PLEASE see the attached poster re. Spirit Days this week at Holy Name!
It is important to note that we must encourage safety at all times and the appropriateness of costumes to be worn in our schools, as well as discourage cultural misappropriation in costumes.
- Culture is NOT Costume: students are to refrain from using costumes that represent a cultural group or ethnicity. (e.g. First Nations, Chinese, Arabic, etc.)
- Masks are Discouraged (Except for PPE): Wearing masks during the school day can compromise the safety of the community. We should always be identifiable in our community so we can avoid having unwelcome guests. As well, staff and students must wear their mask/face covering as regularly required.
- Awareness of Costume Appropriateness is Important: costumes that are not appropriate to the moral tone of our Catholic Schools are discouraged.
- Awareness of Fear and Evil: Be aware that Ghoulish costumes can terrify younger children, students with special needs, or students with phobias.
- We Must Be Trauma Sensitive: There may be members of our communities who have traumas that can be triggered by certain costumes. (Blood, Hanging, etc)
- When in Doubt, Think Saint: Hallowe’en precedes All Soul’s and All Saint’s Days. Encourage students to dress as saints and religious figures.
Note: Please ensure there is no sharing of any treats or food as per York Regional Health guidelines. There are also to be no dances or parades as we cannot guarantee maintaining 2 meters physical distancing.