News Release
5/9/2018
Aurora, ON – York Region District School Board is hosting a series of events throughout York Region schools to celebrate Asian and South Asian Heritage Month. The South Asian Heritage Act of 2001 established the foundation upon which South Asians can see themselves reflected in the fabric of Ontario and our schools.
In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month. This acknowledges the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and provides an opportunity for Canadians across the country to reflect and celebrate the contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage.
“We are delighted to be able to celebrate the rich history and contributions of people of Asian and South Asian heritage in our communities. This is an exciting time and we invite York Region District School Board students, staff and community members to participate in the events being hosted throughout the Board,” said Louise Sirisko, Director, York Region District School Board.
“Asian and South Asian Heritage Month is an excellent opportunity to work with our community partners to celebrate the diversity of our schools and the contributions of members of our Asian and South Asian communities,” said Cecil Roach, Coordinating Superintendent of Education, Equity and Community Services.
Inclusive School and Community Services in partnership with community agencies and Affinity Education Networks will be hosting the following events to celebrate Asian and South Asian Heritage:
May 10 – Educators for Students of South Asian Heritage (ESSAH) Chai House Read-In at Milliken Mills H.S. from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
ESSAH welcomes educators, families and the York Region community to the Chai House Read-In. Participants and audience members can share and read text featuring South Asian Cultures and identities, experience artistic displays and live performances. Please register here.
June 18 – Asian and South Asian Heritage Month Celebration from at Unionville H.S. from 6 – 8 p.m.
This is a family engagement event that includes an evening of interactive booths, educational activities with community partners.
June 20 – Asian and South Asian Heritage Month Celebration at Aldergrove P.S. from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
This is a family engagement event that includes an evening of dance performances, cultural learning and celebration.
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 the York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow @YRDSB on Twitter.
For more information contact: