Diversity and Inclusion

Embracing the Gift of Diversity: Thank you!

Dr. Alice Prince has served as the diversity & inclusion consultant for our Federation of Catholic Schools since August 2019. The one-year position was funded by a Beyond Sunday Grant from the Roman Catholic Foundation, developed by the Federation's diversity committee to address the need identified by principals for an outside support in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities that with. The grant project was set to engage core teams from each parish and school to carry on the work after that initial year. Dr. Prince worked with principals and core teams throughout 2019-20 conducting focus groups, surveys and interviews, which were just wrapping up as the pandemic began in March 2020. Through that summer Dr. Prince and the committee processed the input to produce the Report and Plan published in September 2020.

Due to the covid pandemic and ongoing needs of the schools, the position was continued in 2020-21 and 2021-22 by additional grant funding through the Office of Catholic Education and Formation. Dr. Prince has worked with the Federation's diversity committee to provide resources and support for all principals and teachers over the past two years. Highlights of the work include:

• Engagement of teachers, students, parents, parishioners and community members in surveys and focus groups throughout 2019-20,

• Report and Plan on Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging for the Federation as a whole and plans for each individual school

• One-on-one meetings and consultations as needed by principals to address real-time needs

• A collection of resources available to teachers and principals on the Federation Intranet

A review of these activities and the connection to Catholic social teachings was presented to Federation teachers at the April 29 Professional Learning Team Gathering at St. Norbert Parish (see photos below). This solid foundation that has been established with the support of Dr. Prince will now be continued with oversight by each school principal, and their collaboration together through the Federation. Guided by Catholic teaching and the mission of the Church, schools will continue to engage in this essential work to ensure our schools are communities of faith and hope, bringing all students and their families closer in relationship with Jesus Christ. A full report on plans and goals for moving forward is in process.

The pastors and principals of the Federation of Catholic Schools are grateful to Dr. Prince for her service, and wish her all the best as she continues as President and CEO of Pathways United. While the Federation will no longer employ a full-time consultant, the relationship with Dr. Prince will continue, as she will be available to engage with schools for projects and consultations as needed throughout the year.