Cultural Diversity/Cultural Awareness

Last year, our school identified a need to increase cultural awareness within our school. In order to do this, several initiatives are underway this year. First, the social justice team, a group of students led by our school chaplain, put together a survey this fall which was administered to both students and staff to determine country of origin and language spoken at home. The results were tabulated by the students and it was determined that 78 countries are represented within our school alone, and many different languages are spoken at home. As a result of the survey, a recommendation was made to purchase 78 flags representing the 78 countries of origin within our school and display them our school’s atrium (main foyer as you enter the school). As a continuation of our school’s cultural awareness initiatives, this February has been designated Diversity Month at our school. Over the month of February, our school will experience a celebration of various cultures. Morning prayer will be in various languages throughout the month. There will be a student assembly. Other student-led activities are also being discussed but are still in the planning stages (e.g., food fair, fashion show, music, etc.).

Update (June 28, 2011)

This project has raised awareness about the diversity existing in our school. Many activities have taken place at the school to highlight various cultures and to celebrate our differences and similarities. This initiative has increased students' sense of belonging and given all students a sense of pride about their heritage.

Update (June 28, 2011)

Student leaders put together a number of activities for the month including an assembly, daily homeroom quizzes, morning announcements and music. The activities enhanced learning and piqued interest in the cultural diversity in our school. Students could be seen checking out the flags- clearly engaged in finding out what flag belonged to which country. Student leaders decided that the month was successful and that they would like to continue with more activities for next year.