St. John Vianney Catholic School Celebrates Diversity

Fifty-one clocks, telling the time in 51 nations, cover a wall at St. John Vianney (SJV) Catholic School. This number is significant because it represents the number of cultures represented by the student body at the Orlando dual-language school. On May 5, the SJV community celebrated its diversity during the school’s annual Heritage Day. 

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s celebration was limited to the celebration of Mass with Father Carlos Cabán. Third graders, dressed in traditional costumes and carrying the flags of the many nations the student body represents, led the procession and served as readers. 

“Our cultural Heritage Day is an event that symbolizes who we are as children of God,” said Cathy Marshall, SJV Catholic School principal. “We all bring something unique and beautiful to our community. Today brings an opportunity for us to notice each other and be grateful for our diversity. It is a day that we are united in the love of Christ.”

Recognizing diversity is part of everyday life at SJV. The school is part of a two-way immersion program that provides classroom instruction in Spanish and English for students in Pre-K4 through 2nd grade. The program grows as the initial class (now 2nd grade) advances in its education. SJV is the only dual-language school in the diocese. To learn more about our Catholic schools, contact us here.