EVERYBODY HAS A STORY - 2019-2020 Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Calendar
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EVERYBODY HAS A STORY
Burnham Public School
2019–2020
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Calendar
The Kawartha Pine Ridge Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Calendar 2019-2020
Living, learning and leading equitably and inclusively.
One of the many responsibilities of a school district is to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all students and employees with diverse backgrounds. The Kawartha Pine
Ridge District School Board (KPR) believes in the power of education to change thinking, attitudes and behaviours. The Board remains committed to identifying and
eliminating systemic barriers that limit the academic success and life chances of students, as well as the career opportunities of employees. The Board’s Equity, Diversity
and Inclusion Committee operates with a mandate to promote and raise awareness of issues relating to equity, diversity and inclusion.
For the fourteenth consecutive year, members of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee challenged schools to create art commenting on themes related to
equity, diversity and inclusion. The theme for this year’s calendar is Everybody Has a Story. To account for a variety of learning needs and styles, school communities were
encouraged to use diverse media. Their goal was to portray ways in which students, staff and community members can foster positive change that builds a more fair,
inclusive and equitable society.
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Calendar represents a partnership among students, staff, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Human Resource Services,
and KPR Corporate Affairs. It aims to serve as a resource for students, staff and school communities. It celebrates the creativity of KPR students and provides information
about:
• Significant equity and diversity dates recognized by the United Nations, Canada and Ontario
• Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Islamic and Sikh holy days and feasts
• Dates of significance to communities within the KPR district (e.g., First Nations and Métis)
• Canadian civic holidays
• Equinox, solstice and daylight savings dates
• The KPR Board Calendar.
An electronic version with accompanying resource suggestions is available within the online Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource Library on the Board’s website at
www.kprschools.ca
Special thanks go to the many individuals who supported this project, including:
• Each student, educator, volunteer and staff member involved in creating artwork
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee members
• Alderville, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha First Nations
• Peterborough Pride Committee
• Trent University, Department of Indigenous Studies
• Staff and community organizations who suggested holy days, feasts and days of significance
• Karen Owen, Graphic Designer in KPR Corporate Affairs.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at KPR
KPRDSB supports the advancement of equity, diversity, inclusion and respect for the dignity of all persons within the community. In collaboration with students, staff,
trustees and community partners, the team supports student achievement through just and fair working and learning environments. We are guided primarily by the
principles and practices mandated under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Ontario Human Rights Code, Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan, the
Education Act, the Safe Schools Act, Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Occupational Health
and Safety Act.
In collaboration with all departments and programs, KPR:
• Implements the Board’s equity-related policies and administrative regulations
• Develops and ensures adherence to our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
• Involves community partners in equity and diversity initiatives
• Provides anti-discrimination education within the system
• Develops capacity among staff and students to advance equity, value diversity, and create more inclusive and respectful environments
• Creates and disseminates resources that enhance understanding of, and across, diverse communities.
The Board has an advisory Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee that consists of representatives from all employee groups. The mandate of this committee is to
address equity, diversity and inclusiveness in educational, human resources and business services of the Board, and to provide leadership and direction in the areas of
equity, diversity and inclusion.
The Board has undertaken many equity-related actions to support safety and student achievement. These include:
• ontinuing the Board’s Creating Safe and Positive Spaces initiative to build safer and more accepting schools and workplaces for students, staff and community
C
members who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirit, or questioning (LGBTQ+), as well as for their allies, friends and families.
• Offering staff professional development, modeled after the Harmony Movement’s Educator’s Equity Workshop.
• Updating Board policy to include flying the Pride Flag at all KPR schools throughout June, National Pride Month.
• Affirming equity as a pillar of our education system.
• Providing ongoing training to staff, including new employees, supervisors and aspiring leaders.
• Supporting individuals and families through KPR’s Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Accommodation Guidelines for Staff and Students.
• reating opportunities for student voice through school equity groups, the Social Changemakers Conference, Board-wide Gender and Sexual Diversity Conference,
C
Igniting Student Voice Workshops and a variety of guest speakers.
• Supporting ongoing compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, including continued implementation of KPR’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.
• Supporting continued implementation of Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy.
Participation and involvement with community organizations are critical to the success of KPR’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. Strategic partnerships and
involvement include:
• Barrie Regional Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy Network of School Boards, Ministry of Education
• EGALE Canada, Safer and Accepting Schools workshops supporting KPR’s Creating Safe and Positive Spaces staff development initiative
• The Harmony Movement Equity Leadership Training Program for students
• Settlement Workers in Schools program partnership with the New Canadians Centre
• Membership in the Rainbow Youth Coalition, Gender Journeys Advisory Group and the YWCA’s Week Without Violence Committee.
In addition to these partnerships, we continue to be engaged with school boards, organizations, and community agencies and members locally, provincially and
nationally.
If you would like additional information about Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at KPR, please visit the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource Library at www.kprschools.ca.
Queen Mary Public School
SEPTEMBER 2019
Index of Holy Days
Leaves Turning Colour Moon – Waabbabagaa Giizis
(Anishinaabe - First Nations) Month of September
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – At this time of the year
the leaves begin to change colour from green to yellow,
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY orange, red and brown. The literal translation of this
moon in Ojibwe is “the fading of the leaves.”
1 2 1 3 2 4 3 5 4 6 7 Mabon/Harvestide (Wiccan)* – September 23
Mabon falls on the Autumn Equinox and marks the
middle of harvest. It is a time of equal day and equal night
when nature is in balance. During this time, thanks are
given to the earth for its bounty.
