Parents / Guardians,

The Ontario government has made changes to the Health and Physical Education curriculum for Grades 1-8, altering what has been taught for the past 3 school years.

I am writing to let you know that the Greater Essex County District School Board is committed to the health and well-being of all our students. Our students deserve to have the knowledge to keep themselves safe and to act with care and consideration for themselves, their peers and all people in their communities.

We will teach the revised curriculum as directed by the Ministry of Education which is available for everyone to view, on-line at: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/healthcurr18.pdf   

This is an interim document for use until the ministry completes a review during which the government has pledged to conduct consultations with parents and guardians throughout the province.

If you have any questions please contact your child’s teacher or the school’s administration. You will be notified before the unit on sexual health is taught, identifying topics from the curriculum expectations in the curriculum document.

I have great faith in the professionalism and judgement of our staff and we will uphold our responsibilities and obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Education Act and GECDSB policies to ensure respect, inclusion and safety for all.

Erin Kelly

Director of Education

GECDSB