Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1506618
TFS 17 In 2021, the school established a community-wide EDIJ Steering Committee. Made up of staff, current and former students and parents, the Committee meets monthly to develop a strategy for strengthening EDIJ practices at TFS. In November of last year, just as afternoon traffic was beginning to thin out on Lawrence Avenue and a few Junior School children were still having fun climbing on the J'aime TFS sign, the dedicated members of the EDIJ Steering Committee entered the 306 administration building. They gathered around the large wooden table in the Goldring Boardroom. One at a time, each person shared his or her recent, personal and often challenging experiences, making it clear that progress still needed to be furthered in the area of inclusion at the school. The Committee's mission is to identify these areas for change and improvement from three viewpoints: pedagogical, professional and school life. The goal is to implement INSTITUTIONALIZING EDIJ PRACTICES AT TFS new approaches that can foster the conditions for an inclusive community environment, where everyone can be themselves while also feeling safe and secure. Tamara Bolotenko, the newly appointed Chair of the EDIJ Steering Committee, explains that both the content of the curriculum and the way it is taught are being developed through the lens of inclusion. "For example, we have had conversations with the librarians and requested input with respect to providing materials in which all cultures, religions and plural identities can be represented." Her predecessor, Gabriel Bérard, TFS' Executive Director, People and Culture, is continuing his commitment, with a greater focus now on HR matters. In his words, an EDIJ approach cannot claim to be exhaustive unless it is accompanied by a sound HR strategy. "Organizations have a moral obligation to do this soul- searching. I am proud that we are tackling this issue head on at TFS. My role involves driving change in such areas as recruitment practices, conflict resolution and investment in training staff in these matters," he said. Outside, the night was dark under the cloudy veil of late autumn. However, the members of the Committee could see a bright spot – the belief that sooner than later all their efforts would pay off. Calvin, the youngest of this small group, was already confident in the ability of the TFS community to move forward together. With his eyes glued to his computer screen, he scrolled through a few shots in which he appears dressed in traditional Chinese clothing at various festivals across the Toronto area. He pointed to a few photos, in particular those showing some of his non-Asian TFS school friends, who were also there to savour the moment with him. And for Calvin, this is a great source of pride.