Equity Matters

September 2022

Starting in September

This month, we welcome many employees back to their workspaces!


Understandably, learning spaces are buzzing with an eagerness to jump into new projects connected to this 2022-2023 academic year. However, within this refreshed start, there is also an additional opportunity to reconnect with, and learn about, each other in meaningful, collaborative ways.


A recent Twitter post reminded its readers that relationship building is simply the precursor to truly establishing just and caring spaces.


This issue is dedicated to exploring how LDSB can collectively deepen our understanding and commitment to cultivating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and respected.

So What Does An Inclusive Work Environment Look Like?

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To Speak Up for Inclusion, we need to speak about inclusion

To Speak Up for Inclusion, we need to speak about inclusion
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What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah, meaning “head of the year” or “first of the year,” is the Jewish New Year

The exact date of Rosh Hashanah varies every year since it is based on the Hebrew Calendar, where it begins on the first day of the seventh month. This year it began in the evening of

Sunday, September 25, and will end in the evening of Tuesday, September 27.

A common greeting to mark this occasion of Rosh Hashanah is “Shanah Tovah”, which means “Good Year.”


Please Note:

Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Tuesday, Oct. 4, and ends at sundown on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

How can we support those observing these important days?

Please be mindful of staff, students, and community members observing both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, by being mindful of your scheduling, and making accommodations as needed.

International Week of Deaf People occured this month

Theme for 2022:

Building Inclusive Communities for All

To support those with hearing loss, here are a few things we can do:

How YOU can celebrate International Week of the Deaf People

Recognizing and Committing to Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30th of each year, we recognize both Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day we commemorate the residential school experience and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families. We encourage everyone to learn about the history of residential schools and to engage in meaningful discussions about the effects of residential schools and the legacy they have left behind.

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how can we come together towards collective action?

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How can the Equity Team support you?

Updates from your Equity Team

We are currently updating and adding to our Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion homepage, which includes all issues of Equity Matters, links to human rights-related administrative procedures and resources, as well as information on LDSB's Advisory Committees and Affinity Networks!


We also included a description of our key responsibilities.

You can check it out here:Human Rights and Equity Team

Respect and Inclusion in the Workplace

The Board has updated Administrative Procedure 405: Respect and Inclusion in the Workplace: Understanding Harassment & Discrimination and Administrative Procedure 406: Reporting & Investigating Workplace Harassment & Discrimination to ensure that incidents of workplace harassment and discrimination can be reported and addressed in a safe, confidential, and timely manner.

A summary of the important updates to the administrative procedures and FAQs can be found here. You can report an incident of workplace harassment and discrimination here.

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About Us

The LDSB Equity team is excited to continue working with both staff and students, providing resources and spaces that foster a strong sense of belonging, so everyone can see themselves in Limestone!


Please do not hesitate to contact us; we look forward to working with you!


Andrea Barrow

7-12 Equity & Inclusion Consultant

613-544-6925 ext.213


Rachael McDonald
K-8 Equity & Inclusion Consultant

613-544-6925 ext. 213


Yusuf Abdulkareem

Human Rights & Equity Officer

613-544-6925 ext.256