Days of Significance, Recognitions & Religious/ Spiritual Observances

Days of Significance and Heritage Recognition

At AMDSB we acknowledge and celebrate many different days of significance, heritage recognition days and months, and religious observations. The days on this list are the ones we usually celebrate each year. Additions and changes happen regularly, as we learn more about our community and as we are made aware of special dates they care about.

For dates such as PA Days, exam dates, and statutory holidays when schools are closed, visit our School Calendar page.

August 1: Emancipation Day

Black people were enslaved in Canada until this day in 1834. We celebrate the resilience of Black communities in Canada and recommit to the ongoing fight against anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism.

Government of Canada website - Emancipation Day page

September 7: Ukrainian Heritage Day in Ontario

Ukrainian people have called Ontario home for over 130 years. We celebrate Ukrainian heritage in Canada, and the contributions Ukrainian people have made to our society and culture over the years. 

Ontario Ukrainian Heritage Day Act

September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day exists as a platform to raise awareness of suicide and to promote preventative measures with the aim to reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.

World Health Organization Suicide Prevention Day page

Second Sunday in September: Firefighters’ National Memorial Day

The second Sunday in September of each year is now designated in memory of firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty. On that day, the Canadian flag will be half-masted on all federal buildings and establishments. Ontario school boards are invited to participate in lowering their flags.

The Government of Canada establishes Firefighters’ National Memorial Day

Second week in September: Mennonite Heritage Week

The second week of September is Mennonite Heritage Week in Canada. Mennonite people are an integral part of our communities in Huron and Perth, and this week is a great opportunity to learn more about their rich and diverse history and culture.

Information about Mennonite Heritage Week on University of Waterloo website

Third Tuesday in September: International IT Professionals Day

Third week in September: National Forest Week

During National Forest Week, Canadians are invited to learn more about Canada’s forest heritage and to raise awareness about this valuable and renewable resource. Forests are fundamental to our economy, culture, traditions and history – and to our future. We all depend on forests for our livelihoods and ways of life.

Canadian Institute of Forestry website - National Forest Week page

September 19: Powley Day

Powley Day is celebrated on September 19th to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of the Powley family in a landmark legal decision that reaffirmed Métis rights as one of Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples. 

Métis Nation of Ontario website - Powley Day page

Third Wednesday of September (Wednesday during National Forest Week): National Tree Day

National Tree Day is a day for Canadians to come together in appreciation of trees, their natural beauty and the many benefits they provide.

Tree Canada: National Tree Day page

September 23: Terry Fox National School Run Day

AMDSB schools may choose to participate in the Terry Fox run on a day of their choosing.

Terry Fox School Run website 

September 25: Franco-Ontarian Day

Last week in September: National Truth and Reconciliation Week

National Truth and Reconciliation Week includes the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Sept 30) (formerly Orange Shirt Day). 

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website - Truth and Reconciliation Week page

Last Sunday in September: Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day

Along with government buildings across the country, AMDSB schools may fly their flags at half mast from the end of the day on Friday until Monday morning in recognition of Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day. 

Canadian Police And Peace Officers Memorial website

September 28: Rowan’s Law Day

Rowan’s Law Day is an opportunity to learn about the signs and symptoms of concussions and help students to speak up about concussions.

Ontario government - Rowan's Law page

September 28: Provincial Test Your Smoke Alarm Day

Ontario’s first Test Your Smoke Alarm Day is September 2023. Ontarians are encouraged to learn more about smoke alarms, fire safety and home fire escape planning to help save lives.

Saved by the Beep: Provincial Test Your Smoke Alarm Day

September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day

On the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, we lower our flags to half mast and wear orange to remember and honour the lives of Indigenous children who didn’t return home, as well as survivors of residential schools. 

Government of Canada - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation page 
Orange Shirt Day website

Canadian Autism Acceptance Month

It is estimated that 1 in 66 children and youth has been diagnosed with autism in Canada. This month provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about this condition and how we can support those living with autism, their families and their caregivers. 

Government of Canada - Autism Awareness Month page

Women’s History Month

This month is a time to celebrate women and girls from the past and present, especially those who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada.

Government of Canada - Women's History Month page

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month is an opportunity to reduce the stigma surrounding learning disabilities in children and adults.

LD @ School (Ministry of Education) website - Learning Disabilities Awareness Month page

K-12 Cyber Awareness Month

K-12 Cyber Awareness Month was developed to help Ontario school boards promote safer and more secure practices when using digital technologies/internet. 

