Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

School Equity Plan 2022-2023

MYSP, CBILC and CSILC
GOALS:

• Eliminate disproportionalities in achievement, programming, and discipline, by dismantling the impacts of colonialism, white supremacy, anti-Black
racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, able-ism and other oppressions.
• Increase staff awareness and capacity required to address the impacts of colonialism, white supremacy, anti-Black racism, Islamophobia, anti-
Semitism, homophobia, sexism, able-ism, and other oppression in all areas of school culture
• Increase sense of belonging among staff impacted by oppression and injustice, by uplifting the voices of all
• Enrich students’ sense of connection to their Catholic community and sense of belonging (e.g., reduce student experience of aggressive behaviours)

School Plan 2021-2022 2022-2023

List/name members of school equity

Phil Wilson Cristina Roda
committee. If student, then initials and
grade Tanya Brancalion Tanya Brancalion

Kathy Villarroel-Sponagle Kathy Villarroel-Sponagle

Explain/describe professional
development that was embarked on
with school staff.
Staff participate in a St. Teresa of Avila Classroom
Climate and Instruction survey to develop an idea
of what was needed within the school/classroom.
PLC- How to create a more inclusive school
climate.
Staff have participated/embarked on two
professional development initiatives on
understanding ‘Racism’ and ‘Racial Literacy’.
Each session provided staff with opportunities to
discuss their views on racism, their understanding
of the term and information which staff can use in

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Discuss the work that was done with
students, learning opportunities,
speakers, assemblies, student voice
opportunities, other
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Professional Development- Moving from Fear to
Action To critically reflect on our biases, resources
and practice through an anti-oppressive
framework/lens.
Provided with resources from the Learning with
Nearby Nature: Equity in the Outdoors.
Equity – Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination: Dr.
Nicole West Burns
Informed students and parents about the ‘Love of
Literature Book club’ available to children and
teens (ages 7 - 18) of Black, African or Caribbean
heritage.
Students participate in Saidat's 20 days of black
history month pre-recorded videos and student
journals.
Morning announcements informing/educating
students about Black individuals who have
the classroom and in their everyday practices.
Staff were provided with links to professional
readings, and videos/readings to begin discussing
with students the term racism and what it means
to be part of humanity.
Staff opportunities in the New Year:
• Book Club using a DPCDSB suggested
novel which will allow for discussion and
provide staff with a valued resource.
• Resource on how to combat gender
discrimination.
• Session on uplifting the voices of students
and staff that feel marginalized.
• Collaboration and team-teaching
opportunities
• Retreat-community building
Student learning opportunities:
Winter Book Club- ‘Love of Literature Book club’
available to children and teens (ages 7 - 18) of
Black, African or Caribbean heritage.
Using the Canadian Heritage videos to educate
students on Black individuals who uplift the
stories, histories and contributions of individuals
racialized Black throughout the school year
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Describe the community engagement
opportunities that were offered
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contributed to Science, Mathematics, Language,
Sports and Politics.
Meet the author
Background on the journey behind Trailblazers, live
reading, and a 15 min Q & A with Tiyahna Ridley-
Padmore.
Due to Covid there were not any community
engagement opportunities this past year.
Providing students and parents/guardians with a
book list that promotes diversity and written by
Black authors.
Introduce Intermediate students to DPCDSB
BLACK EXCELLENCE (Alumni Edition).
Speakers for 2023
Staff have suggested the following opportunities
for community engagement:
• having a parent committee to voice
concerns, ideas and opportunities for
members who are visible minorities,
indigenous, oppressed and part of the
Black community.
• a night revolving around cultural
differences such as multicultural days or
celebration.
• A prominent speaker of school liaison to
inform the female students (visible
minorities) about opportunities in
education and careers (Career Day).
• Discuss with Parent Councill on how they
would like to highlight diversity at Avila.
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List resources that were
used/purchased.
Include culturally responsive texts that
were purchased for classrooms.
Include any other information that you
feel is important to share.
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Trailblazers: The Black Pioneers Who Have
Shaped Canada was purchased for the Junior and
Intermediate divisions.
Introduction to Sankofa Black Heritage Collection
and Thinq Inquiry-based Learning: Belonging,
Freedom, Business World, Celebrations, Sporting
Life, Stage, Music, Hopes and Dreams.
Early Learning Aboriginal Resource Kit Education
Handbook
Culturally Responsive Texts:
• The Water Walker
• Jingle Dance
• The Giving Tree: A Retelling of Traditional
Metis Story
• Islandborn
• Hair Story
• The Proudest Blue
• A Different Pond
• Isabel and the colourers go to school
• Grandmother school
• Nadia’s Hands
Two murals were created in the hallways to
promote the culturally diverse community at Avila.
Purchasing books from board approved resource
list.
• Identity Affirming Books
• Identity Affirming Texts-Book Synopsis
• Recommended books for elementary
school classrooms
• Malala: Je ne suis pas un numerio
Providing staff with link to culturally responsive
resources. These resources can be used with
different subject areas.
Available lessons:
• The Strength and resilience of AfricVille
• The Joy of Carnival
• Readings for Perspectives and
Discussions
• Junior Resource: Celebrating Black Joy
Through Poetry and Music
Provide students and staff community building
activities that promote mental health and well-
being.
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 Create dedicated bulletin boards to promote
student diversity and equity.
In the Library books/novels written by culturally
different authors will be promoted within the library
for student engagement.

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