Fall Extravaganza: October 31st

Hello Billy Green Families!

On October 31st, we are excited to celebrate two fall celebrations: Halloween and Diwali!

Halloween is a celebration that originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating or carving jack-o-lanterns.

Diwali is also an important celebration. Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indian religions. During the festival, the celebrants illuminate their homes, temples and workspaces with diyas (oil lamps), candles and lanterns. Diwali is also marked with fireworks.

On Thursday October 31st, we welcome all students to celebrate in a way that fits them by either wearing their Halloween costume or celebrating with the colours of Diwali (Red, pure yellow, vivid magenta, and pure blue). 

If choosing to wear a costume, here are a few reminders:

Children will come to school in their costumes/chosen clothes and wear them all day.
No weapons, props (including gory make-up), or masks should be worn.
Costumes that are based on people’s culture are not permitted as this is considered Cultural Appropriation. Cultural appropriation means taking or borrowing a look or trait from a culture that is not your own. Some questions to consider are:

Is my costume making fun of a group of people, their culture, religion and/or belief systems?  
Does my costume reinforce jokes and stereotypes about certain groups, cultures, religions and/or belief systems?  
Am I altering my skin color, facial/body features to make it like a particular race, ethnicity, or cultural group?  
Am I dressing up as a culture or borrowing from a religion that is not my own or is not part of my background

October 31st will also be designated as one of our Nutrition-Free days.  At teachers discretion, students are welcome to bring in treats.  A reminder that there are a number of students with severe allergies to peanuts and tree nuts.  Please ensure that all items that are bought for your child are Peanut and Nut-free.

We look forward to celebrating with you this October

Ms. S. Beatrice