Staff Q and A: Get to know Greenwood's new Director, Inclusion, Belonging, Pluralism & Outreach

12/19/2024

Charissa Whittingham joined Greenwood this September in the role of Director, Inclusion, Belonging, Pluralism & Outreach. She brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role, having worked in both the private and non-profit sector.

Get to know “Ms. Whit” below!

What was your favourite subject in high school?
I loved any social science class; I did all of them as electives in Grade 11 and 12. I loved being able to learn about the way people think, how we act and how we exist in community together. I loved hands-on activities and enjoyed my cooking, parenting and fashion classes.

What teams, clubs or committees are you involved in this year?

I oversee the Inclusion, Belonging and Pluralism (IBP) committee and support our Affinity groups (Gender Sexuality Alliance, Jewish Culture Club, BIPOC and Asian Affinity Group).

What's something that you enjoy doing outside of school?

All things crafting! I love making stuff, from sewing to painting, embroidery and jewelry making. I love it all. I love the technical challenge of art combined with the creative expression. It's the best of both worlds.

Do you have a favourite phrase, motto or guiding principle that you bring to your role?

“Don't make a permanent decision on a temporary mindset.”

What are some highlights of the IBP Committee this term?

The IBP committee actively participated in November's school initiatives, including Holocaust Education, by engaging in discussions and attending events. They also created communication materials for Days of Significance, sharing them on Instagram and during morning announcements. Additionally, we are preparing articles for the January IBP newsletter and have started planning themes and ideas for Black History Month in February, centering on the theme of resistance.

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Charissa Whittingham speaks to students about Service Learning opportunities.
Charissa Whittingham drops off donations for Fred Victor.
Charissa Whittingham (second from the left) also enjoyed spending time at Fall OE with the Grade 9s and other Greenwood staff.

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Greenwood College School

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

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 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.