(Fort McMurray, AB - June 22nd, 2023) Composite High School is a beacon of diversity and inclusivity, standing as a glittering example of Canada’s multiculturalism. The school actively celebrates the richness of different cultures, honours the diversity of its student body, and strives to provide each young mind with the opportunity to flourish in a pluralistic environment.
Walking into the school, one can feel the vibrancy of the atmosphere and the warmth of the community composed of students from over 40 different nationalities. The hum of various languages spoken in the hallways and classrooms reflects the unique cultural tapestry woven into the very foundation of the school. The school fosters a genuine appreciation for different customs, beliefs, and values. Students learn to interact and engage with each other without fear or prejudice, embracing the differences and similarities between far-flung cultures with open hearts and minds.
What is truly remarkable about Composite High School is the way it has woven multiculturalism into the very fabric of its community. The school unabashedly celebrates its diversity, fostering an environment where students can be themselves, learn from others, and grow into responsible global citizens who can bridge gaps and break down barriers.
Outside the classroom, students participate in various clubs and extracurricular activities that open doors of exploration and empower them to immerse themselves in different cultures. One of these clubs is Composite High School’s Multicultural Club.
Composite High School’s Multicultural Club has been making waves since its inception at the start of the previous school year. Spearheaded by a group of passionate and driven students and staff, the club was born to create a thriving community where diverse identities could coexist and flourish.
Over the past two years, the club has launched an impressive array of school-wide activities and celebrations, each one designed to highlight and celebrate the unique cultural diversity of Composite High School. From multicultural Eid celebrations to Black History Month celebrations, Asian Heritage Month celebrations, and National Indigenous History Month celebrations, the club has worked tirelessly to create spaces that uplift student voices and identities. The club actively promotes student involvement in various activities such as workshops, cultural food sampling, and demonstrations. Beyond these initiatives, the Multicultural Club also shares resources with teachers, providing them with the tools and knowledge to create inclusive and culturally sensitive classroom environments.
Zoha Akhtar, a Grade 10 student and proud member of the Multicultural Club, shares her personal experiences regarding the inclusion and range of diversity showcased through the many events.
“I absolutely love the inclusive events happening at Composite; these events are a big part of my school life since it is my first year at Composite. I feel more included and seen. I also think my peers feel good about them; not only are these events good chances to talk to other students and get to know more about them but also to know more about different cultures from people of the culture. It’s a great way to form connections and network.”
In addition to these school-wide events and celebrations, the Multicultural Club has undertaken various initiatives to promote inclusivity and cultural awareness year-round. These initiatives include the creation of a massive inclusive calendar, which prominently features important cultural and religious dates from across the globe and year-round culturally inclusive displays that adorn the school’s halls and classrooms. These events have brought the school community together and allowed students to experience different cultures and traditions firsthand, solidifying their understanding and appreciation of diverse identities.
Jihan Jones, Composite High School Social Studies Teacher and Multicultural Club Founder, sheds light on the positive impact of the Multicultural Club implemented to foster diversity and inclusivity among students.
“The vision for the club is simple: creating lasting spaces where students see themselves represented in meaningful ways whilst encouraging educational exchanges through dialogue. Students are tired of one-off celebrations that can be tokenistic and instead would like to see inclusive learning in their hallways and their classrooms. The Multicultural Club has positively impacted our student population by providing continuous opportunities for developing student leadership and collaboration, curiosity, and cultural appreciation through learning and exchange.”
Unveiled earlier in the school year, Composite High School's Northern Learning Kistikana provides a safe and culturally rich environment for students to engage in learning and participate in outdoor activities. The space is adorned with prominent indigenous art, a beautiful reminder of the school's commitment to cultural sensitivity and appreciation. The Kistikana has a lovely garden area where students can plant vegetables, learn about the natural environment, and observe the plants as they grow. This segment of the space allows students to participate in hands-on, experiential learning that is both fascinating and educational. Aside from the garden area, the space also boasts a safe and secure location ideal for students to read, work together, and have discussions. The Kistikana has been thoughtfully designed to suit different learning styles and preferences and is furnished with comfortable furniture and amenities that encourage interaction and collaboration. This innovative space has been made possible with the help of the RMWB Community Impact Grant secured by Jihan Jones, Matthew Shewchuk, and Amber McIntosh.
Composite High School’s multicultural club represents the best of what a diverse and accepting community can achieve. It is a testament to the power of unity amid diversity and inspires all who seek to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
For additional information, contact:
Momin Syed
Communications Coordinator
Fort McMurray Public School Division
780-788-8009
communications@fmpsd.ab.ca