The Guelph Collegiate-Vocational Institute
Proud of Our Past ... Confident
in Our Future
International Mindedness Policy
Mission Statement
GCVI strives to embed international mindedness, including global awareness and respect for diversity, into
the collective school culture. Our vision is to develop responsible citizens who will contribute to a peaceful
world.
Curriculum
The concept of international mindedness is embedded into all disciplines and reflective of our diverse
population. Teachers provide an opportunity for dialogue that is reflective of international mindedness.
Curriculum resources reflect a variety of sources representative of diverse groups and cultures.
Students learn different ways of interpreting and understanding events and facts from a variety of
perspectives. Students learn that their experiences and identity influence how the world can be interpreted
Curriculum encourages action, reflection, evaluation and further action. Curriculum provides for
opportunities to reflect about the nature of learning. Teachers allow for and encourage passion based
inquiry learning.
Student Attitudes and Values
All individuals are encouraged to:

respect and value diversity

be concerned with and take action against social injustice and inequities

celebrate and respect differences

understand that all cultures have equal validity and to practice acceptance and understanding
 critically appreciate their own culture and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions
of others.

seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and be willing to grow from the experiences.
 act with integrity, honesty, a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity
and rights of all people.

be receptive of various perspectives

develop their own cultural self-confidence and awareness.
Leadership
Administration
Leaders incorporate cultural awareness into decision and policy making.
Leaders provide equitable access to school communication, expectations and norms.
Leaders support and encourage teachers and students to pursue global initiatives.
Educators
Teachers facilitate opportunities for student action.
Teachers respect diversity and acknowledge cultural differences, which helps students internalize the
concept of international mindedness.
Teachers are sensitive to the differences in cultural expectations and norms.
Teachers are partners in implementing practices developed through the Equity Committee.
Students
Students are encouraged to take responsibility to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the
world through empathy, compassion and respect.
Students are encouraged to participate in and lead extracurricular groups that advance international
mindedness:

Multicultural and Diversity Club

Multifaith Club

Me to We/Social Justice Club

Canada World Youth Exchanges

30 Hour Famine

Dance Club

Safe Space (GSA)

International and Cultural exchange student programs
School Community
School community includes partnerships between students, families, teachers, administrators, support staff,
volunteers, connected agencies, local businesses, board personnel, and other stakeholders.
All members of the school community demonstrate inclusion and respect for diverse groups
All members of the school community are encouraged to support school initiatives that promote
international mindedness.