Dear Editor,
There was a school board meeting May 30 where 75 concerned parents came to present our concerns to the board regarding new curriculum in our schools. Here’s a letter sent to school superintendent and chair:
I would like to follow up with May 30’s parent presentations and ask if there were any conclusions drawn.
We have had the privilege of being part of the fundamental family for six years now and have similar concerns as our 75 or so peers that came to show support at the board meeting. It has been an amazing school thus far as our oldest is in Grade 5 this year ,and our principal and vice principal Deah Paton and Kendra Simonetto have been amazing and very supportive of the traditional motto “home and school working together.”
We look forward to this September as our daughter embarks the middle school, but have heard from trusted friends that the changes to the curriculum have not been properly consulted with the parents there. We have also been told that Langley is to be made the leader in the celebrating diversity campaign in our schools.
We love people of all races, all nationalities and all different beliefs, and believe school should be a place that accepts and loves everyone.
Our concern lies in the lack of transparency for families, as certain videos and teachings have been shown without parent’s prior knowledge that condone the sex change of a five year old.
Don’t get me wrong if this is what this family stands for then they have a right to their own decisions but for my family personally, my five year olds aren’t even allowed to tattoo or pierce themselves because this is permanent and could cause regret in the future.
Any movement that condones early sexual activity and experimentation is not what my family believes in as:
1. It is against our belief system, and
2. It leads to harm physically and emotionally for teenagers. The rates of depression and suicide among teens multiplied by eight in boys and by three for girls if they become sexually active at this young and tender age. (Heritage foundation study 2008)
Yes, we believe in teaching our children abstinence, and although the government may not share our viewpoint, I believe we have a right to it, just as others have a right to their beliefs. We, as parents, should be informed before teachings that go against our family values take place in school so we can opt to take them out.
Every example where the rights of the governing power takes precedent over the individual’s right to choices and beliefs leads to tragedy. This is not the Canada that I know and love. Democracy and freedom is for everyone even for people with beliefs which are not popular among the culture.
I believe we can work together – home and school – if communication is increased, transparency and the right to parent consultation before major changes take place is indeed possible and respects both sides. After all we are all after the same thing a great education for the children where everyone has the right to express their beliefs and not be persecuted or told they are wrong for believing it.
Thank you for all your hard work and for taking the time to understand our concerns. Again – great school we couldn’t be prouder of it. Let’s work together to keep it that way!
Cynthia Krahn, Langley
