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Christmas

Observed annually on December 25, Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, marking the incarnation of God on Earth. It is known for family gatherings, festive meals, light displays, music, worship, and gift-giving. The tradition of giving is also linked to Saint Nicholas of Myra, a bishop known for his generosity, which inspired the modern figures of Santa Claus and Father Christmas.

Christmas is commonly known as a time of joy and connection. Join us in support of all members of our campus community who celebrate this holiday and honour its spiritual and cultural significance. We can do this by centering kindness, extending support to those in need, and creating space for celebration and togetherness.

Chanukah

Beginning at sundown on December 14 and ending on December 22, Jewish people in Canada and globally celebrate Chanukah, also known as the “Festival of Lights.” Chanukah is an eight-day celebration, and the word Chanukah means “dedication” and symbolizes the light that shines in the world and in each of us, even during dark times. The lighting of each candle on the Chanukah Menorah represents the triumph of good over evil. Chanukah is also a reminder of the importance of perseverance and, above all, hope. This commemorates the revolt of the Maccabees, a revolt that led to the liberation of the Jewish people. During this celebration, Jewish people gather with family and friends, to enjoy food, socialize, and exchange gifts.

At Durham College, we honour the traditions of our Jewish community and recognize the importance of cultural and spiritual observances in building an inclusive campus. Let’s show support for our Jewish community by learning about the meaning of Chanukah, participating in campus or local events, and embracing the values of light, hope, and perseverance that this festival represents.  

Advent Sunday/Advent

Beginning this year on Sunday November 30th, Advent Sunday (or Advent) is a significant four-week period before Christmas, where Christians in Canada and globally reflect and prepare to celebrate the arrival (“advent”) of Jesus Christ’s Nativity at Christmas time. In addition to the reflection on the past, many Christians around the world take this time to meditate on Christ’s expected return in the Second Coming. Each week of Advent focuses on a different theme: hope, peace, joy and love. Christians from all denominations and backgrounds observe and celebrate Advent in a variety of ways including the lighting of candles, preparing wreaths, attending church services, and reading biblical scriptures. 

Bandi Chhor Divas

Bandi Chhor Divas, or the “Day of Liberation,” is a religious holy day, observed this year on October 21st by Sikhs in Canada and globally. It is a tribute to Guru Hargobind Sahib, who, in 1619, saved the lives of 52 princes imprisoned in Gwalior, India without the use of violence. After Guru Hargobind Sahib arrived in Amritsar, the Harmandar (also known as the “Golden Temple”) was lit with hundreds of lamps to celebrate his return. Thus, the day came to be known as the “Bandi Chhor Divas” (“prisoner release day;” “freedom day”). Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated as a triumph of good over evil. To celebrate this holy day, Sikhs globally use lights, lamps and candles; and exchange gifts and feast with family and friends. Bandi Chhor Divas is a period where many Sikhs travel to Sri Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple).

 

At Durham College, we recognize Bandi Chhor Divas as a time to reflect on the values of liberation and compassion. Let’s take this day to learn more about Sikh history, engage in meaningful dialogue, and show solidarity with our Sikh community either through attending a local celebration or sharing the story. By honoring this day, we foster an inclusive campus environment where every member of our community feels a sense of belonging.  

Sukkot

Sukkot is a holiday celebrated by Jewish people beginning on Monday, October 6 and ending at nightfall on Monday, October 13. Sukkot celebrates the gathering of the harvest and commemorates the protection that God provided for the children of Israel when they left Egypt. Historically, Sukkot was celebrated by dwelling in a special hut called a sukkah, and incorporating four species of symbolic plants: the etrog (citron fruit), the lulav (palm frond), the hadass (myrtle branches), and the aravah (willow branches). A blessing is recited over these plants and then they are waved in six directions (right, left, forward, up, down and backward). As a part of Sukkot, holidays known as Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are observed and celebrated.  

 

Durham College students set to gain work experience while supporting local shelter

Durham College (DC) is partnering with the Regional Municipality of Durham to support people experiencing homelessness, while providing valuable work experience opportunities for DC students.

The 1635 Dundas Street East project in Whitby aims to provide safe and inclusive housing solutions to help individuals and families who need it most. A 45-bed low barrier shelter with wraparound supports was opened in the building at the end of March 2024, and has provided a safe and supportive environment to over 100 unique individuals. Phase 2 will focus on creating housing units with onsite access to health and social supports and services.

A recent meeting in early November about DC’s role in the project focused on how students could be involved.

“It was a great meeting, lots of excitement and innovative ideas about how students on field placement can support shelter patrons,” said Lorraine Closs, a professor in the Faculty of Social & Community Services’ Social Service Worker program and research lead with the Social Impact Hub in the Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE). “We have a long-standing, strong partnership with the Region of Durham. We’ve done a number of multi-year research projects together.”

As well as sharing a formal conceptual design of how the housing space will be expanded in Phase 2, the Region also discussed the services that might be needed and how students across DC faculties could help work with them. With a vision to create a multidisciplinary, holistic support for the new shelter, the Faculties of Social & Community Services; Health Sciences; Hospitality and Horticultural Science; and even Media, Art & Design are all potential candidates for work-integrated learning opportunities. Closs is hopeful that one or two may even be able to start as early as January. A Steering Committee will decide which DC programs get connected first based on the needs of the shelter.

Lisa McIntosh, Social Services Director Income & Employment Support for Durham Region, says that having DC on board will help the region to achieve its goals for the project. “By fostering community partnerships, we create opportunities for individuals to support one another and work toward a deeper understanding of how we can collectively make a difference. Durham Region looks forward to working with Durham College to enhance 1635 Dundas Street East’s ability to help individuals regain stability. 1635 Dundas Street East exemplifies the strength of community.”

In addition to helping to support services and patrons at the low barrier shelter, the potential placements will offer fantastic hands-on learning for students, said Closs. “There are so many opportunities for students from many faculties to use the skills they are learning in class and put them in to practice in real life.” She added that a bonus will be the empathy that arises from this sort of practical experience. “Research has shown that students who do a work integrated learning experience with the homeless population really change their perceptions and overcome bias and stereotypes.”

The partnership will also provide applied research opportunities through the Social Impact Hub, one of five research centres at DC. Potential topics to investigate include the impact of these learning opportunities on students and their perceptions of homelessness, benefits of student interaction for shelter patrons, and the impact college involvement in service provision has on community member resistance to shelters. Closs, who has already been twice recognized with a DC Researcher Award of Excellence in 2019 and 2023, has submitted multiple research project applications, including for multi-year project funding. There’s also exciting research potential in documenting the pathway that the team is currently pursuing, to serve as a blueprint for other community collaborations.

For students, Closs says the partnership will be a win-win. “This project can also help students become aware of their own privilege. It’s an opportunity for them to support a vulnerable group of people and make a difference in their lives.”