At Prince of Peace School, January was filled with excitement and creativity as students embarked on a unique cultural journey with storyteller Jacqui Du Toit. Jacqui, a gifted performer hailing from South Africa, captivated students by weaving tales that drew from her diverse background. She inspired students to connect with their stories, encouraging them to explore their heritage, reflect on their experiences, and share what makes them unique.
A Hands-On Storytelling Experience
Jacqui worked with each classroom, guiding students through the art of storytelling. The residency theme, “So, What’s Your Story?” sparked imagination and deep reflection. The goal was for students to appreciate the power of storytelling and gain the skills to structure and perform their own narratives. To support this vision, Prince of Peace School was thrilled to secure a grant to bring in a MASC (Multicultural Arts in Schools and Communities) artist to enrich this learning experience. The funds allowed them to bring Jacqui’s expertise into classrooms, ensuring every student had the chance to explore their storytelling abilities.
Students Connect to Their Roots
Prince of Peace School was overjoyed to welcome Jacqui into classrooms five times throughout the month. Junior students brought family artifacts from home to inspire their stories. Seeing these young storytellers connecting to their roots and honouring their families’ legacies was heartwarming. Primary and Kindergarten students also had the opportunity to engage in storytelling, learning through Jacqui’s performances and discovering where they come from and what makes them unique. The beauty of this experience was not just in the stories themselves but in the connections, it helped students build with their past and their communities.
The Storytelling Café: A Celebration of Heritage
This educational journey culminated with the Storytelling Café held on February 5th. Parents were invited into classrooms where students had set up performance areas to share their stories. The event was a community celebration, with students proudly telling their family’s stories, sharing where they come from, and talking about what they are most proud of about their heritage. It was a powerful moment as the Prince of Peace School community came together to celebrate the uniqueness of each individual.
Celebrating Black History Month
Storytelling Café was made even more significant by the timing of Black History Month. Many of our families trace their roots to the Caribbean or Africa, whether they are first-generation newcomers or have lived here for several generations. It was important to create a space where everyone could share their story regardless of background. Prince of Peace School’s diversity is one of their greatest strengths, and by celebrating Black History Month, they acknowledged the rich cultural contributions of Black families and the broader impact of the African and Caribbean diasporas.
Embracing Our Diverse Community
The Prince of Peace School community is home to many families who self-identify as Indigenous, as well as those who have lived in Canada for generations and do not identify as a visible minority. Seeing such a broad spectrum of stories shared was inspiring, each offering a unique perspective and voice. Students employed various creative methods to tell their stories—some created dynamic Canva presentations, others designed posters, and one class even performed their storytelling in a Talk Show style, with their teacher interviewing them one by one. Each story stood as a testament to the power of heritage, identity, and the importance of celebrating where one comes from.
Reflecting on the success of the Storytelling Café, it became clear that the strength of the Prince of Peace School community lies in its diversity. Every story shared reminded us of the rich cultural tapestry that makes the community so special. The school is incredibly proud of the students for their hard work, creativity, and courage in sharing their personal histories. As Black History Month continues to be celebrated, the school remains committed to fostering an environment where every voice is heard, and every story is valued.
Students at Prince of Peace School are not only learning how to tell stories—they are discovering the importance of their own narratives and the power that lies within them. The school is excited about what the future holds as students continue to share their stories with the world.
