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Catholic School board seeks community input for more equal and inclusive environment

Wellington Catholic District School Board is seeking community input on crowdsourcing platform Thoughtexchange
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Wellington Catholic District School Board. GuelphToday file photo

As the Wellington Catholic District School Board begins to revamp its Equity Action Plan, it’s asking the community for its input. 

To kick off the first phase of WCDSB’s three-year Equity Action Plan, the board is launching a discussion on Thoughtexchange from Oct. 23 to Nov. 6 which will allow thoughts to be anonymously shared and rated by participants. 

The Thoughtexchange is seeking student, staff and parent engagement as part of the process. In a press release, the board said it aims to build a culture within its schools that promotes diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

“We know that our board and our schools have a very important role to play in leading change,” said Mike Glazier, director of education.

“We have made this a key priority in our school board this year and it will help form our path forward for future years. We are seeking to engage students, staff and our community in our work to develop and support effective anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in our WCDSB community.”

The Thoughtexchange can be accessed here

Earlier this week, the Upper Grand District School Board reached out to the community to hear their thoughts on police presence in schools through the Thoughtexchange platform. Over 136 community members participated to give their feedback which is being used to produce a report to UGDSB trustees tasked with making a decision of police presence in schools by the end of this year. 

First phase actions for the WCDSB Equity Action Plan include:

-Student, staff and parent consultation through the launch of Thoughtexchange facilitated focus groups.

-Staff engagement in broadened Equity committee to develop the three-year Equity Action Plan

-Review school board workplace data and development of detailed hiring and training plans for the future.

-Formally consult diverse communities in Guelph-Wellington to better understand their concerns and seek their advice on possible solutions.

-Expand equity, diversity, and inclusion training and learning opportunities for staff, students, trustees and senior leadership.

-Review of promising practices from other school boards with the support of third parties.

The WCDSB stated that the first phase action steps are a part of a comprehensive, longer-term plan and is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environment for all students and staff.


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Anam Khan

About the Author: Anam Khan

Anam Khan is a journalist who covers numerous beats in Guelph and Wellington County that include politics, crime, features, environment and social justice
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