Education Collaborative Network of Ontario - K-12 Cyber Awareness Calendar

International Walk to School Month (IWALK)

Schools across Ontario celebrate IWALK with special events on IWALK Day (the first Wednesday of October) or anytime throughout the month. 

Ontario Active School Travel: International Walk to School Month page

Heritage Recognition Month

Islamic Heritage Month
Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month

ADHD Awareness Month

October 4: National Day of Action for MMIW2S+

This day is an opportunity to reflect upon the many missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people across Canada. 

2021 statement by Ontario's Associate Minister of Children and Women's Issues: "Ontario Marks the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls”

October 6: World Cerebral Palsy Day

There are 17 million people impacted by this disorder - CP is one of the most common physical disabilities affecting children. 

World Cerebral Palsy Day website

October 10: World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10th every year, with the objective of raising awareness about mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

World Health Organization website: World Mental Health Day page

Third full week of October: National School Bus Safety Week

Many of our 15,000+ students get to school and back home on the bus, and we take this opportunity to thank our bus drivers, bus companies, and transportation consortium for their work. We also share bus safety information. 

Government of Ontario website: School bus safety page

Third Wednesday of October: Take Me Outside Day

Take Me Outside Day helps to raise awareness about outdoor learning by encouraging teachers to take their students outside.

Take me Outside Day website

October 19: International Pronouns Day

International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing & educating about personal pronouns commonplace. At AMDSB, we believe that referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity.

Pronouns.org website 

October 27: Dress Purple Day for children’s rights

Dress Purple Day is a day to show that you’re part of a community that cares for children, youth, and families. It's also meant to remind young people that they have rights to be safe and well, emotionally, spiritually, and culturally. 

OACAS Dress Purple day page

Financial Literacy Month

Throughout the month, Canadian organizations are encouraged to share resources to help strengthen the financial literacy of individuals and families and build their financial resilience.

Government of Canada website - Financial Literacy Month page

First through second Wednesday of November: Holocaust Education Week

Holocaust Education Week aims to dispel myths and misinformation that fuel antisemitism and hatred. 

Toronto Holocaust Museum website - Holocaust Education Week page

First full week of November: Treaties Recognition Week

Treaties are legally binding agreements that set out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations and the federal and provincial governments. Treaties Recognition Week honours the importance of treaties and helps Ontario students and residents understand the significance of treaty rights, treaty relationships and their relevance today.

Province of Ontario website - Treaties page

November 8: Indigenous Veterans’ Day

November 8 is a day set aside to remember all First Nation, Métis, and Inuit veterans who gave up so much to join the Canadian military. For many, joining meant denying their Indigenous roots.

Government of Canada website - Indigenous Veterans page

November 10: Transgender Day of Remembrance

Each year on November 20, the world recognizes Transgender Day of Remembrance – a day to commemorate the transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming persons who are targeted and killed for living authentically and courageously.

November 11: Remembrance Day

November 16: Louis Riel Day

On this day in 1885, Métis leader Louis Riel was executed for standing against the Canadian government in defense of the Métis rights and way of life. He was posthumously recognized as a founding father of Manitoba, and is remembered today for his cause and legacy.

Metis Nation of Ontario website - Louis Riel Day page

November 20: National Child Day

On National Child Day, we celebrate the right for children to be seen and heard, and we recognize the responsibility we have as adults to listen.

National Child Day website 

Week beginning on third Sunday of November: Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

Ontario has designated the week beginning on the third Sunday of November as Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week to help promote safe schools and a positive learning environment.

Government of Ontario website - Bullying page

December 3: Giving Tuesday

We take the opportunity of Giving Tuesday to share information about the Foundation for Education Huron Perth, which provides extra programming in our schools, helps our schools raise funds for specific causes, and supports students in need.

Giving Tuesday website

 

December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we join people around the world to learn about and recognize the rights and well-being of every person with a disability.

World Health Organization website - International Day of Persons with Disabilities page

First full week of December: Canada Learning Code Week

This is an opportunity to expose students to coding, as a way of navigating and shaping the digital landscape they live in.

Canada Learning Code website

December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women


The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is about remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence and those who we have lost to it. It is also a time to take action. Achieving a Canada free from gender-based violence requires everyone living in this country to educate themselves and their families and communities on gender-based violence, centre the voices of survivors in our actions and speak up against harmful behaviours.

