Our Lady of the Assumption School Celebrates International Mother Language Day

At the end of February, Our Lady of the Assumption School (OLA) proudly celebrated International Mother Language Day, an initiative of the United Nations that highlights linguistic diversity and the importance of preserving mother languages. With more than 17 different languages spoken among its students, OLA took this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich multilingualism within its community.

“What we hear so often is of kids who come, learn English, and then become reluctant to speak their mother language,” said Caryn Swark, Associate Principal at OLA. “What we're doing is celebrating multilingualism and encouraging our families and students to be proud of their linguistic heritage.”

As an IB PYP candidate school, OLA places strong emphasis on language learning and cultural appreciation.

“Language is a massive component of the IB philosophy,” Swark explained. “Learning different languages helps us understand cultures, perspectives, and fosters appreciation for the diverse ways people contribute to our global community.”

To reinforce this, OLA begins French instruction in Grade 1, earlier than many schools, ensuring students understand from a young age that learning new languages is both valuable and important.

During the event, students participated in an engaging art activity designed to showcase the school’s linguistic diversity. Each student received a heart-shaped template and placed colored stickers representing the languages they speak. These hearts were then combined into a beautiful collage, creating a visual representation of the many languages spoken within the school community.

“More than half of our students speak a language other than English at home,” Swark shared. “Some of our students speak four or five languages, which is truly incredible. Rather than seeing this diversity as something that separates us, we want to celebrate it as something that unites us in God’s family.”

OLA has also been working to ensure that students have access to reading materials in their native languages. Their library includes bilingual books and beginner reading materials in languages such as Tigrinya and Ukrainian, helping students develop literacy in both English and their mother tongue.

“Many students can speak and understand their mother language but haven’t learned to read or write it,” said Swark. “We wanted to make sure that if they’re interested in learning, the resources are available.”

Through celebrations like International Mother Language Day, Our Lady of the Assumption School continues to foster a culture of inclusivity, understanding, and appreciation for the many languages and cultures that make up its vibrant community. At OLA, multilingualism is not just acknowledged—it is embraced and celebrated.