Bluewater DSB Character Development: Addressing Homophobia – A Part of the Bluewater Human Rights Journey Todd Wainwright Corey Follett Oscar Burnside

September 2000 ETFO Human Rights Committee formed Four GLBT teachers meeting in a living to discuss how to make their working conditions better for themselves and their students.

January 2002 Superintendent MaryAnne Alton (Now Director of Education of BWDSB) was invited to join the ETFO Human Rights Committee. Strong partnership between the board and the union with Human Rights focus.

April 2002 Principals/Stewards Meeting: Three of the HRC members ‘come out of the closet’ to entire audience and share their personal narratives. This event was the precursor to the drafting of the human rights policy created by BWDSB.

May 2003 Human Rights Policy Passed unanimously

October 2003 Formal introduction of Curriculum Units created by members of the HRC called Colouring Outside the Lines.

December 2003 Development of area teams of teachers and students who participated in curriculum unit presentation and adolescent sexuality forum supported by contacts from ETFO HRC.

September 2004 Presentation to all elementary principals and ETFO union stewards about HR policy, resources to support schools anti-bullying professional development day presentation. Anti-bullying focus as board-wide initiative.

March 2005 Presentation to all principals about homophobic issues Area discussions and action plans Committee members respond to invitations to attend staff meetings

April 2005 Half day in-service for one member of each elementary and secondary anti-bullying committee

June 2005 Rainbow Flag Raising at first gay-pride event north of highway 400.

October 2005 Diversity boxes sent to all elementary and secondary schools through anti-homophobic bullying school contacts. Social event for staff and friends/allies. Bluewater Parent Conference Presentation.

March 2006 Positive space posters plaque mounted and placed in all schools in BWDSB.

April 2006 LBGT Committee present to vice-principals

May 2006 Human Rights Presentation for Faith Leaders in Grey-Bruce counties.

June 2006 Release of DVD showcasing gay/lesbian students in BWDSB and Upper Grand District School Board.

November % Reality staged for grade 7/8 students in all areas of Bluewater

April 2007 ETFO/BWDSB co-hosted Regional Human Rights Conference. Character attributes chosen for system

Spring 2007 CaringCommitment DependabilityHonesty IntegrityRespect ResponsibilitySelf-Discipline TeamworkTrust

Present Integrating Character Education into all disciplines (interdisciplinary units). Using anti-homophobia model as a paradigm for other inequities.

Creating the ‘Be” Teacher Learning Skills Students in schools across Ontario require consistent, challenging programs that will capture their interest and prepare them for a lifetime of learning. They require knowledge and skills that will help them compete in a global economy and allow them to lead lives of integrity and satisfaction, both as citizens and individuals. The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8 outlines the knowledge, skills, and high standards of learning required to meet these goals. The Ontario Curriculum, Grade 1 – 8, The Arts.