Winning the Right to Be Included—And Losing the Welcome

Through tending and trust, nature creates pearls and diamonds — together we nurture our community, where wisdom and connection become our light.

Today, my 9-year-old son began the EQAO assessment after exclusion, unanswered emails, and formal advocacy. He was finally allowed to participate. But not fully.

The rest of his peers completed EQAO between Monday and Thursday. My son was scheduled to write the final portion alone on Friday.

He came home and told me:

“Everyone finishes Thursday. I have to do it Friday. Just me.”

I Walked into Protect His Place

This morning, I walked into the school—not just to drop off my child, but to make sure he wasn’t quietly excluded again. I said clearly:

“He’s approved to write EQAO. I’m here to ensure he’s not left out again.”

A staff member looked directly at me and said—publicly:

“I don’t want to talk to you right now.”

How do you leave your precious child in a place where your protection is treated as a threat?

Do they understand I have to advocate? Do they have children? Do they know how it feels to ask: Will my child be treated with care? With kindness? With dignity?

He Smiled. But I Carry the Cost.

My son smiled when I picked him up. He was proud. But he knows he’ll finish the test alone.

And I know what that means.

I wrote to the school, the Superintendent, EQAO, and the Ministry. I cited the Education Act, dated May 26, 2025.

To this day, May 27, 2025, I’ve received no response. Not even an acknowledgment.

He got to write the test. I got the cold shoulder.

As a mental health practitioner serving immigrant families, I know this isn’t just our story. This is what happens when we advocate. We take what’s rightfully ours. And sometimes, we lose the welcome in return.

He was included. But not with the rest. And that still matters.

#EQAO #ParentVoice #OntarioEducation #MentalHealthInSchools #ChildAdvocacy #EducationalJustice #PostAdvocacyBacklash #TendAndTrust