At San Marco CES, our students are engaging in a variety of meaningful activities to celebrate Black History Month. Each grade level is exploring the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians through creative and educational projects that foster learning, reflection, and appreciation.
Primary Division
Grade 1 students will learn about Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space, and complete a related writing activity. They’ll also explore the vibrant art of Alma Thomas, creating their own artworks inspired by her unique style. A slideshow will introduce them to notable Black Canadians, and they’ll learn about Viola Desmond’s bravery and contributions to social justice. The class will also read Because You Are by Black Canadian author Jael Richardson, celebrating themes of identity and self-love. Their work will be displayed on the Primary Hall window.
Grade 2/3 students will engage in creative activities, beginning with “I Am” poems inspired by Black Canadian trailblazers such as Trey Anthony, an award-winning playwright and producer. They will also explore identity and aspirations through these poems. In an art and music activity, students will create “Sound of Canada” portraits inspired by rapper Kardinal Offishall, using music as a source of creative expression. Additionally, students will read Meet Willie O’Reeand write about their own dreams, inspired by the story of the first Black player in the NHL. The class will also collaborate on a mosaic portrait of Viola Desmond, constructed with small pieces of colored paper, honoring her legacy on the $10 bill.
Grade 3/4 students will undertake a creative and educational photo essay on a Black Canadian who has made significant contributions to society. Through this project, students will conduct research, select key moments from their subject’s life, and present a visual and written narrative that highlights their lasting impact. This activity encourages students to engage deeply with history and understand how these individuals have shaped Canadian culture.
Junior Division
The Grade 4/5 class will work in small groups to become “experts” on an influential Black Canadian. Each group will create a detailed bulletin board display that includes photographs, a written biography, a timeline, and an artistic representation of the person or an aspect of their contributions. These displays will be showcased throughout the school, providing an opportunity for all students and staff to learn from their research.
Grade 6 students will explore the inspiring story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through poetry, using Martin’s Big Words as a guide. They will also watch Hidden Figures, a film highlighting the groundbreaking contributions of —Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who played pivotal roles in NASA’s space program during the 1960s. This film was chosen for its powerful themes of perseverance, brilliance, and the struggle against racial and gender barriers. It also connects meaningfully to the class’s Space unit, reinforcing the importance of diversity in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Intermediate Division
In Grade 7, students will take part in a collaborative project inspired by the Periodic Table of Black Canadians. Working in teams, they will research prominent Black Canadians, selecting individuals based on numbered elements from the table, and explore their contributions across various fields, such as science, politics, arts, and sports.
Our Grade 8 students will conduct in-depth research on notable Black Canadians, crafting biographies that showcase their achievements. They will also design commemorative Canadian stamps in honor of these individuals and produce documentaries to highlight their impact.
Through these diverse and engaging activities, students at San Marco CES are gaining a deeper understanding of the incredible contributions of Black Canadians while reflecting on the values of diversity, history, and identity. These projects not only celebrate achievements but also encourage critical thinking, creativity, and empathy as we honor Black history throughout the month and beyond.