Sask. school celebrates diversity with multicultural potluck | MCoS MEI Successes
On November 19, 2025, the Holliston School came together to celebrate their first Celebrating Diversity potluck. The Saskatchewan multicultural event was designed to deepen understanding, appreciation, and celebration of the many cultures represented in the Saskatoon elementary school’s community.
With MEI support from MCoS, the school was able to enhance their potluck with additional food items, ensuring that all families could participate fully regardless of their ability to contribute dishes.
“This initiative directly supported our original objectives: to foster cultural intelligence, strengthen intercultural connections, and create a welcoming space where all identities are valued and reflected,” noted project coordinator, Luba Wojcichowsky, in their report.
“The potluck was a highlight of the evening, featuring dishes that represented a wide range of cultural backgrounds and family traditions,” they added. Dishes included: bannock, homemade Ukrainian Khrustyky, Indian biryani, Chinese dumplings, and KFC chicken, among others.
While enjoying the cultural potluck, families also watched a fashion show featuring traditional and symbolic attire, further learning how the significance of their clothing, contributed to their cultural continuity and mutual understanding of each other. The runway included Indigenous ribbon skirts, Ukrainian Vyshyvanky, saris, and even Saskatchewan Roughrider jerseys—each representing identity, heritage, or community belonging.
Lastly, the gym was transformed into a gallery of student artwork exploring themes of identity and culture. Interactive maps invited participants to mark their “home,” while reflection stations encouraged families to share favourite traditions, write messages in their home languages, and celebrate what makes their family unique.
Throughout the evening, a slideshow introduced families to the concept of Cultural Intelligence—what it is, why it matters, and how it can be nurtured. This educational component supported our goal of building awareness, empathy, and respect within our school community.
“Our intended outcomes were not only met—they were exceeded. The event strengthened relationships across cultural groups and increased cultural awareness, empathy, and understanding among students, families, and staff.”
“This event fostered a sense of belonging and pride for all participants and continues to encourage ongoing conversations about identity, culture, and community … Holliston School is deeply grateful for MCoS’s support in making this celebration possible.”
— This Project was made possible, in part, due to support from MCoS’ Multicultural Education Initiative (MEI.) Through this funding, MCoS offers $200 – $400 grants to schools and school boards in Saskatchewan to benefit students through classroom and professional development projects that support anti-racism, reconciliation, diversity and cultural education outcomes. For more information, visit our website HERE. —
