Director of Education

Message from Director of Education

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

At Khalsa Schools, our community continues to grow and flourish. We celebrate many successes and, with time, encounter new challenges. I am continuously humbled by the achievements of our students, the commitment of our parents, and the dedication of our staff to the Khalsa vision. Our schools are strong because of the children in them and the sangat that surrounds them.

It is important to remember why our schools were started. At home, we often read our children sakhis (oral historical stories) of our Gurus, significant historical Gursikhs, and our shaheeds, as well as historical literature such as Bhai Vir Singh Ji’s Sundri. These stories are meant to pass down the values of our Gurus. One sakhi that has always stayed with me is that of Bhai Ghaniya Ji, who offered water even to enemy soldiers on the battlefield. His entire life was a lesson in compassion, kindness, and empathy. These are qualities cultivated over time, with Guru’s kirpa (blessings) and through role modeling.

Our youth face many challenges: preserving the Punjabi language, following Guru’s mat (divine wisdom) instead of munmat (our limited understanding), and developing a love for reading and understanding Gurbani. We also strive to keep the struggles of past generations relevant, and to ensure that Sikh voices are heard in Canadian society—whether in politics, media, or dharmic spaces. Together, as schools, parents, and community, we share the responsibility to raise children who will spread our Guru’s light throughout the world.

Our children learn from how we live: what we say, how we act, how we serve, and how we speak about others. Every interaction is observed and absorbed. In today’s world, where empathy and compassion can feel scarce, we must model these values more than ever. Guru Arjan Dev Ji reminds us in Kanrhaa Raag (Ang 1299):
“I have totally forgotten my jealousy of others since I found the Saadh Sangat. Pause. No one is my enemy, and no one is a stranger. I get along with everyone.”

At Khalsa Schools, we have a duty to nurture this spirit in our children. This is the essence of Sikhi: cultivating kindness, empathy, and compassion.

I am proud to witness the initiatives of our students as they reach out to the community, serve the less fortunate, and care for the sick and elderly. Moving forward, Khalsa Schools will continue to build an empathetic culture through community outreach, lessons on compassion, and staff training to strengthen these values.

Let us work together—in our schools, in our homes, and in every aspect of our lives—to raise children who embody the compassion of Bhai Ghaniya Ji. By cultivating these values, we can contribute to a better world for all.

Stay in Chardi Kala!

Gurminder K. Malik
Director of Education
Khalsa Schools of BC

Please enjoy your summer and always stay in Chardi Kala!

Sincerely,

Gurminder Kaur Malik
Director of Education
Khalsa Schools of BC