Humanities Week coming to Islfeld from Feb. 27-Mar.3

Comox Valley Schools and Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School are excited to announce a series of inspiring speakers and engaging activities during Humanities Week. From February 27 to March 3, students will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of events with the theme of “Raise Your Voice” that will promote learning, collaboration, and creativity.

The event will start on Monday with The Living Library, a series of talks with smaller groups of students by professionals in Humanities-related careers. The afternoon will feature sessions with several people involved in “raising their voice” in advocacy for different issues.

On Tuesday, Isfeld, Vanier, and Highland students will take on the role of delegates at the Comox Valley Schools Model United Nations conference to discuss Child Trafficking. The keynote address will be made by Kelly Flynn, senior advisor, South-East Asia Relations with Global Affairs Canada. After, 46 students will be taking on the role of delegates and members of the International Press Corps. Each student will represent a different country or news agency during discussions, debates, and resolution-making.

Wednesday morning, Waneek Horn-Miller, Indigenous advocate and Mohawk Olympian will share insights about the healing power of sport – and sport as a vehicle for reconciliation. Later in the morning, Zac Whyte, digital communications advisor and videographer will talk to students about “storytelling to change the game.” Later, students will showcase their written work to peers and judges during the Performance Poetry event.

Thursday will be a day dedicated to human rights-related topics, with a range of speakers throughout the day including Arzeena Hamir, farmer, Amara Farm; Kelly Flynn, senior advisor, Global Affairs Canada; Heather Oland, affordable housing advocate; and Ian MacKay who will speak about his experiences providing emergency health care in crisis areas around the world.

Friday will be Fine Arts Day, featuring a variety of presentations, including a career panel with several fine-arts professionals who will share their stories and some career advice with students.

Throughout the week, there will be various games, breakout activities for the grade 8s and 9s, a museum artifact trivia contest, and a humanities careers scavenger hunt. It will be a great week of learning for everyone involved.