It has been an exciting few weeks at Wesley, leading up to Cultural Day. On the first floor, a colourful display of flags stream from the ceiling in the main hallway. Students can be seen looking at displays celebrating the Lunar New Year and the achievements of Black scientists and inventors. Some have also been looking at the Cultural Quiz bulletin board to check the answers to the weekly quizzes that students have completed to earn valuable House Team points.
On Tuesday, everyone was encouraged to come dressed in traditional attire that reflect their heritage. Those who did not have a special cultural garment to wear showed off their Canadian patriotism instead. There were lots of examples of red & white clothing, Canadian sports jerseys, clothing with the Canadian flag, red and black buffalo plaid, etc.
The day started with a special assembly for the elementary students. There was a sea of colours in the gymnasium when everyone arrived – not only from the clothing and accessories but from the large flags that the Grade 4 students were carrying at the front. To begin the assembly, Grade 1 students shared special greetings in various languages. Next, everyone sang the national anthem in French. This was followed by the Grade 4 classes reciting the Lord’s Prayer in French. It was said a second time by all students in Grades 4-8.
To give thanks for the hope that God has give our world through Jesus, the Grade 5 classes shared some thoughts about that before reciting John 3:16. Then, they sang “Jesus, Hope of the Nations”.
Next, Miss Phillips, who grew up in Nigeria, shared an African fable called “The Gift of Colours”. This tale was about a kingfisher bird who helped an injured woman, after two other birds refused to come to her aid. To reward the kingfisher, the woman painted this plain brown bird with beautiful colours. It was a story of kindness and letting our inner beautiful come forward. Miss Phillips shared that just like when we accept Jesus into our hearts, we become a new creation. We are not only given the gift of salvation but other fruit begin to be displayed such as a caring heart and kindness. She also reminded everyone that we are not too small or insignificant to make a difference. To make her point, she shared the African proverb “If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito”. The Grade 3B class then sang a song called COME AND GO WITH ME – “KUZO MU TAFI CAN” in both English and Hausa, a major indigenous language mainly spoken in the northern part of Nigeria.
Our Grade 3 and 4 emcees then introduced activities that some of our classes have been doing to celebrate or learn more about different parts of the world. For example, the Grade 2 classes shared some photos of celebrations that they have had with their families (such as birthdays, Christmas, Lunar New Year, etc.) The Grade 6 classes have been researching and learning about immigration stories their own families have made to Canada or elsewhere. The Grade 7 class has been learning about and praying for persecuted Christians in various parts of the world. Lastly, the Grade 8 students have been looking at Francophone attractions in the world and creating travel brochures in French for these amazing destinations.
Next, the final results for the Cultural Quizzes were shared. Members of Fry House earned the most House Team points via the most participation and most correct answers for these weekly voluntary activities. Congratulations!
Grade 8 members of the various Chapel Teams and/or Worship Team then came forward to read several passages from Revelation 5 and 7 which recount the vast multitudes of angels and people from all nations who will one day worship God the Father and Jesus – the Lamb of God – in heaven. Everyone then sang “The Revelation Song” , and members of the Prayer & Care Team closed in prayer. They gave thanks for the gift of all the different nations and asked God to help us show Jesus’s love to all created.
To end the assembly, the ELC classes were invited to kick off the “Parade of Nations”. Each of the classes walked around the gym to show their cultural attire and be part of the parade. Once the last group of ELC students exited, the Grade 1 students continued the parade and each subsequent elementary grade followed until everyone exited the gym to begin their academic day.
At lunch time, students and teachers had another opportunity to enjoy one final Cultural Day activity – a special meal! Our wonderful kitchen staff prepared Filipino noodles with vegetables and German style apple cake for dessert. They also served Jamaican patties from Allan’s Pastry Shop!
Enjoy these photos and many more on our Facebook page from this exciting day!