Superior-Greenstone District School Board Statement Re: Health/Phys.Ed Curriculum
MARATHON, ON – The Ontario government recently announced its intention to begin public consultation on a new Health and Physical Education Curriculum. The Minister of Education, Lisa Thompson has stated her expectation that beginning in September school boards are to utilize the 1998 version of the Health & Physical Education curriculum.
Superior-Greenstone District School Board joins several school boards who have recently spoken out about the provinces decision to revert back to the old Health and Physical Education curriculum. Director of Education, David Tamblyn stated that, “the 1998 version of the curriculum is dated and does not address issues such as gender identity and internet safety.
The Director noted that the school board is “bound by provincial legislation and board policies which have been enacted in the 20 years since the 1998 curriculum document was released. These policies reflect both changes in the use of technology and in society as a whole”. As such, the Director stated that “Superior-Greenstone District School Board will continue to refer to the 2015 Health and Physical Education document as a resource when addressing issues such as gender identity and safe internet use”.
The school board is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity as outlined within their strategic priorities to create inclusive school environments.
Tamblyn stated that “examples of the legislation is outlined within the Education Act, which speak about student well-being, and the Human Rights Code reflects our commitment to ensuring an inclusive school environment for all students; as well as our own policies around safety which are paramount to the curriculum document. Under this legislation, we are required to continue to teach our students about realworld, contemporary topics such as gender identity and internet safety; even if these are topics not included in the curriculum document. We will continue to support our students in developing and building their identities in safe and inclusive school environments”.
