The week of April 23rd, our school came alive with the vibrant spirit of Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia, a cherished Catalan tradition that holds profound significance for our community. As we immerse ourselves in the festivities, it’s essential to reflect on the importance of honoring and preserving our local traditions, a value deeply ingrained in the fabric of our educational philosophy.
Cultural Awareness
At BFIS, we embrace the ethos of the International Baccalaureate Program, which emphasizes the importance of students understanding their place both locally and globally. Our programs in the Elementary and Secondary schools are designed to foster a strong sense of cultural awareness and appreciation, aligning closely with this principle.
The Diada de Sant Jordi has evolved over the years into a celebration of Catalan culture, serving as a beacon of pride and identity for our local community. For our international students, these occasions offer invaluable insights into the history and culture of Catalonia, fostering a deeper connection to their surroundings.
Staff Video about Sant Jordi
For the occasion, our staff crafted a lively fun video that brought the cultural festivities of Sant Jordi to life and served as a beacon of excitement and anticipation for a complete day of cultural activities and celebrations.
Catalan Flags and Roses
Everywhere we turned, the spirit of Sant Jordi enveloped us. Our students and teachers crafted hundreds of beautiful roses in vibrant colors adorning every corner of our campus, a testament to their artistry and commitment to celebrating this Catalan tradition. Catalonian flags, with their bold stripes of red and yellow, also fluttered over every corner of our school grounds.
First Annual Orwell Dystopian Competition
BFIS launched its inaugural Orwell Dystopian Short Story Competition, paying homage to the renowned English author, George Orwell. Orwell’s connection to our institution is deeply rooted in history; during the Spanish Civil War in 1937, he resided in our main building, then known as the Sanatorio Maurin, as a patient after he was tragically wounded by a sniper in the front of Aragon. Now, in honor of his literary legacy and during April, we invited current Secondary School students to unleash their imagination and pen their own dystopian tales. Prizes will be bestowed across various categories, celebrating creativity, insight, and the enduring spirit of Orwellian storytelling.
School-Wide Celebrations
At the heart of our festivities were a wide range of engaging activities designed to ignite imaginations and foster a deeper appreciation for literature, art, and tradition. From spirited writing and drawing contests to captivating dance exhibitions featuring iconic Catalan traditions like La Ball de Bastons, Sardanas and building human towers, our students passionately showcased their talents and immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage. Additionally, our students had the privilege of welcoming authors like Jasmine Gardosi and Toby Glover, whose presence enriched our celebrations and inspired our community with their literary contributions.
BFIS Annual Used Books Fair
No Sant Jordi celebration would be complete without a homage to literature, and our school proudly hosted our Annual Used Book Fair. Here, students had the opportunity to delve into a treasure trove of literary delights, giving these books a second home and fostering a love for reading. Thank you very much to our families for their generosity and support, and to the BFIS PTA whose hard work and dedication behind the scenes helped to make the Book Fair such a memorable event. Thanks as well to our Grade 11 CAS students, for helping with the book fair and organizing any unsold books to be donated to libraries, children’s homes, and similar facilities that help combat educational inequality.
We extend heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated staff and students. Their commitment to preserving and promoting our local traditions enriches the cultural tapestry of our school community and ensures that these moments of joy and camaraderie continue to thrive.
As we revel in the festivities of Sant Jordi, let us reaffirm our commitment to embracing and preserving our local traditions, for they are not only a source of celebration but also a testament to the unique identity and heritage we share as a community.
