June 6, 2023, will mark the second anniversary of the terrorist attack that took the lives of four members of Our London Family, including a Thames Valley District School Board student. The Islamophobic attack caused lasting harm to the Muslim community.

“Thames Valley stands in solidarity with the Muslim community against Islamophobia, on June 6 and every day,” says Mark Fisher, Director of Education. “We will continue to take action against this harmful form of discrimination as part of our ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion and human rights.”

In partnership with the Muslim community, the City of London and community organizations including the Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration, the National Council of Canadian Muslims, and the Youth Council Combatting Islamophobia, Thames Valley will commemorate this tragic event to honour the lives lost.

Thames Valley’s commemoration will include the following actions:

• Director of Education Mark Fisher will make an important announcement regarding Thames Valley’s commitment to fighting Islamophobia during a commemoration event at the TVDSB Education Centre on June 6.
• All flags across Thames Valley will be lowered and will remain at half mast for the duration of the day on June 6.
• School signs will reflect a message of support for Our London Family.
• All Thames Valley schools are invited to participate in a 15-minute walk in memory of the Afzaal family as a time to reflect, honour and bring attention to the issue of Islamophobia in our communities.
• Staff and students are invited to take part in a moment of silence and encouraged to wear purple and green.
• School and classroom materials commemorating the June 6 attack have been shared with staff and students and age-appropriate conversations are encouraged.

“On June 6 and always, our thoughts and unwavering support are with Our London Family, their loved ones and the Muslim community in Thames Valley,” says Fisher.