THUNDER BAY -- The director of education for the city’s Catholic school board anticipates concern from parents over the new provincial sexual education curriculum.
However, Pino Tassone said the changes that will be coming to classrooms in the next school year won’t be that much different than what is already being taught.
“We’re prepared to answer any questions that (parents) might have,” Tassone said at the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board office.
“We had actually implemented the vast majority of this program in our religious education program called ‘Fully Alive,’ it’s called a family life education…Now with some of these new components, once we delve into the curriculum we’ll have a better idea of what we need to do to prepare ourselves for the launch in September.”
Ontario Education Minister Liz Sandals unveiled the revised curriculum earlier Monday, the province’s first update since 1998.
The new guidelines cover subjects to be taught in both elementary and secondary schools, starting in Grade 1 with children learning to identify body parts using correct terminology and ending in Grade 12 with students learning about the legal implications of harassment, abuse and violence in relationships.
There are a number of pieces of the curriculum which have been controversial during the lead up to the announcement, such as teaching Grade 3 students about gender identity and sexual orientation.
In Grade 7 students will learn about sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy, as well as contraceptive methods.
Ministry of Education documentation said it is up to each educator to decide how they want to teach the subject matter.
Tassone said the board is in the process of determining how best to balance teaching the components while maintaining religious values.
“We’re going to be working together with the Institute of Catholic Education around the Catholic education piece to ensure we can deliver the program that conveys respect and models our Catholic teaching and values,” he said.
The revised curriculum also includes education for students to understand the impact of technology, such as the consequences of sexting and online harassment.
Sherri-Lynne Pharand, superintendent of education for Lakehead Public School Board, said it’s vital for teachings to reflect current realities.
“Whether it’s the health and physical education curriculum or all of the curriculums, it’s really important we stay current and ensure that of our students have the best possible information for themselves and their futures,” she said.
The ministry also released a series of online tip and fact sheets for parents, advising of the changes that will come in the curriculum.
Pharand said teaching and lessons need to continue outside of schools.
“Parents are a child’s first and best teacher and that partnership between parents and the school is critically important in all subject areas, particularly as it relates to the health and physical education curriculum and human sexuality,” Pharand said.
