1285 Williams Parkway Brampton Ontario, Canada, L63 3J8
Phone: 905-791-4324 Fax: 905-791-8861
Principal: Scott Moody Vice-Principal: Teralyn Phipps
Williams Parkway
Happenings
June, 2016
What a great way to spend our last
month of school celebrating
together. Most importantly our
graduates who have worked so hard
for the past 3 years as they move on
to high school. This month was filled
with lots of wonderful activities that
were planned for all of the students
ranging from Camp Kilcoo to The
Blue Jays game.
Wonderful Achievement in Peel
It was a pleasure to have our very
own Alysha Frey present her speech
on the impacts of social media to
the Director Mr. Tony Pontes, fellow
trustees, and members of the board.
Mr. Pontes described her speech as
a “very fitting topic for today’s
time…Alysha was amazing”. Mrs. S.
Patel, her teacher said that, “I am
very proud of Alysha and it was a
wonderful experience to be a part
of this great experience”.
Grade 8 Graduation
1285 Williams Parkway Brampton Ontario, Canada, L63 3J8
Phone: 905-791-4324 Fax: 905-791-8861
Principal: Scott Moody Vice-Principal: Teralyn Phipps
It is finally that time of the year, when
we say goodbye and wish our grade
8’s luck as they move on to high
school. To celebrate this prestigious
and memorable occasion, we held
a graduation ceremony followed by
a dance at Red Rose Convention
Centre. Let’s bid farewell to our
grade eight students, and wish them
all the best on the next chapter of
their lives, high school.
Some of our 2016 recipients are; 2016
Valedictorian: Erika Miggiani,
Principal’s award: Jagatjot R, Vice
Principal’s Award: Ricky E, Jordan P,
Malcolm W, O.P.C. Leadership
Awards: Arleen H, Shreya J, Anamika
S, Brooke S, IBT Business Award:
Naomi B, Riya U, John Mudie Service
award: Debbie T, and a great thanks
to Mrs. Beams for working with
Debbie throughout the years.
Excellent Work!
WP Working With the Community in
Toronto
Our Community Outreach group
had the opportunity to go
downtown Toronto with our Vice
Principal Ms. Phipps. They went to
The St. Francis Table location within
the Parkdale community. Students
helped to prepare meals, took
orders, served the meals and did the
clean-up afterwards. A great lesson
for our young students to learn the
importance of paying it forward.
The 2016 House Team Winner is…
After an entire year of friendly
competitions, house league points,
and restless waiting, we finally have
a winner! The winning house Team
for 2015-2016 are the Eagles!!! On
June 23, 2016, to celebrate their
victory, The Eagles participated in a
fun day of activities and group
challenges outdoors. A Big thank you
to staff from the City of Brampton
and some of our teachers who
delivered a day of programming to
our students. Everyone enjoyed their
time to connect and have fun with
each other. While this year Eagles
may have been victorious,
remember, there is always next year!
Music News
Spring Concert/Coffee House
It was absolutely amazing watching
the WP band and choir perform at
1285 Williams Parkway Brampton Ontario, Canada, L63 3J8
Phone: 905-791-4324 Fax: 905-791-8861
Principal: Scott Moody Vice-Principal: Teralyn Phipps
this year’s Concert. The productions
included; the choir singing, band
performances and bucket
drumming. The band performed
songs such as "Shake It Off", "All
About That Bass", "Everything Is
Awesome" that took some of the
teachers and parents down to
memory lane. Mrs. Brown another
Huge Congratulations on a
successful performance. The
proceeds raised went to support the
WP Music Program to purchase 4
new instruments for next year's new
band program!
Mr. Peet took on the BIG role taking
the lead for this year’s Coffee House
Production. Students were able to
perform various songs, dances and
acts in front of an intimate group in a
cozy setting. The proceeds collected
also helped the Music department.
Great job Mr. Peet and all of our
future Star Performers.
South Asian Show
Williams Parkway is a diverse and
multicultural school. We celebrated
one of our rich cultures by hosting a
“South Asian Show”. Students
performed cultural dances, played
instruments, and educated their
peers through various speeches and
multimedia presentations. We all also
had the opportunity to see the
traditional clothing of the south
Asian community during a fashion
show. The students of WP indeed
explored an exotic culture from Asia.
