The Ontario Government and Ministry of Education recently announced the repeal of the Health and Physical Education curriculum introduced in 2015, reinstating the 20-year-old 1998 curriculum in our classrooms.
Many concerns have been raised province-wide about reverting to a curriculum that does not include information on many issues that our children face in our very changed world of 2018. The ease with which our children can access information on-line makes it enormously challenging for parents and educators and it is critical that we provide guidance to our children so that they remain safe and informed.
The Near North District School Board would like to add to the collective voice of the Boards respectfully asking that the Ontario Government begin its consultation immediately. We also believe that the 2015 curriculum needs to be the starting point for this consultation and must remain in place until this process is complete.
With the growing number of public statements from many school boards, other concerned organizations, and members of the public, some contradictory messaging has arisen from the Ministry of Education. Accordingly, Ontario School Boards are now waiting for clarification with respect to the curriculum content that will be available to teaching staff in September.
Recognizing that our students and teachers will be returning the classroom very shortly, the Near North District School Board will remain committed to:
- teaching that promotes inclusion and diversity;
- providing the necessary support for the safety and well-being of our LGBTQ+ community and all students and staff;
- continuing to educate about gender issues, internet safety, healthy relationships, and informed consent.
Since public consultation was the issue prompting this move, it is important that all public, students, parents and staff questions and concerns are heard by our government. The Near North District School Board encourages you to please contact your local Member of Provincial Parliament and/or the Minister of Education to share your concerns and thoughts.
Sincerely,
David Thompson
Board Chairperson
