Community

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Greenwood is committed to bringing greater diversity, equity and inclusion to our community.
Over the 2019-2020 school year, we at Greenwood began to take a close look at our systems and structures with the goal of identifying and removing all forms of bias. To realize the change inspired by anti-racist movements across North America, we have accelerated these efforts. 

On this page, you'll find:
  • information on the work we have done so far;
  • our plans for the remainder of 2020-2021; and
  • helpful resources related to diversity equity and inclusion.
We know this only the beginning. There is much more to be done in the years to come, and Greenwood is committed to doing that work. We plan to post regular updates on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to this page in order to remain transparent and accountable to our community.

Highlighted Resource

This week, we'd like to highlight Overcoming Bias by Tiffany Jana and Matthew Freeman.

The truth is, we all harbor unconscious assumptions that can get in the way of our good intentions and keep us from building authentic relationships with people different from ourselves. Tiffany Jana and Matthew Freeman use vivid stories and fun (yes, fun!) exercises and activities to help us reflect on our personal experiences and uncover how our hidden biases are formed. By becoming more self-aware, we can control knee-jerk reactions, conquer fears of the unknown, and prevail over closed-mindedness. In the end, Jana and Freeman’s central message is that you are not the problem—but you can be the solution.

Diversity Statement

Greenwood is committed to helping students develop all aspects of their character. We want to prepare our students to make a positive difference in the world – and that means fostering a respectful, diverse and inclusive community. We aim to embrace individuals whose differences include, but are not limited to: age, ancestry, citizenship, colour, creed, disability, ethnic origin, family status, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, place of origin, race, or sexual orientation. We strive to develop students’ cultural awareness and competency by weaving diverse perspectives into every part of school life.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge with gratitude the Ancestral lands upon which our main campus is situated. These lands are the Ancestral territories of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Anishinabek and the Wendake. The shared responsibility of this land is honoured in the Dish with One Spoon Treaty and as settlers, we strive to care for the land, the waters, and all creatures in the spirit of peace. We are responsible for respecting and supporting the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. When away from this campus we vow to be respectful to the land by protecting and honouring it. We will create relationships with the people and the land we may visit by understanding the territories we enter and the nations who inhabit them.

Resources

Rachael Brownell-Swain, Greenwood's Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Outreach, has curated a comprehensive suite of resources to share with the Greenwood community. Check back often for new additions!

List of 4 items.

Monthly DEI Updates

List of 8 news stories.

Archive

News Articles

List of 3 news stories.

  • Indigenous Identities Month at Greenwood

    Ella Davidson '23
    By Ella Davidson '23

    “To love a place is not enough. We must find ways to heal it” Robin Wall Kimmerer,     Braiding Sweetgrass. 

    Coming into the first month of school, Greenwood had to decide how we would begin the process of reconciliation and examining our Canadian identity. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee chose to start the year off right by ensuring that the messaging of Indigenous History Month resonated with our community. 
    Read More
  • Kim Wheatley's presentation explored the importance of land acknowledgements as part of reconciliation efforts and provided suggestions for all Canadians on being strong allies to Indigenous communities.

    "We are all guests on this land - nobody owns her"

    Kate Raven, Communications Manager
    Greenwood welcomed Anishinaabe Ojibway Grandmother Kim Wheatley to speak to students and staff virtually on September 23 as part of Indigenous History Month.
    Read More

  • Community Conversation on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

    Greenwood parents enjoyed our Community Conversation session on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) on Wednesday, December 9.
    Read More
Archive

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443 Mount Pleasant Road
Toronto, ON M4S 2L8
Tel: 416 482 9811
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