Curriculum Connections and
Engaging Activities
Grade 7-Junior Achievement-
Dollars with Sense
The grade 7 students had the
wonderful opportunity to learn
practical life skills, creating a
personal profile about budgeting
and prioritizing needs, wants and
goals. This allowed students to make
decisions about learning to use their
money wisely for their future. Thank
you to volunteers from The Royal
Bank and teachers who spent an
engaging day with the students.
Main topics included: discussing
money management, exploring
different methods of payment, being
a SMART consumer and being safe
about online shopping.
Celebrating our Grade 6 and 7’s
June 28, 2016 was a great day of
celebrations. We had an afternoon
assembly to celebrate the success of
1285 Williams Parkway Brampton Ontario, Canada, L63 3J8
Phone: 905-791-4324 Fax: 905-791-8861
Principal: Scott Moody Vice-Principal: Teralyn Phipps
our grade 6 and 7 students. Mrs. S.
Patel in her speech for the Student of
the year quoted, “Congratulations
to all of the students sitting here, you
are all a great group to teach”.
Some of our successful recipients
are: Grade 6 Students of the Year
Jessica P, Esther P, Grade 7 Makayla
T, Serb S, Grade 6 Most Improved
Julia B, Most Improved Grade 7,
Umar B, Gurjot C. Great Work!
Camp Kilcoo
On June 13-17th, 187 grade 6/7/8
students experienced a week of fun,
outdoor activity, and adventure at
Kilcoo Camp. Located in Minden,
Ontario. Kilcoo Camp is one of the
most prestigious camps in Ontario
and the opportunity for our students
to experience all that camp has to
offer is priceless. While challenging
their comfort zones and channeling
their enthusiasm our students and
staff participated in various activities
such as canoeing, archery, games,
fire building, environmental games,
fishing, cottage games and aerial
courses. For many students, this was
their first time staying away from
home! Doing so in a supportive and
safe environment was a
beneficial opportunity of a lifetime.
Many memories were created
during the week. We look forward to
next year’s trip already!
Electives/Trip Week
As numerous students were gone to
camp “Kilcoo”, students remaining
had the opportunity to enjoy various
activities. During electives, students
had the opportunity to pick two fun-
filled activities that they desired to
participate. Some of these activities
included; henna, animation, trivia,
board games, sports, origami, etc.
The W.P. family also gathered in the
gym, to enjoy a movie!! “We
thoroughly adored watching
Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles… It
was a day filled with excitement and
great pleasure” Mahip said.
Bowling
The students of W.P. went bowling on
June 16th, 2016. During the trip,
students had the opportunity to
challenge their friends in a game of
Bowling at Brunswick Bowl. This was
surely an exciting, entertaining, and
engaging experience.
1285 Williams Parkway Brampton Ontario, Canada, L63 3J8
Phone: 905-791-4324 Fax: 905-791-8861
Principal: Scott Moody Vice-Principal: Teralyn Phipps
Wonderland
The students of W.P. had the chance
to relish a warm summer day at the
famed Canada’s Wonderland. They
enjoyed many rides, and had a
great time bonding with their fellow
peers.
Blue Jays Day
June 14, was a special day at the
Roger’s Centre that welcomed over
40,000 visitors, majority celebrating
School Safety Day. WP students had
the opportunity to watch the Blue
Jays play the Phillies. Our victorious
Jays won the game with a score of
11-3.
Sports at WP
Baseball
The athletic panthers of W.P. bring
yet another banner back to the
school, and make us all proud!
Overall, the girl’s baseball team
came in 2nd in the entire tournament,
to be precise, the girls won 5 rounds
and lost just 2. It is claimed that the
championship round was extremely
close. All in all, it is no surprise that
W.P. has some athletic talent!
Conclusively, “Congratulations to this
group of talented young athletes,
who never gave up” claimed Mrs.
Hogarth.
The boys team started off the season
with a practice, during the
tournament the boys had a lot of
fun. Great season Team!
Track And Field
To appreciate and celebrate
Williams Parkway’s athletic talent, we
hosted a “Track and Field Day”. This
day was filled with physical activities
for our students to compete in, or just
simply enjoy the exquisite day! Some
of the activities included; discus
throw, running events, long jump,
and javelin. While, all of our students
performed brilliantly and
demonstrated great sportsmanship,
there were some who stood out.
