Over the past seven months, our school division has received ongoing concerns regarding the timing of O Canada in our schools' morning routines. Many of these concerns arise from a lack of awareness about the regulations governing patriotic observances in schools. Education is the foundation of understanding legislation.
As a Board, it is our duty to uphold legislation and ensure that policies align with legal requirements. Addressing concerns as they arise is also a key responsibility of the school division and its staff.
Through careful review, we have confirmed that The Schools Patriotic Observance Regulations explicitly require O Canada to be the first announcement of the school day. Additionally, the regulation states that God Save the King must also be included in school observances.
At Mountain View School Division, we take pride in our exceptional governance, ensuring that legislation and regulations are upheld with integrity.
Our policies and procedures are designed to maintain compliance while fostering an environment of accountability and respect. Education plays a crucial role in building awareness and understanding of these requirements. Our commitment remains steadfast in ensuring that our schools operate with excellence, transparency, and a focus on educating students, staff, and the community on the legislative responsibilities of a school division.
Sincerely,
Jason Gryba
Board Chairman MVSD