Each month, we take time to recognize Heritage and History Months. While our commitment to safe, inclusive, and identity-affirming spaces is year-round, these months give us a chance to pause, reflect and celebrate the strength of our communities.
June is Pride Month. Earlier this week, we proudly raised the Pride flag at our annual event. It was a joyful celebration of identity, allyship and community. Thank you to everyone who attended—students, trustees, staff, families, union members, and community partners. Many wore Pride T-shirts designed by students at Markham Gateway P.S., a powerful reminder of student voice and creativity.
The students who spoke reminded us why events like this matter and why raising the flag matters. They notice when the adults around them and their peers show up and show allyship. When students feel seen, valued and supported, they can thrive.
That is what we want for every student, every day.
Our commitment to Human Rights and Inclusive Education is reflected across our system—from the Trustees’ Multi-Year Strategic Plan, to our District Action Plan, to Board policies and the Ontario Human Rights Code. It's also reflected in the Pride flags that fly outside all our schools during the month of June.
We do this because we care deeply about every student. We want every student to bring their full selves into our classrooms and feel proud of who they are.
June is also Indigenous Peoples' Month - a time to honour the histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.
As people living on this land and as educators, we have a responsibility to teach and learn the truth of our shared history, and to support reconciliation through education and action. It is important that we continue to create learning spaces that centre Indigenous voices, perspectives and knowledge.
Let’s continue this important work—together.
Bill Cober
Director of Education