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)* – September 30-October 1
Rosh Hashanah celebrates New Year as harvest ends. It is a
time for reflection and self-assessment for the community
Leaves Turning Colour and for individuals, as well as a time for promoting
Moon – Waabbabagaa
Giizis (Anishinaabe – Labour Day universal peace and well-being.
First Nations) Schools & Board closed First Day of School Navratri (Hindu)** – September 29-October 7
8 5 9 1 10 2 11 3 12 4 13 14 A festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil,
Navratri honours God as a mother figure - an element that
is unique from many other religions. Women traditionally
plant nine different seeds at this time, in honour of the
goddess Durga.
Significant Dates
Powley Day – September 19
Celebrates the Supreme Court decision in R. v. Powley,
which granted Métis Harvesting Rights, especially
International Literacy Pride Week important at this time of year.
Day (UN) Peterborough begins
International Day of Peace (UN) – September 21
15 5 16 1 17 2 18 3 19 4 20 21 This day is dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace,
both within and among all nations and peoples.
Orange Shirt Day – September 30
Recognizes the history and sad legacy of residential
schools, while promoting reconciliation and hope for
future generations. The annual theme is Every Child
Matters.
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
International Day of International Day of
Democracy (UN) Peace (UN) **This date may vary based on moon sightings, local
Terry Fox Run Peterborough Pride or regional customs
(Community) Powley Day Parade
For more information and resources related to these
22 5 23 1 24 2 25 3 26 27 28 dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
Elementary School Days
1 2 3 4 5
Pride Week Autumn Equinox National Terry Fox
Peterborough ends Mabon/Harvestide School Run Day Professional Activity Day
29 4 30
AUGUST 2019 OCTOBER 2019
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 31
Navratri **
Orange Shirt Day
Navratri begins ** Rosh Hashanah begins *
Central Public School
OCTOBER 2019
October is...
Autism Awareness Month (Can)
Canadian Library Month
Islamic History Month (Can)
Learning Disabilities Awareness Month (Can)
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Women’s History Month (Can)
5 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 Index of Holy Days
The Falling Leaves Moon – BinaaKawii Giizis
(Anishinaabe - First Nations) Month of October
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – This is the month
when the leaves fall to the ground, preparing Mother
Leaves Falling Moon –
BinaaKawii Giizis Earth for the coming months of winter. For more
(Anishinaabe – information on local Full Moon Ceremonies go to
First Nations) www.facebook.com/groups/16994197269 or contact
Navratri ** International Day of Trent University Department of Indigenous Studies.
Rosh Hashanah ends * Non-Violence (UN) Navratri ** Dussehra (Hindu)** – October 8
World Habitat Day (UN) Navratri ** Navratri ** Navratri ** World Teachers’ Day (UN) Dussehra continues from Navratri festivities to celebrate
the triumph of good over evil. It honours the Goddess
6 4 7 5 8 1 9 2 10 3 11 12 Durga.
Yom Kippur (Jewish)* – October 8-9
Day of Atonement is the year’s holiest day and a day of
fasting to re-establish oneness with God.
Simchat Torah (Jewish)* – October 21-22
Simchat Torah marks the end of Sukkot, a joyous
occasion concluding with the synagogue reading of the
Torah (Pentateuch).
German Pioneers Day
Dussehra ** (ON) Diwali (Hindu)** – October 27
Navratri ** Navratri Ends ** Yom Kippur * Yom Kippur * This festival of lights features lanterns, flowers, electric
lights and oil lamps called Adiyas. Gifts are also
13 14 4 15 5 16 1 17 2 18 19 exchanged.
Birth of the Báb (Bahá’í)* – October 29-30
Observes the birth of the Báb, one of two founders of
Bahá`í and Proclaimer of the faith.
Significant Dates
Persons’ Day (Canada) – October 18
Commemorates the date in 1929 when England’s Privy
Council decided that women were indeed persons and
International Day for the therefore entitled to all the rights of persons under
Thanksgiving Day Eradication of Poverty
Schools & Board closed World Food Day (UN) (UN) Persons’ Day (Can) the law. This reversed the 1927 decision by Canada’s
Supreme Court that the word “person” did not include
20 3 21 4 22 5 23 1 24 2 25 26 women. It also created the opportunity for women to
be appointed to the Canadian Senate.
Hallowe’en – October 31
Stems from Celtic origins and marks a time when people
believed spirits of the dead crossed over into the world
of the living for one night. Many people wear costumes
and children visit homes in their neighbourhoods to
receive candy.
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
Professional Activity Day **This date may vary based on moon sightings, local
Simchat Torah* Simchat Torah* United Nations Day (UN) (Secondary Schools only) or regional customs
27 3 28 4 29 5 30 1 31 For more information and resources related to these
dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
SEPTEMBER 2019 NOVEMBER 2019 Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Diwali Birth of the Báb* Birth of the Báb* Hallowe’en
Edmison Heights Public School
NOVEMBER 2019
November is...
Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month (KPR)
Index of Holy Days
Freezing Moon – Baashkaakodin Giizis (Anishinaabe
- First Nations) Month of November
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – The weather is getting
2 1 2 colder and the ground begins to freeze; soon the snow
will come to cover the ground for another winter.
