Every Child Matters! On this day, we sincerely wear orange clothes!
As we begin the new academic year, you may notice something striking if you're familiar with or have experienced Canadian culture: around this time of year, many people across Canadian streets and campuses wear orange T-shirts with the words "Every Child Matters" emblazoned on them.
This might be your first"cultural surprise" in Canada, but what's the story behind it?
The Origin of Orange Shirt Day
The history of Orange Shirt Day goes back to a dark chapter in North American history when European colonizers established the Indian Residential Schools (IRS) system in Canada and the United States.
In 1973, a young Indigenous girl named Phyllis Webstad, who lived on the Dog Creek reserve near Williams Lake, British Columbia, was excited to attend one of these residential schools. Despite their financial struggles, her grandmother bought her a new orange shirt to mark the occasion. However, upon arriving at the school, Phyllis's shirt was confiscated, never to be returned. This moment left her feeling stripped of her identity and culture, and the orange shirt became a symbol of that painful experience.
Decades later, in 2013, Phyllis shared her story, sparking the creation of Orange Shirt Day, a movement to honor the survivors of residential schools and remind the world of the lasting impact of this difficult history. Since then, Orange Shirt Day has gained national recognition across Canada and has even reached international audiences.
CIS commemorated
Orange Shirt Day with
a special event on October 14th.
Understanding the History
of Orange Shirt Day
Students learned about the history of the Indian Residential Schools in Canada, the origins of Orange Shirt Day, and the injustices Indigenous children faced in these schools. Through these lessons, students reflected on the serious consequences of racism and cultural discrimination, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity.
Creating Their Own Orange T-Shirts
Each student had the opportunity to design their own orange T-shirt, featuring the powerful message "Every Child Matters."
They also participated in a symbolic ceremony, tying orange ribbons, with their names written on them, onto a railing to honor the children affected by residential schools. Additionally, students collaborated to create a large T-shirt display, which is now showcased in the school’s main hall.
Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch
In addition to Orange Shirt Day activities, CIS also hosted a Canadian Thanksgiving potluck. Teachers and students shared a traditional Thanksgiving meal that included carving and enjoying turkey.
This communal lunch provided a platform for our international students to share their own cultural traditions, sparking conversations about the similarities and differences between various cultures. Through these exchanges, students developed a deeper appreciation for multiculturalism and learned the value of respect and understanding across different cultures.
Capturing the Moment: The "Family Photo"
As a symbol of unity and mutual support, students and teachers, all dressed in their orange shirts, gathered on stage to take a memorable “family photo.”
This photograph represents CIS’s commitment to standing against bullying and protecting every child. Together, we hope that acts of kindness and love will make bullying a thing of the past.
CIS is proud to be the only K-12 international school in the Greater Bay Area approved by both the Chinese and Canadian governments.
Our students are registered with the Canadian government upon enrollment, and after completing their high school education, they are awarded an official Canadian diploma, paving the way for entry into prestigious universities worldwide.
CIS: A School with
a Global Perspective
At CIS, we place a strong emphasis on cultivating our students’ global perspective and competence.
In 2017, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) launched the PISA 2018 Global Competence Framework at Harvard University, defining global competence as the ability to critically analyze local, global, and cultural issues, understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, engage in respectful communication, and take responsible action toward collective well-being and sustainable development.
At CIS, we understand that the physical and mental well-being of teenagers is a matter of great concern for the entire community. Building strong character is at the heart of quality education. Through meaningful events like Orange Shirt Day, we aim to bring a little more color and warmth to every child's heart, ensuring they grow in an environment that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and respect for all.
