You Belong Here

As we begin Pride Week at Shawnigan, I want to take a moment to reflect on why this week matters – not just for our LGBTQ2S+ students and staff, but for the culture of inclusion and belonging we are all committed to creating here at Shawnigan. Pride Week is a powerful reminder that this community is a place where every individual’s identity is respected, honoured, and celebrated. It’s a week that challenges us to look deeply at how we welcome and support one another, recognizing that the strength of our school comes from the diversity of its people.

 

Pride Week is more than a celebration. It’s an opportunity for us, as educators, mentors, and community members, to affirm the identities of every student and ensure that our classrooms and boarding houses are places where all young people feel seen, supported, and safe to be themselves. For many students – especially those who may be questioning or discovering their identities – your presence, your words, and the tone you set can make a world of difference. Small acts of kindness, respect, and openness can provide the courage they need to embrace who they truly are. When every student knows they belong, they can flourish with confidence and pride.

 

Creating inclusive classrooms and Houses means integrating respectful language, acknowledging diverse perspectives, challenging stereotypes, and being intentional about representation in our curriculum and conversations. It’s about going beyond tolerance and moving toward true acceptance and celebration. One tangible example of this is adding the rainbow stag to your classrooms – a symbol that visibly communicates to students that they are valued and included. These efforts, both big and small, send a clear and vital message: You belong here. This message must be woven into every interaction, every lesson, and every corner of our school community.

 

Let’s use this week to model the values we teach – empathy, respect, and courage – and to open space for thoughtful dialogue and joyful celebration. Whether through a small gesture, a classroom discussion, or simply showing up at an event, your support matters deeply. When we listen actively and create safe spaces, we help all students feel empowered to share their stories and experiences. This is how we build bridges of understanding and strengthen the bonds that hold us together as a community.

 

Thank you for the work you do every day to create a school environment where every student can thrive as their authentic self. Remember, inclusion is not a one-week event – it’s a continuous commitment to ensuring that every person knows, without a doubt, that they belong here. Your dedication transforms Shawnigan into a place where diversity is not only accepted but embraced, where every voice is heard, and where every individual can walk proudly in their own truth.

 

Together, let’s keep affirming loudly and clearly: You belong here.