Black History Month

This month, as we celebrate Black History/African Heritage Month, we all have an opportunity to learn more about and honour the many contributions made by people of African and Caribbean heritage – both historical and more recently which have helped to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today. 

Martin Luther King Jr. wrote: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically … Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”

These ideas, like so much of what he wrote and said, continue to resonate today. As our director, J. Parappally has stated; "In York Region, they are evident in our commitment to provide equitable and inclusive learning and working environments.... Nearly 50 years after his death, Martin Luther King Jr. continues to inspire others with his words, actions and the strength of his commitment to social justice and inclusion."

In our classrooms at Westminster, our students in all grades are clearly relating to this message in a variety of learning opportunities. For example, in our Grade 1/2 class, our students made a connection between having a growth mindset and a discussion about Dr. King's work with social justice. Here's an sample of their thoughts...    

"Dr. Martin Luther King had a growth mindset because he thought everyone should be special. Everyone should be great. Dr. Martin Luther King had a growth mindset because he thought the law was wrong and he thought white and black people should be together.  Dr. Martin Luther King had a growth mindset because he said love when others said hate."  
By Duncan  (Grade 2 Ms Einhorn) 

I couldn't have said it better myself....