Greenwood hosts its first Equity Through Education Conference

Greenwood welcomed delegates from 11 other Ontario independent schools to our inaugural Equity Through Education conference, in partnership with Pollyanna Inc., on Saturday, March 2, 2024.

Thank you to the delegates and volunteers who participated in a day of open and honest dialogue, listening and reflection. Conference attendees included students, staff, parents, board members, heads of schools, senior leaders, DEI practitioners and alumni.

Independent school leader and educator Paris McLean delivered an engaging and inspiring keynote address. After sharing definitions of equity and inclusion, he invited delegates to reflect on the 5P Model – policy, practice, program, pecuniary and people – and how each element impacts equity and inclusion in our school spaces.

In the morning, participants gathered in constituent groups for facilitated discussion. At the afternoon student panel, delegates from each attending school spoke about their own experiences, what leadership means to them, and what reflections and actions they will be taking back to their school. Schools then gathered in their breakout rooms to discuss key priorities and create action plans.

Greenwood was pleased to provide this opportunity to learn and grow together. 

“It was our pleasure to open the doors to Greenwood for the Equity Through Education Conference,” said Rachael Brownell-Swain, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and conference co-chair. “I left the day feeling empowered and energized by the dialogue, particularly the conversations and reflections led by the students. I hope that delegates returned to their schools feeling the same.”

A day like this would not have been possible without the conference co-chairs, Pollyanna staff, and many Greenwood staff and volunteers. Thank you for your time, energy and passion.