Authentic Voices
Anti-Racism and Equity Education Opportunities
Our students, staff, and broader communities represent a rich diversity of faith and cultural traditions. We respect and celebrate the various faith, cultures, and backgrounds in our school communities.
NEW RESOURCE: ADDRESSING ISLAMOPHOBIA
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
Here is a collection of resources to help foster a safe and welcoming space for everyone in Limestone.
Please note: This is not an exhaustive list, but a means to enter into the work as you see fit.
As the world celebrates Pride Month, honouring global 2SLGBTQ+ accomplishments and recognizing the social justice work that still needs to be done, this is a great time to reflect on our role, as educators, in ensuring all LDSB students and staff feel well-supported and a sense of belonging in Limestone.
SUPPORTING & PROTECTING LDSB TRANSGENDER-SPECTRUM AND/OR GENDER NON-CONFORMING STUDENTS
The Board recently updated (fall 2020) a support document with definitions and explanations regarding terms and pronouns that students may prefer for themselves.
The following guidelines preserve and protect the rights, privacy, confidentiality, safety, health, and dignity of transgender and/or gender non-conforming students at all times – in all Limestone District School Board schools, related events and activities – both inside and outside of school hours: Supporting & Protecting LDSB Transgender-Spectrum and/or Gender Non-Conforming Students
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Save The Date:
Truth and Reconciliation Week 2021
REGISTER YOUR CLASS FOR EVERY CHILD MATTERS
Truth and Reconciliation Week 2021
Sept. 27 - Oct. 1 2021
Canada-Wide
An online event open to all Canadian schools
A Message from National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation:
"This year, we’re proud to announce that Every Child Matters is growing from a single day to a full week of Truth and Reconciliation programming. Last year’s unprecedented online event was attended by over 500,000 students, teachers, and general public attendees. Together, we can build on the success of Every Child Matters and continue the conversation on First Nations treaties, Métis and Inuit Land Claims, and the residential school system.
When?
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Truth and Reconciliation Week will take place virtually the week
of September 27 through October 1, 2021.
What can I expect?
The programming will feature short videos created by Indigenous storytellers, followed by conversations with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Survivors, and the children of Survivors of residential schools. The videos will be supported with classroom activities for students. Throughout the week we’ll share artistic and cultural performances by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists. There will also be a moving tribute to the Missing Children that never returned home from the residential schools.
Tentative Program:
Day 1 - Land and Treaties
Day 2 - Languages and Culture
Day 3 - Truth and Reconciliation
Day 4 - Orange Shirt Day
Day 5 - Elder-Youth Knowledge Transfer
Some of our program contributors include Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), the National Film Board, Canada’s History, CBC, Wapikoni Mobile, and the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba.
We hope you and your students will join us. Additional messaging will be sent in the next few days on the event via MailChimp.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS WEEK-LONG EVENT!
Want to rewatch the Canadian Screen Award nominated program Every Child Matter: Reconciliation Through Education? Click here"
LDSB RESOURCES
Information on Traditional Knowledge Keepers
For the time being, Knowledge Keepers will facilitate traditional teachings with classrooms virtually. All virtual workshops are to be done live, please let the Knowledge Keeper(s) know whether you will be sending him/her/them either a Microsoft Teams or Google Meet invitation. Teachers will be responsible for sending the link unless otherwise specified. You will find the workshop descriptions as provided by the Knowledge Keepers on roster here:
https://ldsb.elearningontario.ca/d2l/le/lessons/11496075/topics/147016682
https://ldsb.elearningontario.ca/d2l/le/lessons/11496075/topics/114660348
★ To help teachers and schools better understand the cultural protocols involved when inviting a Traditional Knowledge Keeper into the school or classroom.
★ To provide a brief overview of the cultural significance of Traditional Knowledge Keepers.
★ To give guidelines for how Traditional Knowledge Keepers should be treated in the school.
May's "The Limestone Lens"
Here is the link to this month's "The Limestone Lens": https://www.smore.com/j1k36
This month's issue is all about maintaining the momentum in personal and collective equity work.
To do that, let's take some time to reflect and acknowledge where we are in the work presently, and spend time thinking about what actions are needed to move forward towards positive change.
As you read through this issue...
Try to see how your role (social identity) is connected to these topics.
What actions and work can you do to help equalize power imbalances in our community?
Let's keep the momentum going!
ABOUT US
Email: mcdonaldr@limestone.on.ca
Phone: 613-544-6925 (336)