Student Tackles Social Justice Action Project in World Cultures
A major part of the Grade 12 World Cultures course each spring is a social action project where students identify an area of equity, social justice or cultural diversity in which they are interested. They research their topic and develop a plan for an initiative that would foster change in their area. The students not only develop critical thinking and organizational skills, but emerge with a feeling that they have helped promote positive change no matter how big or small.
As part of his social action project, Alex Totten ’23 saw an opportunity to help a charity close to both his and his family’s hearts, 360°kids in Richmond Hill. According to its website, “360ºkids serves over 3,500 youth each year from every municipality in York Region. The name 360ºkids refers to the comprehensive approach that the organization takes in assisting at-risk youth and surrounding them with care, recognizing that these kids need a wide range of support to help them rebuild their lives.”
Coming from a family of avid skiers, Alex approached his family and friends for gently used winter coats to donate to the youth shelter. After the initial collection, Alex then posted flyers around his community to collect even more coats, bringing his donation to nearly 50. He also personally donated sleeping bags to 360ºkids after learning that the shelter was in desperate need of them.
According to his teacher, Mr. Downer, “Alex has really taken on this project with conviction and should be very proud of the results he achieved. He delivered the goods last Friday and 360ºkids was thrilled to take possession of such a generous donation.”
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
