Dear Parent or Guardian,

I am writing to inform you about our upcoming Growth and Development unit in our Health curriculum, which will be taught for four days starting on Monday, May 11th and ending on Friday, May 15th (does not include Thursday, May 14th as we are planning a trip to Earl on the 14th to watch a dance presentation). It will be taught from 2:45pm – 3:45pm each day. This unit is designed to provide students with essential information and skills to navigate the changes they are experiencing as they approach adolescence.

As our students enter Grade 6, they are developing increased self-awareness and critical thinking skills. This unit aims to build upon these skills by addressing the physical, social, and emotional changes associated with adolescence. 

Topics of study in Grade 6:

• Physical Changes: We will discuss the physical changes that occur during adolescence, such as body growth and skin changes.
• Social and Emotional Changes: We will explore the increasing influence of peers and the heightened intensity of feelings that students may experience.
• Healthy Relationships: We will focus on building a foundation for healthy relationships, emphasizing the importance of respect, consent, and clear communication.
• Stereotypes and Assumptions: We will examine how stereotypes and assumptions related to gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, culture, and abilities can affect individuals and relationships. We will also discuss appropriate ways to respond to and challenge these stereotypes, including homophobia and racism.

I understand that some of these topics may be sensitive; however, the goal is to provide accurate information within a safe and supportive learning environment. By understanding these changes and challenging stereotypes, students can develop a healthy sense of self and build respectful relationships. Given the prevalence of social media, I believe, now more than ever, that it is vital to equip our students with the necessary tools to navigate adolescence successfully. 

Some additional advice from the government of Ontario’s website

Supporting Your Child’s Learning

Parents and schools both have important roles in supporting student learning and well-being. Here are some ways to help:

• Reinforce the benefits of trying new things, learning from mistakes, keeping an open mind, and looking for the positives when facing challenges.
• Talk to your child about the challenges they are facing that may be causing them stress, and helpful ways that they can manage feelings of stress.
• Help your child recognize what stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination can look like.

You can choose to have your child exempted from all or some instruction related to Human Development and Sexual Health expectations by completing and returning the following exemption form electronic exemption form for your child. If you choose to exempt your child from this health unit, picking them up from school at 2:45 pm on those days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday) would be recommended.

The exemption form must be returned by Monday, May 4th for your child to be excluded from instruction related to the expectations in strand D of The Ontario Curriculum: Health and Physical Education, Grades 1–8, 2019. You will receive an acknowledgment by email immediately upon submitting your request. The principal’s email address will be included in the email. Do not hesitate to contact me or Mrs. Capitani if you have any questions or concerns.  If you cannot fill out the form electronically, let me know, and I will forward a PDF of the form.

Sincerely,

Ms Stephens