Media Advisory
5/24/2017
The Ministry of Education is providing all secondary schools with an opportunity to develop and deepen their collective capacity to identify and address racism in all its various types (e.g. anti-Black racism, Islamophobia, anti-Indigenous racism) and systemic forms (e.g. overt, implicit, indirect) within schools.
Racial discrimination continues to be a considerable barrier to the well-being and academic success of racialized students (Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy, 2009). York Region District School Board is committed the foundational practice of equity. It is through collaborative and intentional strategies that we can eliminate the biases, barriers and power dynamics that limit equitable access of racialized students to opportunities and successes. Only when the well-being of all children and students is supported, are we meeting the conditions needed for the learning, growing, and development of a positive sense of self for all learners. Well-being, however, cannot be fully achieved until racial disparities are thoroughly interrogated. (Ontario Ministry of Education 2016. Ontario’s Well-Being Strategy for Education: Discussion Document)
In every secondary school, a Student Success School Team (Principals, Student Success Teacher, Guidance Counselor, Special Education teachers and other educators) provides extra attention to students who need it. To enhance understanding, build capacity and improve supports for racialized students, schools are invited to engage in a learning opportunity which brings together a group of teachers, administrator(s) and students to identify their own school assets and needs in this regard and design a collective response that is intended to address the manifestation of systemic racism within their own context.
Where:
Community Education Centre North
Room 105
130 Carlson Dr.
Newmarket, ON
When:
Monday, May 29, 2017
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Why:
Workshop Objectives:
- To foster school based capacity to identify, address, and eliminate barriers to equitable and inclusive education for racialized students.
- To create safe and inclusive learning spaces that actively engage in anti-racism work with all stakeholders.
Who:
School administrators, teachers, and student leaders.
For more information contact: