"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall". ~ Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela Park PS has a long and distinguished  history from when we originally opened our school doors in 1853 as Park PS to our November 17th 2001 renaming to Nelson Mandela Park PS that Nelson Mandela himself attended. On Thursday, December 5th 2013 we added another chapter to our story when we came together as a school community to watch the new Nelson Mandela biopic "Long Walk to Freedom". When we planned for our community movie night on December 5th 2013 we had no idea what extra significance that night was going to take. On December 5th 2013, hours after Nelson Mandela passed away, here we were as a school community gathered together to watch this beautiful film that celebrates the life of our namesake. It was one of those moments that if you were at the theater that night you will never forget. Parents, caregivers, former students, and community agencies connected to our school were sharing what turned out to be a historic moment. The next day we brought our students, staff, some community members, and invited guests for a tribute to Nelson Mandela that was pulled together in about 12 hours, and was done with such class and honor. Our community was very proud and appreciative of how staff, students, and community members came together to celebrate the spirit of Mandela. It was a fitting tribute to a man that was such a huge figure in the universal fight for equality and peace. I remember hearing about Nelson Mandela and his anti-apartheid struggle when I was a student in elementary school. When he was elected president of South Africa, I remember it as a monumental occasion. His story is one of such perseverance in the face of obstacles that would have led most people to simply quit.  Our December 6th tribute and the work we will continue to do moving forward to keep Mandela’s memory alive will help the children of Nelson Mandela Park PS understand Mandela’s role as a leader who ended apartheid in South Africa, and broke down a system of discrimination. Through our school focus of “hope” and “purpose” we will have our students see themselves as agents of change, who like Mandela have the capacity to give back to their community, and help make their world a better place. As Mandela often said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” With the right mix of nurture and support we can have our students be leaders of tomorrow. Maybe a future Prime Minister of Canada is walking through our halls today. Let us continue to work together to keep the spirit of Mandela alive, and ensure all the children of Nelson Mandela Park PS are given the opportunity to reach their full potential. It is not always easy, and there will be bumps along the road, but together we can make Nelson Mandela Park PS a place that truly honors the struggle and legacy of the dearly departed Madiba.

Sincerely,
Jason Kandankery                                     
Principal, Nelson Mandela Park PS