Student Engagement and Leadership

When students actively participate in DEIJ initiatives, they become integral contributors to inclusive policies, practices, and curriculum. With a voice in decision-making, they develop ownership and agency, fostering a strong commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable school environment. Moreover, student engagement promotes empathy, understanding, and respect; they learn from one another, challenge stereotypes, and build meaningful relationships across differences. The following are examples of student DEIJ leadership groups at Mulgrave:

DEIJ Student Sub-Council

This student-led organisation fosters an environment where all students feel empowered, heard, and supported, and where diversity and inclusion are celebrated and valued. Members represent different backgrounds, experiences, and identities and work to address systemic barriers, biases, and discrimination within the school community, aiming to eliminate any form of inequality or injustice.

In addition to organising events, workshops, and discussions, the council collaborates with faculty and staff to develop and implement policies and practices that promote equity and social justice. The council is also a platform for students to voice DEIJ-related concerns and suggestions through surveys, town halls, or individual consultations, and the team works to address issues through dialogue, education, and advocacy.

Read more from a council member on the following page.

Gender Sexuality Alliance

Our Middle School and Senior School GSAs are open to anyone who is a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, wants to learn more, or identifies as a member of the community. No one is turned away and no disclosure of identity is required. Both groups promote acceptance and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues through events like Pink Day and National Coming Out Day, movie nights, and guest speakers.

In 2022-23, the Middle School GSA led The Binosaur Hunt to raise awareness of Bisexual Visibility Day and organised Affinity Circles for Upper School students. Progress

Flags were distributed by the group to more than 70 school staff who elected to visibly show their LGBTQ+ allyship by hanging them on their doors. And lastly, members shared emotional testimonials about their Mulgrave experiences as a gender non-conforming or gay person with the Board of Directors.

A Senior School GSA event highlight was a visit from Orene Askew, also known as DJ O Show. As described by Sara S, G11, “From DJ-ing at Canucks and Whitecaps games to being on the Council of the Squamish Nation, O Show follows the ethos: diversity makes beautiful music.”

Rainbow Club

This club for Grades 4 and 5 students is an opportunity for meaningful and ageappropriate conversations about diversity, allyship, and social justice.

They celebrate students’ identities, talk about important dates such as the Transgender Day of Visibility, and explore activities involving research, arts, writing and more.

In 2022-2023, club members worked on a newsletter on queer issues. These included a poll on gender-neutral washrooms, students’ artwork showcasing their allyship, and interviews with teachers on LGBTQ+ topics. Students also created a kindness board in the hallway where anyone can take or leave a compliment as needed, and an informational bulletin board defining each letter of the LGBTQ+ acronym. For Pride Month, the group created pins and posters to foster a sense of community and support among our club students and the whole school.

Student Experience: DEIJ Sub-Council

By Leya C, Grade 11

As a relatively new member of the DEIJ subcouncil, I have had a highly positive experience this year. Our subcouncil has successfully organised numerous meaningful events that were crucial for our student body. Notable examples include Nadaya Okomoto’s seminar and Jeff Martin’s talk. Throughout the year, our council has placed a strong emphasis on amplifying diverse voices and allowing a space to allow them to share their stories.

One aspect that has been particularly significant to me is the close-knit nature of our council. Although we encountered some initial challenges in communication and planning, we have grown into our roles and developed a more dedicated approach to running the council and organising events. This increased cohesion and commitment have been evident as the year progressed.

Moreover, I have observed remarkable progress within the student body, especially when comparing the beginning of the year to the present. While there is room for improvement, a significant portion of the student body has made great strides in fostering a more inclusive, welcoming, and open-minded community.

This positive shift has been especially noticeable to me and has contributed to a sense of optimism and fulfillment in my involvement with the subcouncil.

I hold a strong belief in the positive trajectory of our council’s future. We have already begun strategising and organising events that we believe will have a profound and beneficial impact on our community for the fall/winter term. Alongside the planning for these events, we are actively preparing for the integration of new members into our council. I know that these individuals will have a similarly positive experience as I did when I first joined.

As a soon-to-be graduating member of the council, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continuity for the upcoming years. My aim is to leave the council in capable hands, so that Mulgrave can continue to flourish and prosper as a safe and inclusive space for all students and faculty within our community.

It is essential to me that the values of growth, acceptance, and wellbeing are upheld and prioritised, fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and valued.