SD33’s year-end letter addresses diversity, inclusivity and SOGI in a year that saw several protests in Chilliwack

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Image: Supplied / A man was briefly detained and handcuffed in March 2023 outside the SD33 office near Airport Road, but was later released without charge.

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In September 2023, hundreds of protesters filled downtown Chilliwack for a demonstration. The following month in October, protesters on both sides of the SOGI policy debate squared off outside the school district office.

Image: Renee Fennell / Pro-SOGI demonstrators stand outside the SD33 office in October 2023.

In response to the rowdy protest in October, SD33 opted to hold its November school board meeting virtually before moving back to an in-person setting in December.

Image: Renee Fennell / Demonstrators hold signs opposed to SOGI outside the Chilliwack School District office in October 2023.

Arul-pragasam did not necessarily tout any particular academic success from SD33 in his letter to parents, or the district’s ongoing strategic plan efforts, but did promote the responsibility of every adult in the K-12 school system to proactively create what he called “safe, caring and inclusive learning environments” for all students, and support experiences of safety, dignity and respect.

“As a District, we are responsible for developing students who will become good stewards of their health and environment and can contribute to the global community. We are proud of the richness of the diversity of our students and staff while also recognizing the multidimensional experiences of intersectionality that are unique to each of us,” Arul-pragasam wrote. “The Province created the Erase (Expect Respect and A Safe Education) Strategy to provide resources to help schools, families, and communities build safer and more caring school communities to help ensure every child feels safe, accepted, and respected.”

He invited parents into a deeper dive by visiting the school district’s inclusive schools website to learn about the various inclusive education committees including SOGI-inclusive education in the district.

Arul-pragasam alluded to a pair of key updates from the Ministry of Education and Child Care that the district says will continue to transform the education landscape from an equity perspective to support student success:

• K-12 reporting policy came into effect at the start of the 2023-24 school year that includes the use of the Provincial Proficiency Scale to communicate student learning in grades K-9. The district asks parents to reference the K-12 Reporting Update for summary information for parents and caregivers.

• On October 25, the province submitted amendments to the School Act to act (Bill C40-2023) on commitments in the Declaration Act Action Plan and the BC Tripartite Education Agreement (BCTEA). The changes are intended to support better education outcomes for First Nation and other Indigenous students attending provincial public schools, and more effective relationships between boards of education and First Nations.

Arul-pragasam concluded his letter by telling parents what the holiday season means to the district.

“As we approach the winter break, we are reminded that the holiday season is a special time of the year that allows us to rest, relax, rejuvenate, celebrate with our loved ones, and express gratitude for all that we have in our communities, province, and country,” Arul-pragasam said. “Here is wishing you a peaceful and restful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year!”