Italian Canadian Heritage Month
The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) celebrates Italian Canadian Heritage Month each June—focusing on the Italian language, music, art and culture. This annual celebration is a vibrant expression of cultural pride, inclusion, and unity, bringing together students, educators, families, and community leaders to honour the rich traditions, history, and contributions of Italian Canadians.
Italian Canadian Heritage Month Celebration 2025
We are excited to announce that the TCDSB Italian Heritage Month Celebration will take place on June 4, 2025 (Wednesday) at James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School. This special event will unite students, educators, community leaders, and special guests to honour the Italian Canadian community's vibrant traditions, history, and achievements. As a board deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, we embrace this annual occasion as an opportunity to foster greater cultural appreciation and unity among our students, staff, and families.
The celebration will feature a variety of engaging activities, including:
Cultural Performances showcasing traditional Italian music and dance.
Student Presentations highlighting Italian heritage and contributions to Canada.
Guest Speakers from the Italian Canadian community sharing their inspiring journeys.
Authentic Italian Cuisine to experience the rich flavours of Italy.
Interactive Displays and Exhibits celebrating Italian history, language, and art.
Italian Canadian Heritage Month Scholarships
We are proud to announce that applications are now open for the Italian Canadian Heritage Month scholarships, which recognize the achievements of Italian Canadian youth who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and commitment to Canadian society and their Italian heritage. Ten scholarships, each valued at $1,000, will be awarded, and eligible applicants include students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
The deadline to apply is May 1, 2025 (Thursday). Details on the scholarships and how to apply can be found in the following document:
The Luigi Novembre Memorial Fund
With immense pride and heartfelt emotion, we introduce the Luigi Novembre Memorial Fund, established in loving memory of Luigi Novembre and in honor of his sister, Linda, who continues to carry forward his legacy through faith, compassion, and unwavering advocacy for others. To honour Luigi’s memory and Linda’s unwavering devotion, we are launching the first initiative under The Luigi Novembre Memorial Fund—where dreams become reality. This is a lifetime opportunity for a family within the Italian Canadian community to take a child with special needs and experience our culture through a trip to Italy.
Details on this initiative and the selection criteria can be found in the following document, as well as information on how to sponsor and donate to this initiative:
Sponsorshops and Donations
Join us in celebrating and supporting the achievements of Italian Canadian youth through the Italian Candian Heritage Month Scholarships! Your sponsorships and donations directly help us to recognize students' excellence in academics, arts, philanthropy, sports, innovation, and cultural preservation.
Details on the sponsorship levels available and their respective benefits can be found in the following document:
To donate to this initiative, information on how to donate can be found in the following document:
Resources and Links
Learn more about the Italian heritage with these resources:
Transformations: The Italian Canadian Experience
Transformations: The Italian Experience documents the challenges and changes experienced by new Canadians. In their own words, it recounts how these immigrants adapted to cope with the challenges of culture shock, the nostalgia for the traditions they left behind and the new life and identity they built for themselves through hard work and perseverance.
It celebrates the accomplishments of Italian Canadians and the contributions they have made to Canada and Canadian society. It documents what first generation Canadians valued and internalized most from their immigrant parents.
Proclamation
Refer to the following Italian Canadian Heritage Month proclamation: