This month marks 10 years since the Burnaby Board of Education passed the District’s Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity policy – making it one of the early leaders to do so.
When students feel welcome, supported, respected, and safe, they are more engaged in learning. Trustees built the SOGI policy in 2011 through a collaborative process, including reaching out to the public and other stakeholders for input.
Here are some examples of what school communities have been up to during this Pride Month to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and having pride in who you are.
At Burnaby Central Secondary wildcats showed their pride and shared information, with a message to celebrate who you are with pride and the knowledge that you are loved.
Several classes at Stoney Creek and Second Street Community Schools explored the meaning of the rainbow flag, while celebrating what makes each of us unique.
Students at Burnaby South Secondary honoured pride as part of Spirit Week. They celebrated the beauty of expressing your true self with joy.
Byrne Creek Community School held a student-led virtual event called We Talk Youth Conference about everything from awareness to what it means to be an ally. The event included virtual breakout rooms where students could discuss and then share back with the wider group.
Marlborough Elementary students headed outside to celebrate and love who they are on the school’s Pride Day, where students showed their support for all.
Students at Nelson Elementary had the opportunity to listen to award-winning BC author Robin Stevenson, who visits schools and libraries to talk about books, writing and LGBTQ+ history, community, and rights.
Over at Cascade Heights and South Slope Elementary, the school communities are enjoying their new rainbow walkways. Installed at the request of student leaders and bringing the total number in the District to 11, the walkways and crosswalks serve as powerful symbols of inclusion and belonging.
Read more in the Burnaby Now.
More Information
Learn About And Watch the Virtual Event Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community on IDAHAT 2021
Learn More About How the District Celebrates Diversity
Posted June 2021