4801 52 avenue

T9N 2R4

May 27, 2016

May 27, 2016

Dear Parent/Guardian:
Our school is teaching the official health curriculum that has been approved by the Ministry of
Education and that is required for all students in the province of Alberta.
WELLNESS CHOICES
Students will make responsible and informed choices to maintain health and to promote safety
for self and others.
W4.3 describe physical, emotional and social changes that occur during puberty;
e.g., menstruation, secondary sexual characteristics, changing identity and moods
The curriculum is intended to promote healthy, responsible choices for students by providing
them information about health topics, teaching them skills such as decision-making and media
literacy and by encouraging them to discuss their health concerns with their parents and
qualified health professionals.
Sexual health education is a part of that program and human sexuality specific outcomes begin
in Grade 4. The program is mandatory for all schools but parents have the right to exempt their
child from the health classes that discuss sexuality.
Alternative learning activities will be provided for students whose parents choose to exempt their
children from those particular classes. Please sign the permission slip attached and return it to
the school. Please note that we ask parents to state whether they do or do not want to have their
child participate in the classes that deal with sexual health.
Research clearly shows that classroom based health education is far more effective if it can be
combined with active involvement from parents and includes strong links to health services in the
community. We encourage parents to become informed about the school program and use every
opportunity to discuss health issues with their children. We also encourage parents to help their
child/teen learn to access preventive health services provided by physicians and clinics in our
community.
Information for Parents:

1. To begin, parents are invited to review the provincial curriculum that is published on the
ministry web site at: http://education.alberta.ca/media/313382/health.pdf.
2. Parents may also wish to obtain more information from credible web sites. We suggest the
parents section of the web site published by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of
Canada at www.sexualityandu.ca
3. For information in our local community, parents can contact the regional health authority at:
Aspen Community Health Services (780 826 3381) or Health Link (1 866 408 4565).

The health presentation will consist of separating the students by gender to

1) watch a DVD about body changes in puberty and
2) have a question-and-answer session. Students will be free to either ask their questions
aloud or write them down and put it in the Question Box. Staff will screen questions
for grade level-appropriateness (as per Gr.4 curriculum) and direct students having
further questions to ask a trusted adult or for their parents to write a note to Mrs.
Drummond asking to borrow a book for children on human sexuality.
School administrators and counsellors will be present for the Q&A section.

Please fill in the form below indicating whether you wish your child to participate in the class or to
have an alternative activity during that time. Kindly return the forms by June 7th.
The presentation will be held Thursday, June 9, for about an hour. If students have more
questions than time allows, they will be encouraged to speak to a trusted adult at home or at
school at another time.

Parent Permission Slip about Sexual Health Education Classes

=========================================================================

I, ________________________________________________________
(please print parent/guardians name)

(Choose one option below)

provide permission for my child, __________________________________,

to participate in the sexual health education classes this year.
OR

request that my child, _________________________________________,

be provided an alternative learning activity during the sexual health education classes.

Signature: ______________________________

Date: ____________

Please return this form to the school by Tuesday, June 7, 2016.