trying to change this requirement for players.
TDSB community members, students and staff will be invited to a join a virtual event with Master Chef contestant Reem Ahmed and City TV Host Maleeha Sheikh in the upcoming weeks. We will learn about preparing a meal and we’ll hear a candid conversation about Islamophobia and what is like to be Muslim in Canada. Details will be shared (registration required).
Flyer: Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir event: October 21, 2021
Islamic Heritage Month Guide bit.ly/PLIslamicHeritageMonth
Somali Heritage Month at the TDSB - October 2021
~from the TDSB web
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) proudly recognizes Somali Heritage Month during the month of October. The TDSB has been marking Somali Heritage Month since June 2016, and we continue to expand on the selected theme Educate. Elevate. Excel.
In October 2020, the Government of Ontario proclaimed Somali Heritage Week Act, 2020 which will take place on June 25 through July 1.
"By proclaiming the week of June 25 through July 1 as Somali Heritage Week, the Province of Ontario recognizes the economic, political, social and cultural achievements and contributions of Somali Canadians in all aspects of Ontario society. Like many refugees and immigrants who have made Ontario their home, Somali Canadians are proud to be part of diverse communities across the province."
The attached power point is being shared with you as it provides information about the Somali Heritage. Enjoy and learn about us!
Please follow us on Twitter: SomaliHM@TDSB
Somali Heritage Month Guide bit.ly/PLSomaliHeritage
~Women's History Month Canada 2021
Women's History Month was proclaimed in Canada in 1992, where its purpose is to give Canadians "an opportunity to learn about the important contributions of women and girls to our society – and to the quality of our lives today". October was chosen to coincide with the celebration of the anniversary on October 18 of the decision of the court case Edwards v. Canada, more commonly known as the Persons Case, in which it was established that Canadian women were eligible to be appointed senators and in general had the same rights as Canadian men with respect to positions of political power.
A HUGE Thank You to our amazing custodial & maintenance staff & our Teachers for all that you do for our schools and community!
~ from Native Women's Association of Canada
Monday, October 4, is an annual day to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people and their families who mourn them. This is also a day to raise awareness of the disproportionately high rates of violence and victimization that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people experience in Canada. For more information, visit the National Inquiry Into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Girls and Women, Native Women’s Association of Canada and ETFO’s Healing Conversations.
Today marks the start of Mental Illness Awareness Week 2021 (#MIAW21) in Canada. Mental Illness Awareness Week was established in 1990 recognition of efforts by the National Alliance on Mental Illness to educate and increase awareness about mental illness. This is a reminder that there is no health without #MentalHealth. Today & every day, it's important to take care of yourself & seek support if you need it. For more information, please click https://www.camimh.ca/.
For Mental Health and Wellness supports and resources click HERE
September 30, 2021
~from Andrea Chisholm, Principal @ Tom Longboat JPS
~Andrea Chisholm, Principal @ Tom Longboat JPS
Orange Shirt Day is an annual event that started in 2013 to recognize the legacy of the Residential School System for First Nations, Métis and Inuit families and communities. It is a show of support and understanding of the history of the school system that impacts many Indigenous families today.
Since May 2021, recovery efforts have been taking place at former residential school sites across Canada to locate unmarked graves of children who died while in care. Almost 5300 of these unmarked graves have been found to date. With over 150,000 children having entered the residential school system, it is estimated that up to 1 in 20 students did not survive.
Our school’s namesake, Tom Longboat, was also forced to attend residential school. He was able to escape after two attempts.
This year, Tom Longboat JPS will prepared for a memorial on September 30th. Students created 7500 flags with the statement, “Every Child Matters” and planted them on school property. In addition, we showed our support of the Truth and Reconciliation process by wearing orange. Our Junior students tie-dyed shirts orange for the entire school. It was felt that this was the most hands-on way for our students to help prepare for Orange Shirt Day.
For further information, please go to www.orangeshirtday.org. There are many teacher resources from Kindergarten – Grade 12 to utilize leading up to the day, and on September 30th.
Every Child Matters
ACI's Equity committee members share this with us a very powerful message on truth and reconciliation.
The Toronto District School Board is committed to developing opportunities for our wider school community to connect and engage in conversations about education issues. Meetings will be broadcasted live to the public. Click HERE at the start time to view.
Got something you want to share? Send your suggestions or good news stories to Melissa by 4:00PM every Friday