OCTOBER 2019 DECEMBER 2019 Samhain (Wiccan)* – November 1
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Samhain literally means “summer’s end” and marks the
end of harvest and beginning of winter. It is considered
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
to be one of the most powerful times of the year when
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 the veil between the spirit world and the world of the
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 living is at its thinnest. Samhain is a time to honour
Freezing Moon – ancestors, mourn those who have died in the last year,
27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 Baashkaakodin Giizis
(Anishinaabe – and reconnect and make contact with the dead.
First Nations) Mawlid al-Nabi (Muslim)* ** – November 9-10
Samhain* A quiet festival marking Muhammad’s birth and death.
3 3 4 4 5 5 6 1 7 2 8 9 Birthday of Guru Nanak (Sikh) – November 12
Born in the 1400s, Guru Nanak was the founder of
Sikhism.
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Sikh) –
November 24
Bahadur became a martyr and hero in 1675 when he
was beheaded for refusing Islam at a time when it was
being enforced.
Day of the Covenant* (Bahá’í) – November 25
Commemorates Bahá’u’lláh’s promise about the work
Daylight Savings Time Birth of Baha’u’llah* that his son and successor, Abdu’l-Bahá, would do in the
ends Mawlid al-Nabi* name of the Bahá’í faith.
Ascension of Abdu’l-Bahá (Bahá’í) – November 28
10 3 11 4 12 5 13 1 14 2 15 16 Abdu’l-Bahá was Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son and successor,
and was famed for his 1911-1913 teachings in Europe
and America, which spread the Bahá’í message to the
western world.
Significant Dates
Remembrance Day (Can) – November 11
A national day of observance to honour the lives of
the many people who served Canada in times of war,
International Day of
Remembrance Day Tolerance (UN) military conflict and peace. It is important to recognize
World Diabetes Day the diversity of Canada’s veterans, and the contributions
Mawlid al-Nabi* (Can) Birthday of Guru Nanak (WHO) Louis Riel Day (ON)
and sacrifices made by all Canadians who served,
17 3 18 4 19 5 20 1 21 22 23 including men, women, immigrants, First Nations, Métis,
and Inuit people.
Transgender Day of Remembrance – November 20
The Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes
those who have been murdered because of transphobia,
anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. This day also raises
public awareness of hate crimes against transgender
people and acknowledges one of the most prevalent
Transgender Day of causes for bullying: gender identity and expression.
Bullying Awareness and Remembrance Bullying Awareness and * Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
Prevention Week begins Universal Children’s Day Prevention Week ends **This date may vary based on moon sightings, local or
(ON) (UN) Professional Activity Day (ON) regional customs
24 2 25 3 26 4 27 5 28 1 29 30 For more information and resources related to these
dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
Day of the Covenant*
International Day of
Elimination of Violence
Against Women (UN) International Day of
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh White Ribbon Campaign Solidarity with the
Bahadur begins (Can) Ascension of Abdu’l-Bahá Palestinian People (UN)
Norwood District Public School
DECEMBER 2019
Index of Holy Days
Little Spirit Moon – Mnidoo Giiz’soons (Anishinaabe -
First Nations) Month of December
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – As December isn’t always
too blustery and stormy just yet, that type of weather is
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY attributed to the work of the “Little Spirit.”
1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 1 6 7 Bodhi Day (Buddhist) – December 8
Date of Siddhartha Gautama’s realization and
presentation to fellow seekers of the Four Noble Truths.
Yule (Wiccan) – December 22
A time to hold vigil together through the longest night
of the year and at the dawn welcome the turning of
National Day of the wheel and the return of the light. It is a time for
Little Spirit Moon – Remembrance and ritually shedding the impurities of the past year and for
Mnidoo Giiz’soons Action on Violence contemplating avenues of spiritual development in the
(Anishinaabe – International Day of Against Women (Can)
year ahead.
First Nations) International Day for the Persons with Disabilities International Volunteer White Ribbon Campaign
World AIDS Day (UN) Abolition of Slavery (UN) (UN) Day (UN) ends (Can) Hanukkah (Jewish)* – December 22-30
The Jewish “Festival of Lights” celebrated for eight
8 2 9 3 10 4 11 5 12 1 13 14 days to commemorate the victory of the Maccabees
over Hellenistic Greeks in the 2nd century before the
Common Era, and to celebrate the power of God and the
faithfulness of Israel.
Christmas (Christian) – December 25
Honours the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe
is the Son of God.
Kwanzaa (African-Canadian and American) –
December 26 - January 1
International Human A holiday based on the African tradition of celebrating
Bodhi Day Rights Day (UN) the harvesting of the first fruits (Kwanzaa means “first”).
Kwanzaa was recreated and introduced in the U.S.
15 2 16 3 17 4 18 5 19 1 20 21 by California college professor Dr. Maulana Karenga
in 1966. The celebration has now spread worldwide;
Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions of people in Africa, the
Caribbean, Europe, and North America.
Significant Dates
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (UN) –
December 3
This day promotes awareness and mobilizes support for
International Migrants’ International Human critical issues related to the inclusion of persons with
Day (UN) Solidarity Day (UN) Winter Solstice disabilities in society.
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 National Day of Remembrance and Action on
Violence Against Women (Can) – December 6
On December 6, 1989, 14 women at l’École
Polytechnique de Montréal were killed in a gender-
based act of violence. In 1991, the Parliament of
Canada declared December 6 to be the National Day
of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against
Women. The day now represents a time to reflect on
Boxing Day (Can) the phenomenon of violence against women-identified
Christmas Day (Christian) Hanukkah* Hanukkah* people in our society and to speak out against all forms
Hanukkah* Hanukkah* Hanukkah* Hanukkah* Kwanzaa Kwanzaa Hanukkah* of violence against women and girls.
