Each student needs to feel like they belong, are valued, and have a contribution to make.
Each student is unique in their abilities and needs.
*Source: BC Ministry of Education, Inclusive Education Policy Manual 2020 (Draft)
Our vision is to provide inclusive and responsive learning environments that recognize the value of diversity and provide equity of access, opportunity and outcome for all students including students with disabilities and diverse abilities.
The multidisciplinary team of professionals in West Vancouver Schools Student Support Services work collaboratively with all school communities, including:
All are committed to working collectively to identify and eliminate barriers that interfere with student’s well-being and achievement.
For more information, please contact one of the following:
Sandra-Lynn Shortall
Assistant Superintendent – Inclusive Education
Corrine Kinnon
District Principal – Inclusive Education
Alex Sweeney
Secretary – Inclusive Education
Betty Kulch
Office Support Clerk – Inclusive Education
Telephone: 604-981-1095
1.Introduction and Definition of SOGI
It is important for schools to be inclusive and safe spaces for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Being SOGI-inclusive means:
Everyone has a sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). It is an inclusive term that applies to all humans. British Columbian schools have found the following methods are helping reduce discrimination and risky behaviours among all students:
There is no “SOGI curriculum.” However, throughout K-12 curriculum and developmentally appropriate school activities, students and teachers explore the topic of human rights and:
Teachers may include developmentally appropriate discussions around the B.C. Human Rights Code, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
SOGI 1 2 3 is a B.C Ministry of Education & Childcare resource that supports educators in addressing these topics in the provincial curriculum. It helps schools create safe, caring and inclusive learning environments for all students regardless of their race, culture, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. Educators are not required to use this resource .
2. Resources
a. Parent/Guardian
Parents can ask their school’s administrator or child’s classroom teacher for more information on SOGI-inclusive resources or practices at the school. Parents/guardians can also visit the following provincial resource links.
b. Students
We have legal, ethical, and moral obligations to ensure that all of our students feel welcome in West Vancouver Schools. Educational research and experience demonstrate that students can only learn when they feel safe at school, it is therefore our responsibility to safeguard our student population to ensure all individuals are welcomed and represented in the curriculum. For more information about the developmental considerations in B.C. public schools, please visit the following resources links.
c. Teachers
Educators address topics of belonging and diversity throughout all subject areas of the provincial curriculum. For information related to provincial educational resources, please visit the following resource link.
District contact: Sandra-Lynn Shortall, Director of Instruction – Inclusive Education, sshortall@wvschools.ca
Corrine Kinnon
District Principal, Inclusive Education
ckinnon@wvschools.ca
604-981-1095
Sandra-Lynn Shortall
Assistant Superintendent, Inclusive Education
sshortall@wvschools.ca
604-981-1095