Building off its recent certification of a Language Friendly School, Annunciation of Our Lord Catholic Elementary School has been busy connecting with schools across the world who share values and visions around embracing multilingualism.
As a Language Friendly School, Annunciation is dedicated to ensuring that all students, regardless of language background, feel seen, valued, and respected.
This recognition aligns with the broader mission of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, which places a strong emphasis on upholding the dignity of every individual. While all schools within the board support language-friendly initiatives, the certification process offers a more structured framework, equipping school leaders and educators with specialized resources, professional learning opportunities, and a network of global peers championing multilingualism in education.
One such connection was made last fall when Sabine van Hutten, a representative from Marnix College in Curaçao, reached out.
“Their school has annual opportunities for students to embark on international trips,” said Teacher Laura Milligan.
“This year they were planning on going to Canada and wanted to visit another Language Friendly School. Even though their trip changed, they still made sure our school was a priority. They drove all the way from New York City and back, just to spend the day with us.”
In total, 55 students and staff journeyed up to spend a memorable day with their Canadian peers on April 28.
Leading up to the visit, Grade 8 students delved into Curaçao’s culture and history, discovering surprising similarities with their own. As part of a cultural exchange, students created and shared posters introducing themselves, setting the stage for meaningful interactions.
When the visitors arrived, they were met with a vibrant and heartfelt welcome. Language Ambassadors lined the school foyer, greeting guests in multiple languages. In the gym, posters created by kindergarten students celebrated their diverse cultural roots, alongside the penpal posters exchanged between the two schools.
Local MPP Sandy Shaw joined the festivities, taking time from her schedule to commend the schools for their efforts. She emphasized the importance of embracing multilingualism and presented the Marnix delegation with Ontario pins and official scrolls recognizing their dedication to language inclusivity. Shaw then introduced Mya Warner, a Cayuga youth artist from Six Nations and member of the Group of Six, an Indigenous artist collective focused on healing and cultural restoration through art.
Warner led students in a hands-on Cornhusk doll workshop—an activity deeply rooted in Cayuga and Turtle Clan traditions.
The cultural immersion continued with a taste of Canada: a visit from the iconic Beavertails food truck. Students enjoyed the treat, drawing comparisons to churros, a familiar taste from back home.
The day ended with students mingling outdoors – playing soccer and basketball, laughing and forming genuine connections.
“I have no doubt that many students made lifelong friends that day.”
