Lasalle Secondary School celebrates Diversity Week May 1st to 5th

Lasalle Secondary School will celebrate Diversity Week from Monday, May 1 to Friday, May 5, 2017.

“Diversity week will bring together and educate staff and students about the benefits of understanding, accepting, and promoting diversity in all its forms within our school,” says Lasalle Secondary School Principal, Maureen McNamara. “This event will give Lasalle staff and students the opportunity to meet diverse people in our community who come from different backgrounds or work in fields where they have a unique perspective to share.”

Diversity Week will kick off on Monday, May 1st at 1 pm with a talk on Poverty, Drugs and Getting Through High School. Young people in the community will share their personal stories about homelessness, mental health and drug use. They will also share ideas on how to spot signs of struggles and ways to help.

Theatre for Social Change will be presented on Tuesday, May 2nd at 2 pm, including a monologue on the Orlando nightclub shooting. There will also be a workshop about healing via the dramatic arts.

On Wednesday, May 3rd at 10 am, students will hear a presentation from the YMCA Newcomers Centre on The Refugee’s Journey. They will learn about the challenges refugees face as they leave their homes to seek asylum and a better life. A Gender Bake Sale will also be held, where students will sell baked goods accompanied with statistics about gender inequity.

Thursday, May 4th will feature two craft workshops from 8:30 am to 11 am. Students will create an Anishnaabe medicine pouch or an “Identity Umbrella,” which breaks down traditional ideas of gender by exploring diverse aspects that make up our individuality. Participants will enjoy a lunch of Mexican, Greek and Italian dishes, provided by La Casa Mexicana.

Diversity Week will culminate on Friday, May 5th at 8:30 am, with a panel discussion representing various community groups in Sudbury. Speakers will share their experiences and help the audience brainstorm ways to help make Sudbury a safe, strong, and more diverse community.

Throughout the week, the Lasalle Diversity Crew will perform guerilla theatre in the cafeteria to further engage students.

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Media Contact:

Maureen McNamara, Principal, Lasalle Secondary School
Rainbow District School Board, 705.566.2280