After 25 fulfilling years in the Asia-Pacific region, it should not come as a surprise that I applaud the actions of Heritage Canada, which is marking May as Asian Heritage Month. This year’s theme is: Recognition, Resilience, and Resolve.
Please click here to view a short video statement from the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth of Canada, on Asian Heritage Month 2021.
In our ongoing efforts to build a more equitable and inclusive WIC – in which everyone is encouraged to thrive – how might we seize this opportunity:
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to learn more about the history of Canadians of Asian descent?
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to celebrate their contributions to the growth and prosperity of Canada?
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to combat all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination?
In line with our school values and vision – ‘To be a sustainable community that continuously defines an innovative learning experience and cultivates multilingual, well-rounded, global-minded citizens who embrace change’ – WIC believes in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Let’s help our young people to build their critical thinking skills, to unlock their curiosity, and to forge a deeper understanding of the world around them: ‘Open-minded people don’t care to be right, they care to understand…. Everything is about understanding.’
In this vein, kindly take note of the QAIS-sponsored virtual speaker event for parents. Tiffany Jewell will present on May 13th (evening), on Anti-racist parenting best practices. To register or ask questions, please click here.
Moving forward in the face of growing social diversity, on campus and in the wider community of the West Island and beyond, how are we playing our part in sustaining more equitable and just relationships with others? We can develop greater intercultural sensitivity and understanding through, for example:
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educating ourselves in the experiences of those who are not like us;
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seeing differences of marginalized groups without prejudice or bias;
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interacting comfortably with all people, whether similar or different from us;
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building a connection with diverse groups by showing empathy regardless of difference; and
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addressing traditional blindspots and challenging inequity when we see, hear or experience it.
By taking an inquiry-based and impact-inspired approach in our daily lives, we can role model as adults and help our young people to connect their classroom learning to the curriculum of life. Stronger together… tous ensemble!
I wish you a wonderful weekend.
Eric Jabal
Head of School