Welcoming, Caring, Respectful and Safe Learning Environments for All
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Earlier this year, Minister of Education David Eggen directed school jurisdictions across the province to establish direction regarding the provision of welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments for all students. Within this direction, there is an expectation that there be explicit language in the area of sexual orientation and gender identity consistent with the language enshrined in provincial legislation.
NGPS believes that the provision of a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment for its students is essential to educational success. We also recognize that we have an obligation to comply with the legislation outlined in the Human Rights Act and the School Act - a key feature of which is the definition of bullying that is now a part of the latter.
Over the past six weeks, there has been some significant attention given to this directive in the media. Much of the reaction has arisen from a suggested resource displayed by the Minister entitled, "Guidelines for Best Practice: Creating Learning Environments that Respect Diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities and Gender Expressions".
While reviewed for ideas, NGPS is presenting a measured, balanced procedural direction based on the rights of all students and the requirements of provincial legislation.
The following DRAFT procedures have been prepared to fulfill the legislative requirements and are currently being circulated via your school community for review and feedback.
We are seeking feedback on the draft administrative procedures on or before March 23, for consideration and possible inclusion in the final version of the procedures prior to April 1, 2016. Feedback can be shared via email to learn@ngps.ca.
Thank you for your consideration of these documents. We look forward to your responses.
DRAFT AP 160 - Welcoming, Caring, Respectful and Safe Learning Environment