As a school board community, we continue our commitment to foster safe and welcoming spaces in our schools. There are increasing tensions in Ontario and across Canada related to the manner in which schools accept everyone, including those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
At the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, as a publicly-funded Catholic school board, we love, care for and accept everyone. We value the work of our educators and school board staff in upholding the Ontario Human Rights code. And we are committed to living our school board's mission to "Faithfully, inclusively and equitably, we inspire every student to realize their God-given potential".
During this time in history, when we witness people being drawn towards conflict, tensions and protests, we encourage our students and staff to come together as Jesus has taught us. We call on everyone to reflect upon our school year theme - Build Anew With Grace, Mercy and Peace. May we continue to work together to be peacemakers.
We know there may be students who experience difficulties and we encourage you to speak with a trusted and caring adult at school or at home. We would also like to draw your attention to our SMCDSB Faith resources and a wide range of mental health resources available at SMCDSB Mental Health and Well-Being along with our Mental Health Instagram account at smcdsb_mhwb