At West Vancouver Schools, Inclusive Education is guided by the following belief statements:

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Everyone Can Learn

Each student needs to feel like they belong, are valued, and have a contribution to make.

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Learning is an individual and social process

Each student benefits from learning with peers.

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Learning requires active participation

Each student needs purposeful roles and responsibilities.

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Learning Occurs in a variety of ways and at different rates

Each student is unique in their abilities and needs.

*Source: BC Ministry of Education, Inclusive Education Policy Manual 2020 (Draft)

Inclusive Education

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.

Learn more here

Resources

Services for Students:

The multidisciplinary team of professionals in West Vancouver Schools Student Support Services work collaboratively with all school communities, including:

  • WVS District Learning Support Teachers,
  • School Counsellors,
  • Speech Language Pathologists,
  • Board certified Behaviour Analysts,
  • School Psychologists,
  • Gifted Learning Support Teachers,
  • Literacy Specialist Teachers,
  • Early Learning Teachers,
  • Education Assistants and
  • Youth Workers

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
Director of Instruction – Inclusive Education

Corrine Kinnon
District Principal – Inclusive Education

Alex Sweeney
Secretary – Inclusive Education

Betty Kulch
Office Support Clerk – Inclusive Education

Telephone: 604-981-1095

SOGI in Secondary Classes

SOGI in Elementary Classes


SOGI Myths & Facts


 

 

Understand SOGI Resources


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: 

  • Speaking about SOGI in a way that makes every student feel like they belong 
  • Welcoming everyone without discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity 

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:  

  • Including SOGI in our school codes of conduct as per B.C. Human Rights Code, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms 
  • Creating a sense of belonging in classrooms 
  • Teaching about valuing diversity and respecting differences.  

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: 

  • What it means to value diversity and respect differences 
  • How to respond to discrimination 

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. 

  • Click link entitled “Ministry of Education” guidelines Link 
  • BCCPAC FAQ Link 

 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. 

  • SOGI Elementary Lesson Plans 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
Director of Instruction, Inclusive Education
sshortall@wvschools.ca
604-981-1095

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