According to Caledon Enterprise “ A handful of times when students needed help with retying their patkas (a head covering worn by Sikh boys) has prompted a Caledon elementary school to educate its staff about the Sikh article of faith. Palgrave Public School principal Lindsay Taylor told Caledon Enterprise that she wants her Sikh students to “feel supported.”
“It’s probably just been a handful of times, but I think the one time we’re not able to respond to the kids in our community is too many,” said Taylor. To train staff on how to assist students, the school will be purchasing two Patka Boxes created by a Caledon educator.
Rosey Kaur, who owns a local private homeschool in Caledon, developed the educational resource to ensure “no child felt left out or lacked the assistance they needed.” Each Patka Box contains two head coverings, an informational pamphlet with retying steps, a story book and a wooden craft.
According to the principal, the school’s decision to support Sikh students goes beyond purchasing the boxes. So, Kaur will conduct “a full professional learning session” at the April 9 staff meeting, which will include a demonstration of how to use the materials in the box. Taylor said “all staff” will have “the knowledge and understanding” of the Sikh head covering, but a specific team will be created to assist students with retying the patka.
The principal will be on the “front lines” (the team) along with the vice-principal, office manager, office assistant and other staff members.
“So, if one person is busy (when assistance is required), we know who to call,” Taylor explained, adding the school has been relying on an older student, teacher or community member to help so far.
The principal contacted Kaur after a conversation with a parent directed her to the Patka Box.
“When I spoke to Rosey, she was really focused on the education piece for our staff,” said Taylor. “Now we’re moving forward with it.”
Kaur told Caledon Enterprise that she is in conversation with six other local schools who have also expressed interest in her resource. The Caledon resident, who was born and raised in Brantford, said Sikh Heritage Month (April) is a great opportunity for schools to have advocates like herself come in and speak about the faith, but the learning must go on.
“One month through the entire year doesn’t do justice,” Kaur said. “It should be an all-year educational initiative.”
“I’ve heard about a lot of incidents in GTA schools where students wearing patkas have been made fun of,” Kaur said. “We need to make sure that teachers and friends are educated on what the Sikh identity looks like.”
She said Caledon councillors Dave Sheen (Ward 2) and Christina Early (Wards 1, 2, and 3 regional councillor) have been very supportive of her initiative.
Early introduced a motion at general committee meeting last June about bringing the boxes to Caledon’s recreation programs, facilities and customer service.
The Patka Box is currently available in program areas at all three recreation centres.
According to Jason Schildroth, manager of recreation and culture, there are plans to expand the resource to the main service counters at these centres (this year) as well as department training sessions and customer service desks in the future.
Last year, the town also trained some staff on the use of the Patka Box and shared a YouTube video on the inclusivity initiative.
In an email, Early described the Patka Box as “a remarkable initiative.”
“Through this project, she (Kaur) has helped countless individuals gain a deeper appreciation of identity and tradition in a way that is both accessible and meaningful,’ she wrote. Kaur also conducts empowerment workshops to help Sikh boys “stand up for themselves“ and deal with any questions that may arise.
“My goal is to have these children walk anywhere in this world and know that what keeps them strong is their Sikh identity,” she said.
Sheen believes her work is making a real difference. “Rosey is not just creating educational tools — she’s promoting cultural understanding, breaking down barriers, supporting mental health and self confidence in Sikh boys, as well as building inclusivity in schools everywhere,” Sheen wrote in an email.
The idea for the Patka Box came after a non-Sikh educator reached out to Kaur for assistance when a student’s head covering came off during class. She used one of her students to show the teacher what to do via video call.
According to Kaur, more than 5,000 boxes have been distributed across Canada, the United States and United Kingdom since the initiative began two years ago. She has also expanded her initiative into a movement.
“Through Project Patka, I am expanding this work to ensure Sikh children, parents, and educators have the tools to build confidence, understanding, and leadership, “ said Kaur who has also written books about the head covering.
According to Kaur, her project focuses on empowering leaders to create inclusive environments in schools, workplaces and communities. It also supports students in embracing their identity with confidence and guides parents on how to help their children.
“Diversity and inclusion are so important living in this country,” she said. “If we have education and the resources to back that up, it would be easier for everyone to be empowered to learn about different faiths.”
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