Heritage Day in the Junior Prep
St Stithians Junior Prep has enjoyed celebrating Heritage month with a myriad of activities for One & All. Our children (and staff) participated in discussions around identity as well as the acknowledgement and celebration of the diversity around us. These conversations were sparked and facilitated from structured lessons designed for the JP, by the JP. Embracing this special day by elevating its status from an event to ongoing critical diversity literacy allows us to engage deeply with our students. The values espoused by our Honour Code, School Character and Fruit of the Spirit were integral pillars upon which we structured our lessons.
Our initial thoughts centred on the theme ‘I’. We explored questions such as “Who am I?”, “What makes me who I am?”, “What do I love most about myself?” Young children enjoy sharing their personal journeys and listen attentively to those of their peers. This was the ‘We’. It’s not difficult to identify the similarities which unite us, however for a young child (and adult alike), understanding and accepting that we don't have to agree on our differences can be challenging. As the themes become more intricate, so will the depth of conversation and the learning for all involved. We enjoyed showcasing our attire and sharing the highlights of our traditions. Whether online or onsite, the spirit of Ubuntu was felt by One & All.
Our staff participated in a voluntary "Hype my Heritage: Personalise my Clan" activity. The aim was to commemorate Heritage Day by giving thanks to the various lineages which have culminated in our individual existence. In addition to sharing these amazing stories, staff were asked what legacy they'd like to leave behind. There is much in this world which unites us and we enjoyed celebrating our stories together.
Our student Heritage displays showcased the rich diversity amongst us. The strings which intertwine and mark our roots are proof of our intricately woven lives. Our existence is reliant on that of those around us. How wonderful to be able to honour One & All.
