.png)
June is a month of celebrations and acknowledgments. This month, as is true all year, schools at the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board are committed to creating inclusive learning environments where every student and family is welcome and respected.
Throughout the month, SMCDSB schools will acknowledge the Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month through classroom learning, activities, prayer and more.
Families at home are also invited to learn more and participate in this month’s recognitions.
Please see the resources below:
The Sacred Heart of Jesus
The heart is a well-known symbol for love and life. The Sacred Heart of Jesus represents Jesus’ love for all humankind and the life it gives us. Jesus did not actually have a flaming heart in His chest, but this image helps us understand His strong and burning love for each one of us.
Jesus respected the dignity of all God’s children. It showed in His words and actions. Jesus offered healing, help, and welcome to so many people. He did this regardless of their age, sex, language, ethnicity, culture, or ability.
Jesus emphasized His great love in His ministry. He also shared how much it hurt Him that people did not seem to care for others. The Friday that follows the second Sunday after Pentecost is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
On this feast day, we thank Jesus for His love and sacrifice. We recommit to living and loving as Jesus did. We continue His mission by doing what we can to love all of God’s children and share our faith with them. In this way, we may fulfill God’s plan for His diverse world.
Learn more about The Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Archdiocese of Toronto website.
National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month - a time for all Canadians to reflect upon and learn the history, sacrifices, cultures, contributions, and strength of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Officially recognized in 2009, this month also highlights the importance of learning about the distinct and diverse stories and experiences among Indigenous Peoples - past and present - as part of our shared history.
Learn more about National Indigenous History Month on the Government of Canada Website and see our Board’s Territorial Acknowledgement.
.png "pride month")
Pride Month
The month of June is also Pride Month, when we highlight what inclusion and welcome mean in terms of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and communities across our school board.
Many Two-Spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning individuals have experienced a lack of understanding and acceptance in society (sometimes including verbal or physical violence) because of who they are. We work hard year-round to make our schools and board sites safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for all who study and work in them, and so we stand up against any kind of bullying or exclusion, on account of an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
June is a month to learn more about the diversity and richness of contemporary 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and to explore the joys and sorrows of that history, locally, nationally and around the world. The Rainbow Flag invites us to stand in solidarity, to celebrate—and to remember Jesus’ commandment to us, to love each other in his name.