Yule* Schools Closed Schools Closed Schools Closed Schools Closed Schools Closed Kwanzaa International Human Rights Day (UN) – December 10
This day is meant to build awareness of the Universal
29 30 31 Declaration of Human Rights as the common standard
of achievement for all peoples and all nations.
NOVEMBER 2019 JANUARY 2020
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S * Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
1 2 1 2 3 4
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 **This date may vary based on moon sightings, local or
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
regional customs
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 For more information and resources related to these
dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31
Hanukkah* New Year’s Eve Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
Hanukkah* Kwanzaa Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa Schools Closed Schools ClosedJames Strath Public School
JANUARY 2020
January is...
Tamil Heritage Month (ON)
Index of Holy Days
Spirit Moon – Mnidoo Giizis (Anishinaabe - First
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Nations) Month of January
1 2 3 4 Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – This month is usually
cold with many unpredictable storms, as if some unseen
DECEMBER 2019 FEBRUARY 2020 force was at work; the howling wind and the snapping
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S of the twigs from the frost add to the idea of a “Spirit” at
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1
work.
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh (Sikh) - January 2
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Spirit Moon – Mnidoo Guru Gobind Singh instituted the five items of faith
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Giizis (Anishinaabe – worn by Sikhs – Kesh, Kanga, Kara, Kaccha, Kirpan – and
First Nations)
29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 established the Order of the Khalsa.
Kwanzaa Birthday of Guru Gobind
New Year’s Day Singh Epiphany (Christian) – January 6
Originates from a Greek word meaning “to show” and
Schools Closed Schools Closed Schools Closed World Braille Day
signifies the time when Jesus was revealed to the world.
5 2 6 3 7 4 8 5 9 1 10 11 Christmas (Orthodox) – January 7
See December Index.
Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)** – January 10
While Buddhists all over the world celebrate the New
Year at different times, Mahayana Buddhists observe it
with special rituals, prayers, songs, food and gatherings
on the first full moon day in January.
Makar Sankranti (Hindu) – January 15
Makar Sankranti observes the first Hindu festival of the
Epiphany (Christian) Christmas Day solar calendar year.
Schools reopen (Orthodox) Mahayana New Year**
World Religion Day (Bahá’i/Multifaith)* – January 19
12 2 13 3 14 4 15 5 16 1 17 18 World Religion Day was instituted by the Bahá’i
community in 1950 to help foster interfaith
understanding and harmony. Occurs on the third
Sunday of January.
Lunar New Year – January 25
Lunar New Year is celebrated among Chinese,
Vietnamese and Korean populations, as well as among
followers of Buddhism.
Significant Dates
Makar Sankranti World Braille Day – January 4
World Braille Day recognizes the contributions of Louis
19 2 20 3 21 4 22 5 23 1 24 25 Braille, creator of the braille code, and brings awareness
about the challenges faced by individuals who are
visually impaired.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 20
This day celebrates the life and achievements of Martin
Luther King Jr., for his role as a civil rights leader in the
fight for racial equality.
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local or
Martin Luther King Jr. regional customs
World Religion Day* Day Lincoln Alexander Day Secondary Exams Begin Lunar New Year
For more information and resources related to these
26 2 27 3 28 4 29 5 30 31 dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
Family Literacy Day (Can)
International Day of
Commemoration in
Memory of the Victims of
the Holocaust (UN) Professional Activity DayQueen Elizabeth Public School
FEBRUARY 2020
February is...
Black History Month (Can)
Chinese Heritage Month
National Inclusive Education Month (Can)
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Index of Holy Days
Bear Moon – Mkwa Giizis (Anishinaabe - First
1 Nations) Month of February
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – Towards the end of this
JANUARY 2020 MARCH 2020
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S month, many of the animals that hibernate begin to stir
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 and come out of hibernation. The bear is said to be the
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 one that sleeps the longest.
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Paranirvana/Nirvana Day (Buddhist)** – February 15
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 This festival marks the Buddha’s death, enlightenment
26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31
and freedom from physical existence. The day is
marked by special readings, meditations about loss,
Bear Moon – Mkwa Giizis impermanence, and the newly deceased, visiting
(Anishinaabe –
First Nations) temples or monasteries, and exchanging food, money,
household items and clothes. It is celebrated by some
2 1 3 2 4 3 5 4 6 5 7 8 on February 8.
Maha Shivaratri (Hindu) – February 21
Celebrates Shiva, one of the deities of the Hindu Trinity.
Losar (Buddhist) – February 24-26
Tibetan New Year lasts for three days. People visit
monasteries, make offerings, and put purification at the
forefront of their appearance, feasts, and rituals to drive
away evil spirits.
Shrove Tuesday (Christian) – February 25
Marks a day of penitence, cleansing the soul and
Groundhog Day Semester 2 begins celebration before the Lent fast begins.
9 1 10 2 11 3 12 4 13 5 14 15 Lent (Christian) – February 26 – April 9
Lent is the season of penance and prayer before Easter.
It is a time when Christians remember the 40 days and
nights Jesus spent alone in the desert without food.
Significant Dates
Valentine’s Day – February 14
People pronounce or reaffirm their love for someone,
Paranirvana/Nirvana
Day** often by sending cards or giving gifts.