Government of Canada website - National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women page

December 21: Winter Solstice/Yule

Yule begins on the winter solstice, December 21, and lasts for 10 days. It is about celebrating the coming of the sun (longer hours of light in the day), nature's gifts and the change of energy. 

 

December 26-January 1: Kwanzaa


Kwaanza is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu. Each day celebrates a principle, such as unity, creativity, & faith. A different candle is lit each day. Happy Kwaanza!

January 4: National Ribbon Skirt Day

Ribbon skirts are traditional garments worn by Indigenous women. Ribbons are appliqued, often as horizontal stripes, onto long skirts. The colour of each ribbon has special significance to the wearer. Ribbon skirts reflect Indigenous culture and heritage.

Statement by Prime Minister Trudeau on inaugural National Ribbon Skirt Day, 2023

January 17: Raoul Wallenberg Day

Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg worked hard to keep almost 100,000 Jews safe in what may be the largest humanitarian initiative on behalf of Jews under Nazi occupation. Wallenberg's own fate is unknown, but his legacy of bravery lives on.

Government of Canada - Statement by Minister Hussen on Raoul Wallenberg Day (2022) 

January 21: Lincoln Alexander Day

The Honourable Lincoln Alexander was the first Black Member of Canada's House of Commons and first Black Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, among other achievements. Alexander's legacy is his pursuit of racial and ethnic equity. 

The Canadian Encyclopedia page on Lincoln Alexander Day

New moon between January 21 and February 20: ​​Chinese/Lunar New Year/Spring Festival

This event is one of the most important cultural events in Chinese culture. 

Last full week in January: Mental Health and Well-Being Awareness Week (AMDSB)

During the last week of January each year, our Mental Health and Well-being team shares strategies and resources to promote positive mental health in our schools and workplaces.

amdsb.ca/mentalhealth

January 27: Family Literacy Day

Family Literacy Day takes place to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. 

Family Literacy Day website

January 27: International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

Every January 27th, we remember and pay tribute to the more than six million Jews and the millions of other victims of Nazi atrocities. We reaffirm our commitment to stand against antisemitism and hatred of all kinds.

UNESCO website - Holocaust Remembrance page 

January 29: National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia

Every January 29th, we honour the survivors and victims of the vicious assault on worshippers at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Sainte-Foy, Quebec in 2017.

Black History Month

Each February, we honour and celebrate Black Canadians, their history, culture, and contributions. We acknowledge systemic racism and reaffirm our commitment to anti-racism. 

Government of Canada website - Black History Month page

New moon between January 21 and February 20: ​​Chinese/Lunar New Year/Spring Festival

This event is one of the most important cultural events in Chinese culture. 

First Wednesday in February: Winter Walk Day

Winter Walk Day (WWD) is an annual celebration of winter walking that takes place on the first Wednesday of February. 

Ontario Active School Travel - Winter Walk Day

First full week of February: Canadian School Counselling Week

Canadian School Counselling Week recognizes the contributions of the School Counselling profession. Positive mental health & well-being are vital for student learning. Mental health professionals are indispensable to improving the mental health and well-being of AMDSB students. 

Last Wednesday of February: Pink Shirt Day (anti-bullying)

Pink Shirt Day is an opportunity to promote inclusion and acceptance of everyone. 

Pink Shirt Day website

Heritage Month Recognition

Bangladeshi Heritage Month
Hellenic Heritage Month
Irish Heritage Month

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and a time for DDA to help educate the public about the needs of this diverse group and to end the stigma around issues of disability. 
 

National Social Work Month

National Social Work Month recognizes and spotlights the many facets of social work practice that enhance the health and well-being of people, families and communities.

Ontario Association of Social Workers - Social Work Week page

First Monday in March: Black Mental Health Day

On Black Mental Health Day, we recognize that anti-Black racism exists in our schools, and that it adversely affects the mental health of Black students. Black students who need mental health support can find resources at amdsb.ca/gethelpnow, or text RISE to *686868.

Black Mental Health Day website

Women’s History Month

 

March 8: International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the women in our organization that are forging change; taking leadership in the sciences, arts, and tech; pushing for equity in sport; excelling in trade; and empowering women and girls around them.

