Student Life

BE A JEDI

Diversity, inclusion, belonging
Since its formation in October 2020, Shawnigan’s Diversity Inclusion Belonging Steering Group has met via Zoom on a monthly basis. Bringing together students, staff, alumni and governors, the group has worked to establish a mission statement and set long-term goals. Each month they come together with the shared purpose of developing diversity and fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging in our Shawnigan community. The group is currently working on special initiatives to help the School celebrate Black History Month.

Recently, the committee chose a new name for themselves. They are now known as “BE A JEDI,” the meaning of which is explained in their mission statement:  

“At Shawnigan Lake School we value Belonging, Equity, Acceptance, and Justice – Embracing Diversity and Intersectionality. We are committed to championing and acting upon these values in a way that calls upon everyone to BE A JEDI.”

Meanwhile, all education staff at Shawnigan will attend this week’s virtual ISABC Professional Development Day, which has social justice as one if its focus areas and offers mini keynote sessions for topics such as anti-racism, racism and equity in education; an introduction to the historical and contemporary reality of Indigenous people; and Indigenous ways of knowing.
Back
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.