National Flag Day of Anti-Bullying Day (Can) – February 26
Valentine’s Day Canada (Can) The last Wednesday of February is known as Anti-
Bullying Day in Canada. It’s also known as “Pink Shirt
16 17 1 18 2 19 3 20 4 21 22 Day.” It originated as a protest against a homophobic
bullying incident at a Nova Scotia high school (Central
Kings Rural High School). On this day participants
are asked to wear pink to symbolize a stand against
bullying. Many also recognize the Day of Pink in April in
a similar way.
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local or
International Mother regional customs
Family Day (ON) World Day of Social Language Day (UN)
Schools & Board Closed Justice (UN) Maha Shivaratri For more information and resources related to these
dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
23 5 24 1 25 2 26 3 27 4 28 29 Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
Anti-Bullying/Pink Shirt
Day (Can)
Losar Lent begins
Losar Shrove Tuesday LosarClarke High School
MARCH 2020
March is...
Bangladeshi Heritage Month
Hellenic Heritage Month (ON)
Index of Holy Days
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Snow Crust Moon – Naabdin Giizis (Anishinaabe -
1 5 2 1 3 2 4 3 5 4 6 7 First Nations) Month of March
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – March is often a time of
snow, sleet and freezing rain forming a slippery crust of
ice on top of the snow. This month is known as the time
when you can walk on top of the snow.
Holi (Hindu)** – March 10
Honours creation and renewal as a spring festival
associated with Krishna.
Snow Crust Moon – Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í)* – March 19
Naabdin Giizis The Persian new year celebrates unity, joy and
(Anishinaabe –
First Nations) Lent (Orthodox) hospitality with a feast of seven items beginning with
the letter “s” (in Farsi). A great deal of time is spent with
8 5 9 1 10 2 11 3 12 13 14 a gift exchange and attending social gatherings.
Purim (Jewish)* – March 9
Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish
community, described in the Biblical Book of Esther.
Significant Dates
International Women’s Day – March 8
International Women’s International Women’s Day is a worldwide celebration
Day (UN) of women, peace and human rights. Typically occurring
Daylight Savings Time Holi* March Break during International Women’s Week, this is a time for
begins Purim Holi* All schools closed all people to reflect on the impacts of violence against
women and girls and to commit to helping end it.
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
International Day for the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination – March 21
International Day for As a response to the massacre in Sharpeville, South
the Elimination of Racial Africa in 1960, the International Day for the Elimination
Discrimination (UN) of Racial Discrimination calls on citizens to take action to
Week of Solidarity with eliminate racial discrimination, and build more inclusive
March Break the Peoples Struggling and accepting communities.
March Break Against Racism & Racial
All schools closed Discrimination (UN) Earth Hour (Global) – March 28 (8:30 - 9:30 pm)
March Break Ostara All schools closed Journée de la begins A global event asking households and businesses to
March Break All schools closed March Break Naw-Rúz * Francophonie (Can) World Down Syndrome conserve energy by turning off non-essential lights
All schools closed St. Patrick’s Day All schools closed Spring Equinox Ostara Day (UN) and electrical appliances for one hour. This hour raises
22 4 23 5 24 1 25 2 26 3 27 28 awareness of the need to take action on climate change.
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local or
regional customs
For more information and resources related to these
dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
International Day of
Remembrance of the
Victims of Slavery and
the Transatlantic Slave
World Water Day (UN) Trade (UN) Week of Solidarity ends Earth Hour
29 4 30 5 31
FEBRUARY 2020 APRIL 2020
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 1 2 3 4
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 26 27 28 29 30
National Aboriginal
Language DayCharles Bowman Public School
APRIL 2020
April is...
Earth Month (Can)
Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month (Can)
Sikh Heritage Month (ON)
Index of Holy Days
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Maple Sugar Moon – Ziisbaakdoke Giizis (Anishinaabe -
1 1 2 2 3 3 4 First Nations) Month of April
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – The month of April is an
active time for those who tap the maple trees for their sap
MARCH 2020 MAY 2020 and turn it into maple syrup and sugar. It is known as the
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 sugaring moon.
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Rama Navami (Hindu) – April 2
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Recognizes the Birth of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 and the hero of the Ramayana.
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Rama Navami
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Vaisakhi (Sikh)** – April 3
29 30 31 31 Maple Sugar Moon International Children’s Vaisakhi honours the Sikh New Year and the year that
– Ziisbaakdoke Giizis Book Day Sikhism became a collective faith with processions and
(Anishinaabe – World Autism Awareness hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book. It is
First Nations) Day (UN) Vaisakhi** Refugee Rights Day (Can) also spelled Baisakhi.
5 4 6 5 7 1 8 2 9 10 11 Palm Sunday (Christian) – April 5
Marks the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the start of the
Holy Week.
Passover (Jewish)* – April 8-16
The start of the season of Passover commemorates the
liberation of the Children of Israel who were led out of Egypt
by Moses.
Theravada New Year (Buddhist) – April 9
The New Year takes place on the first full moon in April for
International Day of Pink Theravada Buddhists. Themes of reflecting on one’s karma,
(Can) Good Friday of purifying oneself, and of hospitality are prevalent.
Passover * Passover *
Good Friday (Christian) – April 10
Palm Sunday World Health Day (UN) Passover * Theravada New Year Schools & Board closed Passover * Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
12 13 3 14 4 15 5 16 1 17 18 Easter (Christian) – April 12
The most important Christian festival, Easter celebrates the
resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Easter (Orthodox) – April 19
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Ridván* (Bahá’í) – April 20 - May 1
Ridván celebrates Bahá’u’lláh’s time in the garden of Ridván
and his announcement that he was the prophet promised
by the Báb. The most important Bahá’i festival.
