Inclusion and diversity are celebrated throughout the year at VSB, but this weekend was particularly special. 

On August 4, 2024, hundreds of thousands came to downtown Vancouver to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and Canada’s oldest pride parade.

Teachers, principals and staff from across the District walked in the 46^th annual Pride parade kicking off on Davie Street this past Sunday. Staff decorated a yellow VSB school bus and were dressed in their best rainbow colours. With their families, the team enjoyed plenty of music, dancing, walking and smiling through the heart of Vancouver.

The District was joined by other education organizations in the parade including Surrey School District, the teacher associations for Coquitlam and Burnaby, CUPEBC and the BC Teachers Federation. 

Pride in Vancouver isn't something to celebrate for just one weekend a year. The District is a proud leader in promoting safe and inclusive practices year-round. In classrooms, VSB is part of the nationwide movement utilizing SOGI 123. 

SOGI 123 is a resource that empowers educators to build inclusive school environments for students from all sexual orientations and gender identities. Glen Hansman, an elementary school resource teacher, shared that the ultimate goal of this curriculum is to make sure students feel safe to be themselves so they can focus on learning at school.

“[We want] to make sure that that everyone in schools knows how to work successfully with the wide diversity of people in our schools, including students that are 2SLGBTQ+.” He adds, “We care deeply that the school experience for all learners is a positive one.”

Celebrating and accepting everyone in our school and wider communities has been part of VSB’s school culture for a long time. Joining events like the Vancouver Pride Parade and schools hosting their own pride celebrations make sure that families, staff and students feel included and seen in schools.

To see the pride parades that happened in schools read the story on our website and to learn more about SOGI education listen to episode 11 of VSB After the Bell.