What better way to kick-off Catholic Schools Week than to celebrate the cultural heritage of our students, faculty, and staff. At our first annual International Day, students showed their cultural pride by either wearing traditional clothing or something that represented their birth country or family roots. The day of celebration was the idea of an MAA fourth grader, and it was wonderful seeing his vision come to fruition.

The festivities culminated with a wonderful evening event in the Dorothy J. McCormick  Gymnasium. Our students and their parents set up tables with food, activities, and presentations about their roots. Over 20 countries were represented and we had a great turnout. Thank you to all who joined us!

Celebrating and sharing our student’s heritage speaks to the core of the MAA mission. Our Vice Principal and one of the driving forces of this event, Mrs. Maureen McCafferty, said it best. “As a caring community, International Day affords us the opportunity to share the many cultures that make up MAA. The children discovered that they can be the teachers, and the adults can be the learners. What a better way to live the MAA children’s mission statement than to share our cultural gifts with others.”

The event not only proved educational but also brought together families from across our school. Our community members made new connections, learning about different cultures and bonded over shared heritages with families in all different grades.

We are excited about making International Day an annual tradition here at MAA and having more families get involved and share their cultures with our school community. A huge thank you to Mrs. McCafferty, our Home & School Association, parent volunteers, teachers, and students, for making this such a special day and night.