Diversity, Equity, Inclusion at
Claren Academy
Our Inclusive Community
Claren Academy is proud to have a Mission, Vision, and set of Values that focus on creating and supporting an inclusive and diverse school community that welcomes all families and students regardless of race, religion, ability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At Claren, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse school environment where every student and family feels valued, respected, and supported. Our dedication to inclusivity extends beyond mere acceptance; it's about celebrating the unique identities, backgrounds, and abilities that each individual brings to our community.
We firmly believe that education is a fundamental human right, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every child has equal access to learning opportunities, regardless of race, religion, ability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity enriches our learning experiences and prepares our students to thrive in a global society.
In our inclusive school, we strive to create an atmosphere of understanding, empathy, and belonging. We actively promote empathy and understanding among students, staff, and families, fostering an environment where differences are embraced and celebrated.
Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in our curriculum, teaching practices, and school policies. We provide resources and support to ensure that every student's unique needs are met, allowing them to reach their full potential. We actively work to remove barriers to learning and participation, creating an environment where all students can succeed. To that end, our teaching resources and books reflect our school community and the larger community we live in including reflecting individuals and families from different races, religions, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities.
We understand that creating an inclusive school community is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to continuous learning and improvement. We welcome feedback from students, families, and staff as we strive to create a school where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to learn and grow.
Together, we can build a school where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated—a school where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Join us in creating an inclusive community where everyone belongs.
If any current or prospective families have questions on how we put these values into practice on a daily basis, please contact the school at [email protected].
Truth and Reconciliation
Land Acknowledgment
At large gatherings we share a land acknowledgement and invite students and adults to reflect on the purpose and educational significance of such acknowledgements.
With respect, the students and staff of Claren Academy acknowledge that we learn, work, and play in the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
We are grateful to all of the people who have and do reside here; past, present and future. Our responsibility is to be mindful stewards and advocate for the long-term protection, betterment and respect of these lands, Mother Earth and her waters. Aligned with our school values of Kindness, Belonging, Curiousity, Responsibility, and Excellence, Claren Academy intends to act in a way that will advance the inherent rights of the Original Peoples to restore their natural place with the land. As a school community, we commit to the ongoing learning, education, humility, opportunity to honour the beauty and generosity of this relationship of reciprocity and relational accountability.
We commit to being an organization of people who do not forget, and who continue to advocate and educate in order to create change and work toward decolonization. We will do this in support of wellness for all, and in honour of Mother Earth, always.
We invite you to walk this path with us in mutual respect, peace, and harmony for future generations, and forever.
Indigenous Learning Consultant
At the beginning of the 2023-24 school year we were honoured to have Joyce Crone, an Indigenous education consultant, leading us through assemblies, in class workshops, and teacher professional development to give our staff and students valuable learning experiences.
Days of Significance
One of our Claren values is Belonging. We aim to ensure that all students, regardless of faith, culture, identity, language or any other attribute that contributes to each individual's wonderful uniqueness, feels not only accepted, but welcomed and appreciated for those unique qualities.
The staff and administrative team created an alternating annual schedule to recognize all the wonderful celebrations and commemorative days or months that occur in a school year.
Canada is such a diverse country that there are more celebrations than we could possibly recognize and still get through all the other curricular content that needs to be covered in a school year! To help create some predictability for the teaching staff and allow them to plan and effectively integrate these different important themes, we created a schedule. You will see that some events are covered every year like Halloween, or secular Christmas, or Orange Shirt Day, while others are recognized by our whole school on alternating years.
This also allows families who wish to offer to support any of these special months or days to do so. We welcome any families who would be willing to come and give a presentation or have suggestions on how we can honour these special times.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Inclusive Education
Claren Academy is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for all students, staff, and families, where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. Our commitment is articulated through our core values of belonging, curiosity, responsibility, excellence, and kindness. As part of this commitment, we recognize and respect the diversity of sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions within our school community. Our Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) policy reflects our dedication to creating a school culture that promotes understanding, acceptance, and equity for all.