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Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1484213
S p e c i a l F e a t u r e A Place for Every Student Independent schools in BC implement diversity, equity and inclusion into their curriculum, school life and professional culture so every student feels welcome. I n today's social climate, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are top of mind in nearly every realm of life, work and play, including the academic environment. Schools across BC are responding with inclusive curriculum, staff training and by ensuring safe spaces are intrinsic to their school communities. But this is not easy work. Bringing students, staff and families together despite different worldviews and finding time in an already full curriculum to include this material can be challenging. It requires time mindfulness and all hands on deck. Here's how some of BC's premier independent schools are breaking new ground in DEI. STRATFORD HALL Stratford Hall, a gender inclusive independent school in East Vancouver, has staff committees for DEI, SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity), Indigenous Perspectives, and Neurodiversity that oversee development of DEI principles in the K-12 programs. "We are an International Baccalaureate school, and DEI principles strongly connect to the curriculum framework," says Sukh Sandhu, learning support specialist at Stratford Hall. "We have a very diverse student and family population, and we need to create space for all identities represented within our community." Meg Chamberlin, senior school principal, says the community members are encouraged to share their stories and engage in open dialogue and exploration around identity in their advisory/community block time, supported by a robust GSA (gender sexuality alliance) and DEI student groups. I N D E P E N D E N T S C H O O L F E A T U R E PHOTO: GLENLYON NORFOLK SCHOOL