Easter Monday Yom HaShoah/Holocaust Remembrance Day (Jewish)*
Easter Passover * – April 21
Passover * Schools & Board closed Passover * Passover * Passover * Equality Day (Can) Yom HaShoah remembers the Holocaust and the six million
Jewish people who perished. Anniversary of the Warsaw
19 2 20 3 21 4 22 5 23 24 25 Ghetto uprising.
Ramadan (Muslim)* ** – April 23 - May 23
Ramadan is a period of self-purification and betterment.
For one month, Muslims fast daily, from dawn until sunset.
Gaining self-control and contributing to charity are central
features.
Significant Dates
International Day of Pink (Can) – April 9
A day to celebrate diversity and raise awareness to stop
Ridván* Canada Book Day Ramadan* ** homophobic, transphobic and all forms of bullying and
Yom HaShoa/Holocaust Earth Day Ramadan begins* ** Ridván* Ramadan* ** discrimination. See also “Anti-Bullying Day” in February.
Easter (Orthodox) Ridván* Remembrance Day Ridván* Ridván* Professional Activity Day Ridván* Equality Day (Can) – April 17
On Equality Day Canadians everywhere can celebrate the
26 1 27 2 28 3 29 4 30 inclusion of Sections 15 and 28 in the Charter of Rights and
Freedoms, which forms part of the Canadian Constitution.
Earth Day (Can) – April 22
This is a day designed to inspire awareness of, and
appreciation for, the Earth’s environment.
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
National Day of **This date may vary based on moon sightings, local or
Mourning for Persons regional customs
Killed or Injured at Work
For more information and resources related to these dates,
(Can)
please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource
Ramadan* ** Ramadan* ** Ramadan* ** Ramadan* ** Ramadan* ** Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
Ridván* Ridván* Ridván* Ridván* Ridván*Baltimore Public School
MAY 2020
May is...
Asian Heritage Month (ON)
Dutch Heritage Month (ON)
Jewish Heritage Month (ON)
Index of Holy Days
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Sucker Moon – Nmebine Giizis (Anishinaabe - First
5 1 2 Nations) Month of May
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – During the month of May
APRIL 2020 JUNE 2020 the suckers used to run; they were so plentiful in the lakes,
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sucker Moon – Nmebine streams and creeks that they could be caught by hand
Giizis (Anishinaabe – easily.
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 First Nations)
Ridván (Bahá’í)* – April 20 - May 1 See April Index.
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Ramadan* ** Ramadan (Muslim)* ** – April 23 - May 23
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Ridván ends* See April Index.
26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 Beltane Beltane (Wiccan)* – May 1
World Press Freedom An ancient Gaelic celebration marking the beginning of
Day (UN) Ramadan* ** summer and the fertility of the coming year.
Visakha Puja/Buddha Day** (Buddhist) – May 7
3 1 4 2 5 3 6 4 7 5 8 9 The most important Buddhist Festival, Vesak celebrates the
Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death among Theravada
Buddhists.
Laylat al-Qadr (Muslim)* ** – May 19
Also known as the Night of Power, it marks the night
International Family Education Week begins on which the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet
Equality Day (ON) Muhammad by Allah.
Ramadan* ** Mental Health Week South Asian Arrival Day Ramadan* ** Education Week ends Ascension Day (Christian) – May 21
World Press Freedom (Can) begins (ON) Visakha Puja/Buddha (ON) Christians believe Christ ascended into heaven. Celebrated
Day (UN) Ramadan* ** Ramadan* ** Ramadan* ** Day** Ramadan* ** Ramadan* ** 40 days after Easter, Ascension marks the last earthly
appearance of Christ after His resurrection.
10 1 11 2 12 3 13 4 14 5 15 16 Declaration of the Báb (Bahá’í)* – May 22-23
Starting two hours after sunset on the 23rd, the event
celebrates the Báb’s official declaration of his mission to
prepare the world for God’s messenger, Bahá’u’lláh.
Eid al-Fitr (Muslim)* ** – May 23
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. The Festival of
Breaking the Fast is a time of great celebration.
Mental Health Week International Day of Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh* (Bahá’í) – May 27
(Can) ends Canada Health Day Families (UN) Marks the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, second founder of Bahá’i.
Ramadan* ** Ramadan* ** Ramadan* ** Ramadan* ** Ramadan* ** Ramadan* ** Ramadan* ** Shavuot (Jewish)* – May 28-30
Marks the time when the first harvest was taken to the
17 18 1 19 2 20 3 21 4 22 23 Temple. Also known as the Festival of Weeks.
Pentecost (Christian) – May 31
Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit
upon the disciples and the birth of the Christian Church.
Aboriginal Awareness Significant Dates
Ascension Day (Christian) Week ends
African Liberation Day International Family Equality Day – May 3
International Day Against Aboriginal Awareness Ramadan* ** Declaration of the Báb* Celebrated annually on the first Sunday in May, International
Homophobia and Ramadan* ** Week begins International Day for Declaration of the Báb* Family Equality Day is a day to recognize the many LGBTQ
World Day for Cultural
Transphobia Victoria Day (Can) Laylat al-Qadr Diversity for Dialogue Biological Diversity (UN) Eid al-Fitr people raising families today and to increase international
Ramadan* ** Schools & Board closed Ramadan* ** Ramadan* ** and Development (UN) Ramadan* ** Ramadan ends* ** visibility.
