In late October and early November, Trinity College School had the honour of welcoming an extraordinary group from Bogotá, Colombia. One teacher and three exceptional students from Instituto Pedagogico Arturo Ramirez Montufar (IPARM) graced our campus, ushering in 11 days of captivating cultural and pedagogical exchange.
This encounter provided the perfect platform for collaboration, connection and the sharing of ideas. The spirited exchange between our institutions served as a magnificent opportunity for mutual learning and growth.
From October 25th to November 5th, our IPARM friends immersed themselves in the daily life of Canada. They participated in classroom activities, embarked on tours of local and provincial attractions, and shared their rich insights with our students and staff. Remarkably, their visit coincided with the final days of Hispanic Heritage Month in Canada and our annual Day of the Dead celebration, creating cultural vibrancy at TCS.
For our Spanish course students, this was a golden opportunity to put their language skills to the test through meaningful conversations with our Colombian guests. Our TCS faculty partook in a captivating presentation by the IPARM students and staff held in our Senior School library. Here, IPARM illuminated our community with their school projects and profound experiences.
A particularly heartwarming note was the unwavering commitment to future collaboration. Our TCS teachers opened their classroom doors wide, forging connections that promise to stabilize areas of interest. These connections have paved the way for our TCS teachers to journey to Colombia in the future, where they could experience the education at the IPARM school first-hand.
The IPARM visitors’ stay was not limited to the classroom; it extended around Canada. Our guests visited the beauty of Niagara Falls, the vibrant streets of Toronto, and discovered the charms of our picturesque town, Port Hope. Additionally, students and staff at TCS revelled in numerous opportunities to bond with our visitors, whether in the classroom, during shared meals, or within specially arranged activities like movie nights.
A unique aspect of their stay was the chance for IPARM students to experience the warmth and hospitality of local TCS families. They became an integral part of our community, participating in family meals and engaging in weekend activities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous families who opened their homes to our Colombian friends, making this a truly enriching experience for all.
This captivating journey of cultural exchange has not only etched unforgettable memories in our hearts but has also opened doors to new horizons. It is with immense gratitude that we extend our appreciation to the broader school community for embracing and wholeheartedly welcoming our cherished guests.
The profound impact of this exchange is a testament to the power of global education and cultural enrichment. Trinity College School remains committed to fostering such transformative experiences, further enriching the lives of our students, alumni and our broader community.
- By Profesora María Cecilia Velásquez-Labrecque, languages & culture department
