Trinity College School’s educational staff members had the chance to reconnect following the December Break, with a full day of professional development activities on Tuesday, January 3rd. Amongst updates from members of the senior leadership and time for departmental planning, a highlight of the day was a presentation by Reem Ali, diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) officer for the City of Peterborough.

Ms. Ali’s presentation is part of ongoing work at the School in prioritizing wellbeing and belonging and part of larger strategic initiatives to advance diversity, equity and inclusion priorities systemically, notes Krista Koekkoek, the School’s assistant head of Senior School - student support & wellbeing.

As the first ever DEI officer for Peterborough – a position formally created in 2021 – Ms. Ali assists the city “with addressing racism, discrimination, and the prevention, identification and removal of barriers to access in opportunity.” Prior to her appointment, she worked in a variety of roles for non-profit organizations and was a teacher in the international studies program at Trent University. She holds M.Sc. (biochemistry) and Master of Public Policy and Administration degrees.

“Reem challenged staff to consider what creates a culture and how we might use an intersectional lens when approaching our work as educators both in and out of the classroom,” says Ms. Koekkoek. “Tools were provided to staff to reflect personally and collaboratively, to continue to foster an equitable and inclusive environment at TCS.”