Sec. 264.1(c) of the Education Act states that every teacher in Ontario is "to inculcate by precept and example respect for religion and the principles of Judaeo-Christian morality and the highest regard for truth . . . ". The same Act in Sec. 51.1 states: "A pupil shall be allowed to receive such religious instruction as the pupil’s parent or guardian desires."

Regarding the instruction of the topic of origins, whether done formally or informally, the Ministry of Education has stipulated that "different points of view on such controversial issues as evolution[ism] and creationism should be discussed, where appropriate, in the classroom" (24 September 2002). The rationale was clearly delineated a few months earlier: "Such discussion is deemed a useful teaching tool in helping students understand and compare different viewpoints and theories (21 March 2002). Furthermore, the Ministry’s position is that indoctrinational religious instruction has no place in the curriculum or programs of the province" (Education About Religion in the Public Elementary and Secondary Schools, Memorandum #112, 6 December 1990).

As parents, it is our desire that the instruction concerning the question of origins be done within the presuppositional approach in order to demonstrate the religious nature of the two models of origins. Our request is consistent with Sec. 264 1c, Sec. 51.1 and also with the Ministry of Education’s expectation that religious instruction is to inform students rather than to have them conform to one particular belief system. The present instruction of origins—a violation of the Ministry’s directives—teaches only one belief system, namely evolutionism.

The presuppositional teaching strategy will also achieve another important goal as outlined by the Thames Valley District School Board’s Mission Statement (September 2003) which is "to sustain quality learning environments that enable learners to acquire knowledge and develop critical thinking skills." Furthermore, it is the sole responsibility of the teacher to demonstrate to us, as parents, that he/she has indeed provided this type of instruction.

We understand that the educational success of our child is a result of the partnering between the home and the school. Such parenting must be based upon "communication which is interactive, open, and honest [and] builds trust and commitment" (TVDSB’s Mission Statement). To that end, we, as concerned parents, have taken the necessary steps to become informed regarding the presuppositional approach as it relates to the question of origins in order that we can assist in the religious development of our child.

CCEO Origins website