Medals were given out to
appreciate their success; Darrien
and Akash were a few of the top in
the school. There were additional
ribbons handed out to other students
as well. This was surely a day filled
with friendly competition, enjoyment,
and great spirit. Our top athletes also
1285 Williams Parkway Brampton Ontario, Canada, L63 3J8
Phone: 905-791-4324 Fax: 905-791-8861
Principal: Scott Moody Vice-Principal: Teralyn Phipps
performed at the track meet at
Chinguacousy park.
Girl’s Soccer
Williams Parkway's athletic ability has
already proven itself to be
exceptional, and girls soccer is no
exception. It is claimed that this
group of athletic girls were energetic
and positive. It is clear that the girls
enjoyed this friendly competition.
"The girls had a lot of fun, they
played a tough pool" stated their
enthusiastic coach, Mr. Peet. The
athletes of W.P., all age or gender,
have absolutely made us proud. This
was without a doubt a successful
year in terms of sports for W.P!
Girls On The Go
The girls of The Girls On The Go group
have participated in a variety of fun
activities throughout the year. Some
of which were; self-defence, healthy
eating, crafts, Yoga, aerobics,
dance, team-building workshops
etc. As you can tell girls on the go
promotes a healthy lifestyle for the
young ladies to pursue, and builds
healthy relationships. This month, the
girls had the fantastic opportunity to
go fishing at Professor’s Lake. The
previous months the girls learned
about fishing equipment and safety
procedures. It was definitely a new
learning skill and experience for the
girls.
Technology News/IBT News
Mme. McNeilage and her animation
group have worked to create
various projects using animation
technology. They use the program
“Toon Boom” to create story boards,
which result in a final animated
video clip. Mme. McNeilage
presented the great creations of our
creative animators during a school
wide assembly. Their work is greatly
appreciated.
IBT Band Performs at Wonderland
The Wonderland band Performance
was a success. The adjudicator
applauded all 3 bands for all of their
hard work, dedication and talent!
The adjudicator got up on stage with
the choir and sang and danced with
them! Everyone enjoyed the day.
1285 Williams Parkway Brampton Ontario, Canada, L63 3J8
Phone: 905-791-4324 Fax: 905-791-8861
Principal: Scott Moody Vice-Principal: Teralyn Phipps
It seems like just yesterday it was a
brand new year at Williams Parkway,
and here we are at the end of this
unquestionably divine school year! A
message from all of our staff at
Williams Parkway: Have a Safe and
Happy Summer with your family and
friends. We will see you back on
September 6, 2016.
First day of school will be September
6, 2016. Have a Safe and Happy
Summer!
June Writers and Photographers
Student: Mahip Sasan
Teachers: Mrs. S. Patel, Mrs. Baraniecka,
Mrs. Brown, Ms. N. Patel, Mrs. Mr.
Vallance, Ms. Marchant, Ms. Flynn, Mr.
O’Reilly, Mr. Peet, Mr. Marcovivi, Mrs.
Brown, Ms. Phipps)
(Photography: Mrs. Gill, Mrs. Hogarth,
Mr. Banerjee, Mrs. Brown)
Williams Parkway School Website:
http://schools.peelschools.org/1424/Pa
ges/default.aspx
1285 Williams Parkway Brampton Ontario, Canada, L63 3J8
Phone: 905-791-4324 Fax: 905-791-8861
Principal: Scott Moody Vice-Principal: Teralyn Phipps
Peel Board News
Celebrating Faith and
Culture
July 2016
DATE
CELEBRATION
FAITH AND CULTURE
July Xmaay Aboriginal Spirituality Evening of June 30 to July 1
Lailat-ul-Qadr Islam
July 1 Jamatul Widha Islam July 1 Canada Day Canada June 29 to July 3 Ghambar Maidyoshem Zoroastrianism July 6 Eid ul-Fitr Islam July 9 Martyrdom of the Bab Bahá'í July 11 Imamat Day Islam July 12 to 30 the month of Kalimát Bahá'í July 18 Navroze Zoroastrianism July 19 Asalha Puja Day Buddhism July 19 Poson Buddhism July 19 Vassana Buddhism July 19 Guru Purnima Hinduism and Jainism July 22 Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s
Enlightenment Buddhism
July 23 Khordad Saal Zoroastrianism July 30 Oh-harai-taisai Shinto July 31 to August 18 The month of Kamál Bahá'í
July 2016
The Peel District School Board is a mosaic of many cultures and faiths from all over the
world. To commemorate this diversity, the board recognizes the special faith and culture days of our communities. July 2016 has several special faith and culture days to celebrate and remember. July - Xmaay in Aboriginal Spirituality Xmaay is celebrated by Nisga'a people of the Nass Valley in northwest British Columbia. It is the season when Nisga'a people gather ripe summer berries. Evening of June 30 – July 1 - Lailat ul-Qadr in Islam Lailat ul-Qadr is the holiest night of the holy month of Ramadan. It is also called the "Night of Power," as Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad first received God's revelation (Qur'an) on this night. Followers spend the night in worship. July 1 - Jamatul Widha in Islam Jamatul Widha also known as Juma-tul Widha is observed on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan. Prayers offered on this Friday are extremely significant to followers of the faith. They believe that any lapses in prayers during the year can be recompensed by offering heartfelt prayers on this day in the mosque. July 1 - Canada Day in Canada On July 1, Canada will celebrate its 149th year since Confederation. Canada Day celebrates the events that occurred on July 1, 1867, when the British North America (BNA) Act created the Canadian federal government. The BNA Act proclaimed "one Dominion under the name of Canada," hence the original title of the holiday, "Dominion Day." Dominion Day was
