Faith and Equity
It is the policy of the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board PVNCCDSB, in accordance with the Church’s teachings, to provide in all its operations an educational environment which supports diversity within its Catholic community by adhering to the “Guiding Principles of the Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy of Ontario’s Ministry of Education” and the 2017 Ontario Equity Action Plan.
PVNCCDSB recognizes the harmonious relationship between faith and equity embedded in the context of Catholic Social Teaching. The dignity and worth of every student, parent, and employee are paramount. In particular, the equitable achievement and access to possibility accompanies the journey of faith we undertake every day in pursuit of the common good.
Faith and equity are not distinct manifestations but the realization of possibility grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose invitation to the table is extended to all. This work is mindful of the teachings of Pope Francis, who spoke of this pursuit to the United Nations:
The common home of all men and women must continue to rise on the foundations of a right understanding of universal fraternity and respect for the sacredness of every human life, of every man and every woman, the poor, the elderly, children, the infirm, the unborn, the unemployed, the abandoned, those considered disposable because they are only considered as part of a statistic. This common home of all men and women must also be built on the understanding of a certain sacredness of created nature. (September, 2015)
PVNCCDSB Equity Advisor
Tenesia Benjamin – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor
Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board is pleased to welcome Tenesia Benjamin, preferred name Benjamin, to the position of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor.
Benjamin will provide strategic leadership in implementing the Board’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan and will support and promote human rights, equity, diversity and inclusion in our schools and workplaces. She began her role Sept. 6, 2022.
“My work in diversity, equity and inclusion stemmed from the challenges I face as a black cis-woman navigating spaces that were reserved for ‘non-racialized’ and ‘non-oppressed’ individuals. The barriers I face as a new immigrant often compounded these challenges,” Benjamin notes.
“Not wanting to feel defeated or victimized, I opted to not only challenge the status quo, but to be instrumental in the change for equality, equity, and inclusion. I’m inspired by the work of PVNC and I am extremely honoured to collaborate with all our stakeholders.”
Benjamin holds a Master of Science degree in International Trade Policy, Bachelor of Science in International Relations (minor Politics) and a Graduate Certificate in International Business Management and Human Resource Management.
She has experience as a teacher and human resource professional designing inclusive curriculum, processes and programs, and she has developed a strong portfolio in human rights, anti-racism and anti-oppression initiatives.
“Benjamin brings a wealth of knowledge, professional and lived experiences to her role as the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor,” said Superintendent of Learning Jeannie Armstrong, who oversees the Board’s equity portfolio.
“She will support PVNC’s ongoing commitment to creating learning and workspaces that ensure a culture of wellbeing and belonging for all students and staff.”