In January, Prince of Peace School was filled with excitement and creativity as students embarked on a cultural journey with storyteller Jacqui Du Toit. A gifted performer from South Africa, Jacqui captivated students with stories inspired by her diverse background. She encouraged students to explore their own heritage, reflect on their experiences, and share what makes them unique.
A Hands-On Storytelling Experience
Jacqui worked with each classroom, guiding students through the art of storytelling. The residency theme, “So, What’s Your Story?” sparked imagination and reflection. The goal was for students to appreciate the power of storytelling while developing the skills to structure and perform their own narratives. Prince of Peace School secured a MASC (Multicultural Arts in Schools and Communities) grant to bring Jacqui’s expertise into classrooms, ensuring every student had the chance to discover their storytelling abilities.
Students Connect to Their Roots
Jacqui visited classrooms five times throughout the month, helping students build confidence and creativity. Junior students brought family artifacts from home to inspire their stories, honouring their families’ histories and traditions.
Primary and Kindergarten students also participated by listening to Jacqui’s performances and discovering what makes their own backgrounds special. The experience fostered a sense of pride and connection as students explored their roots and shared stories reflecting their identity.
The Storytelling Café: A Celebration of Heritage
The residency concluded with the Storytelling Café on February 5. Families were invited into classrooms that had been transformed into small performance spaces where students proudly shared their stories. The event became a celebration of culture and community, with students speaking about where they came from and what they valued most about their heritage. It was a powerful reminder of how storytelling connects people and strengthens belonging within the school community.
Celebrating Black History Month
The timing of the Storytelling Café added special meaning, as it coincided with Black History Month. Many families at Prince of Peace trace their roots to the Caribbean or Africa, while others have lived in Canada for generations. The event provided a welcoming space where every voice could be heard and every story valued. By celebrating Black History Month, the school recognized the rich contributions of Black families and the broader influence of the African and Caribbean diasporas within the community.
Embracing Our Diverse Community
Prince of Peace School is home to many families, including those who self-identify as Indigenous and those with deep Canadian roots. The variety of stories shared reflected this diversity. Students expressed their creativity in many ways, from dynamic Canva presentations to posters and even a classroom talk show format, where the teacher interviewed each storyteller. Every presentation demonstrated the beauty of individuality and the shared strength found in community.
Reflecting on the success of the Storytelling Café, Prince of Peace staff and families were reminded that the school’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. Every story told celebrated identity, belonging, and the shared values that unite the community. As Black History Month continued, the school remained committed to creating spaces where every voice is heard and every story matters.
Students at Prince of Peace did more than learn how to tell stories. They discovered the importance of their own narratives and the power of sharing them with others. The experience inspired pride, connection, and a deeper understanding of what it means to belong.
