Neepawa school students celebrate diversity

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Published on Thursday, May 29, 2014

By: Kate Jackman-Atkinson

myWestman.ca

On May 8, students at Hazel M. Kellington School in Neepawa participated in the final Diversity Day of the 2013-2014 school year. 

Held throughout the year, the school’s four Diversity Days celebrated the cultural background of the school’s students.

Due to Neepawa’s rapid growth, HMK has seen an increasing number of students who have come from outside the Neepawa-area, including many from outside Canada. This year, vice principal Corleen McKinnon said that 20 per cent of the students speak English as an additional language.

Diversity Days are just one way the school is celebrating the diversity of the school’s students. In the hallway at the school, there is a map with push pins marking where students have come from. In addition to students from Canada, there are students who were born in almost every continent. McKinnon calls the map “stunning”. “There is a little United Nations of students from all over the place,” she adds.

Last year, the school held a Philippine cultural day, but this year, they wanted to recognize all of the cultures in the school. “We really are so lucky to have people from all over, the kids recognize and celebrate [the diversity].  It brings understanding,” said McKinnon

For Diversity Days, all of the school’s students were split into 18 groups representing different countries and cultures. Where possible, students were placed in their own country or culture of origin.

The students learned about different culture through presentations and interactive activities let by community volunteers. By the end of the year, the students had spent time at eight stations, spending time in two stations during each Diversity Day.  McKinnon said that they wanted to make sure the students had enough time to really learn about the culture, instead of rushing through a brief presentation.

Diversity Days were part of an overall discussion regarding diversity within the school. The students didn’t just talk about cultural diversity, but also diversity of interests and talents. McKinnon said that the goal was to help the students understand that everyone is different but they are all equal, all loved and appreciated.

While students from different countries may be a new experience for long-time students, McKinnon said they have already been exposed to students with differences, such as disabilities and intellectual challenges. “They are so accepting of other kids,” said McKinnon.

The cultural sessions were put on by community volunteers, including parents, teachers and former students. McKinnon praised the response from the community to the school’s request for for volunteers.

“We got an amazing number of responses,” said McKinnon.

While many of the sessions were repeated for each Diversity Day, some changed depending on the season and the availability of volunteers.  For example, in the winter, the students learned about First Nations’ culture by making a quinzy. McKinnon said that one of the most popular activities was the English tea party.

To tie the sessions together, students also made their own paper quilt of diversity, for which each student created their own square. The quilt of diversity is on display in the school’s hallway.

The feedback from students has been positive. Three Canadian-born Grade 4 students, Nathan Babcock, Nyfanawy Brown and Brielle Piett, really enjoyed the experience. “It was really cool... We learned new things,” said Piett.

Brown said that she liked the quilt of diversity. “I like how everybody has something different [on their square].” Regarding diveristy, Brown said that people can be friends with those who have different interests. “If everyone was the same it would get boring.”

Speaking to the students after, they had a good understanding of diversity and acceptance. “We accept everyone... They are human like us, you can’t treat [someone with a different background] differently,” said Brown. “You can’t treat someone differently because they look different,” said Babcock.

Overall, the program was a success and the school received lots of positive feedback. “I saw lots of happy faces, I think [the students] got the message about understanding,” said McKinnon. The also received calls from other schools and school divisions interested in running a similar program.

It’s unknown at this point if Diversity Days will take place next year.

Photo: HMK school students Nathan Babcock, Nyfanawy Brown and Brielle Piett stand in front a map showing where students in the school have come from.