News Release
1/17/2018
Aurora, ON – A number of events will be taking place throughout January in York Region District School Board to celebrate Tamil Heritage Month.
Tamil Heritage Month aims to celebrate the richness of the Tamil language and to highlight the vibrant traditions, histories, arts, cultures and contributions of Tamil Canadians. The events are held in partnership with York Region District School Board, Settlement and Education Partnership in York Region, and community agencies.
A few of the events taking place during January include:
School Assemblies
Throughout the month, a number of elementary and secondary schools are holding assemblies on Tamil literature and heritage working in partnership with Centre for Leadership and Innovation and University of Toronto Scarborough Campus Tamil Studies Lecturer Ponniah Vivekanandan. Tamil Heritage Month posters by The Canadian Tamil Heritage Society and resources by staff have also been shared with schools and Board offices.
Poster and Poetry Contest
Students in Grades 3-11 were invited to submit a poster or poem that reflects on Tamil heritage by January 19.
Staff Information Session on Tamil Heritage
January 15, 2018 4:30-7:00 p.m. atMiddlefield C.I., Markham
Information sessions gave staff members, families and community agencies an opportunity to learn more about supporting Tamil students in the classroom, Tamil history and roots, and accessing local Tamil resources and service providers.
Student Forum – Understanding our Roots
January 20, 2018, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. atMiddlefield C.I., Markham
All Grade 6 to 8 students are invited to attend a student forum focused on Tamil heritage. Workshop topics include Tamil culture, traditional games and practices, Silapathikaram and Tamil Canadian identity.
Thai Pongal Celebration with Markham Tamil Organization
January 24, 2018, 6:00 p.m. at Markham D.H.S., Markham
A Thai Pongal celebration with community will take place at Markham D.H.S.
Thai Pongal Celebration with Stouffville Multicultural Association
January 26, 2018, 6:00 p.m. at Stouffville D.S.S., Whitchurch-Stouffville
A Thai Pongal celebration with the Stouffville community will take place at Stouffville D.S.S.
These events are supported by YRDSB’s Inclusive Schools and Community Services and the Educators for Tamil Students’ Success of YRDSB, a network of staff members and administrators who work to support the achievement and well-being of students of Tamil Heritage in the Board. In addition to Tamil Heritage Month activities, the network also hostsUukkamathu Kaividale Awards of Excellence, parent forums and student career guidance seminars.
“Tamil Heritage Month is an opportunity to bring communities together to celebrate and learn more about the rich heritage and contributions of Tamil Canadians,” said Juanita Nathan, Vice-Chair of the Board. “Honouring Tamil Heritage Month and working to support students of Tamil heritage is part of our commitment to create an inclusive learning environment that supports the achievement and well-being of all of our students.”
“We value the uniqueness and diversity of our students, families and communities. We are pleased to have this opportunity to work together with local community partners to honour and celebrate Tamil heritage and culture,” said Paul Woods, Principal, Inclusive School and Community Services.
“As we celebrate the Tamil New Year and Thai Pongol in January, it is wonderful to have these opportunities to bring people together to explore and celebrate Tamil heritage and culture,” said Initha Subramaniam, Teacher Liaison, York Region District School Board.
York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 124,000 students in 177 elementary schools and 33 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow @YRDSB on Twitter.
For more information contact: