Heritage Months @ TDSB
January is Tamil Heritage Month
The TDSB is celebrating Tamil Heritage Month. January was chosen as it coincides with one of the most important celebrations for Canadians of Tamil heritage, the Thai Pongal Harvest Festival. Over 75 million Tamil people around the world irrespective of their religion celebrate Thai Pongal.
In 2014, the Government of Ontario, with full consent, passed legislation proclaiming January as Tamil Heritage Month. TDSB proudly marked Tamil Heritage Month for the first time in 2016, and this year’s theme is Pillars of our Past; Shaping the Path Ahead. To explore this theme, students across the system are invited to learn about the rich culture of the Tamil heritage and how their ancestry can shape their future.
Tamil Heritage Month Launch - Tuesday, 16 January 2018 4:30 pm – 6 pm
140 Borough Drive, Scarborough, Meeting Room 3 /4
Tamil Heritage Month Celebration Event - Saturday, 27 January 2018 9 am – 3:30 p.m.
Woburn Collegiate Institute, 2222 Ellesmere Road, Scarborough
February is African Heritage and Chinese Heritage Month
February is African Heritage Month at the TDSB:
February is African Heritage Month at the Toronto District School Board and an opportunity to recognize the experiences, contributions and achievements of African Canadians. This year’s theme is “From Africa to the World.”
Throughout the month of February, we will highlight the many contributions that the African community has made by offering several educational opportunities to our students, staff and the TDSB community. Opportunities include student visits to the ROM to experience exciting exhibits on the theme of Identity and Belonging to attending the Know Your Worth Conference. This conference is a joint collaboration with the TDSB and the Black Law Students’ Association and will take place at York University on February 28, 2018. In addition, students across the Board were invited to submit poster designs and six word essays embracing the theme “From Africa to the World.” The launch will be taking place on Thursday, February 1, 2018, 5050 Yonge Street, Cafeteria, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. All are welcome.
February is Chinese Heritage Month:
The Toronto District School Board is proud to recognize Chinese Heritage Month (CHM) during the month of February. The theme selected by the CHM Planning Committee for this year is “Year of the Dog”. During this month, we celebrate the energetic culture and traditions of the Chinese community with students, staff and community members of the Toronto District School Board and the City of Toronto.
Chinese-Canadians will recognize Chinese New Year on Friday, February 16 with celebrations throughout the month of February. As outlined in the article by Laura Neilson Bonikowsky, and revised by Maude-Emmanuelle Lambert, the Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year. This occasion is celebrated over many days which include a range of activities from fireworks displays, drumming, distinctive foods and arts and crafts. For additional information on Chinese New Year in Canada, please see the following link.
