Contemplating A Night at Dundalk, by Jason Higgins, Grade 2 Class Teacher 

As I sat at the entrance of Kairos school of Inquiry during our “Night at Dundalk” event I overheard a parent remark as they were leaving, “what a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween”. As a new teacher at the school, experiencing this and many of the other events during the year for the first time, I was filled with pride and gratitude to be a part of this school. 

I feel the sentiment that was expressed is so true. The teachers, parents and children at Kairos school are active in creating a substantive culture at the school that shines brightly during their events. A Night at Dundalk is so much more than a Halloween celebration. It is an opportunity for all involved to experience the deeper roots behind Halloween — All Hallows’ Eve and All Saints’ Day. 

The event was also celebrating the Hindu celebration of Diwali. Kairos does not only talk the talk of diversity and inclusion: it walks the walk. In doing so it creates a unique and wonderful culture that defines the school. If you look into the multicultural world we live in, it becomes even more significant to experience a space that is drawing on a diversity of cultures, so that we create a new celebration about the overcoming of fear and the overcoming of the darkness with light. A space where a wonderful group of parents, teachers and children come together to celebrate and support an impulse that is bringing a little good into the world. Seeing the children standing together in a circle each holding a distinctive lantern that they made themselves and joining together in song, each voice and each light mixing was a truly incredible experience for me. So, to all those who were involved in making this happen I thank you, and we thank you.