November 2005 Newsletter |
Report on HWFAC Participation in EQUITY POLICY
The HWDSB Equity Policy threatens to harm our kids.
The School Board is developing an Equity Policy which is intended to protect school kids from any form of discrimination. The Board is targeting race, class (socio-economic status), sexual orientation, gender, and physical or mental handicap as requiring special attention, and each is being addressed separately.
We are representing the Council in both the Classism and the Sexual Orientation segments of the Equity Policy development process. The Board has already completed the Racism segment; is close to completing the Classism segment (we were invited to participate almost at the end of this process); and is now just beginning development of the Sexual Orientation segment. Fortunately, we are full participants right from the beginning of the Sexual Orientation sessions.
The Board appears to be progressive in its agenda. However, there are serious problems emerging which can affect our children in harmful ways. We are taking the following positions:
- The Policy's Glossary is full of Marxist terms and language, and we have argued that the Board needs to remove these terms since they are divisive and will lead to hostility among kids and families. For example, the definition of discrimination in the Glossary is the following:
"The unequal treatment of non-dominant groups or individuals, either by a person, ...More...
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Children Taught to Question Their Sexuality
As children go back to school, it is time to pray and act to ensure that their faith remains intact.
Will the change in the definition of marriage make a difference in what our children are taught at schools? There is no getting around it, September feels like the beginning of the year. It is back to school. Back to university. Start of new activities. End of summer. End of holidays.
My own kids are starting at new schools this fall. They are moving up. One starts at middle school, the other at high school. There is a sense of anticipation but also of apprehension. What will the new year hold?
For some in public schools, there are new concerns. Will the change in the definition of marriage make a difference in what our children are taught at schools? How will we, as parents, deal with this?
For teachers, cases like the Kempling show a new intent to muzzle teachers. Will teachers be forced to teach material that is contrary to their beliefs?
Pro-gay curricula is not new. The Toronto District School Board developed a human rights policy back in 2001. The TDSB actively encourages teachers to combat heterosexism in kindergarten to grade six. Heterosexism is the concept that we assume children to be heterosexual.
In both London and Hamilton, the school boards have been developing similar policies, under names like Equity Policy and Safe Schools. There are accusations that these policies have been developed with little input from the public. Many parents will object if their children are asked to question their sexuality.
In Vancouver, a gay couple has brought a human rights complaint that... More....
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Healthy Living Curriculum
Edition 4
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) prepared their 4th edition (3rd revision) of the Healthy Living Curriculum also known as the Sex Education program. This edition was prepared last spring but has not yet been delivered to the teachers for classroom use. In previous editions HWFAC was only aware of them after they had been introduced into the classroom, however this time it is different.
When the 400-plus-page edition was completed last spring, we were contacted by HWDSB and requested to review it prior to it going to print for the classroom. We considered this gesture to be significant and so felt that it was necessary to follow through with the review. For over 4 months in our spare time, we reviewed and critiqued the entire curriculum, page by page. Currently our approximate 20-page critique is with the superintendent and soon we will be meeting with HWDSB staff to discuss our many concerns.
... More ...
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- PACE - wisdom in how to proceed. That God's will be done and that doors will be opened.
- Equity Policy meetings the last Wednesday of every month between now and May/06, and our representatives, Bob Maton and Jim Enos.
- HWDSB and HWFAC sex education curriculum meetings. Their new curriculum needs changes.
- HWFAC prayer and financial support.
- Those who are having to deal with conscience issues in the workplace.
- Christian involvement as (Salt & Light) in local organizations.
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We are commanded in Ephesians 6:18, after putting on the armour of God, To pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (KJV)
We have received tremendous answers over the past 8 years to our prayers for the work of the HWFAC because of the faithful, persevering prayers of the members of the Prayer Chain. There is power in prayer!
Would you please consider joining our prayer chain? When you receive a telephone call/prayer request from a prayer chain member, you pray over the issue and then ...More...
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HWFAC is pleased to have sponsored the 8th annual Scavenger Hunt for Birthright which was generously hosted by Annunciation of Our Lord.
On Saturday June 8th, 948.5 pounds of infant and maternity clothing and supplies as well as $1,245 in donations was collected by 10 churches for a total of $2,193.5 points.
The top church was Saints Peter and Paul who not only contributed 524.5 points but has also offered to host ...More.... |
Be an HWFAC Partner
The HWFAC Council is a small number of committed Christians dedicated to keeping abreast of local issues as they affect our living out our faith, and to encouraging our numerous churches and individuals who have signed up with us to be involved, to be at the public table, and to be a voice for righteousness in your sphere of influence.
We also want to be a very positive help to those who find themselves needing the support of their brothers and sisters in Christ, e.g. Birthright's Crisis Pregnancy Centre.
Our numbers are too small, and our budget too tight. We would very much appreciate your physical, prayerful and financial support for the upcoming year 2006, as we set a goal to prepare, mail out and post a quarterly newsletter, and to prepare for workshops and seminars ... More ...
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From the School Council Handbook:
"Your school council is an advisory body of volunteers who work together to provide ideas and opinions to help the principal, and sometimes the school board, make the school a better place for learning. Your council should represent the diversity of the school community, ...."
Participation means attending the monthly (sometimes bi-monthly) meetings, and contributing a traditional Christian worldview to the discussions and decisions. Sometimes it just takes one gentle yet firm voice to steer schools away from decisions and practices that are contrary to our faith and convictions. Sometimes a principal is just hoping that a parent will speak up against some issue so he/she can justify deciding against it. Please be that parent.
With Christmas coming, wouldn't it be wonderful to have Christ included as part of every school's assembly celebrations! After all, He is the reason for the season.
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