As we prepare to close off another calendar year, we want to thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to students throughout 2024.
This time of year is a great time to reflect on our achievements and consider our goals for the upcoming year. It is also a good time to spend time with friends and family. These dates of significance are happening at this time:
Winter Solstice
Enjoy this reflection by Anishinaabe Kwe woman and Ontario educator Amanda Hardy.
Christmas
Christmas is both a Christian holy day and a national holiday. Take an equity minute from ETFO-Waterloo to consider how to celebrate inclusively.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is the subject of this great educator resource book, A Chanukah Noel, where a young Jewish girl moves to France and experiences her first holiday there.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a 7-day celebration of the African community. Values such as self-determination (“kujichagulia” in Swahili) and unity (“umoja”) are marked each day with a discussion and the lighting of a candle.
International Day of Peace
International Day of Peace, held annually since 1999, starts off each new year with a focus on cultivating a culture of peace.
Ribbon Skirt Day
Ribbon Skirt Day celebrates this important traditional wear worn by Indigenous women. The day is inspired by a brave elementary school girl in Saskatchewan. Learn more about ribbon skirts and this significant day.
Please note that our office will be closed from Monday, December 23 – Friday, January 3, 2025. Your Released Officers will still be available via email; please do not hesitate to reach out if you need support.
Whatever you celebrate, OC ETFO wishes you and yours a safe, healthy, and happy winter holiday season. Remember to take care of you!