Equity and Inclusion Committee Report

The Equity and Inclusion Committee is hoping to add new members who would like to contribute to this important work at Fern. Last year saw many initiatives undertaken by the administration and staff that were supported by the committee. We worked with a group of neighbourhood schools to apply for a PRO Grant*. Through these relationships we facilitated a combined anti-Black Racism workshop for the Howard Park and Fern Avenue communities. Speaker Leroi Newbold** presented the first of two planned workshops, and this year Ayan Kailie*** will facilitate the second. We also supported the students with their Pride celebration last year. 

Our goals for this year are to:
1) support student equity initiatives 
2) provide workshops, speakers, and resources to support anti-oppression, reconciliation and anti-Black racism training for parents and the Fern community at large, and, 
3) support teachers with their anti-oppression, reconciliation, and anti-Black racism curriculum in whatever way they identify would be helpful. 

We will do this by liaising with the staff equity committee, students, and administration, fundraising for materials, and on the ground organizing at events. If you would like to help with this work, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Rachel Muehrer: rachel.muehrer@gmail.com, committee lead.

*Ontario's Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants are designed to support parents in identifying barriers to engagement in their own community and to find local solutions to involve more parents in support of student achievement and well-being.

**The Freedom School, where Leroi Newbold works, is a youth and parent driven initiative that intervenes to fight against anti-Black racism in the school system and provides creative educational alternatives for Black children. It is a TDSB Alternative School. 

***Ayan Kailie is reported to be the first ever Black Muslim school council chair. She organized an anti- racist march in her Swansea neighbourhood to raise awareness of the need to stand together to fight racism and to support Black Lives Matter’s efforts. 


Popular posts from this blog

Fern Running Club

Image
Happy Monday Fern Falcons!  And Happy Earth Day.  We will have a running club, open to students of all ages, every Friday morning, from 8:30-9:00am, around the track.  Kindergarten students must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children in other grades are welcome to drop in and join us, and then will be dismissed when regular yard duty begins at 9:00am.  This is a club, and not a team, there will be no tryouts, there will be no meet/competition. We will be running for ourselves and promoting movement, the joy of running, and healthy habits.  Feel free to join us. Our first running club date will be Friday, May 3rd.  Cheers,  Mrs. Heller and Madame Miya
Read more

Spring Fling 2024: Taylor's Version

Image
As we gear up for one of the neighbourhood’s most exciting and fun-filled events, we are delighted to announce the details for our school's biggest fundraiser, the Spring Fling! Get ready for a night of laughter, dancing, and community spirit.  Our 12 th  Annual  Spring Fling Fundraiser  will be held on Friday, May 24th, 2024, at St. Casimir’s, 156 Roncesvalles Avenue, beginning at 7:00 p.m. There’s something for everyone: fantastic food, a well-stocked bar, a great local DJ, some serious parent moves on the dance floor and a fabulous silent auction. In addition to having a great time, we will raise funds to support initiatives such as enhanced STEM and Arts education, bringing performances to the school, Grade 8 graduation, and more!     This year's theme is "Taylor's Version," so dust off your favourite “Era” and come dressed in whatever era suits you! From the country twang of "Fearless" to the angsty vibes of "Red," there's an era for e
Read more

Choir Performing at the Spring Concert

Image
Dear Families,  We are so happy to have such a large enthusiastic choir!   Fern's wonderful students in Choir have been practicing two songs for the Spring Concert on April 18th.  They are: The Best Day of my life and My Own Superhero. Here are some notes regarding the Spring Concert:  *We will be walking to Parkdale Collegiate for a run through after morning attendance on Thursday April the 18th at 9:20 am.  (Two primary of our classes will be on a field trip and choir members in those classes will not attend the run through. ) **Volunteers are very welcome to walk with the Choir to and from Parkdale Collegiate. (Meet at 9 am at Fern)   *We aim to be back by lunch, however sometimes runthroughs take a while. Therefore please pack snacks and water with your child for the day. We will eat lunch when we return.     * The evening of The concert, students are to be at Parkdale Collegiate for 6:00 PM . * Students in the concert are encouraged to wear all black.  *Caregiver/ Parent pick 
Read more