A Canadian grade school has decided to stop celebrating Mother's Day and Father's Day individually, opting instead for a joint holiday to honour all families in a new push for diversity. Sage Creek School in Winnipeg announced that its Grade 1 and 2 students will not be celebrating the traditional holidays separately this year, as the school will observe the International Day of Families on May 15.
Principal's Statement on Inclusivity
Principal Jason Dubeau explained the decision, stating, 'We strive to create learning experiences where all students feel seen, respected, and included. This approach reflects the diversity of family structures in our community and supports all students in participating in a way that feels safe and meaningful to them.' During activities leading up to the new holiday, students will be able to make cards and other items for any of the three holidays, and they will still be encouraged to participate in the holidays that best reflect their own families.
Parental Concerns
However, not every parent is happy with the change. Former Conservative MP Michelle Ferreri criticized the move, claiming the school was 'shaming the nuclear family.' She told The National Post, 'There's nothing inclusive about it at all, and I think it's absolutely absurd. It's removing one person's rights for another person's, instead of just adding to the conversation and saying: "If your mom's not in your life, you make a card that fits best to you." But why should you punish a child who wants to celebrate their mother or father?'
Ashley Dolphin, a parent with children at the school, questioned to the Winnipeg Free Press about where the line would be drawn. 'What is next? At what point are you being more exclusive than inclusive?' she said. The mother-of-two expressed that she is fine with adding more holidays to the school calendar but not with erasing others. Tiffany Draper, another parent, wished the school had sought 'parent input' before making the decision, noting, 'These are our children's minds that they're helping shape.'
Support for the Change
Not everyone disagreed with the shift. Sarah Korzinski, a teacher from a different school district, shared her perspective, saying she has seen how individual holidays affect students, especially those who have lost a parent. 'The shift places the responsibility for celebrating and honoring mothers and fathers where it belongs, within the family,' she wrote in Castanet. She added that it takes away pressure from teachers, whose primary job is to teach.
Background on International Day of Families
The International Day of Families was declared a day of observance by the United Nations in 1993. This year's theme focuses on families, inequalities, and child wellbeing, according to the UN. The school's new approach aims to reflect the diverse family structures in the community, including those with two dads, single parents, or other arrangements.
