NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
*************************
AURORA – York Region District School Board is hosting and participating in a series of events throughout York Region to celebrate Tamil Heritage Month. These events intend to increase awareness of and celebrate the contributions of persons of Tamil descent on the cultural, economic, political and social fabric of Ontario.
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 and workshops on Tamil heritage. Workshops will also be held for International Language programs throughout the month.
Tamil Heritage Month Research Project
Students from Grade 4 to 12 are invited to participate in a research project that provides an opportunity for students and staff to learn about the rich history of Tamils and their contributions to Science, technology, architecture, literacy, numeracy and many other aspects of Canadian culture.
Tamil Student Forum
Jan. 19, 2019, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Middlefield C.I., Markham
All Grade 6 to 8 students are invited to attend a student forum focused on Tamil heritage. Workshop topics include Tamil history, Understanding our Tamil Canadian Identity, Learning to Play Killithatu and Understanding Our Heritage Through Poetry.
Thai Pongal Celebration with Markham Tamil Organization
Jan. 20, 2019, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Middlefield C.I., Markham
A Thai Pongal celebration with Markham Tamil Seniors, Boxwood Tamil Seniors association and the community will take place at Middlefield C.I.
Thai Pongal Celebration with Stouffville Multicultural Society
Jan. 25, 2019, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. at Stouffville D.S.S.
A Thai Pongal celebration with the Stouffville community will take place at Stouffville D.S.S.
“At YRDSB we are excited to celebrate the richness of the Tamil language and its literature, as well as the vibrant traditions, histories, arts, and cultures of Tamil Canadians,” said Aneta Fishman, Principal, Equity Education. “This is also an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of Tamil Canadians to Ontario.”
“Tamil Heritage Month provides an inclusive opportunity for schools to recognize, celebrate, and educate all students about the diverse achievements and contributions of Tamil Canadians in York Region and across the nation,” said Pirasanya Gnanasuntharam, Equity Teacher Facilitator. “Building a collective appreciation for the rich history and culture of Tamils in meaningful ways cultivates a culture of acceptance, inclusion and interconnectedness.”
York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 124,000 students in 178 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.
*************************