International Day Against Homophobia and
24 5 25 1 26 2 27 3 28 4 29 30 Transphobia – May 17
Also known as Anti-Homophobia Day, this day offers an
opportunity for people to get together and reach out to one
another in an effort to end homophobia and hatred.
Aboriginal Awareness Week – May 19 - 22
Aboriginal Awareness Week was designed to increase
Ascension of Baha’u’llah*
awareness of the Aboriginal peoples within Canada and the
International Day of UN Public Service. It is a week to honour the many Indigenous
Peacekeepers (UN) Ascension Day cultures in Canada, including the Métis, Inuit and First
National AccessAbility (Orthodox) Nations.
African Liberation Day Week Begins Shavuot* Shavuot* Shavuot* * Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
31 **This date may vary based on moon sightings, local or
regional customs
Pentecost (Christian)Apsley Public School
JUNE 2020
June is...
Italian Heritage Month (ON)
National Aboriginal History Month (Can)
Portuguese History & Heritage Month (Can)
Pride Month (Can)
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Seniors’ Month (ON)
5 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 6 Index of Holy Days
Blooming Moon – Waabgonii Giizis (Anishinaabe -
First Nations) Month of June
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – This is the time of the
year that everything starts to bloom, including the buds
on the trees, flowers and other plants.
Blooming Moon –
Waabgonii Giizis Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev (Sikh) – June 16
(Anishinaabe – International Day of Guru Arjan was the fifth Sikh Guru and the first Sikh
First Nations) Innocent Children World Environment Day martyr. He compiled all the past Gurus’ writings into
Canadian Environment National AccessAbility Victims of Aggression Professional Activity Day one book, now the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth
Week begins (Can) Week Ends (UN) (Elementary only) Sahib.
7 4 8 5 9 1 10 2 11 3 12 13 Litha (Wiccan)* – June 24
Litha, the summer solstice Sabbat, honours the longest
day of the year. It is the time of year when the crops are
bountiful and the earth is warm, and a focus is placed on
celebrating the power of the sun.
Significant Dates
Juneteenth – June 19
Juneteenth is the celebration commemorating the
ending of slavery in the U.S. on June 19, 1865.
Canadian Environment World Day Against Child
Week ends (Can) World Oceans Day (UN) Portugal Day (Can) Labour (UN) World Oceans Day (UN) National Indigenous Peoples Day (Can) – June 21
Celebrates Inuit, Métis, and First Nations’ cultures and
14 4 15 5 16 1 17 2 18 3 19 20 heritage. Coincides with the summer solstice as a time
to reflect on future growth.
St-Jean-Baptiste Day (QC) – June 24
The patron saint of French Canada and the distinct
nature of French Canadian culture are celebrated with
lively parades and parties.
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local or
World Day to Combat regional customs
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Desertification and Juneteenth World Refugee Day (UN)
Dev Drought (UN) Secondary Exams begin Summer Solstice For more information and resources related to these
dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
21 4 22 5 23 1 24 2 25 26 27 Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
National Indigenous Litha* Muticulturalism Day
Peoples Day (Can) Public Service Day (UN) St-Jean-Baptiste Day (QC) Last Day of Class Professional Activity Day (Can)
28 29 30
MAY 2020 JULY 2020
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 1 2 3 4
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 26 27 28 29 30 31Beatrice Strong Public School
JULY 2020
Index of Holy Days
Berry Moon – Miin Giizis (Anishinaabe - First Nations)
Month of July
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – This month signifies
the time when so many berries are ripe and ready for
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY picking. Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are
especially plentiful.
1 2 3 4 Dharma Day (Buddhist) – July 5
Dharma Day marks the beginning of the Buddha’s
JUNE 2020 AUGUST 2020
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S teaching and enlightenment. Dharma Day is observed
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 as the start of the Buddhist religion. A day of gratitude
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 towards the Buddha and other enlightened teachers,
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 the festival is celebrated with reflection and readings
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 from Buddhist scriptures.
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Martyrdom of the Báb (Bahá’í )* – July 10
28 29 30 30 31 Berry Moon – Miin Giizis
(Anishinaabe – This day honours the anniversary of the Báb’s execution
First Nations) in 1850.
Canada Day Eid-al-Adha (Muslim)* ** – July 30 - August 3
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Celebrates the end of the Hajj or the holy pilgrimage
to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam, observed by
Muslim communities.
Significant Dates
Canada Day (Can) – July 1
Marks the anniversary of the formation of the union of
the provinces in a federation. It is celebrated across the
country.
Nelson Mandela International Day (UN) – July 18
World Population Day
Dharma Day Nunavut Day Martyrdom of the Báb* (UN) Held annually to recognize Mandela’s contribution to
peace and freedom, this day represents a global call
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 to action for people to recognize their ability to have a
positive effect on others around them, and to embrace
values such as democracy, freedom, equality, diversity,
reconciliation and respect.
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local or
regional customs
For more information and resources related to these
dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Nelson Mandela Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
International Day (UN)
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
Eid-al-Adha* **
International Day of
Friendship (UN) Eid-al-Adha* **Burnham Public School
AUGUST 2020
Index of Holy Days
Grain Moon – Mnoomni Giizis (Anishinaabe - First
Nations) Month of August
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – It is at this time of the
year that the harvesting of grains is taking place.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Grains, hay and even vegetables were prepared and
put away for the winter months. For more information
1 on local Full Moon Ceremonies go to www.facebook.
