Showing Up Fully
At the DDSB, culture is more than a value—it’s a cornerstone of staff well-being. We know that when employees feel connected and supported, they bring confidence and care into every classroom and interaction. That sense of belonging doesn’t just strengthen staff, it can transform student experience.
This fall, the DDSB welcomed staff from across the District to the Education Centre for an evening dedicated to connection, learning, and growth. Led by our People and Culture department, the Open House was designed to ensure every staff member—whether new to their role or a seasoned professional—has the tools, knowledge, and relationships they need to thrive.
The event featured resource tables hosted by numerous departments, offering direct access to information and expertise. From Human Rights and Anti-Oppression to Indigenous Education, Finance, Technology Services, union representatives, and Affinity Networks, staff had the opportunity to ask questions, explore supports, and discover the wealth of resources available to them. New this year was a wellness space featuring an activation with puppies, a reminder that well-being matters.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Staff described the event as energizing and informative, emphasizing the value of face-to-face conversations with department representatives. Because when we invest in our people, we invest in our students. Connection isn’t just an event—it’s a culture that strengthens every layer of our system.
That culture of connection extends beyond a single evening. Over the years, we’ve heard something loud and clear: students and staff thrive when they feel a sense of belonging – not just acknowledged, but reflected in their classrooms, their colleagues, and the culture of their schools. For many, school hasn’t always been a place where their full identity felt welcome. Too often, people were left wondering: Is there room for me here?
These groups have become more than support systems—they are beacons of representation, advocacy, and celebration. They ensure that our curriculum, programs, and services are not only inclusive but reflective of the vibrant cultures, faiths, and identities that make up the DDSB.
You can feel the shift.
You feel it in Lunar New Year celebrations filled with music and meaning. In the glow of Diwali candles. In the laughter over a shared meal for Iftar, or while preparing latkes for Hanukkah. These aren’t just cultural events—they are acts of affirmation where our schools become a true reflection of the people inside them.
Today, the DDSB has 12 Affinity Networks driving change by amplifying voices, building leadership, breaking down barriers, and providing mentorship to student affinity networks in their many forms. As part of our Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP), we’ve expanded and deepened our commitment to these networks, because showing up fully isn’t just about being present—it’s about being seen, supported, and celebrated.
That’s how our Affinity Networks grew—not out of policy, but out of people. Where they could come together, reflect, share, and celebrate who they are.
From the powerful community built by the Durham Black Educators Network (DBEN), who are celebrating 20 years in 2025, to the warmth and joy of Shalom Durham. From the shared purpose of the Muslim Educators Network of Durham (MEND), to the colourful vibrance of the Hindu Affinity Network (HAND). From the courage and solidarity of the 2SLGBTQ+ PRIDE Network, to the growing connections of the Durham Educators’ Network for South Asians (DENSA)—these spaces are reshaping what school feels like.