Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Goal 1:

Address different forms of racism (anti-Black, anti-Asian, antisemitic, islamophobia, other forms of racism) as well as other forms of discrimination (gender, religion, class, ability, etc.) in our daily interactions, learning materials and community.

Strategies: 

• Create a safe space for staff and students to discuss and explore issues of racism, bias, and discrimination.  Encourage honest dialogue and active listening.

• Integrate restorative practices into your school’s approach to discipline. Connect with the Special Education Team for training opportunities for staff to use these methods to resolve conflicts and address incidents of racism and discrimination in a constructive way.

• Provide staff with training and support from Central Staff (Equity Team, Indigenous Education Team, etc) to help recognize and address different forms of racism and discrimination. (equity@ocsb.ca)

• Review and update school policies, including the code of conduct, to ensure they explicitly address issues of racism and discrimination (including gender, religion, class, ability, etc) . Make sure these policies are visible, accessible, and reinforced consistently.

• Establish equity teams within your school to lead initiatives, track progress, and advise on equity matters. Encourage staff and student participation to foster a shared responsibility. (Identify an Equity Representative to be the contact person for the school's equity team).

• Integrate diverse voices, histories, and perspectives into the curriculum, emphasizing Indigenous and equity-seeking groups.

Goal 2: 

Develop strategies to engage parents and families from diverse backgrounds to ensure their involvement in school activities and decision-making process.

Strategies: 

• Ensure that all school messages are clear, culturally appropriate, and available in multiple languages. Use different platforms like email, social media, and newsletters to reach every family.

• Organize family engagement events that cater to the interests and cultural backgrounds of the family/caregiver community.

• Consult and seek feedback from the parent council in regards to issues of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Actively invite diverse voices to join to ensure all perspectives are heard.

• Where possible,  invite parents to participate in classroom activities, extracurricular programs,  school planning meetings, committees, and decision-making processes. Their input can drive meaningful changes and foster a stronger school-community connection.

• Work alongside families to build a welcoming school environment where every culture is celebrated.

• Set up regular opportunities for families to share their thoughts on school initiatives. Use this feedback to continuously improve and adapt your strategies.

Potential Data Sources: (These data sources can be used to measure growth and impact.)

• Your School's Staff and Student Climate Surveys

• Feedback from School Board Trustees and Senior Administration

• Your School's EQAO Student Survey Data 

• Feedback from OCSB Student Senate and Various Student Groups

• Your School's OCSB Census data

• Feedback from Parent (and Family) Organizations and Advocacy Groups

• Community Organizations and Advocates

Goal 3:

Continue to recognize and share effective practices at the school and classroom level.

Strategies: 

• Provide support to students with diverse needs by leveraging technology and implementing Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy (including in FSL courses).

• Recognize and share effective equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practices across the school.

• Provide opportunities to share successful EDI initiatives, lessons and classroom activities during School Assemblies, Staff Meetings, Department/Curriculum/Team Meetings and PD days. Connect with the Equity Team for support (equity@ocsb.ca)

• Design or offer professional development sessions that address specific needs, such as supporting gender-diverse, racialized, or multilingual learners. Include training on how to identify and address microaggressions and various forms of racism and discrimination. Connect with the Equity Team for support (equity@ocsb.ca)

• Ensure resource equity by auditing and adjusting the distribution of resources and technology to ensure every student has access to the tools they need to succeed.

• Encourage and facilitate student-led groups such as the Black Student Association, Muslim Student Association, Indigenous Student Association, and Gay-Straight Alliance. These groups should have the resources and support to thrive and foster diversity and inclusion.

• Collaborate with external institutions to mentor and amplify the voices of student affinity groups. Ensure that these groups have safe, inclusive spaces to share their experiences and concerns.