| Policy Code | 820 |
|---|---|
| Adoption Date | June 23, 1997 |
| Amendment Date | March 19, 2012, February 28, 2022 |
| Cross Reference | — |
| Legal Reference | Education Act, Section 58(1) |
The Board approves opening exercises at the beginning of each school day.
Playing/singing the Canadian National Anthem is required to begin each school day.
Children of all faiths and creeds are welcome in Grasslands schools and all portions of opening exercises must be respectful of differences arising from differences in faith.
Opening exercises can include teacher-led activities that emphasize values but not religious practices from any specific religion or church.
GUIDELINES
- The school principal is responsible for the opening exercises held at the school and therefore approves all matters included in the exercises.
- The total time spent daily on opening exercises shall not exceed ten minutes.
- Playing/singing the Canadian National Anthem is required to begin each school day.
- A Treaty Acknowledgement will occur at the beginning of each school week.
- Opening exercises at the school or classroom level may also include any or all of the following:
- Saluting the Canadian Flag.
- A "Quiet Time."
- Teacher-led activities that emphasize values but not religious practices from any specific religion or church. A teacher may use an affirmation that emphasizes common values, for example:
- Respect - treating themselves and others with courtesy, dignity and positive regard, honouring the rights of others, and treating people's belongings, our environment, and the world around us with consideration
- Responsibility - being accountable for their actions and following through on their commitments
- Honesty - behaving in a sincere, trustworthy and truthful manner
- Empathy - appreciating the emotions of others, demonstrating concern for their feelings, and trying to understand issues from others' perspectives even though they may not agree with them personally
- Fairness - being sensitive to the needs of each individual, treating others as they wish to be treated themselves, interacting with others without stereotyping, prejudice or discrimination, and standing up for human rights
- Initiative - acting without the need to be prompted by others, eager to do what needs to be done and ready to take the first step in achieving a goal
- Perseverance - sticking to a goal and working hard even in the face of obstacles and challenges
- Courage - facing challenges directly, seeking help from others when it's needed, doing the right thing even when it's unpopular, recognizing risks and danger and making wise choices
- Integrity - ensuring truthfulness, sincerity and consistency in what they believe, what they say and how they behave
- Optimism - maintaining a positive attitude, looking on the brighter side, seeing opportunities in the face of adversity, and having hope for the future.
- Parents may choose to exempt their child from opening exercises. A written request for non-participation must be provided to the principal and must be signed by the parent/guardian. The written request will allow the student:
- to leave the classroom or place where the opening exercises are taking place for the duration of the exercise.
- to respectfully remain in the classroom or place without taking part in the opening exercise.