The Greater Victoria Board of Education is reaching out to students and their families in wake of last week’s shooting at a Quebec City mosque that left six dead and several more injured.
School district superintendent Piet Langstraat distributed a message to parents and staff last week in regards to the shooting as well as the travel ban enacted by the United States.
“We are proud to support and foster an inclusive and accepting culture,” said board chair Edith Loring-Kuhanga. “It’s critical that our parents and staff understand that they are supported in their efforts to discuss current events and that each and every one of our students know they belong and are supported in all of our schools, regardless of ethnicity or religion.”
In his letter, Langstraat states the public education system plays an important role in developing socially aware and responsible citizens, and the district encourages students to appreciate different perspectives, form opinions and become involved as global citizens.
“Over the past few days, I have heard from parents, students and educators about what has happened in Quebec City and the recent developments in the United States. All have expressed concern for our Muslim students and our staff who may be affected,” said Langstraat.
“We have long celebrated our cultural diversity as a school district. It is a sign of the awareness and compassion present within our schools that we openly recognize that these events may have a real impact on our students and their families.”
Langstraat called the recent developments a teachable moment, adding educators are here to foster a values-based community of young people who are aware, supportive and compassionate.
“My advice to parents and to my staff is to focus discussion on our values and what we celebrate as a public education system and as an inclusive community,” he said. “All students belong here; it can’t be said enough.”