A draft strategy for implementing the Education department's sexual orientation and gender identity policy at Vanier Catholic Secondary School is planned to come into effect in May, Education's deputy minister announced Wednesday evening.

Val Royle was speaking at the first Vanier school council meeting since controversy exploded over its policy on homosexuality last month.

She shared the steps the school and the department are taking to address different issues.

The draft policy is currently under initial review by department officials and the Catholic Episcopal Corp. of Whitehorse.

However, Royle was clear that a zero tolerance approach to discrimination of any kind is in effect now.

In addition to that, the policy includes a "clear direction that harassment of and discrimination against students with a same-sex orientation will not be tolerated in staff rooms, classrooms, in hallways or anywhere on school property, the development of a student group or groups that address issues of equity, diversity, and who are anti-bullying at Vanier Catholic Secondary School, and the clear absence of any language that could potentially negatively impact students' self-esteem, self-worth, or inherent acceptance as a human person made in the image and likeness of God,” said Royle.

The Catholic Education Association Yukon, staff, students and the community will also have an opportunity to review the document before it is implemented.

Royle also announced that a memorandum of understanding outlining the roles and responsibilities of various individuals, including Bishop Gary Gordon, Education Minister Scott Kent, the superintendent, etc., would be completed prior to the commencement of the 2013/2014 school year.

A review of the school's hiring policy is also planned.

However, as hiring for the upcoming school year is set to begin within weeks, an initial review to be completed before it begins will not be comprehensive.

A more expansive review will be undertaken over the next school year.

Royle also spoke to an incident that occurred at Vanier last fall. It sparked much of the controversy surrounding the school's policy on same-sex relationships.

A derogatory word for a gay or lesbian person was etched into the locker of an openly gay student.

When she approached the school administration about it, it took two weeks to repair.

Royle explained that when property management was called in to complete the work, they found other lockers also in need of repair.

"What we've learned from Yukon Education's perspective is that property management agency, as I said, has a maintenance and a physical health and safety mandate.

"But the schools also have a mandate of care for students. So when property management cannot ... respond in a manner that is as timely as the school needs than school administrators will be directed to find another method,” said Royle.

"We've changed our process as a result of this incident.”

Following Royle's comments, the school council opened the floor first to three speakers who had requested time to speak and then to the community at large.

About 150 people gathered at last night's meeting, and close to 35 spoke.

It was made clear at the get-go that the aim of the meeting was not to reach solutions, but rather to listen, and provide a forum where people could respectfully share their concerns, thoughts, and comments.

"Sometimes it's difficult discussions that you need to have, but discussion is never wasted.

"It's always a positive opportunity to grow and to learn together,” Royle said.