JULY 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S com/groups/16994197269 or contact Trent University
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 Department of Indigenous Studies.
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Eid-al-Adha (Muslim)* ** – July 30 - August 3
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 See July index.
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Eid-al-Adha* ** Krishna Jayanti/Janmashtami (Hindu)** – August 11
26 27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 Grain Moon – Mnoomni This festival marks the birth of Krishna, the most
Giizis (Anishinaabe – venerated God in Hinduism.
First Nations)
Al-Hijra (Muslim)*– August 19-20
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 The first of Muharram 1492, the Muslim New Year marks
the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his
followers from Mecca to Medina.
Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu) – August 22
This is a celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesh, the
elephant-headed God known as the Remover of
Obstacles.
Civic Day (ON)
Eid-al-Adha* ** Eid-al-Adha* ** Hiroshima Day Significant Dates
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Hiroshima Day – August 6
On August 6, 1944, the first atomic bomb was dropped
on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Today, people
recognize this event with special vigils and marches for
peace.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
(UN) – August 9
International Day of This day marks the anniversary of the UN Declaration on
the World’s Indigenous Krishna Jayanti/ International Youth Day the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Peoples (UN) Janmashtami** (UN)
World Humanitarian Day (UN) – August 19
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 This day is meant to recognize aid workers who risk their
lives in humanitarian service, and to those who provide
support for people affected by crises around the world.
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local or
regional customs
Al-Hijra* For more information and resources related to these
World Humanitarian Day dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
(UN) Al-Hijra* Ganesh Chaturthi ** Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31Dr. G.J. MacGillivray Public School
SEPTEMBER 2020
Index of Holy Days
Leaves Turning Colour Moon – Waabbabagaa Giizis
(Anishinaabe - First Nations) Month of September
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – At this time of the year
the leaves begin to change colour from green to yellow,
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY orange, red and brown. The literal translation of this
moon in Ojibway is “the fading of the leaves.”
1 2 3 4 5 Mabon/Harvestide (Wiccan)* – September 21
Mabon falls on the Autumn Equinox and marks the
middle of harvest. It is a time of equal day and equal
night when nature is in balance. During this time, thanks
are given to the earth for its bounty.
Significant Dates
International Day of Peace (UN) – September 21
Leaves Turning Colour
Moon – Waabbabagaa This day is dedicated to strengthening the ideals of
Giizis (Anishinaabe – peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
First Nations)
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 **This date may vary based on moon sightings, local or
regional customs
For more information and resources related to these
dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
First Day of School
International Literacy
Labour Day Day (UN)
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
International Day of
Peace (UN)
Mabon/Harvestide
27 28 29 30
AUGUST 2020 OCTOBER 2020
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 1 2 3
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31Calendars: History & Origin
Calendars are common to all cultures. Often based on astronomical events, calendars reflect the different ways that time is conceived and distributed into discrete
periods – seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, seasons and years.
Religious holidays are the primary events in most cultures. Their timing is usually determined by the movements of the sun or the moon. As a result, different faith
traditions rely on lunar, solar, luni-solar or scientifically-formulated calendars to establish holy days from year to year. Scientifically-formulated calendars can be prepared
years in advance. Lunar calendars, however, cannot. For this reason, faith cultures relying on the lunar calendar can determine their religious dates only months in
advance.
Lunar calendars are based on the moon’s movement as reflected in its visibility from the earth. Composed of twelve months of 29 or 30 days, the lunar year has 354 days
(355 during a leap year). Islamic, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist calendars traditionally have followed the lunar mode.
Solar calendars are based on the earth’s revolution around the sun. The duration of a tropical year changes annually. It marks the average time from one fixed point, such
as the vernal (spring) equinox, to its return. The Persian, Julian, Mayan and ancient Egyptian calendars are solar.
Luni-solar calendars incorporate both the lunar phases and the earth’s relationship to the sun. These calendars sequence months based on the moon’s phases and add a
full month every few years to keep step with the tropical year. The Jewish and Chinese calendars use this system.
As time passed, many cultures and the Christian church, in particular, sought a calendar method that would allow people to know well in advance when a feast or
holy day would fall. To remedy the variation that resulted annually and over time with the solar calendar, scientifically-manipulated calendars were developed. Based
on a mathematical formula that often involved the addition of days to the tropical year over time, such calendars provided long-range planning and predictability of
dates. The Gregorian calendar is an example of this method of managing time. It replaced the Julian calendar in the sixteenth century and is recognized worldwide. In
some instances, there have been efforts to dedicate holy days to specific dates on the Gregorian calendar, to ensure greater consistency in observances. Though not a
replacement for other calendars, it has become an international tool. The KPR Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Calendar follows the Gregorian calendar and incorporates
dates from the calendars of world cultures and religions.
Every effort has been made to integrate the various methods of tracking time with respect to the diverse faith traditions reflected in Canadian society. Some dates are
approximations based on projections from different calendars. Most dates noted for each faith group reflect the “commonly-held” traditions of each community. Because
belief systems vary, all holy days within all faith traditions have not been incorporated in this effort. In addition to drawing information from reputable resources, when
uncertain about particular holy dates, KPR also consulted with individual groups. Editorial decisions were made with a view to achieving our objective of developing a
learning resource that would help people within the KPR community to better understand diversity in the world.
The online version of this calendar, along with additional resources, are located within the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource Library at www.kprschools.ca
For further information, please contact KPR’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Program Officer at equity_diversity@kprdsb.ca or 1-877-741-4577, ext. 2157.You can also read
