Black History Month is front and centre at Delta Secondary.
Through the efforts of staff and administration, students at the Ladner high school are learning more about the month-long tribute and acknowledgment in the classroom and beyond.
That includes in the learning commons area where teacher-librarian Mrs. Loiselle has used her impressive monthly banner displays to recognize prominent and influential individuals along with the Black community’s rich history in the province, including Hogan’s Alley in Vancouver.
Students can use their phone to scan the QR code on the banners to learn more about each individual or subject that is featured.
“At Delta Secondary we are doing our best to bring awareness and education to important topics such as Black History Month through a variety of ways,” explained DSS principal John Pavao. “Our Learning Commons display is one example of how we are actively working towards our Vision 2030 Mission Statement of being: an innovative and inclusive community where all learners belong, and everyone soars. As a school we value diversity and inclusion and strive to ensure that all school activities are inclusive, accessible, and equitable for students.”
Pavao also noted how staff is using the opportunity to bring an awareness and education to their students through a curricular lens.
It includes:
-Ms. Kates and the DSS anti-racism committee’s Black Excellence Day - awareness and promotion by the school's anti-racism team (in conjunction with the district anti-racism committee).
-Ms. Huff's English 12 class examining the Black experience in Canada through the lens of the Desmond Cole documentary The Skin I'm In and through various episodes of the CBC series Being Black in Canada, giving the students a beginning understanding of the history of Black Canadians as well as their modern experiences and contributions to Canadian culture and society, as well as the continued efforts towards social justice.
-Guitar teacher Mr. Dobrovolny teaching several lessons around the history and impact of Black Musicians (music) - history and origins, impact on music genres (rock and roll, blues, gospel) and how these musicians influenced today’s music.
“Teachers and staff are bringing students and classes down to our library to see our Black History Month display and the many books and resources that are available for individuals to learn more about the stories associated with this topic,” continued Pavao. “Our learning commons is a vibrant and interactive space where classes come down to supplement or enrich their learning - learning research and inquiry skills, access to written and digital resources, student presentations, and to see the monthly displays that are created by Ms. Loiselle.”
Other featured banner displays that she has created on a yearly basis include: Remembrance Day, LGBTQ+, Truth and Reconciliation, Freedom to Read, Diverse Voices- Read Around the World, DSS Festival of Dangerous Ideas, DSS FUNctional Math Festival, DSS Criminolgy 12 Murder Mystery, DSS ComicCon and Various Genre Focuses.
