Toronto Catholic District School Board

 The Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy (EIE) was published in 2009 and went into effect the same year.  The three core priorities are:  1. High levels of student achievement  2. Reduced gaps in student achievement  3. Increased public confidence in publicly funded education

Now you together are Christ’s body; but each of you is a different part of it. St Paul in 1st Corinthians 12:27

In the rich vision of the Christian faith, each disciple sees the face of Christ in every person that he or she encounters and acts accordingly. That is equity, and more than equity; that is the practical generous love expected by Jesus of every disciple. Archbishop Thomas Collins (February 24, 2011)

Equity and Inclusive Education:  Is a foundation for excellence  Meets individual needs  Identifies and eliminates barriers  Involves the broad community  Builds and enhances previous and existing initiatives  Is demonstrated throughout the system

For Catholic Boards:  EIE policies have been developed and implemented in the context of the denominational rights of Roman Catholic schools as set out in section 93 of the Constitution Act, 1867  Section 19 of the Ontario Human Rights Code  The Ontario Education Services Corporation (OESC)

 Empowers Catholic Schools to exist ( i.e. EIE created in conjunction of Catholic Graduate Expectations )  Allows for the hiring of Catholics  Allows in the elementary panel for the assertion of denominational with regard to admissions  Supported in the code, charter of rights and freedoms, BNA Act as well as case law

1. Board policies, programs, guidelines, and practices, 2. Shared and committed leadership 3. Inclusive curriculum and assessment practices, 4. School–community relationships 5. Religious accommodation 6. School climate and the prevention of discrimination and harassment, 7. Professional learning 8. Accountability and transparency;

 Update to PPM 119 from Ministry of Education  OESC engaged to create Catholic Template for Equity and Inclusive Education  OESC is the Ontario Education Services Corporation who provide services to School Boards and Associations

 Institute for Catholic Education (at the behest of the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario )  Ontario Catholic Trustee Association  Catholic Directors of Ontario  Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers of Ontario  Borden Ladner Gervais, Keel Cotrelle  The policy and resources have been reviewed by Archbishop Collins

PPM 119 EIE Institute for Catholic Education OCSOA CPCO Ontario Catholic Trustees Association Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario Archdiocese of Toronto

In 1984 with the arrival of full funding for Catholic Schools open access was granted to all high school students. Since that time and indeed prior to 1984 Catholic schools in Toronto have endeavoured to support students of various faith traditions within the context of our Catholic tradition and values.

Within our schools, we need to welcome people of diverse communities. In our secondary schools, this may mean people of different religious traditions, who seek education in a Catholic School because they recognize and value an educational vision centred on the primacy of God and the dignity of the human person as a child of God. Archbishop Thomas Collins

 School board policies on religious accommodation must be in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the right to be free from discrimination  The Ontario Human Rights Commissions honours and supports the rights to religious expression

 The board is committed to preventing and eradicating discrimination and harassment on the grounds set out in the code, including creed  It supports freedom of religion and an individuals right to manifest his/her religious beliefs and observances

 Freedom of religion is an individual right and a collective responsibility  Catholic School Boards are committed to work with the community they serve to foster an inclusive learning environment that promotes acceptance and protects individuals from discrimination or harassment on the basis of religion

 In 2006 the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario released thru the Institute for Catholic Education a pastoral guideline titled: ‘Pastoral Guideline to assist Students of Same Sex Attraction’.  It offered staff a means of working with students in discerning and understanding one’s sexuality in terms of our faith

 First, it’s important to note that any student in any Catholic school who feels bullied or harassed because of their sexual orientation, ethnicity, physical abilities, or any other factor has always been able to receive support to address their concerns and needs and this will not change  The enrichment of existing school-based opportunities for students to gather in groups to address bullying against students with same-sex orientation will be available before the beginning of the next school year, which starts in September, 2011 (Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario/Ontario Catholic School trustees –April

1. Review existing supports for staff, students and families as it pertains to bullying 2. Ensure that all groups are mentored by staff who are well informed concerning the tenets of our faith and the complexity of sexuality 3. Work to follow faithfully the direction of Archbishop and ACBO 4. To offer our support to this provincial initiative

‘Catholic boards throughout the province, drawing on the well-considered resources prepared by the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, have worked diligently to create policies rooted in the Gospel and totally in harmony with our Catholic Christian faith that ensure the rights, dignity and respect of all students in our care.’ March 2011

Now you together are Christ’s body; but each of you is a different part of it. St Paul in 1st Corinthians 12:27