Tour For Humanity Brings Powerful Lessons to CDS
This week, CDS had the privilege of hosting the Tour for Humanity — a mobile classroom created by the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FOSW). Led by passionate educators Simon and Ariel, this travelling learning experience delivered impactful and age-appropriate workshops to students in Grades 6, 8, 10, 11 and 12, as well as a dedicated CDS parent group.
Over three days, students explored topics rooted in their classroom learning, including genocide, the Holocaust, prejudice, and the importance of human rights. The younger students reflected on first impressions versus prejudice, while older students engaged in deeper discussions on global issues and the 10 Stages of Genocide — especially relevant to the Grade 12 Law class. Across all sessions, students learned not only about the atrocities of the past but also about the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of standing up against hate.
These workshops powerfully complemented some of the books studied in class: Number of the Stars by Lois Lowry in Grade 6, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas in Grade 8, and Holocaust education in high school history courses. Together, these texts and the mobile classroom experience emphasized a core message — we study history not only to remember but also to ensure such horrors never happen again.
In the words of Holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthal displayed on the inside of the bus, “Freedom is not a gift from heaven. You must fight for it every day of your life.”
The Tour for Humanity mobile unit was stationed in the Junior School parking lot (with a brief relocation inside on Tuesday due to weather and a mechanical issue). Students, faculty, and staff attended these thought-provoking sessions, leaving with a renewed sense of responsibility and a commitment to fostering justice, peace, and tolerance in their communities.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
