b'around the need for culturally responsive education thatThe project emphasized the importance of recognizing and prioritizes the voices and experiences of Indigenous Peoples. challenging colonial structures in education, highlighting the ongoing nature of learning and the need to continuously We started with the overarching question: how do weunpack stereotypes and challenge assumptions. develop our leadership capacity in developing culturally responsive practices? said Shelly Hopper, former PrincipalWe learned from community members who carry the of NMC. We met with one of the grandmothers from ourteachings and the knowledge to better do the work of divisional Council of Grandparents as part of this work andserving the community, said Alana White, Principal ofasked them, How do we engage community? How do we beMarion School. culturally responsive leaders? She shared the importance of going into the community to engage with people, rather thanParticipants shared experiences challenging stereotypes and just inviting people in.recognized the importance of continuing to grow and learn to create a more connected and responsive community. The discussions and activities focused on unpacking stereotypes and dismantling colonial structures throughWe hope to sustain this work of creating safe spaces when storytelling and dialogue, as well as fostering lifelong learningengaging in potentially polarizing conversations, said among staff to respond to the culturally diverse needs ofIzzeddin Hawamda, Anti-Racist Education Professional the community. Key to the project was the importance ofLearning Initiative Coordinator. As a Palestinian, my story continuous learning and growth for both students and staff inis one that could be called polarizing, but to me it isnt. My all four schools and embedding the principles of anti-racism,existence is not polarizing or controversial.diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into their shared MYSP.As the survey results from the spring survey suggest, The Indigenous Education teams activities included teepeeProject-Based Leadership Learning has transformed building, activities centred around art from the land, a Redmonthly leadership meetings and fostered a rich culture of River Walk adapted from the Mtis Walk, and storytellingcollaboration and continuous learning. That learning has learning. An activity on the land involved a fire and gatheringsparked creativity leading to concrete action. This innovation for community building.is proving to be an effective approach to nurture school leaders collective ability to navigate meaningful changeThe staff aimed to engage the community through in schools. various events, including first aid courses, babysitting,and community bingo. NELSON McINTYRE COLLEGIATEFAMILY OF SCHOOLS Archwood SchoolMarion SchoolNordale SchoolNelson McIntyre CollegiateFALL 2023 SURVEY SPRING 2024 SURVEYLeadership Team meetingsThe new Leadership Team meeting format offer meaningful time for me tooffers me an opportunity to collaborate more collaborate with my colleagues effectively with my colleaguesStrongly Agree (5) Strongly Agree (43)Agree (33) Agree (28)Neutral (23) Neutral (1)Disagree (10) Disagree (2)Strongly Disagree (2) Strongly Disagree (1)19'