Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
Faculty/Student Diversity Group
Faculty Advisors: Manny Avila, Denise Steadman
The Diversity Group arose from one of several student focus group meetings and aims to amplify minority voices within the CDS community and create actionable plans so that every person feels welcome and included and can celebrate what makes them unique. Because diversity fosters creativity and new perspectives by encouraging intercultural interactions, the club helps the community to acknowledge prejudice and explore what it means to be an ally and advocate. Embracing uncomfortable conversations and addressing collective shortcomings have been driving forces for change.
In addition to presenting the unconscious bias session and providing a diversity lens to school-wide events, the club has plans for initiatives around social justice, mental health, the intersection between race and sexuality, and the role class plays in shaping perspectives. The club works collaboratively to make change in the CDS community and to create a more inclusive, equitable society where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with bright, creative, caring and passionate students and colleagues who aspire to make change through education and honest dialogue.” Denise Steadman, Faculty Advisor
"Fostering safe and inclusive environments for everyone is incredibly important, as we make everyone feel welcome and create a more engaging and enriching environment." Neyla Kirby ’22, Student Coordinator
“I joined Diversity to help change the perception of people of colour in the school and to have a lasting impact on the CDS community for the students to come.” Riya Chopra ’22
- Black History Month Speaker Encourages Students to be "Colour-Bold" - February 2023
- Guest Speaker Challenges Students to Seek Out Diverse Perspectives - March 2022
- Diversity Committee Hosts Michèle Newton - February 2022
- Alumnus Champions Diversity & Inclusion on Bay Street - March 2021
- Parent Discussion on Diversity & Inclusion - February 2021
Current Initiatives at CDS
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