1285 Williams Parkway Brampton Ontario, Canada, L63 3J8
Phone: 905-791-4324 Fax: 905-791-8861
Principal: Scott Moody Vice-Principal: Teralyn Phipps
officially renamed "Canada Day" by an Act of Parliament on October 27, 1982. June 29 to July 3 - Ghambar Maidyoshem in Zoroastrianism Ghambar Maidyoshem, also known as the mid-summer feast, celebrates the creation of water, the sowing of the summer crop and the harvesting of grain. July 6 - Eid ul-Fitr in Islam Eid ul-Fitr is the first day of the 10th month (Shawwal) in the Islamic calendar and follows Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is a time of rejoicing. Eid is a day of peace, forgiveness and thanksgiving when Muslims assemble to celebrate and to offer their gratitude to Allah. July 9 - Martyrdom of the Bab in Bahá'í This Bahá'í holy day commemorates the events surrounding the death of the Bab by a firing squad in Persia at noon on July 10, 1850. To commemorate this day, Bahá'í followers read special prayers at noon and suspend work for the day. July 11 - Imamat Day in Islam On this day, Ismaili Shia followers of Islam commemorate the anniversary of the succession of their present Imam, the Aga Khan, who ascended the throne of religious leadership on July 11, 1957. July 12 to 30 - the month of Kalimát in Bahá'í In the Bahá'í calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute of God. July 12 is the beginning of Kalimát, the seventh month of the Bahá'í calendar, signifying "words." The Bahá'í day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day.
July 18 - Navroze in Zoroastrianism Noruz (also known as Pateti or Navroze) is New Year's Day for Zoroastrians who follow the Qadmi calendar. It will be the year 1386 YZ for adherents. Temple-worship, feasting and community interaction are central to Noruz celebrations. Auspicious symbols adorn doorways of homes. On the traditional Noruz table believers display: a copy of the Gathas a lit lamp an afrigan a bowl of water containing live fish a shallow earthenware plate with
sprouted wheat or beans for prosperity flowers for colour a silver coin for wealth painted eggs for productivity sweets and rosewater in bowls for
sweetness and happiness seven foods beginning with 'sh' and 's'
to symbolise creation
"Sal Mubarak," meaning Happy New Year, is the greeting offered.
July 19 - Asalha Puja Day in Buddhism Asalha Puja Day also known as Dharma Day, marks the beginning of Buddha's first teaching to his original five disciples. The event is also known as "The First Turning of the Wheel of the Dharma (Dharmachakra)". Dharma Day is usually celebrated with readings from the Buddhist scriptures and reflecting on their content. Dharma Day also commemorates Kwan Yin (a Buddhist goddess), - the Bodhisattva of Compassion's "setting on the path" of Dharma. July 19 - Poson in Buddhism The Poson festival commemorates the anniversary of the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Buddha's disciple
1285 Williams Parkway Brampton Ontario, Canada, L63 3J8
Phone: 905-791-4324 Fax: 905-791-8861
Principal: Scott Moody Vice-Principal: Teralyn Phipps
Mahinda (son of Emperor Ashoka) in 3rd century B.C. The festival is celebrated annually on the full moon day in June. July 19 - Vassana in Buddhism Celebrated on the full moon, Vassana marks the beginning of the three-month Rains Retreat for Buddhist monks and nuns in the Theravada tradition. Monks are prohibited from leaving the temple during the retreat. July 19 - Guru Purnima in Hinduism and Jainism. Guru Purnima also known as Vyas Purnima, is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Ashadh (July or August). It commemorates Ved Vyas, the sage who is considered the original guru (one who helps dispel darkness) by Hindus. He classified the Vedas and wrote the Puranans and the Mahabharata, the significant Hindu scriptures. Adherents of both faiths offer puja (worship) and read the scriptures on this day. July 22 - Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva's Enlightenment in Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhists offer prayers to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas on this day. Adherents reflect on his Day of Enlightenment and practice his taught path to achieving enlightenment (spiritual realization and attainment) by chanting mantras, reading sutras and meditating. This day commemorates Avalokitesvara's ordination in the path of the Buddha and practice of the Bodhisattva.