Government of Canada website - International Women's Day page

Second Friday in March: Social Emotional Learning Day

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Day is a global, grassroots campaign for social-emotional learning to support children’s academic recovery, mental health, and well-being.

amdsb.ca/sel

March 11: National COVID-19 Day of Observance

An opportunity to recall those who lost their lives due to COVID-19, as well as the healthcare and other front-line workers who put themselves at risk daily.

March 21: World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day advocates for a human rights approach to disability. Schools may invite students and staff to wear funky socks because chromosomes are shaped like socks and people with Down Syndrome have an extra chromosome. 

World Down Syndrome Day website 

March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we reconfirm our commitment to moving forward with essential anti-racism work. We continue to learn and unlearn while providing opportunities for staff and students to do the same.

United Nations End Racism Day website 

Fourth Saturday in March: Earth Hour

An opportunity to do a small thing as part of a bigger movement toward tangible climate change.

Earth Hour website

March 26: Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness

A day to help end the stigma of epilepsy by wearing purple for epilepsy awareness, and learning more about the condition.

Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario - Purple Day page

March 31: Transgender Day of Visibility

International Transgender Day of Visibility is dedicated to celebrating transgender people and fighting the discrimination trans people face. It's also an opportunity to recognize the contributions of trans people to society.

International Transgender Day of Visibility: An opportunity to honour our transgender community page

March 31: National Indigenous Languages Day

Languages embody cultures, carry stories, and convey wisdom and traditions, and yet Indigenous languages have historically been silenced. We commit to doing our part to support Indigenous peoples as they reclaim and revitalize their languages.

Statistics Canada website - National Indigenous Languages Day information page

Earth Month

During Earth Month we take time to learn about our planet, celebrate it, and take steps to protect it. 

Heritage Month Recognition

Sikh Heritage Month

April 2: World Autism Awareness Day

On Autism Awareness Day, we celebrate our community members with Autism. 

United Nations Autism Day page 

Second Wednesday in April: International Day of Pink

The International Day of Pink challenges people to show courage in standing against bullying of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We all have a part to play in building a culture where everyone feels safe.

Day of Pink website

Third full week in April: National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week gives us the opportunity to recognize and express our appreciation for parent/caregiver and community volunteers who serve on school councils, committees, work in classrooms, and more.

Volunteer.ca website - National Volunteer Week

Third week of April: Earth Week

An opportunity to learn about and celebrate our earth, and to prepare for Earth Day. 

8 days after Passover: Yom Hashoah / Holocaust Remembrance Day (follows Hebrew calendar)

Yom Hashoah is Israel’s memorial day for the approximately six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, and for the Jewish resistance in that period.

Toronto Holocaust Museum Yom Hashoah page

April 22: Earth Day

On Earth Day, we celebrate our earth and talk about what we can each do to protect and preserve it.

April 28: World Day for Safety and Health at Work / National Day of Mourning

April 28 marks the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, as well as the Canadian National Day of Mourning “to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace.”

United Nations World Day for Safety and Health at Work page
WSIB National Day of Mourning page

Heritage Month recognition

Asian and South Asian Heritage Month
Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
Dutch Heritage Month
Polish Heritage Month

Hearing Loss Awareness Month / Better Hearing and Speech Month

Each year, we dedicate the month of May to raising public awareness about communication health. We work to highlight the importance of early detection and intervention of communication disorders and the role that our members and associates play in helping people communicate.
 
 

First full week of May: Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week

Each year during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, our Mental Health and Well-being team shares strategies and resources to help support our students and families. Learn more about how we promote positive mental health at AMDSB at amdsb.ca/apps/pages/mhpromotion.

First full week of May: Education Week

Across Canada, the excellence of teachers and students and school systems is recognized and celebrated during Education Week. 

May 5: National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (Red Dress Day)

This is a day to “honour and bring awareness to the thousands of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people who have been subject to disproportionate violence in Canada.”

The Canadian Encyclopedia website - Red Dress Day page

May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

As we continue our work toward equity and inclusivity, we take this opportunity to celebrate the sexual and gender diversity of our community members.

May17.org website

Fourth week of May: Citizenship Week

An opportunity to celebrate the rights and responsibilities we all share as Canadian citizens.

Government of Canada website - Citizenship Week page

May 28: Menstrual Health Day (MH Day)

Menstrual Health Day, or MH Day, is an opportunity to work toward destigmatizing periods and increasing equitable access to period products.

