Celebrating Pride Month in New Westminster Schools
Happy Pride Month, everybody!
Starting June 1, New Westminster Schools is showing our support for our 2SLGBTQ+ friends, family, and community members by flying Pride flags at our schools to help honour, raise awareness of, and embrace the celebration’s vibrant spirit. Pride Month is a time of joy, reflection, and advocacy. It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate the diversity, resilience, and contributions of 2LGBTQIA+ individuals within our schools and the broader community.
Our commitment to inclusivity
New Westminster Schools is dedicated to creating educational environments where every student feels valued and respected. Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in our policies, programs, and every day interactions. We strive to ensure our 2SLGBTQIA+ students and staff are supported, celebrated, and provided with the resources they need to thrive. The Board of Education shared three motions to continue help create a greater sense of belonging for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community in our schools:
- THAT the Board of Education of School District No, 40 (New Westminster) reiterate its ongoing and unequivocal commitment to safe and welcoming learning and working environments for 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff and families, and
- THAT the Board of Education of School District No. 40 (New Westminster) direct staff to explore options for increasing visibility of the district support for our 2SLGBTQ+ community at and in our schools and offices, and
- THAT the Board of Education of School District No. 40 (New Westminster) direct staff to ensure that 2SLGBTQ+ and gender inclusive training for educators and support staff at district-run professional development days is prioritized.
This year, the Board built on its commitment by adding more teacher time to the SOGI Curriculum Facilitator Role to support school communities with creating safer and more inclusive learning opportunities for all. A newly introduced SOGI Advisory Committee consisting of several groups (NWTU, CUPE, DPAC, NWPVPA, Indigenous Education, and Human resources) will also help raise awareness and provide support within their organizations.
We invite all members of the New Westminster Schools community to join us in celebrating Pride Month. Whether by participating in events, exploring educational resources, or simply showing support and kindness, every action helps build a more inclusive and affirming environment for our 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Together, let’s make this Pride Month a time of celebration, education, and continued commitment to diversity and inclusion!