Flying The Pride Flag at Maryborough PS (June 1st)
This year, Maryborough PS is joining many of the other schools in the Upper Grand DSB who are flying the Pride Flag for the month of June. The Pride Flag is a symbol of inclusion and acceptance for all students (regardless of their race, gender, personal beliefs, or sexual orientation), and it demonstrates that our schools are safe places for all (students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members). This aligns with our Board Vision Statement and Guiding Principles of inclusion, student and staff well-being, and our Board Equity Plan.
As a school and a Board, we continue to raise awareness and support inclusion and acceptance of other marginalized groups in other ways. Some examples include: our Poverty Challenge initiative aimed at increasing awareness of socio-economic disadvantage, the One Voice One Team initiative aimed at creating community for racialized students, supporting persons with disabilities by making our schools more accessible, and by acknowledging the original people of these lands. We continue to work to ensure the equity and inclusion of all our students and staff.
If you are looking for additional information on the Pride Flag, please check out this link to our Board website. A video has also been developed to describe why we fly the Pride Flag in June.
It is important to note that our schools are safe spaces for everyone, and that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Additionally, regardless of your personal values and beliefs, we all must follow the Ontario Human Rights Code that protects marginalized groups from discrimination and harassment. We are flying the Pride flag to demonstrate our commitment to our community that discrimination and harassment of any kind will not be tolerated in our Board.
The Government of Canada has created a flag protocol, which outlines guidelines (not legislation) for displaying flags in Canada. The Upper Grand DSB has developed specific procedures which take into consideration these guidelines. For schools with only one mast, they will show support and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community by flying the Canadian flag first, with the Pride Flag beneath on the same mast.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the office.
Thank you,
Mr. Dickieson and the Staff at Maryborough PS
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