Freedom of Conscience Day ~ June 2015
 Students and staff celebrated the Shaheedi Gurpurabh of Guru Arjun Dev ji at the Khalsa Secondary Academy in June. The focus was very much on commemorating a time in Sikh History when a huge sacrifice was made in order to give freedom to others to practice and follow what they believed without restraint or force from others. As team Khalsa we realised that freedom always comes at a cost and the staff eloquently presented their stories of freedom to each other and the students. We served cool milkshakes at break made and paid for by our staff and ice creams paid for by students from year nine. This was to signify keeping cool in this month of June where the Guru was made to sit on a hot plate and where rage and anger could convert to stillness and sweetness when we our energies are put to it. Finally each member of staff and every student was given a virtue card hand made by year 9 girls and the seniors performed selfless service by washing cars! An amazing memorable day for all of us at KSA. |
   |
|
Guru Arjan Dev Ji Assembley I would like to share with you an amazing assembly that happened. On 16th June Sikhs remember the martyrdom of Guru Arjan. As a school we learnt about Guru Arjan as part of a 'Freedom of Conscience' day. In an extended assembly staff shared their own personal messages, thoughts and journeys relating to freedom and what freedom meant to them. This helped students to understand and make the connection between what happened to Guru Arjan and what is still happening in many places around the world today. It enlightened them with regard to what freedom today actually means and the part each one of us has to play in that freedom. It was such a powerful message and the assembly touched me deeply.
The Y9 students all donated their pocket money to pay for ice creams for every child at lunch time in addition to volunteering to give Sava by washing staff cars as an additional thank you. The Kitchen staff also prepared cold Milk shakes at break (similar to what would be served in India on this day) as well as a special menu at lunch time. A lot of hard work had gone into the planning and delivery of the day to make us all aware of Guru Arjan's sacrifice so that we can enjoy our freedom today. What a wonderful way to share a very important message. |
Our students were outstanding in their singing, their poems, their drama and their individual contributions. Often in our busy lives we forget to thank the people around us who we take for granted. Today, however, our students wanted to say thank you to our amazing staff who are always willing to go the extra mile for them, regularly giving up their breaks, Saturdays and holidays to provide additional support. The assembly ended with students publically thanking each member of staff for their tireless hard work, encouragement and support and presenting each of them with a handwritten scroll and a rose. Today we all truly witnessed what 'beyond the academic, beyond the individual and beyond selflessness' means.