SHAPE Elementary School celebrates annual Diversity Day

SHAPE Elementary School in Belgium recently celebrated its annual Diversity Day, a cherished event put on by the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Team, highlighting the rich tapestry of cultures within its student and teacher body. This special day, which has been a tradition for over a decade, allows students, teachers, and parents to come together to celebrate diversity in a variety of meaningful ways.

Diversity Day is a vibrant showcase of the unique cultures represented at SHAPE. Throughout the day, students take center stage as they perform dances, plays, and songs that reflect the traditional cultural experiences of their respective countries. From colorful performances to heartfelt renditions of traditional music, the event is a true celebration of cultural heritage and pride.

Lauren Campbell, an ESOL teacher stated, "watching the students, staff, and families come together on Diversity Day made me feel overwhelmingly proud and grateful to be a part of our unique community!" 

One of the highlights of Diversity Day is the afternoon tasting, where cuisine from various countries is generously shared by the school's dedicated parents. The culinary journey provides a delicious opportunity for everyone to experience the world on their taste buds. The ESOL Team facilitates the event, but teachers choose a country to represent, and students complete a performance, song, dance, or play. Parents volunteer for the event and bring in homemade goods from all over the world.

SHAPE Elementary School not only boasts diversity but actively embraces it by incorporating the cultures, languages, and celebrations of its students and teachers into its curriculum and events. 

Diversity Day serves as a shining example of the school's commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community where every individual is valued and celebrated for who they are. 

Dr. Seth Stillman, SHAPE Elementary School principal said, "Diversity Day is one of my favorite days at SHAPE because our teachers work so hard all year long to teach life lessons to our kids, but on Diversity Day the kids teach us adults so much about peace, unity, and celebrating our differences." As the school reflects on another successful Diversity Day, they continue to cherish and celebrate the beauty of their diverse community at SHAPE Elementary, where unity in diversity is not just a slogan but a way of life.