9th Annual IDAHO

The purpose of I.D.A.H.O. (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia) is to bring attention to harm that homophobia and transphobia cause in our society, whether it be in one’s own home, school, place of employment, or one’s community. Homophobia and transphobia have many forms, such as systemic discrimination in policy, bullying in schools, workplace discrimination, abuse at home, and premeditated violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. We believe that only by working together with the LGBTQ community, it’s allies, and partner organizations, we can overcome obstacles that stand in our path as we march toward equality, and the dreams of a better tomorrow.

P4Ed Spec Ed Challenges cont’d

People for Education continues its advocacy for public education in Ontario:

Special education report strikes a chord

There has been an incredible response to the latest report from People for Education. Parents from across the province have been calling to share their experiences, and the report received national media attention, including the front page of the Toronto Star and a feature on CBC’s The Current. The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario also released a powerful response to the report.

For a synopsis of the report and links to the media stories, click here.

To read the full report, click here.
To join the special education conversation, click here.

People for Education:

• 641 Bloor St. W. Toronto, ON M6G 1L1 Canada
• jacqui@peopleforeducation.ca
• http://www.peopleforeducation.ca/

Hayden Multicultural Week

Hayden Multicultural Week Apr 28th to May 2nd by Sherina Harris

Our Voices

Halton District School Board hosts OUR VOICES during Education Week

HDSB is hosting the 7th Annual Equity and Inclusive Curriculum Conference, “Our Voices” on Thu May 8th from 8:15am – 3:30pm at Milton’s Country Heritage Park. Led by teachers, it focuses on practical classroom strategies that promote achievement through equitable and inclusive classrooms, schools and communities. 

Best City for Women

The Best and Worst Place to be a Woman in Canada

An Index of Gender Equality in Canada’s Twenty Largest Metropolitan Areas 

Kate McInturff | Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives | April 23, 2014

The report ranks Canada’s 20 largest metropolitan areas based on a comparison of the gap between men and women (rather than overall levels of well-being) in five areas: economic security, leadership, health, personal security, and education.

Each indicator was chosen based on a demonstrated link to the well-being of individuals and their communities. i.e. level of educational attainment, number of women holding political office, life expectancy, stress levels, wage levels, rates of sexual assault and reported domestic violence, etc.

Here are the report‘s rankings: 

Female University Grads

Why the job market still looks pink and blue

behindthenumbers.ca | Kate McInturff | April 09, 2014

Over the past twenty years more women have gone to university and more women have entered the paid workforce. So why does the job market still look pink and blue?

A recent study published by Statistics Canada finds that young women with university degrees today are most likely to become elementary school teachers or nurses.

Just like young women twenty years ago.

The increasing share of women attaining university degrees has clearly increased their share of some professional job markets—particularly in law and medicine. However, women’s shares of jobs in science and engineering have grown only slightly from their historically low levels. …Read more

Snowball on youtube!

BCHS teacher, Dana Chiarot, has posted a video about Halton’s First Annual LGBTQ Pride Semi Formal, The Snowball. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuBhElnVf3U

Halton’s 1st LGBTQ dance a success!

Halton’s 1st Snow Ball Dance was enjoyed by 320 students from Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and Halton Hills. The semi-formal included a resource table from Kids Help Phone, LGBTQ Youth Line, Halton Region, POSSE (Peer Outreach Support Services & Education), Parents, PFLAG (Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), HOPE, Halton Regional Police Services, and The ROCK (Reach out Centre for Kids).  There was also an art project that took place, a beauty table, and a photo booth staffed by students from Burlington Central HS’s Photo Club. Prizes were given for Best Dressed, Best Hair, Best Dance Moves, Best Couple, Best Shows and Best Spirit.

A big thank you to Dana Chiarot, a third-year English teacher at Central who is also the school’s GSA group administrative support staffer. Dana had the vision for this dance and drove the process. Her vision was strongly supported by Ryan Persaud, HDSB Equity Student/Community Facilitator for Safe and Inclusive Schools. Thanks also to all the GSA Advisors in each of our schools!

https://www.facebook.com/events/614224818614878

I’m thrilled to tell you that this will become an annual event!

“Snow Ball” Feb 13th

Halton’s First Annual LGBTQ Pride Semi-Formal Dance at BCHS Thu Feb 13, 2014

Halton’s first annual LGBTQ semi-formal dance called “The Snow Ball” will be held at Burlington Central High School (1433 Baldwin Street) on Thu Feb 13th, 2014 and is being organized by the school’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). It runs from 7-10 p.m.; doors will close at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and must be purchased in advance through high school GSAs.

The semi-formal, open to Grade 9-12 students, will include gender neutral washrooms, a slideshow and photo booth, resource table, appetizers, desserts and beverages, and raffle and door prizes.

Resources in 20 Languages

These Ministry Resources are now available in Afghani, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Nepali, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Urdu, Vietnamese as well as English and French.

• Child Care in Ontario
• Full-Day Kindergarten
• Bullying: We Can All Help Stop it
• Creating Safe and Accepting Schools
• What do you Need to Graduate from High School?
• Cooperative Education
• Specialist High Skills Major
• Dual Credit Programs
• Parents Matter

www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/multiLanguages.html?utm_source=shortlinks&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=bf2f