Letter from Director of Education regarding Recent Events

Posted On Tuesday June 02, 2020

June 2, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,

There have been a number of recent events in Canada and the United States that bring us to pause, reflect and question the human rights of all individuals without discrimination. The death of George Floyd is part of a longer history of anti-black racism that still exists today in the discrimination and trauma that communities of colour continue to endure.

We know that our students and families may be feeling a variety of emotions regarding the current events. As a Catholic community, we hope to draw strength and comfort from each other and support one another in dealing with the aftermath of these events. We also continue to pray for the individuals directly involved and the greater numbers of people who are impacted by discrimination on a daily basis.

We understand that these events are weighing heavily on us, socially, emotionally and psychologically. To this end, we recognize that we have a responsibility to our students and families to support them during this difficult time.

The Durham Catholic District School Board is deeply committed to the principles of equity. We are called to recognize each and every individual as created in the image of God, and the rights of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. As Catholic educators, part of our commitment to equity means fostering a culture that celebrates diversity, advocates for inclusion, and promotes the wellbeing of students and staff.

To continue our journey in equity and inclusive education, our board’s strategic plan highlights equity as one of our core commitments. As we move forward, DCDSB is dedicated to providing ongoing training and professional learning for our staff specifically regarding issues of equity, bias, discrimination and racism as we strive to serve our students with culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy. We are seeking to create authentic opportunities for engagement and meaningful conversation to raise awareness about the dignity and human rights of all people. We will also continue to reflect on our own practices to promote diversity in our staff and ensure that equity is upheld in all areas of our work together.

At this time, if you feel your child has been impacted by the unjust events that have been shared in the media, we ask that you reach out to their classroom educator, program support teacher, guidance counsellor, or principal to discuss additional supports that may be available.

Yours in faith,

 

 

Tracy Barill,
Director of Education

“A new commandment I give you, love one another, as I have loved you…” (John 13:34)