LDCSB schools and offices are committed to nurturing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Catholics believe that everyone is made in the image and likeness of a God who created us and loves us unconditionally – just as we are. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40).
During the month of June, the LDCSB recognizes and celebrates those who are part of the LGBTQ2s+ community. Schools may choose to celebrate Pride Month in different ways based on the diverse needs of their school community.
The LDCSB strives to ensure that we support our educators, our students and their families with resources and materials that will enable better understanding and recognition.
These resources include School Announcements; School Prayers; Reflections on Respect, Compassion and Sensitivity; Mental Health links; Curriculum and School resource links; Community resource links; and Catholic resource links.
We also have a new Recognition and Inclusion Policy, to help ensure that students are represented equally, particularly those voices who tend to be socially oppressed.
Flags can be displayed at LDCSB schools and buildings in one of two ways: on outdoor flagpoles and inside the building and/or classrooms. For outdoor flagpoles, the practice at the LDCSB is to fly only the Canadian flag. Inside a school building and/or classroom, flags from other countries, groups or organizations may be displayed as appropriate. For example, the Vatican flag would not be flown on the outdoor flagpole, but may be displayed inside a school or other building. From Promoting Businesses, Groups, Events and Movements in LDCSB Schools
We are called to love and celebrate one another, just as God loves and celebrates each one of us. We honour the inherent dignity in each other by treating one another with care, compassion, and respect, especially our students who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
There are students and staff in LDCSB schools who either personally identify as 2SLGBTQ+ or have immediate family members who do. Catholic education is rooted in the fundamental value of inclusion based upon Jesus’ exhortation “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34).
The LDCSB recognizes the struggles that members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community have endured in the past, and that many continue to be marginalized today. Every day provides an opportunity to reflect upon ways in which we can ensure that all our students, staff and parents feel welcomed and valued.
How we respond and support those students feeling most excluded or marginalized is representative of how we respond and support all students. When the least belong and feel included, then all belong and are included.