Weekly eGryphon

As part of the B.C. Ministry of Education Physical and Health Education (PHE) curriculum, and the Science curriculum https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum, we are required to cover specific content. This includes body science and personal safety in Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Grade 1; Personal safety and abuse prevention in Grade 2 and 3; Pubertal changes, hygiene, personal safety, private parts and sexual identities in Grade 4 and 5. Grade 6 and 7 learn about pubertal changes, structures and functions of the reproductive systems, personal safety and sexual identities. Grade 8 to 12 students will cover healthy sexual decision-making, short and long-term consequences of health decisions (STIs), sources of health information, strategies to protect self and others from potential abuse, exploitation and harm (mobile devices, online pornography).

Because it is so important now to provide children guidance as they navigate the digital world, lessons for students in Grade 6 to 10 will include an age-appropriate discussion about sexually explicit online material and the sending/sharing of intimate images. As reproduction first appears in the Grade 6 curriculum, the lessons in younger grades do not include a discussion about sex. As said, these children will be learning about body science (scientific names for private parts) and puberty, depending on their grade level.
 
There are several overarching principles to consider when these topics are addressed at school, paramount among them is the respectful consideration of the different types of family values that surround these topics. To support our efforts at school to be inclusive to all values (cultural, religious, traditional and liberal), and create a safe learning space for every child, we feel it is very important that you spend time at home discussing your family values with your child. Do consider asking your child about these topics and their PHE lessons and most importantly share your parental guidance and advice with them. Research has shown parents are a primary source of information in this area.  

As many parents are aware, in the past Dr. Claire Vanston, PhD, assisted in the delivery of this curriculum in the classroom. Dr. Claire has now retired, but she has shared with our school her entire suite of lesson plans and resource materials - from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.  We will be using this B.C. Ministry of Education-compliant material this year, as we deliver these lesson plans in-house. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Mrs. Nicholson or Mr. Rinn.