KAWARTHA LAKES-The Trillium Lakelands District School Board Committee of the Whole has approved a process for parents who wish to have their child exempted from the new Sexual Health Curriculum. The decision must now be ratified at the next board meeting.
“Trillium Lakelands District School Board respects the parent/guardian role in their child’s learning and understands that families may choose to approach or teach topics related to Human Development and Sexual Health in a manner or at an age that differs from what is outlined in the Health and Physical Education Curriculum in Grades 1-8.” said a report presented to the board Tuesday night.
Here’s a look at the curriculum.
The policy was developed to align with provincial requirements for school boards according to officials.
Parents or guardians who wish to exempt their child from participation in the curriculum as outlined for their grade can complete the exemption part of the form and return it to their child’s teacher.
The parent would have to select one of three alternative options.
1) I would like my child to [select one only]: Be released into my care
2) Remain in the classroom without taking part in instructional activities related to Human Development and Sexual Health. I understand my child’s activities unrelated to Human Development and Sexual Health during the exemption period will be at the discretion of the teacher.
3) Leave the classroom and remain in the school under staff supervision. I understand that my child’s activities during the exemption period will be at the discretion of the teacher or principal.
If one of the three options above is not selected, the principal or the principal’s designate will determine where in the school the child is to remain during the exemption period.
According to the new curriculum sexual orientation will be a mandatory topic taught in Grade 5 which is earlier than in the Liberals’ 2015 curriculum where it was taught in Grade 6.
Gender identity will be a mandatory topic in Grade 8. Previously it was mandatory in Grade 6. Students will have to “demonstrate an understanding of gender identity (e.g., male, female, Two-Spirit, transgender), gender expression, and sexual orientation (e.g., heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual), and identify factors that can help individuals of all identities and orientations develop a positive self-concept.”
The decisions comes up for ratification on November 26th.
