October 26th, 2022

Good afternoon Oak Creek school community,

On October 31st, WRDSB students can wear Halloween costumes to school if their families choose to send them in one. It is important to note that wearing a costume is a student/family choice and there will not be any direct/indirect expectations placed on students that they participate in wearing costumes. WRDSB schools strive to create inclusive, healthy and safe learning environments for all students and as a result will not support the use of decorations, school parades, the distribution of treats or promoting alternative events that have financial implications for families.

Halloween is a popular contemporary celebration with roots in pagan, Wiccan and Christian cultures and a connection to the observance of Samhain. Halloween is also more commonly observed as a social-cultural event. While we acknowledge the celebration of Halloween as a creed observance, and are mindful of the popularity of Halloween, we know that it can be exclusionary for some students and families for a variety of reasons:

  • Some Halloween costumes, decorations and practices may cause harm to Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities through the appropriation of ceremonial dress, and the mocking of racialized identities,
  • Halloween celebrations which involve costumes and treats in classes can place economic pressures on families experiencing poverty,
  • Disruptions to regular school routines when schools centre the celebration of Halloween can create stress and anxiety that impact the ability of some students with identified special education needs to fully participate at school, 
  • Students from some faith backgrounds may be excluded from celebrations as it is not a part of their faith traditions. 

All of these factors can result in student absenteeism and/or impact a sense of belonging and connection within the school community.

On Halloween, we are reminded that we must be guided by our responsibility to support student achievement and well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive learning environments for all students. We must all remain committed to fostering school cultures that are respectful of diverse identities, and which prioritize human rights, Indigenous sovereignty, equity and identity safety. 

Our expectations for Halloween (as a regular school day), align with the expectations and guidelines outlined in Board Policy 6010- Student Dress. Caregivers are encouraged to review Student Dress expectations with their child as appropriate. Students will also be engaging in classroom discussions focused on these guiding principles with their teacher as we are committed to ensuring that Oak Creek provides a safe and equitable learning environment where all students are included and valued.

On Monday, October 31st, students are invited to attend school in dress of their choice, which is in accordance with the system standards outlined in the Student Dress Policy.

For example:

  • Not promote offensive, lewd, vulgar or obscene images or language
  • Not promote or incite violence or any illegal conduct or criminal activities (toy weapons and costumes conveying gore are not permitted at school)
  • Any headwear (e.g., hats, ski masks, baseball caps) that does not hide the face may be worn

Treats will not be distributed by staff or students.

All WRDSB Policies and Procedures can be found online at:

https://www.wrdsb.ca/about-the-wrdsb/policiesprocedures/policies/

Thank you for your support and understanding. 

Sincerely, 

Jeff Johnson