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Belonging

Belonging

Building an Inclusive Culture

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)

At WIC, fostering a diverse and inclusive community is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels safe, valued and supported in their unique journey. 

Diversity Statement

At WIC, we are committed to creating a diverse learning and working environment. In doing so, we build a much stronger community, enriching our way of thinking and developing a sense of unity and collaborative spirit. Guided by these beliefs, we embrace all forms of identity, including race, ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and physical ability. This commitment extends into every facet of school life, shaping our admissions and hiring process, teaching practices, and extracurricular opportunities. 

By embracing diversity, we not only strengthen our community, but we also cultivate empathy, understanding, and mutual respect - ensuring that each individual can thrive both academically and personally. 


DIPC's third annual Multicultural Lunch was a huge success! It was amazing to see the Hall of Nations come to life as each student proudly represented their country and culture with their flag colors and traditional attire. I also loved  how our families made and shared dishes they hold close to their hearts.
Maya
Class of 2024 Alumna

Integrating DEIB into the Learning Journey

At WIC, DEIB principles are integrated into every element of school life, from student learning to faculty training and student engagement. Here’s how we make it happen: 

Diverse Perspectives & Partnerships

We empower students to explore and understand different perspectives, fostering critical thinking and a deeper connection to the world around them. By integrating diverse voices and experiences, we create opportunities for students to see themselves and others reflected in the learning experiences, building empathy and respect for cultural identity.

  • Institute Program: Students learn from Indigenous Knowledge Keepers through various experiences.
  • Fine Arts: Programs partner with and learn from artists within the BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and Indigenous communities.
  • Humanities: Courses include diverse narratives and histories, encouraging students to connect with stories from various cultures and experiences.
  • Learning Commons: A space offering books, articles and media that celebrate diversity and challenge perspectives, highlighting creators from various backgrounds and cultures.
Sparking Exploration

Real-world learning opportunities at WIC encourage students to think critically and engage with meaningful ideas and diverse perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

  • Institute Program: Hands-on experiences in social justice, humanities and cultural studies inspire students to explore global issues and diverse career pathways.
  • World Religions: A deep dive into faith and spirituality across cultures, promoting respect, curiosity and a global mindset.
  • Holocaust Education: An impactful exploration of history through survivor testimonies, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and standing against prejudice.
Empowering Student Voice

Student voice is a crucial component of our commitment to DEIB. We empower students to lead initiatives, participate in decision-making and contribute to building a school environment that reflects their values. Whether through student councils, clubs, or peer mentorship programs, our students play a key role in shaping the culture at the College. 

  • DIPC 
  • Student-led discussions
  • Community in Action 
  • Multicultural Day 
  • Pride Week 
  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 
  • Common Ground (GSA/ QSA) 
  • Chinese Cultural Club 
Continuous Learning for Faculty & Staff

We believe that fostering a truly inclusive community starts with equipping our faculty & staff with the knowledge and skills to champion belonging. Through professional development sessions, and workshops & training, our educators are equipped with the tools they need to create inclusive classrooms and respond to the diverse needs of students.

Equally important, we strive to ensure that our faculty & staff create safe spaces for students to share their experiences. By listening to and learning from our students’ perspectives, we can grow together, fostering a school culture built on empathy, understanding, and mutual respect.

Collaboration and Community

We extend our commitment beyond the College by partnering with local and national schools and organizations. 

Events led by our Diversity, Inclusion, and Pluralism Committee (DIPC) bring students together to explore important topics like accessibility, learning differences and inclusive policies. As one student shared, “Getting to know people from other schools and understanding their perspectives was the beauty of the event.” 

These experiences build leadership and advocacy skills, preparing students to lead with empathy and purpose.

Celebrating Our Global Community

The Hall of Nations serves as a powerful symbol of the rich diversity within the WIC community. Flags from around the world hang proudly from its ceiling, representing the unique identities of our students, families, and alumni, as well as the destinations explored through our International Studies program.

This beloved tradition celebrates both our shared heritage and global connections. We invite members of our community to contribute their flags, adding to this dynamic display and further reflecting the vibrant, inclusive spirit of WIC.

Celebrating our diversity, supporting each journey.

Accountability and Support Resources

WIC is committed to continually improving our belonging initiatives. We actively track our progress through surveys, student feedback and reviews. Our community members are encouraged to report incidents of bias or discrimination through trusted channels, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and supported. 

Support Resources Include: 

  • Counselling Services: The SSC provides emotional and academic support to ensure students thrive. 
  • Student Groups: Students can join groups like the DIPC, Common Ground and Truth and ReconciliACTION to engage in conversations and action around identity and diversity. 
  • Summer Student Intern: Working with our DEI Advisor to examine our practices and make suggestions for improvements. Our intern makes themselves available for conversation with students about their personal experiences. 

Student Voice Leading the Way

Empowering student voice is central to our commitment to fostering an inclusive community at WIC. Through councils and clubs, students have the platform to explore ideas, engage in meaningful conversations, and voice the changes they want to see.

WIC is a safe space for collaboration and support, where students can express what matters to them and work together to create a school - and ultimately, a world - where everyone feels respected, valued and heard.

Clubs & Activities     Leadership Opportunities

Get Involved

Everyone plays a role in building our inclusive and welcoming environment. Whether you're a student, parent, alumni, or faculty & staff member, there are countless ways to contribute to our welcoming community.

Join us at one of our community events, engage in student-led initiatives, or offer feedback to help us continue growing as an inclusive community. 

students

Stories

from the Den

Meet our DEI Advisor

Kelsey Rumberger

Kelsey Rumberger

Grade 7 & 8 Humanities Learning Leader and DEIB Advisor

OWN YOUR FUTURE.

Embrace our Diverse Community!

Make a Difference Today!

students group circle