The Period Purse - MH Day page

A week beginning on the last Sunday in May: National AccessAbility Week

During National AccessAbility Week, we celebrate the leadership and contributions of Canadians with disabilities and support the forward progress of a more inclusive and accessible nation.

Government of Canada website - National AccessAbility Week page

Pride Month

During the month of June, we recognize Pride Month in celebration and commemoration of LGBTQ+ pride. Most AMDSB buildings will fly a Pride flag (bit.ly/AMDSBpride) as a signal that our schools should be safe spaces for everyone, and that inclusion and student and staff well-being are of utmost importance to us. 

National Indigenous History Month

An opportunity to acknowledge and honour the heritage and culture of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples with whom we share this land.

Government of Canada website - National Indigenous History Month page

Heritage Recognition Month

Portuguese Heritage Month
Italian Heritage Month
Filipino Heritage Month

June 19: Juneteenth

Juneteenth has been recognized since 1865 by North American Black people as a day to celebrate emancipation from slavery. It is another opportunity for Canadians to recall Black history, celebrate Black culture, and take action against racism. 

June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day / Solidarity Day

National Indigenous People’s Day is a chance to celebrate the contributions of all of the Indigenous groups of this land. 

Government of Canada website - National Indigenous Peoples Day page

June 23: National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism

Flags on AMDSB buildings are lowered on this day in commemoration of victims of terrorist acts. 

Government of Canada website - National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism page

Religious Observances

Since the spring of 2021, we recognize significant holy days for all of the religions followed by the people within our district, to the best of our knowledge. The days on this list are the ones we currently recognize. Additions and changes happen as we learn more about our community.
 
Dates of religious holy days often vary because they are based on other calendars or moon cycles, so they are organized here according to faith rather than date.
 
If you would like to suggest the addition of a religious observance to this list, please contact our Communications team at [email protected].
Martyrdom of the Báb
Birth of the Báb
Birth of Baháu’llah
Day of the Covenant
Acension of ‘Abu’l-Bahá
Ayyam-i-Ha
Ridvan
The month of fasting
Naw Ruz
First Day of Ridvan
Ninth Day of Ridvan
Twelfth Day of Ridvan
Declaration of the Báb
Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh
Buddha’s Birthday (Vesak/Wesak)
Saka Dawa
Lama Tsongkhapa Day
Parinirvana Day
Advent
Christmas/Weinachte
Christmas/Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox Christianity)
New Year's Day (Orthodox Christianity/Julian Calendar)
Epiphany/Hellje Dree Tjeenijch (Greek Orthodox Christians - Mennonite Community)
Ash Wednesday
Lent
Palm Sunday
Good Friday/Stelle Friedach
Easter/Oostre
Ascension Day/Himmelfoaht
Pentecost/Pinjste
Sri Krishna Janmashtami
Diwali
Vasant Panchami
Makar Sankranti
Maha Shivaratri
Holi
Shri Ramnavami
Shivaratri
Raksha Bandhan
Navratri
Onam
Rama Navami
Dussehra
Ganesh Chaturthi
Bhai Dooj
Winter Solstice
Spring Equinox 
Summer Solstice
Autumn Equinox
Eid al-Adha
Al-Hijra
Birthday of Imam Aga Khan
Ramadan
Eid-ul-Fitr
Ashura
Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur
Chanukah
Sukkot
Purim
Pesach (Passover)
Shavuot
Marcus Garvey’s Birthday
Crowning of Emperor Haile Selassie I
Birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie
World Tour of Emperor Haile Selassie
Ethiopian Christmas
Ethiopian New Year
African Liberation Day
Battle of Adwa
Bandi Chhor Divas
Gurpurab
Hola Mohalla
Vaisakhi

Staff Recognition

Each and every staff group is vital to the success of our school system. Our staff are worthy of recognition every day, but we will specifically recognize certain groups on certain days throughout the school year. 
 
 

October 2: National Custodial Workers' Recognition Day

October 5: World Teachers’ Day - UNESCO World Teacher’s Day webpage

Third Tuesday in October: Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Appreciation Day

First full week of February: Canadian School Counselling Week

Fourth Wednesday in March: School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day

April 4: School Librarian Day

Wednesday of the last full week of April: Administrative Professionals' Day

May 1: School Principals’ Day

May 8: Teacher Appreciation Day (some of our schools celebrate their teachers on this day instead of World Teachers’ Day in October)

Second Friday of May: School Communicators’ Day

May 16: Education Support Personnel Day