July 23 - Khordad Saal in Zoroastrianism
Zarathushtra (Zoroaster in Greek; Zarthosht in India and Persia) is the founder of Zoroastrianism. Historians and religious scholars generally date his life sometime
between 1500 and 1200 BCE. His birth anniversary, Khordad Saal, is recognised by members of the Zoroastrian faith following Qadmi calendar on this day.
July 30 - Oh-harai-taisai in Shinto The Shinto Grand Purification Ceremony is observed twice a year to obtain purification from sins and offences committed during the proceeding half year. As part of the ceremonies, Japanese worshippers typically walk through a large ring of woven grass upon entering the shrines for observances. July 31 to August 18 - The month of Kamál in Bahá'í. In the Bahá'í calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute of God. July 31 is the beginning of Kamál, the eighth month of the Bahá'í calendar, signifying "perfection." The Bahá'í day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day.
Celebrating Faith and Culture August 2016
DATE
CELEBRATION
FAITH AND CULTURE
August Wiihoon Aboriginal Spirituality July 31 to August 18 The month of Kamál Bahá'í August 1 Civic Holiday Canada August 1 or 2 Lammas Wicca August 5 Farvardegan Zoroastrianism August 6 and 19 Transfiguration Christianity Sunset of August 13 to 14 Tishah B’Av Judaism August 17 Dharma Day/Ullambana Buddhism August 17 or 18 Raksha Bandhan Hinduism August 17 Navroze Zoroastrianism August 19 to September 6 The month of Asmá' Bahá'í
1285 Williams Parkway Brampton Ontario, Canada, L63 3J8
Phone: 905-791-4324 Fax: 905-791-8861
Principal: Scott Moody Vice-Principal: Teralyn Phipps
August 22 Khordad Saal Zoroastrianism
August 24 or 25 Sri Krishna Janmashtami Hinduism August 30 Paryushan Parva Jainism August - Wiihoon in Aboriginal Spirituality Wiihoon is celebrated by Nisga'a people of the Nass Valley in northwest British Columbia. It is the season of Sockeye with big heads and noses. It is important to the Nisga’a people for late summer salmon runs. July 31 to August 18 - The month of Kamál in Bahá'í. In the Bahá'í calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute of God. July 31 is the beginning of Kamál, the eighth month of the Bahá'í calendar, signifying "perfection." The Bahá'í day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day. August 1 - Civic Holiday in Canada Civic Holiday also known as Simcoe Day in honour of the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, John Graves Simcoe, is celebrated on the first Monday of August. In Ontario it is one of two provincial public holidays. August 1 or 2 - Lammas in Wicca Lammas, also known as Lughnassadh, is the first of three harvest festivals celebration. Many followers consider it the beginning of the fall season. Spring fruits and seeds are reaped at this time. Baking bread, especially made of corn – first of the harvested crop – is very sacred to this Sabbat. Lugh, the Sun God, begins to lose his strength at this time and eventually dies at winter solstice. August 5 - Farvardegan in Zoroastrianism
Farvardegan or Muktad days are annual ten days prayer ceremonies that followers of the faith undertake for the fravashi of their departed relatives. Fravashis are ever present spiritual essences in the world. Zoroastrian followers of the Qadmi calendar begin the observance from this day. They observe cleanliness and purity at the highest level during these days. August 6 and 19 - Transfiguration in Christianity .Transfiguration is the feast celebrating the transfiguration of Jesus in the presence of his three apostles – Peter, John and James while praying on Mount Tabor. The Eastern tradition of Christianity celebrates Transfiguration on the 19th. Susnset of August 13 to 14 - Tishah B'Av in Judaism. Tishah B'Av is a major fast day for followers of Judaism. The fast commemorates the destruction of the First Temple built by King Solomon by Babylonians and the Second Temple by Romans 656 years apart forcing Jewish people into exile. August 17 – Dharma Day/Ullambana in Buddhism. Ullambana festival chiefly reinforces the concept of filial piety. It signifies the importance of performing "good deeds" to accumulate spiritual merit. Most significant is to share the merit with the departed souls. Most believers pray to their departed relatives and their living parents and elders on this day. August 17 or 18 - Raksha Bandhan in Hinduism. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi festival is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Shravan – tenth month of Hindu calendar. The day commemorates the relationship and bond between brothers
