About Our Branch Logo (see below)

About the Equity and Inclusion Branch 

The work of the Equity and Inclusion Branch is informed by:

The Branch is also guided by policies, procedures and guidelines within the WRDSB Governance Framework. The Equity and Inclusion Branch Team supports the school district in meeting its strategic goals.

The Equity and Inclusion Branch responds to ongoing requests made through the equity request email by administrators, educators, Social Workers, Child and Youth Workers, and other support staff with evidence-informed best practices for addressing inequities. These requests, in turn, help to:

  • Identify the overarching gaps or themes
  • Build and cultivate community partnerships 
  • Inform the development of resources and tools
  • Drive policies and procedures to keep the system responsive

The Equity and Inclusion Branch is part of the Indigenous, Equity, and Human Rights (IEHR) Department.  IEHR is part of Learning Support Services and works out of the Education Centre.

The Equity and Inclusion Branch Team

The Equity and Inclusion Branch is comprised of the following:

  • Equity and Inclusion Officer 
  • Indigenous Education Consultant(s)
  • Indigenous Education Itinerant Teacher(s)
  • The System Administrator of the Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Department directs and oversees the daily branch work

The Department is overseen by a Superintendent of Student Achievement and Well-being.

The Role of the Equity and Inclusion Branch Team

Through differing roles within the Branch, we can support the following:

  • Responding to ongoing requests from WRDSB staff via the IE Request email address
  • Supporting ACBi and Muslim students and families through the System Navigator roles
  • Supporting Black students through the Graduation Coach model 
    • For more information, please contact the System Administrator for IEHR
  • Creating and delivering professional learning around culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy
  • As compliant with Board Policy 1008, support inclusive curriculum and assessment practices in pursuit of equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students
  • Developing and disseminating resources and tools that support the above work, grounded within the Ontario Human Rights Code
  • Designing and coordinating awareness campaigns, events, forums, panels, and communications
  • Cultivating community connections and facilitating community engagement and outreach
  • Providing consultation through:
    • Staff meetings
    • System-wide presentations 
    • Steering committees
    • Individual and team coaching
  • Creating and reviewing policies, guidelines, and administrative procedures

The circle shape represents the wholeness of the community. The gaps in the circle speak to the nature of equity work being ongoing and incomplete. The primary colours (red, blue and yellow) are foundational and can be combined to make the other colours. These colours represent harmony and interdependence. Where each colour’s gap meets another colour’s line, the circle is complete.

About the Artist – Mona Mousa

Mona Mousa is a digital content creator with over ten years of experience in social media marketing, branding, graphic design, photography, videography, and more.