About
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Schools must be places where all people feel welcome, safe and respected
Schools must be places where all people feel welcome, safe and respected
CDS is committed to furthering the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. One of our guiding principles is to create a place where all are welcome by building a community where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live and work harmoniously, free from discrimination regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, or disability.
CDS recognizes that by embracing diversity we enrich our community and better equip our students with the knowledge, skills and aptitudes to thrive in an increasingly diverse world. This involves a commitment to identifying and eliminating discriminatory biases and systemic barriers and striving to ensure that equitable, diverse and inclusive principles are fully embedded in all aspects of our programs, operations, policies and practices.
Human Rights Guidelines
All members of The Country Day School community:
- will view CDS as a safe place in which to work/learn;
- are empowered to have their views heard and respected;
- are prepared for full participation in a multi-racial, equal society;
- can participate in an educational environment which provides fair and full opportunity for the development of critical thinking about social issues.
It is the policy of The Country Day School that every person has the right to equal treatment without discrimination. CDS respects and values the diversity and similarities within its community and fosters an educational environment free from prejudical or discriminatory behaviour.
The Country Day School supports the principles contained in the Ontario Human Rights Code and will ensure that its practices and policies do not discriminate against individuals, or groups of individuals, on any ground prohibited by the Code.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
Our Current Initiatives
Over the past several years, CDS has worked toward strengthening our commitment to diversity and inclusion. More recently, we've empowered our students to help create change through their roles as leaders of student clubs and initiatives. Faculty and Staff have also developed roles and further awareness along this journey as club advisors and through professional development and guest speakers.
Umbrella Activism
“Students are not waiting until they are adults to become changemakers. They also don’t need adults to define their causes or set their direction. Student activism may be the fastest way to make the world a better place.” Anne Wellnhofer, Faculty Advisor
Curriculum Audits
“It’s important for teachers and students to understand that everyone has unconscious bias. Once we admit this, growth and change can occur.” Manny Avila, Faculty Advisor
Indigenous Studies
Brent Johnston, CDS's Executive Director of Advancement, shared his experiences as a Mohawk as a guest at both the Middle and Senior School assemblies. “Every Indigenous person’s story is unique,” he explained. “Our community has to listen to more stories and continue to learn and explore what more they can do.”
Diversity
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with bright, creative, caring and passionate students and colleagues who aspire to make change through education and honest dialogue.” Denise Steadman, Faculty Advisor
Inclusivity
“I want to influence our school culture. I want to be an ally and I want the school to be more inclusive.” Joshua Simmonds ’09 and SS faculty member
Social Justice
“It is invigorating working with students so full of optimism and energy. We love this community and want CDS to be a catalyst for change.” Dave Downer, Faculty Advisor
CDS DRAMA PRODUCTIONS RAISE AWARENESS
Diversity, inclusion and empathy are at the core of drama at CDS. Theatre itself is an act of inclusion, which demands that actors and audience members place themselves within the experiences of others. In CDS productions, the entire community has come to know Chanie Wenjack as he flees his residential school; the citizens of Laramie, Wyoming as they grapple with a brutal hate crime; and a young girl named Anne Frank whose very identity was branded a crime.
Theatre makes it possible to move through the hearts and minds of strangers so they can be known, heard and felt. When the lights go down, our empathy is engaged and we step into a new experience. Theatre is vital to the life of the CDS community, creating the space for all to be freely and fully themselves.
“Hate persists, but it is love that endures. That is both the hope and the reality the theatre provides.” Scott Garbe, Head of Drama
"When we begin to listen, learn about and connect to the people around us, we take one step closer towards erasing hate and bridging the distance between one another.” Anne-Marie Bassi ’21, member of The Laramie Project 2019 production.
Articles
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
