Belonging does not happen by chance. It is something we build together.
From April 13 to 17, 2026, schools across the Ottawa Catholic School Board will mark Standing Against Racism Week, a time to reflect, learn, and take meaningful action so that every student feels they have a place.
This year’s theme, Beloved Community, focuses on creating schools where everyone is welcomed, valued, and included, and where our commitment to Build Bridges is lived each day.
What This Week Is About
Standing Against Racism Week invites students and staff to look at how we build inclusive school communities and where we can do better.
Across the system, schools will engage in conversations, classroom activities, and shared experiences centred on respect, understanding, and connection. It is about learning from one another, celebrating diversity, and continuing to strengthen school communities where everyone feels they belong.
The Beloved Community Challenge
A key focus of the week is the ‘Beloved Community Challenge‘, which invites students to share what belonging looks like in their school.
Secondary students will work through Student Affinity Groups to create a short video that responds to the prompt:
My school is a beloved community because…
Selected submissions will be featured across OCSB platforms, and all participating schools will be entered into a draw for a prize.
Breaking Bread Across Cultures
Elementary students are also invited to take part in ‘Breaking Bread Across Cultures‘. Students will share a short video about a favourite family dish and how food brings people together, highlighting the role a shared meal plays in building community.
Why It Matters
This week reflects the work that happens in our schools every day. When students feel they belong, they are more confident, more connected, and better able to succeed.
Standing Against Racism Week is a reminder that building inclusive communities is a shared responsibility. It is how we care for one another and how we continue to grow as a system.
