Creating a Colorful Community: The Story of a Rainbow Crosswalk

Celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion as we take you behind the scenes of the creation of the rainbow crosswalk at Homma Elementary. This colorful and vibrant symbol was brought to life by the passion and hard work of students, staff, and community members.

The crosswalk not only adds a beautiful splash of color to the school grounds, but it also sends an important message of acceptance and inclusivity to the entire community. As the students stated in their letter, "we believe that everyone should be accepted in our community because we are all human and our differences make us special."

Join us on this journey as we share the story of how the rainbow crosswalk came to be and what it means for the Homma school community.

Inspiring Indigenous Representation- A Visit from Author David Alexander Robertson

Inspiring Indigenous Representation: A Visit from Author David Alexander Robertson

The Richmond School District was thrilled to host an author visit from Indigenous writer, David Alexander Robertson. With classes and schools joining virtually from all over the district, Robertson read from his works and engaged in meaningful discussions with students about representation and identity.

Robertson's visit inspired all those who attended. He shared his personal journey of discovering his Indigenous identity and the power of representation in literature. Students were encouraged to explore their own identities and share their stories with others.

Through Robertson's visit, students gained a deeper appreciation for Indigenous representation in literature. They also learned the positive impact it can have on both individuals and communities. The event was a true testament to the power of storytelling and the value of diverse perspectives.

The Other People

Richmond students participated in The Other People panel presentation, an interfaith and intercultural group committed to breaking down stereotypes and biases.

The panel consisted of a diverse group of individuals who responded to student questions on a range of topics. These topics included the appropriateness of listening to particular music, wearing particular clothes, and how students can get involved in antiracism activities. The event provided an opportunity for students to learn from a variety of perspectives and engage in meaningful dialogue about important issues in our community.

The Other People
Celebrating Indigenous Community and Culture

Celebrating Indigenous Community and Culture

On November 29, 2022, the Richmond School District’s Indigenous Success Team organized an evening gathering to celebrate the Indigenous community and culture. The event was held at Matthew McNair Secondary School, where over 100 Indigenous students and their families were warmly welcomed by Indigenous Success Team members.

The Indigenous Success Team introduced themselves and their work. This involves supporting Indigenous students across the district by assessing their needs and developing programming and opportunities for their educational and cultural journey. Each member shared their current projects, and around the gymnasium, there were posters and displays showcasing students participating in various activities.

The Indigenous Community Gathering is one of two major events organized by Indigenous Success Team. Currently, the team is working on another event this spring to continue celebrating and supporting Indigenous students and their families in the Richmond School District.

Me Voici et Les Silhouettes

As part of their French language and culture class, students explored and reflected on their own identities and family backgrounds through a creative project called "Me Voici et Les Silhouettes."

Through this project, students shared various aspects of themselves, including their preferences, passions, and family history. Additionally, students created art pieces that visually represented their identities and personal stories.

The project provided an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of themselves and their classmates. It allowed them to practice their language skills in a fun and engaging way. By reflecting on their individual identities and sharing their stories with each other, students gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse backgrounds and experiences within their own classroom community.

Me Voici et Les Silhouettes
Japanese Internment Study

Japanese Internment Study

Students recently experienced the Journeys Education Japanese Internment Kit. This was a collaborative effort between the Steveston Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Advisory Committee, the Nikkei National Museum Cultural Centre, and the Richmond School District.

The kit aims to educate students on Japanese Canadian experiences during the war, and to encourage empathy and understanding towards different cultural backgrounds. The students were excited and engaged as they delved into the kit, asking questions and making connections. The kit includes a range of resources such as photographs, historical documents, and personal stories from Japanese Canadians interned during World War II.

Through these activities, students can develop critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of historical events. They also learn to appreciate and respect different cultures and the importance of inclusion and diversity.