Welcoming, Inclusive, Safe and Healthy Learning and Working Environments

Purpose

On September 1, 2026, amendments to the Education Act, as outlined in An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms and Amend the Education Act, 2026 (formerly Bill 25), came into effect. Work is underway to update this board policy to reflect new provincial legislation.

To reflect the Board of Trustees’ (the Board) mandated responsibility and expectation for providing a welcoming, inclusive, safe and healthy learning and working environment throughout the Division.

AE.BP Welcoming, Inclusive, Safe and Healthy Learning and Working Environments serves as a foundation policy to setting overarching, high level direction to a set of comprehensive policies. The policies supported by AE.BP are listed in the References section.

Definitions

A comprehensive list of terms and definitions for all policies supporting AE.BP can be found in a glossary, accessible in the References section.

Policy

A positive learning environment is foundational for all students to experience success. The Board is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, safe and healthy learning and working environment that respects diversity, fosters a sense of belonging and a positive sense of self. Each student and staff member in the Division has the right to learn and work in an environment that promotes equality of opportunity, dignity, respect and recognition of diversity.

Such an environment creates conditions where students and staff can thrive. The Board is committed to providing an environment that supports the positive mental health of students and staff and reflects emerging research related to trauma sensitivity and strength-based approaches, and applies restorative principles.

The Board is further committed to providing an environment free from harassment, bullying, discrimination and violence. It is the collective responsibility of all those involved with the Division, including trustees, employees, students, parents, volunteers, contractors and visitors, to create and maintain positive cultures within our schools and other educational settings.

Accountability

The Administration will use relevant data and metrics to inform the Board about the effectiveness of the direction established by AE.BP through reporting and accountability related to the theme of welcoming, inclusive, safe and healthy learning and working environments.

References