Moving Forward with Mindfulness in March
We are used to these steep temperature variations.
However, this March, the world is facing a multitude of unknowns that are unprecedented, Locally and globally, these events impact us all in different ways, for different reasons.
This edition of Equity Matters stems from the acknowledgment that each individual's identity, coupled with personal experiences, influences perspectives and feelings.
As we move through March, let's do so with mindfulness. Everyone's story is multifaceted and unique, including our own. Let's honour the way each of us process this changing world, availing the necessary space and time to learn from each other and heal as a community.
Although many aspects of identity are fluid, there is one constant understanding.... we all have multiple layers hidden within ourselves. Like an iceberg, much of our individual stories lie beneath the waterline.
February
Here is a video from Trustee Brown reminding us of the importance of continuing to teach Canadian Black History, beyond the month of February:
March
Here is a link to explore March's Dates of Significance.
These dates provide intentional space for learning and reflection, both to amplify & affirm past/present experiences, as well as name/examine barriers and challenges certain communities face.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21)
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| International Women's Day (March 8th) | Purim (March 12-17) | Holi (March 18) |
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| World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) | International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21) | National Indigenous Languages Day (March 21) |
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21)
What Actions are the Equity Team Currently Takng Based on COmmunity Input?
This winter, we welcomed two new members to the equity team:
- Yusuf Abdulkareem - Human Rights and Equity Officer
- Andrea Barrow - Secondary Equity and Inclusion Curriculum Consultant
Some key areas of focus were to:
- consolidate and rework Draft One of the Equity Action Plan, based on community, stakeholder, and staff feedback;
- meet with community stakeholders, parents, and students for their recommendations on equity and human rights priorities;
- engage in collective equity work through the establishment of affinity groups, and continued work with staff collectives, and community groups (i.e. Black Community Focus Group, 2SLGBTQIA+ PIC Focus Group, TAG);
- identify current equity barriers/gaps through collaborative work with LDSB's Data team.
Over the next few months, our goals are to:
- present the updated Equity Action Plan to Trustees, with revisions based on feedback/recommendation from community stakeholders, in April;
- share our human rights complaints procedure, to begin a scaffolded phase-in;
- host a meet and greet for staff affinity groups;
- update our Equity and Inclusion webpage, by creating consistent and clear pathways for students and families to access resources and opportunities;
- provide both staff and students inclusivity and allyship workshops from grade 3-12;
- purchase progress flags for each school;
- offer new equity-related student opportunities through academics, arts, and athletics.
*Please note: This list only addresses frequently asked questions, and does not reflect all the work happening at the moment. Please feel free to reach out for any further inquiries.
In recognition of how uncertainty can impact our own wellness, How are you taking care of yourself?
Here are some tips from: https://smho-smso.ca/covid-19/educators/#take-care
Working Towards Equitable Outcomes, where Everyone Sees Themselves in Limestone
Please do not hesitate to contact Rae McDonald, for further inquiries or recommendations for this mailout.