Collingwood School’s Commitment to Student Belonging is our Community’s pledge to one another. The development of this Commitment began in 2019 and included the input of our students, staff and faculty, Senior Leadership and Board of Governors. We used a co-construction model considering many voices including those of our Senior and Junior School student and faculty Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committees.Input from other CAIS, NAIS and ISABC schools was also considered. This iterative process provided opportunities over time to accurately reflect and emphasize the importance of what a true sense of belonging means within our community.

Collingwood recognizes that creating equitable opportunities with diverse perspectives in an inclusive environment is a continuous journey. We are thoughtful in our approach to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and aim to make this work meaningful and engaging for all students, colleagues, and community members.

Our approach to cultivating socially responsible leaders involves fostering curiosity and courageous conversations and collaborating with local, national, and global communities. This includes robust student leadership in ongoing EDI and Belonging work through:

Peer education: Students lead initiatives to teach their peers about EDI topics.

Cultural and Topical Interest Groups: Student-led groups provide spaces for shared identity and experience.

Mentorship: Students mentor others, sharing their knowledge and supporting one another in their personal growth.

At Collingwood, EDI means exploring and understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI), Indigenous Teaching and Learning, and Racial and Cultural Equity and Understanding. This includes a specific focus on neurodiversity and ability, ensuring inclusivity and educational equity for students with learning differences and those navigating mental health. Topics are introduced to students based on their age and stage of development. We strive to ensure all students feel safe, welcomed, and positively reflected in the curriculum. Everything we do under the umbrella of EDI is underpinned with education and upheld by our EDI Commitment.