Black History Month
February is Black History Month. ETFO offers a plethora or resources and curriculum documents on etfo.ca and members.etfo.ca, including a Black Canadian Calendar to support teachers in ensuring that the lives of Black Canadians are embedded into elementary classrooms throughout the year. For more information, please contact Matthew Sinclair msinclair@etfo.org.
Heart & Stroke Month
February is also Heart & Stroke Month. Children are naturally energetic, but without encouragement they can become inactive. These days, children spend more and more time sitting – in class, on a school bus, using the computer, playing video games or watching TV. As a result, more than half of Canadian children aren’t active enough for optimal health and development. Children of all ages benefit from physical activity. Physical activity strengthens their hearts and lowers their risk of developing heart disease and stroke as they age. Get them to start early! Active kids are more likely to become fit adults. How much physical activity do kids need? Find out.
1 – World Hijab Day
February 1 is World Hijab Day, bringing awareness to the millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab and live a life of modesty. Nazma Khan came up with the idea as a means to foster understanding by inviting women from all walks of life to experience the hijab for one day annually.
2 – Groundhog Day
On February 2, North Americans look to our furry burrowed friends to relieve us of the cold! On Groundhog Day, legend has it that watching a groundhog emerge from its burrow can determine the weather forecast for the coming weeks. If the groundhog sees its shadow, it goes back to sleep for six more weeks of winter. If the groundhog does not see its shadow, it means the worst of winter is over and spring will soon arrive!
11 – International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Globally, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11. Be heard, pledge to equality, join the global network, or register your activity. #February11 is celebrated globally in different ways, big and small.
14 – Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day comes around on February 14, offering an opportunity to teach students about love, kindness and social-emotional skills by turning celebrations into fun learning opportunities. Enjoy some tips for teachers and parents.
15 – National Flag of Canada Day
National Flag of Canada Day commemorates when, on February 15, 1965, the red and white maple flag was raised for the very first time on Parliament Hill. Celebrate with fun and interactive activity kits for all ages!
17 – Family Day
On February 17, it is Family Day in Ontario.
20 – World Day of Social Justice
World Day of Social Justice is February 20. The Global Coalition for Social Justice was formally established in November 2023 and now has more than 300 partners internationally, working together to bolster multilateral cooperation and encourage concrete actions at all levels to address social justice gaps; accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals; and champion social justice.
21 – International Mother Language Day
Learning in one’s mother tongue enhances comprehension, engagement, and critical thinking, particularly for marginalized communities. Despite this, linguistic diversity is under threat. On February 21 we celebrate UNESCO’s International Mother Language Day, which reaffirms the importance of linguistic diversity and multilingualism in fostering dignity, peace, and understanding.
25 – The Education Foundation’s Toonie Tuesday
Help support OCDSB students in need through the Education Foundation’s Toonie Tuesday campaign, kicking off February 25 (but you can donate now!). Every single toonie is an investment in a student’s potential! Funds raised will support initiatives that provide the tools that students need to succeed such as access to food, clothing and the ability to participate in meaningful activities.
26 – Anti-Bullying / Pink Shirt Day
Freshen up your fuchsias and press your pastels – February 26 is Pink Shirt Day! This annual anti-bullying campaign aims to bring awareness that 1 in 5 kids are affected by bullying, as well as raise funds to support programs that foster children’s healthy self-esteem.
The 2025 Pink Shirt Day design is all about cultivating a community of kindness. Just like tending to a garden, together we can each help nurture a sense of belonging where we live, work, and go to school. It all starts with small gestures— a kind word, an offer of support or understanding. If we plant enough, pretty soon, more will be sprouting up all around us! By sprinkling these seeds of empathy and compassion, we can work towards a world without bullying and “Let Kindness Grow” through all of our community gardens.
