Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) is an important part of Seymour Heights' school culture that is woven into the work we do every day. Anchored in the NVSD's Strategic Plan to enhance our welcoming, safe, and inclusive culture and learning environment' and Seymour Heights' School Plan Goal of diversity is honoured', we believe in social justice and celebrate our differences at Seymour Heights. One such example is The ABC's of Black History book that we are very proud of.
The students and staff have spent the last year working on a school-wide collaborative book called The ABC's of Black History. Each class oversaw two letters of the alphabet and found creative ways to express their understanding of pertinent people, terminology, and concepts relating to race and equality. It was amazing to see students of every age come together to unravel these necessary components of social justice to build a more inclusive school community.
Through the lens of learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place)' (FPPL), one of our school objectives with this project focused on sharing knowledge. Now that the book is complete, it has been gifted to the school library so that students from Kindergarten to Grade Seven can sign the book out and share learning with their families.
At Seymour Heights, we know that Black History is not confined to the month of February. Our community continues to push forward with REDI work throughout each month of the school year. This book will support on-going learning and sharing and will help spark important conversations both at the school and at home.
By Sanj Johal, Principal, and Lauren Vanderham, Vice Principal.