Growth and Development (Sex-Ed) Curriculum - 4th EditionIn March of 2004, our Council was contacted by the school board to preview the latest 4th edition of the Growth and Development Curriculum. This was in advance of it being released to the classroom. Over a period of 4 months the 400-plus-page document was reviewed and critiqued line by line and meetings were held with the Superintendent and staff to discuss our many concerns. This curriculum has yet to be printed as we continue on-going discussions and correspondence with the Board. They have agreed to include in the curriculum an excellent chart that HWFAC recommended entitled, 'How at Risk are You' and to add the following statement at our request, "No grade 8 student meets the criteria of being able to make a responsible decision to engage in sexual activity." This represents a tremendous turn of philosophy for HWDSB and we are thankful to God. We continue to urge HWDSB to not introduce anal intercourse into the curriculum and have informed them that we will make a public presentation on the associated risks if they do.
Equity Policy Sexual Orientation Steering Committee
As was the case last year, the vast majority of our time and energy has been directed in fighting the efforts of this committee to use the classroom to affirm homosexual\bisexual conduct and relationships as natural and healthy while labeling families who hold a differing evidence-based perspective as homophobic and heterosexist. We attend each monthly meeting and object strongly during meetings, submit detailed letters to the Board supporting our concerns, inform you our partners and commit to prayer. The article in this newsletter will update you on the current status and we encourage you to read it and then take action by calling and\or writing Dr. Spence at the HWDSB. (905) 527- 5092
9th Annual Scavenger Hunt for Birthright
HWFAC sponsored the 9th Annual Scavenger Hunt for Birthright at Saints Peter and Paul. 3 churches attended and contributed 418.5 pounds of infant and maternity clothing and supplies as well as $839.00 in cash; a significant drop from previous years. Please see the article in this newsletter for our need for a host for this year's event.
Bill 52: Mandatory School Attendance to Age 18 and Required Proof of Attendance
HWFAC kept apprised of this bill and wrote numerous times to local MPP Jennifer Mossop, and finally to the Minister of Education. The parliamentary committee, upon the concerns expressed by the home-schooling associations, amended the Bill to remove required proof of attendance.
Presentations
HWFAC had opportunity to speak December 2 at the Church of God in West Hamilton at the invitation of Mr. Harold Schulz. Real-life examples were given of HWFAC involvement in the community as we encouraged participants to be likewise involved with faith and perseverance in bringing Judeo-Christian principles to bear.
HWFAC met with MP David Sweet to discuss the physical, emotional and spiritual dangers of homosexual/bisexual conduct and the need for children to be raised by their mother and father.
HWFAC attended in Ottawa to represent Hamilton at the National Marriage Caucus. All expenses were paid for by each HWFAC representative, no costs were borne by HWFAC.
Sexual Health Network
Our representative and colleagues at the SHN continue to attend meetings and insist upon the production of materials that are abstinence-based. Parent conferences and sex-ed materials for parents and students in grades 5 to 8 are a welcome addition and are truly amazing considering the opposite direction many others on this SHN once tried to take. Congratulations, Lynne Scime, Cleda Yachetti of Canadians for Positive Community Standards, and Theresa Hartnett of Birthright.
Election of Public School Board Trustees
HWFAC prepared a questionnaire for trustee candidates. Of the 28 candidates, 11 responded. This gave us opportunity to both inform the candidates of who we are, as well as to find out their position on several pertinent issues.
HWFAC Web Site Activity
HWFAC's Web Site again served us well in 2006. Monthly page requests average over 3,000. Through our website, we are hearing from individuals and organizations from across the country for information and advice. Of great benefit locally, our website increases our presence and enhances accessibility to those with similar convictions and concerns. Standing on Biblical Judeo-Christian principles, we fulfill our mission by informing others regarding local concerns, and of soldiers on the front lines who require prayer support. Our website greatly magnifies our efforts to motivate others to write letters and to call officials. We also use the website to assist in the promotion of events and efforts of our partner organizations. Our website is regularly updated and is found at hamiltonfamilyaction.org. Please pray and continue to work with HWFAC as we endeavour to restore, preserve and defend traditional Biblical Judeo-Christian family principles & values.
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Public Sex Education