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.
This year’s artist is Destinie Adelakun.
The images in this year’s poster spans generations and continents to tie the past, present, and future. It features traditional West African folklore, imagery, and concepts with curriculum based African Canadian history and the importance of looking to the future. #FutureGriot is a hashtag that captures the reality that all Black students will ascend from their present experience of being learners to one day being the keepers of history and knowledge which can be shared through the long-kept practice of oral storytelling. As the title makes clear, every journey that Black Canadians are on, means we are never alone as our ancestors are always with us.
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. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science 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 Ramadan
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, 17 February, with the first fast expected to be on Wednesday, 18 February. Ramadan is one of the most sacred months in the Islamic calendar, observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion to Allah. More than just fasting, Ramadan encompasses worship, charity, and community, making it a cornerstone of faith and practice in Islam.
17 Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar. In 2026, Lunar New Year falls on February 17th, kicking off the 16-day Spring Festival. The Lunar New Year in 2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Celebrated by millions around the world, this is a time for cultural traditions, family reunions, and hopes for good fortune in the coming year.
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.
