JFK Times Blog

Diwali, also known as Deepavali in Sanskrit, is India’s cherished “Festival of Lights” celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. This ancient celebration coincides with the new moon in late October or early November when the sky is at its darkest, this year it falls on October 31 st . Diwali marks the end of the harvest season and the start of the Hindu New Year. The five-day festival unfolds with distinct rituals for each day: Dhanteras – Day of Fortune: This day brings luck and prosperity, with families often buying items of value like jewelry, cars, or anything metal, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. Naraka Chaturdashi – Removing Negativity: Early on day two, people cleanse and refresh by wearing new clothes and celebrating with family and friends. It marks the mythical slaying of the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the removal of evil. Diwali – Main Celebration: Diwali...

At the beginning of this school year, we proudly raised the flag of New Zealand to welcome a new family to our diverse school community, which this years represents over 35 nationalities. New Zealand is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including volcanoes, hot springs, and glaciers, as well as its leadership in environmental preservation through national parks and marine reserves. Famous for its native kiwi bird, New Zealand originally had no land mammals except bats, with species like possums and deer introduced by settlers. The country’s bicultural identity is rooted in the Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between the Māori and European settlers. Efforts to preserve the Māori language continue, as it stands alongside English and New Zealand Sign Language as an official language. A hallmark of Māori culture is the haka, a traditional war dance that is performed with pride by the national rugby team, the All Blacks, before matches. Rugby is more than just a sport in New Zeal...