Welcome to the official blog of the York Catholic District School Board's first board-wide symposium, The Desire for Change. Many people having been working behind the scenes to bring this wonderful event to its fruition. What an amazing opportunity for students and educators to work side-by-side to discover what our school communities can do to truly make this world a better place.
It is no coincidence that this two-day event falls in such close proximity to Remembrance Day. The reality is that the nature of remembrance, especially on November 11th is changing as time goes on. While we must never forget the valiant effort of the brave men and and women who so bravely gave and continue to sacrifice of themselves for our freedom, we also remember those whose lives were so innocently lost due to deliberate acts of persecution, discrimination and genocide. These countless, and often nameless victims of war must also be remembered.
At this year's two-day symposium, we remember the victims of the Jewish Holocaust during the Second World War. On November 4, students from all 15 high schools are invited to listen to first-hand accounts of what it was like to be a child hidden during this horrific event. Students who travelled abroad to Poland and France during the summer will share their experiences of what it was like to visit Auschwitz and reflect on the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe who was martyred there. Schools will be preparing creative interpretations of the acclaimed novel, And the Rat Laughed. On November 10, the same group of educators and students will attend the opera, which is based on the same novel.
This event promises to be powerful and transformational. This blog was established so teachers and students can reflect on their experiences. After the symposium, pictures will be posted as well as a follow-up activity for the symposium. We ask that everyone try to respond. As well, if anyone takes pictures during the symposium, please email them to Christine Cosentino at christine.cosentino@ycdsb.ca and they will be uploaded to this blog. This blog will remain active indefinitely. Individual schools are encouraged to contact Christine Cosentino with updates on current efforts within the school communities. This site can serve as a central resource to get ideas about can be done. With the dedication and creativity that staff and students possess, the possibilities are endless. Share your ideas and stories with everyone!
Please note - this blog is not available on any public listing and cannot be located through any online search engines. This is a secure site and only staff and students of the York Catholic District School Board are invited to participate.
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Great work Chris...I'm really looking forward to being part of this experience!
Kudos to all those involved...We,at York Catholic District School Board, are truly blessed!!!!
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