International Week of Differences – Pinewood Celebrates its Diversity
November 12, 2019
International Week of Differences is a yearly Pinewood event to be celebrated in honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This annual observance aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. At Pinewood, it is a time designated to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of teachers, administrators, students, and parents in making our school more inclusive and, thereby, significantly contributing to the development of a more inclusive society. During this week we will celebrate our school’s diversity, whilst educating our student body in issues such as special needs, human rights, acceptance, diversity and equality.
When over 1 billion people worldwide have a disability, disabilities can no longer be viewed as a marginal problem, we must now move our primary concern to universal accessibility. As an inclusive school that aims at raising our students’ awareness, fostering understanding, and encouraging engagement with global challenges, we must thus expose our student body to opportunities to engage in a culture of belonging on the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The International Week of Differences offers a significant opportunity for students and parents to celebrate our differences and create an awareness of the benefits and challenges children and people around the world face. It also brings the school community together in good spirit for a common purpose. It provides us with a pause in our busy lives to reflect on where we are and where we are going. But celebrating is only the beginning for our Pinewood family. Reflection, planning and action are the elements necessary to understand the potential of inclusive education and realize its promise.
In that spirit, Pinewood has organised a variety of events for each entire student body. Our students will get the honor to interact with individuals with disabilities, and understand the courage and determination it took for them to overcome the challenges they faced. During specific classes, all our students (PreK1 – Grade 12) will engage in different discussions, seminars and activities specifically designed by our trained teachers to educate them about special needs and disabilities and the various issues that individuals with disabilities face whilst exposing them to the importance of being a force of inclusiveness and equality for all people as they become global citizens.
Lastly, last year through a week long, bake sale organised and run by the Elementary Student Council our school raised over 500 euros which we donated in full to the largest paralympic field and track team in Greece, Elpida. Pinewood also donated more than 100 pieces of training clothing to further support these decorated world class athletes and paralympians. This year, the Middle School and Elementary School Student Councils are working together and will also organise a week long baking sale starting on Monday November 11.
All profits will again be donated to the Elpida Track and Field Team. Each day different treats will be available for purchase by our elementary and secondary students.
Below is the schedule for our bake sale.
Monday- Donutsl, 1,5 euros
Tuesday – Waffles, 1,5 euros
Wednesday – Donuts, 1,5 euros
Thursday- Pop corn, 1 euro
Overall, this is our chance as an international, multicultural and diverse community to be a driving force in progressing and advancing the rights of the world’s one billion persons with disabilities. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact Alexandra.
Alexandra Valtzidou
Learning Support Coordinator