Celebrating Unity in Diversity: Exploring Cultures, Connections, through Art

On March 10th of last year, Bangladeshi international artists Kamruzzaman Shadhin and Salma Jamal Moushum graced our school for a cultural exchange with Grade 4 and Nursery students, accompanied by the children from the Gidree Bawlee Foundation of Arts, with whom they collaborate. This community-based organization spearheads various creative programs and research initiatives in Balia village, Thakurgaon, Bangladesh, engaging culturally diverse communities. The Gidree Bawlee Foundation of Arts captivated our students with two enthralling performances: a puppet show for Nursery students, featuring meticulously crafted puppets made from natural materials like leaves, and “The Strange Vortex,” a theatrical production adorned with handmade masks, which delighted the older primary students. These activities seamlessly complemented Nursery’s ongoing inquiry, “Where Are We in Place and Time,” examining how rhymes, songs, and stories reflect culture, and Grade 4’s Unit: “How Express Ourselves,” delving into how the arts mirror life. To prepare for the cultural exchange, Nursery students engaged in sensory activities with leaves, fostering reflection and anticipation. They also participated in a thinking routine with Mrs. Nayali connected to previous activities, encouraging dynamic engagement and reflection on their uniqueness while appreciating similarities and differences with the children of the Gidree Bawlee Foundation of Arts.

Additionally, Grade 4 hosted the Gidree Bawlee Foundation of Arts children, who conducted a workshop with our students, guided by Mrs. Whitney, facilitating deep reflections about art and life. The workshop focused on teaching our students how to create puppets using natural elements, aligning with the Foundation’s commitment to sustainability and fostering creativity. This initiative resonated with Grade 4’s ongoing Unit Celebration, exploring the evolution of art over time, the factors influencing art, and how we perceive and value artistic expression. Grade 4’s Unit Celebration includes hosting an Auction, a tradition from last year, serving as the culmination of their learning journey. Generously, Kamruzzaman Shadhin, Salma Jamal Moushum, and the Gidree Bawlee Foundation of Arts donated the masks used in the performance “The Strange Vortex” for the Auction. Stay tuned and join us at the auction to witness the culmination of our students’ artistic endeavors and to support their continued exploration of creativity and culture.