Junior School Disability Awareness Week
The Junior School’s paralympic-themed winter carnival was the kick-off to our first Disability Awareness Week. The goal was to end the stigma for those with disabilities, and to bring awareness of the barriers faced by people living with disabilities.
This week, it was put out there; it was a week filled with eye-opening, thoughtful conversations that were integrated into a variety of lessons and experiences for all of our students. There was a large emphasis on what people are able to do, not just the challenges they face. We now know that we need to work to counteract the stigma, which involves more than simply not bullying or treating someone badly. It is an active process to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Two-time paralympian Shane Risto from Variety Village, highlighted the week as he shared his story while facilitating wheel chair basketball and sledge hockey with all of the Junior School students. Each student was challenged to reflect on how things could be different for those with disabilities.
Some of these experiences included discovering how those who are hearing impaired can enjoy music, and learning about the accomplishments and life stories of Stephen Hawking, Stevie Wonder and Rick Hansen.
It is incredible how the students embraced this opportunity to delve deep and break the stigma associated with disabilities.
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.
