b'equality inclusiondiversity culturalLeadership and Inclusion at Frontenac School Mide Adeyanju and Mr. Kasbias Story as told to Lisa Monson, Divisional Learning Team TeacherIn February 2022, LRSD launched the divisional DEI Storytime,Gursevak read A Lions Mane by Navjot Kaur, which explores the which saw special guests offer weekly virtual English and Frenchmeaning of the dastaar, the Sikh turban. Gursevak said he was sessions of books highlighting themes of diversity, equity andfirst motivated to become an educator because of a childhood inclusion. At Frontenac School, Elena Stangherlin, teacher- experience where another student removed his turban. Following librarian, and Brita Enns, library assistant, asked Mide Adeyanju, athe incident, a male teacher in his Kanata, Ontario school told member of the student leadership team, and Gursevak Kasbia, athe classroom that it was a matter of culture and helped students Grade 8 teacher, to participate. Both chose books that highlightedlearn more about different cultures. The discussion was powerful, topics that related to their experiences in hopes of buildingand more teachers became involved in effectively addressing understanding and compassion.cultural issues. by Sharee Miller, a childrens Mide read Dont Touch My Hair! Another reason he decided to become a teacher was to show book that highlights the conversation about strangers touchinghis students that many industries are waiting to be discovered black hair and the importance of personal boundaries. Mideand created. Throughout his adult life in Ontario, Gursevak continued the conversation with her classmates during a TUSCexperienced many employment opportunities; as an inspector (Totally Unbelievable Speaking Club) presentation on the historyfor water facilities, food processing, and public health, as an of Afro hair and the significance of braids. Although some mayanalyst at the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, and, in his think braids are only about style, Mide presented historical factswords, many other gigs! Eight years ago, he moved to Winnipeg citing escape route maps in braid patterns and the action ofto attend the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Education. hiding grains, nuts and beans in braids to use for trading. SheHe participated in the first cohort of the Presidents Student shared this information to help end disrespect based on a lackLeadership Program, working alongside other candidates to of knowledge about Afro hair. Thinking about her hair, Mide alsobuild bridges across communities and explore and share diverse shared that braiding has benefits in todays world. In a practicalleadership experiences. sense, braiding helps to protect her hair, and personally, wearing her hair in braids adds to her confidence! 15'