Islamic History Month
October
Islamic History Month
On October 25, 2007, the Parliament of Canada officially declared October as Islamic History Month in Canada. The goal of this month is to highlight contributions by Muslims to the world and provide Canadians with an opportunity to learn more about Islamic heritage as an element of our Canadian fabric.
“Through dialogue, awareness and finding opportunities to embed information in Canada's national cultural heritage is the sum total of the way Canadians from every background and every walk of life identify and express themselves. Islamic civilization does not belong only to Muslim Canadians, but to all Canadians. In fact, for more than 1,000 years (about 600 AD through 1600 AD), Muslims made significant contributions to the well-being of humanity in numerous fields of endeavour. There are so many good stories to share and new learnings to experience; we intend to do all that, and more, during Islamic History Month Canada.” - Senator Mobina Jaffer, Honourary Chair, Canadian Islamic History Month
Islamic civilizationsintroduced many discoveries such as coffee, navigation, flight and advances in medicine. Through dialogue, awareness and finding opportunities to embed information in the curriculum, related to the rich Islamic History, DDSB students and educators will continue to see themselves represented in the curriculum, classroom, and school community.
At ***** Public School, we will be acknowledging Islamic History Month by……
October
Hispanic Heritage Month
Ontario is home to more than 400,000 first-, second- and third-generation Canadians of Hispanic origin. As early as 1914, Canadians who originated from the 23 Hispanic countries began immigrating to the province and today the Hispanic community is one of the fastest growing in Ontario. Hispanic-Canadians represent a dynamic community that has made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Province of Ontario.
October is a significant month for the Hispanic community. Each year, during the month of October, peoples of Hispanic origin around the world come together and pay tribute to their shared culture. Celebrations are held around the world, such as Hispanic Day (Dia de la Hispanidad), the Day of the Cultures (Dia de las Culturas), Day of the Race (Dia de la Raza), Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity (Dia del Respeto a la DiversidadCultural), Day of Indigenous Resistance (Dia de la Resistencia Indigena), and the commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month in North America. In 2014, the City of Toronto joined in this commemoration and officially named October as Hispanic Heritage Month.
By proclaiming the month of October as Hispanic Heritage Month in Ontario, the province recognizes the rich contributions of Hispanic-Canadians to our social, economic, political and multicultural fabric. Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about the outstanding achievements and contributions of Hispanic people in the province.
October 17
International Day of the Eradication of Poverty
The observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty can be traced back to October 17, 1987. The theme for this year is “Moving from humiliation and exclusion to participation: Ending poverty in all its forms,” to highlightthe social, emotional, psychologicalaspects of poverty that affect people’s lives and their human dignity. By looking at the multidimensional aspects of poverty, it is hoped that a greater awareness and understanding will be brought to the issue.
Poverty Youth Strategy (Research Partnership with Brock University) – During the month of October, the Durham District School Board will begin a research partnership with Brock University at three Secondary School sites (Brock H.S., G.L. Roberts CVI, and Pine Ridge S.S). The research will take on a narrative inquiry approach where participants (students, administrators, parents, and teachers) will share their experiences on the impacts of poverty. Through this research methodology, theoretical conceptualizations will arise to inform the Durham District School Board’s Youth Strategy.
October 18-22 –Diwali (Hinduism)
For people who identify as Hindu, Diwali is the most popular festival of the year and means "garland of lights." Diwali lasts five days and the most important celebration takes place on the night before the new moon appears. During Diwali, Hindus light oil lamps (diyas) or candles in honour of Lakshmi, Vishnu's wife, the goddess of good fortune, wealth and happiness. People exchange Diwali greetings and gifts like dried fruit and sweets.