GECPIC EQUITY AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION November 2017 Rachel Olivero Rachel.Olivero@publicboard.ca 519-255-3200 ext. 10213

WE BELIEVE ……….. “Embracing diversity and celebrating creativity strengthens our school system and enriches us all as Canadians.”

Ontario Ministry of Education THREE CORE GOALS Shared and committed leadership Equity and inclusive education policies and practices Accountability and transparency From Energizing Public Education, in April 2009 the Ministry released Realizing the Promise of Diversity: Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy. It has three core goals: 1) SHARED AND COMMITTED LEADERSHIP by the ministry, boards and schools will play a critical role in eliminating discrimination through the identification and removal of bias and barriers. 2) EQUITY AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION POLICIES AND PRACTICES will support positive learning environments so that all students can feel engaged in and empowered by what they are learning; supported by the teachers and staff from whom they are learning; and welcome in the environment in which they are learning 3) ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY will be demonstrated through the use of clear measures of success and through communication to the public of our progress towards achieving equity for all students.

LOCAL STATS 1 in 4 people in Windsor are immigrants 1 in 5 is the national average 27% of the total population of Windsor are newcomers 2006-2011: 10,140 newcomers settled in Windsor Projections: 2030

Windsor (CMA) Visible Minority Population by Visible Minority Group 1996 - 2006 Year

It takes a whole village to raise a child. Igbo and Yoruba (Nigeria) Proverb

“He who would do great things should not attempt them all alone.” Seneca Proverb

the test of our civilization. Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization. Mahatma Gandhi

Areas of Accommodation: Observation of major religious holy days and celebrations School opening and closing exercises Prayer Dietary requirements Religious attire Modesty requirements in Physical Education Participation in daily activities and curriculum

According to 2011 Census data 52.1% of the population in the CMA of Windsor report being Roman Catholic.

Religions showing the greatest growth from 1991-2011 Evangelical Christian Islam Sikh Hindu Buddhist

GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB Unique to the GECDSB: GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB Mennonites Low German Mennonites from Latin America GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB GECDSB

Appendix 2: Summary of Religious Holidays 2017-2018 Updates sent out each year

Practical Strategies and Suggestions

What can I do differently now?

Religious Accommodation:

WHAT? WHEN? WHERE? WHY? WHO? HOW? RAMADAN: WHAT? WHEN? WHERE? WHY? WHO? HOW?

Why are there Two Eids?

EQUITY AND INCLUSION INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL

Program

Parents

Who Are Your Parents? Demographics Newcomers Languages Needs ????

What information is already being provided? How are you reaching out?

What does your school do to support EQUITY and INCLUSION and make your learning environment more WELCOMING for ALL?

Could your school be doing more? If so, what?

Do You: Value Mutual Respect and Trust Invite Participation Celebrate Diversity Provide translations Provide culturally diverse foods

Do You: Recognize Cultural Days Provide Childcare Alternate Meeting Dates and Times Consult the Multicultural Calendar Meaningfully outreach to diverse community leaders

RESOURCES: www.settlement.org Getting Involved in Your Child’s School Getting Ready for School School Procedures Report Cards Teaching and Learning

“We may have come over on different ships, but we’re all in the same boat now”