SAC celebrates fourth Pride Week
Diversity was celebrated and awareness was raised about the culture of LGBTQ+ communities during our fourth Pride Week at SAC.
Since our first Pride Week in 2021, we have continued to take further steps toward providing a safe and supportive space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, queer, questioning (LGBTQ2+) members of the Andrean community and beyond. The year’s events also spoke to straight ally students and staff, ensuring all people on campus are charged with creating a safe place for everyone.
The week’s schedule included guest speakers, art, music, and rainbow decorations throughout the school.
On Tuesday, the Upper School listened raptly to Robert Leckey ’93, Dean of the Faculty of Law at McGill University, who was recently honoured with the Canadian Bar Association’s Hero Award recognizes excellence within the Canadian legal profession in advancing the cause of equality for LGBTQ2+ people.
Robert said St. Andrew’s has evolved since his time when students didn’t interact with females and there was no discussion of homosexuality.
Conner Rowntree ’13 spoke with the Middle School boys in Ketchum Auditorium on Wednesday morning. While at school, he wasn’t aware that being gay was an option and said he’s proud of where the school is headed in terms of resources and inclusiveness.
On Wednesday evening, Upper school students from St. Andrew’s and St. Anne’s school attended an art night facilitated by artist and activist, Hill Werth, and their colourful splatter-paint creations were on display in Staunton Gallery.
Middle School students and staff wore Pride colours to celebrate on Thursday. Hill returned to SAC to lead a fun graffiti-style art project with Grades 5 and 6 students, while Grades 7 and 8 attended an interactive presentation in Ketchum Auditorium by Egale. This Canadian organization promotes human rights and equality.
A curated book display was set up in Tower’s Library for the week, and music by LGBTQ+ artists played during breaks in the gallery.
St. Andrew’s is a safe space, and Pride Week emphasizes the growing focus we place on student and staff well-being and the sense of belonging created through a caring learning environment.
We are committed to building a sense of belonging in our community.
By dedicating ourselves to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment, we will foster and accept the unique individuality of each of our citizens, ensuring all members feel valued and respected.
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