1285 Williams Parkway Brampton Ontario, Canada, L63 3J8
Phone: 905-791-4324 Fax: 905-791-8861
Principal: Scott Moody Vice-Principal: Teralyn Phipps
and sisters. On this day, sisters tie Rakhi (a bracelet made/woven from silk or cotton thread) on their brothers’ wrist for protection and also as a blessing. August 17 - Navroze in Zoroastrianism Noruz (also known as Pateti or Navroze) is New Year's Day for Zoroastrians who follow the Shenshahi calendar. It will be the year 1386 YZ for adherents. Temple-worship, feasting and community interaction are central to Noruz celebrations. Auspicious symbols adorn doorways of homes. On the traditional Noruz table believers display: a copy of the Gathas (scriptures) a lit lamp an afrigan a bowl of water containing live fish a shallow earthenware plate with
sprouted wheat or beans for prosperity flowers for colour a silver coin for wealth painted eggs for productivity sweets and rosewater in bowls for
sweetness and happiness seven foods beginning with 'sh' and 's'
to symbolise creation
"Sal Mubarak," meaning Happy New Year, is the greeting offered. August 19 to September 6 - The month of Asmá' in Bahá'í. In the Bahá'í calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute of God. August 19 is the beginning of Asmá', the ninth month of the Bahá'í calendar, signifying "names." The Bahá'í day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day. August 22 - Khordad Saal in Zoroastrianism
Zarathushtra (Zoroaster in Greek; Zarthosht in India and Persia) is the founder of Zoroastrianism. Historians and religious scholars generally date his life sometime between 1500 and 1200 BCE. His birth anniversary, Khordad Saal, is recognised on this day by members of the Zoroastrian faith who follow the Shenshahi calendar. August 24 or 25 - Sri Krishna Janmashtami in Hinduism. Sri Krishna Jayanti, also called Gokulashtami or Janmashtami, commemorates the birth of Krishna. This festival is a two-day celebration. The main celebrations in temples are held at midnight – the time of his birth on the first day. Followers fast on this day. Processions or rathyatras are taken out by devotees for communal prayers and celebrations. Pooja on the first day lead into festivities on the second including feasts and raas, a dance with two sticks in a circle. August 30 - Paryushan Parva in Jainism Paryushan celebrates spiritual awareness and practice. It is the most important festival for followers of Jainism. Shwetambar Jains celebrate it for eight days, and Digambar Jains celebrate it for 10 days. It is the period of repentance for the acts of the previous year and of austerities where Jains remember and practice the doctrines of their faith, including non-violence, a non-attachment to the material world, and a belief that every living thing has a soul and spirit. Many fast for the whole week and practice abstinence. Ideas for celebrating special faith and cultural days in your school
1285 Williams Parkway Brampton Ontario, Canada, L63 3J8
Phone: 905-791-4324 Fax: 905-791-8861
Principal: Scott Moody Vice-Principal: Teralyn Phipps
If you have a colleague who celebrates one of these days, don't forget to offer them best wishes! If you have students in your school who are followers of any of the listed religions: - Make sure the dates are included on your school calendar - Have your principal announce the day over the PA system - Hold an assembly to talk with students about the importance of these days - Include a mention of these days in your school newsletter - Include information on your school website - Display student artwork announcing these days or depicting their ideas about these days - Invite a member of a local faith group to come in and discuss the significance of this day with students
- Have class discussions about these days - Ask some of your students who celebrate certain holidays to write a short essay on how they celebrate this day at home. Have them read it to the class to share this celebration with the other students.
- Have parents offer a cultural session Questions? If you would like any more information on how to celebrate these days, please call Varsha Naik, Community Liaison Coordinator at 905-890-1010, ext. 2573 or e-mail her [email protected]
Canada Zoroastrianism
Islam