In December of 2023, Bruce School Advisory Council (SAC) applied for grant funding under the Program Priorities Funds-Parent Reaching Out Grant (PRO Grant) through the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Funding in the amount of $750 was approved.

With that funding, we have established the Bruce Public School Anti-Oppression Resource Centre. The Resource Centre consists of a library of curated material geared specifically toward subjects such as Human Rights, Equity, and Anti-Indigenous and Anti-Black Racism; alongside activities that encourage dialogue between racialized school community members, including parents who identify as Black or Indigenous.

Through books, films, documentaries, articles, print studies, and the like, our barrier-free library will provide parents and caregivers within the Bruce community access to material designed to help us grapple with anti-oppression in its many forms. We also hope it will facilitate conversations with our children, colleagues, fellow parents and caregivers, and broader school community members. The Bruce Public School Anti-Oppression Resource Centre will also create opportunities for dialogue on equity issues by hosting conversation circles and speaking forums by authors and community leaders throughout the school year. .

The overall objectives of the project include:

• Empowering parents and caregivers within the Bruce Public School environment who come from equity-seeking communities, including Indigenous and Black communities;
• Breaking down barriers to engagement with the school and larger school community;
• Creating opportunities for dialogue – conversations about shared and diverse experiences as a parent and caregiver within the school community;
• Nurturing an inclusive school environment where all parents and caregivers feel welcome to participate;
• Eradicating systemic racism and discrimination within the Bruce learning environment and larger school community.

To access the resource, click on the triangle in the corner of the Bruce Anti-Oppression Resource Centre box in the menu. There is a page with Books, Article and Studies/Papers, another page with Videos, Webinars, Podcasts and Toolkits, and the final page is for Frequently Asked Questions.