OMNI @ Brentwood
Brentwood is a very open school, and there is always a lot going on. Many different clubs and activities keep the campus buzzing.
The OMNI (Open-Minded Non-Discriminatory Individuals) is one of the many clubs and it is supportive of individuals who identify with and ally with the queer community. The club's goals are to make a safe space for students, as a good support system within the Brentwood community.
Khloe Baker, the ‘23-’24 OMNI Captain, found support in OMNI during her Grade 9 year and was determined to become the OMNI Captain in her Grade 12 year: “I became the OMNI Captain because I wanted to be able to give students the safe space I was given.”
Some students struggle to feel fully accepted in their boarding houses or the wider school community, so they turn to OMNI, as we members are all very open-minded and willing to be of assistance. OMNI meets weekly with a variety of activities, from bracelet making to guest speaker talks. There is always a sense of community in this club, as we have the common goals of building equity and creating a safe space within the school. That is really what brings our community together.
Aiyanna M, ‘24-’25 OMNI Captain, expands on this: “The students in OMNI share a common identity and sense of intersectionality, which is especially important considering queer folk are a historically marginalized community.” She explains how OMNI is really for the students and can be considered a relief for them, knowing no one is alone.
As it is hard for individuals in the queer community in general, having a club like this available is a supportive opportunity. As well as meeting weekly, we give back to the community by organizing some school events: Rainbow Day, for example, a dress-up day where you can wear your most colourful clothing, or rainbow cookie decorating during dinner. Another example is Dress As You Like Day, where you can trade uniforms with your friends of the other gender
The main goal of OMNI is to keep a balance in the school and to provide a reliable support system for the students - a peer support system.
Staff Sponsor Mr Neufeld comments: “I am humbled every day by their dedication and courage. The OMNI Captain is truly the Captain, and I am but the humble secretary. The true credit belongs to those who built the foundation: Marius Felix, who provided space in his living room when OMNI wasn't permitted in classrooms; John Luna, who stepped up as the first staff sponsor when students approached him with their vision; and Nurse Jasmine, whose energy and guidance I will never be able to equal.”
He adds: “Creating safe spaces isn't just about providing physical rooms; it's about supporting students as they build communities where everyone can truly be themselves. When a student tells me that just knowing OMNI exists makes them feel less alone, that's when I know this work matters. In a world that often tries to put people in boxes, our students remind us daily that our differences are what make our community stronger.”
We try our best to be a very positive aspect of the school and stay open-minded.
Reine L, Allard, ‘25