‘Holidays Around The World’ Observed At FES

Students Learning Traditions Of Other Cultures

Fairfield Elementary School hosted its annual “Holidays Around the World” event last month. The students were treated to a festive and educational celebration designed to bring the school community together while showcasing global holiday traditions.

The event, spearheaded by principal Michael Loret, combined fun, learning and inclusivity, offering students and staff the chance to relax, connect and learn about diverse cultures before the holiday break. For Loret, the project is deeply personal.

“As a second-generation immigrant, this is very important to me,” shared Loret. “At Fairfield, we believe that every student should feel seen, known and heard, and we want every child to know they are loved. Recognizing international holiday tradi tions -- whether from Mexico, India, China, Israel, or Germany -- is just another way that we communicate to our students that we see them, we care about them and we value their contributions.”

In the days leading up to the event, Loret included information about international holiday traditions in the school’s morning announcements. These daily lessons tied into the school’s broader mission of helping young students understand the world beyond their immediate surroundings.

“It can be challenging helping young children understand that there is an entire world beyond the confines of Rockbridge, Virginia, or the United States,” Loret explained. “Because we are working to prepare our young people to lead the world, we believe it is important to begin the process of exposing them to different traditions.”

The event itself featured displays and activities centered on holiday traditions from around the globe. Students had the opportunity to learn about the history, customs and symbols of celebrations, such as Hannukah, by doing fun activities like spinning a dreidel.

According to Loret, Holidays Around the World also serves to strengthen the sense of community within the school. “We want everyone to be able to relax, enjoy each other’s company and express gratitude for our Little Wildcat Family before we go off to spend time with our families,” he said.

The event is not only about education but also about inclusion, giving students of diverse backgrounds the opportunity to share their own holiday traditions with peers. Loret hopes the event reinforces a key lesson: that Fairfield Elementary’s strength lies in its diversity.