Burnaby Schools strive to create inclusive, welcoming environments for all students. There are initiatives and activities throughout the year that explore the strength in our differences and the richness of what makes us unique. What follows are some examples.
These recently installed "Stairs of Inspiration" are at Parkcrest Elementary. The messages, set in colourful hues, encourage students to believe in themselves and act with integrity.
At Maywood Community School "kindness sprinkles" fill a donut on display for all to see as part of Kindness Month. The messages within it share acts and words of compassion. For many schools across the District, Pink Shirt Day is an opportunity for conversations about caring behaviour and creating a culture of kindness. At Lyndhurst Elementary, children spoke to their peers about bringing more kindness into the world. Students at a Brantford Elementary assembly pledged kindness and talked about the importance of standing up to bullying.
Pink Shirt Day began more than 15 years ago as an awareness campaign about homophobic bullying. Several schools also had meaningful discussion about allyship, such as Brentwood Park Elementary. Students at Kitchener Elementary built a flag with hearts to show that everyone belongs. Cariboo Hill Secondary students in the GSA Club and the Mental Health Committee worked together to plan daily activities for Pride Week.
High school Leadership students came together at Burnaby North Secondary for an Equity Diversity and Inclusion SOGI Mini-Conference. Discussions included conversation about creating safe, inclusive and accountable spaces, as well as the role of allyship in leadership.
