Community
Community
Cultural Events
Without having to leave the school campus, St. James’ students witness and experience food, music, dance and rituals from a variety of cultures across the globe. Each cultural celebration is organized in partnership with the Parent Association, bringing St. James’ families’ personal experiences to every event. The Assistant Head of School invites a guest speaker or performer to the school to share about the history or traditions of each culture, further immersing our students in what life is like in different parts of the world.
Hispanic Heritage
Our first cultural celebration of the year is a vibrant and colorful event where students can indulge in delicious hispanic cuisine and enjoy live mariachi music. Parent volunteers decorate the courtyard and each year their design is inspired by a different country or a kids movie like Encanto.
Día de los Muertos
During Día de los Muertos, an ofrenda is set up in the school’s courtyard, adorned with photos and tributes to honor deceased family members and pets. The photo-adorned altar serves as a heartfelt tribute to loved ones who are remembered with reverence and joy.
Lunar New Year
At St. James’, Lunar New Year is a grand celebration. The festivities begin with a traditional bowing ceremony, followed by a special lunchtime featuring traditional dishes such as bulgogi and sweet rice cakes, lively dragon dancers and Korean drumming.
Black History Month
During Black History Month, our student gospel choir sings at an all-school chapel service. All students participate in a day of celebration that includes professional dancers, a soul food lunch and courtyard decorations that reflect classroom discussions.
Pride
Pride is a joyous celebration where students create colorful posters expressing their thoughts on acceptance, tolerance, and belonging. The highlight of the event is a spirited parade around the field, where students proudly showcase their signs to upbeat music and enjoy rainbow-colored popsicles.
Women's History Month
St. James’ hosts an engaging all-school assembly where inspiring women from diverse fields share their talents and experiences with students. Past guests have included a female magician and St. James’ moms who are accomplished writers and showrunners.
AAPI
Located in Koreatown, St. James’ students hold a special appreciation for AAPI celebrations. The Parent Association, in partnership with the school, curates these events, often featuring vibrant performers like Bollybops dancers at a school assembly. They also serve a themed lunch that highlights the rich culinary traditions of AAPI cultures.
Christmas Pageant
Each December, our Christmas Pageant brings the nativity story to life through the performances of K-6th grade students. Featuring a diverse selection of songs from around the world and in several languages, including sign language, this joyful and memorable celebration is a cherished tradition that alumni often recall as one of their favorite memories.
Diwali
In our Festival of Light celebration, students explore the themes of light overcoming darkness, good triumphing over evil, and knowledge dispelling ignorance. After a school assembly featuring Dancing Storytellers who bring Indian mythological tales to life through dance, students savor delicious samosas and gulab jamun.
Jewish Holidays
In observance of Jewish Holy Days, St. James’ is not in session for Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur. As well as taking these days off from school, we honor them in Chapel ceremonies as well as Jewish traditions such as Hanukkah and Passover.
Holiday Pageant
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Diwali
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