Greek Heritage Month for Toronto Schools in March

Celebrations for the first “March-Greek Heritage Month” have started with an opening ceremony at Presteign Heights Elementary School. Staff, students and community members gathered to learn about and celebrate the Greek heritage and culture that resonates Toronto schools and communities.

Students and teachers were able to admire displays of Greek artwork and architecture, while students performed the Greek national anthem and traditional Greek dancing.

The suggestion to make March the month to celebrate was made by trustee Sam Sotiropoulos and it was approved by all members of the Toronto District School Board. March 25th, 1821 was the date the Greek Revolution War started to liberate the country from Ottoman rule.

In the inauguration ceremony the audience was greeted by TDSB director Donna Quann, associate directors Gen Ling Chan and Angelo Bakopoulos, TDSB executive superintendents Sandy Spyropoulos and Jim Spyropoulos, TDSB vice chair Sheila Cary-Meagher, city councellor Mary Fragedakis, Greek Consul General Alexandros Ioannidis, and the president of the Toronto Greek Community Antonis Artemakis.

There will be a lot more events focusing on Greece and Greek civilization and culture during the month in all TDSB schools. Events will culminate on March 28 at 11 a.m. at East York Collegiate Institute where the first Greek Heritage Festival will take place.