Students Working Together
Human and Social Development
Embracing Culture and Community at ASIA Sumas
At ASIA Sumas, we nurture social and emotional growth through events that forge connection, respect, and joy. These experiences are not extras but instead they are essential to building a thriving learning environment for students, families, and staff.
Why It Matters
Culture and community shape how students feel about school. When learners see their identities reflected and celebrated, they feel valued and safe. This sense of belonging is linked to higher engagement, stronger relationships, and better academic outcomes. For families, cultural events create trust and partnership with the school. For staff, they reinforce shared purpose and collaboration.
Goals
- Improve student sense of well-being.
- Strengthen emotional intelligence.
- Reinforce cultural awareness.
Recognizing Sto:lo New Year with Bannock Tacos
We welcomed the Sto:lo New Year by gathering students to share Bannock tacos while overlooking the ancestral lands of Sumas Lake. This sacred time, marked on October 14 is a moment of renewal, community reflection, and reconnection with the land. It ties us directly to the traditions of the Stó:lō, the “river people” whose ancestors thrived around Sumas Lake for millennia. Recognizing these roots strengthens our students’ sense of belonging and respect for local Indigenous knowledge. Over 20% of our student population identify as having indigenous ancestry. The chance to bring more education of the history and culture of Canada, brings our community closer.
ASIA Sumas does Halloween
Our Halloween celebration brought energy and unity across all grades. Students received genuine compliments on their costumes, spreading kindness and confidence. As a creative school, we find that if you do not dress up for Halloween you stand out! Our talented students and staff go all out and the school vibe is electric. The day featured:
- A middle school assembly
- Cooperative games that emphasized teamwork
- A hallway fair led by our leadership students, featuring face painting, games, and a costume contest
Such inclusive celebrations enhance peer relationships, promote empathy, and build a sense of safety useful for social and emotional development.
Encountering Ballet BC Annex
When dancers from the Ballet BC Annex visited, students gained exposure to professional artistic environments. Through performance and workshops, they learned teamwork, discipline, and self-expression, essential competencies for social confidence and creative literacy, and directly engaged with high-caliber arts experiences.
Hosting creative events like this in our school validate the community of artists that we strive to be. Students learn about how these professionals navigate the artistic world as well as it gives us an opportunity to be an important audience member, not just a stage performer.