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Committed to fostering a sense of belonging.
At Canadian Academy, belonging is defined as a feeling of welcome, security, and celebration within a community based on a foundation of safety, authenticity and connection. Culture is who we are as a learning community: our purpose, values, and vision for the future. Belonging is intentionally nurtured at CA, and is the foundation of our thriving learning community - ensuring everyone feels seen and empowered to contribute.
Safety: The essential foundation of physical, emotional, and psychological security where individuals feel protected from harm and empowered to take risks without fear of judgement or exclusion. When we feel safe, we can be our authentic selves.
Authenticity: The freedom and confidence for every community member to show up as their true self, ensuring that no one feels the need to hide or diminish aspects of their identity to fit in. When we can be our authentic selves, we form meaningful connections.
Connection: The meaningful bonds and relationships built through empathy, mutual respect, and shared experiences that link individuals to one another and to the collective purpose of the school. Feeling connected reinforces safety.
These three elements work together in a continuous cycle to move "belonging" from a theoretical concept to a lived experience. When a student feels safe to be authentic, they can form the connections that truly define a healthy school culture.
Canadian Academy is committed to creating a community where every individual is treated with dignity and respect. Discrimination or bias based on a person's identity - including race, color, ethnicity, caste, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sexuality, national origin, citizenship status, socioeconomic status, age, body size, appearance, neurotype, language, accent, language, or ability - has no place in our school.
Culture & Belonging in Action
Our vision for Culture and Belonging is driven by action and represented by the acronym DEIJ - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. At Canadian Academy, DEIJ is not a separate initiative - it is woven into the fabric of our school.
