Lights, Learning, and a Shared Celebration at Sherbrooke Senior
by Dan Mullins
Recently, the gymnasium at Sherbrooke Academy Senior in Beaconsfield shimmered with light as students gathered for the school’s first full-scale Diwali celebration, an event marked by dancing, reflection, and artistic expression.
Organized by Principal Christine Dane and parent Navinta Dua, the assembly was the result of a two-year conversation about how to recognize Diwali as part of the school’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts. Previous years had seen smaller hallway displays of traditional diya lamps and rangoli patterns, but this year the school community came together for a richer experience.
“Our students were welcomed into a gym decorated for Diwali,” said Principal Dane. “Ms. Dua gave a short talk on the holiday, and her student helpers shared family traditions. Then we all danced together.”
The Festival of Lights, as Diwali is known, celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Ms. Dua explained the meaning behind the festival’s mythology: the return of Lord Ram after 14 years of exile and the rescue of his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. But she emphasized that the celebration is more than just a story. “It’s a time for kindness, sharing, and welcoming positive energy into our homes,” she said. “It brings families and the South Asian community together.”
The hour-long assembly included video and dance, followed by an activity: each of the school’s 215 students was given a diya to decorate and take home. The lights were turned off and the gym filled with the soft glow of LED tea lights as students held their finished diyas.
“It was a magical moment,” said Dua. “The students were so engaged—curious, asking questions, participating in the dance and the craft. It was beautiful to watch.”
Seven students arrived in traditional clothing, and two local families joined the event, which was supported by the school’s Home and School Association. South Asian parent Anil Gulati also assisted with decorating the gym, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere for the event.
For Dane, the celebration was a long time in the making. “Last year, Diwali and Halloween fell on the same day, and it just wasn’t the right timing,” she explained. “But this year it worked out, and I’m so glad it did. It was an amazing experience for the students to participate in something like this.”
Dua, who has two daughters at Sherbrooke, said it was deeply meaningful to share her culture in such a warm and receptive environment. “As a member of a minority community within the school, I deeply appreciate the importance Ms. Dane placed on cultural awareness and inclusivity,” she said. “It was a proud moment for our family and a beautiful example of how schools can foster understanding and belonging.”
Reflecting on the event, Dane said her hope was that students left with a greater appreciation for a cultural celebration they might not have known much about before. Judging by their enthusiastic participation and proud smiles, many certainly did.
“I was thrilled to see how excited and immersed the entire school community was in learning about Diwali,” said Dua. “The support from the leadership, staff, and students truly made the celebration meaningful and inclusive.”
