Dear Parents and Guardians,

We wanted to share some helpful tips and considerations for those parents seeking direction from the school regarding Halloween costumes, etc.

Halloween is a time of celebration for our students, families and community.  Each year, we look forward to seeing our students enjoy various Halloween activities.  As mentioned in last Friday’s blog post, Halloween may look a little different this year as we refrain from parents bringing treats and goodies to class and teachers will not be handing out prepackaged candies etc.  Classes may have parties with activities, games, dance and music.  We will not be able to do a Halloween parade as we are unable to ensure physical distancing, etc. We will, however, do a primary (K-3) pumpkin patch in the front grassy area near the flagpole of the school. Classes have been assigned times throughout the day to take a turn picking a pumpkin.

By provincial health orders, schools in BC continue to be closed to the public- that includes parents. We recognize this is really hard and we want to thank all the parents who’ve been so supportive of the staff as we work through these difficult times. With Covid cases spiking in BC and in triple digits, we want to remain vigilant in ensuring that we endeavour to follow the PHO guidelines for schools.

As always, Maple Grove values diversity and inclusion.  We want to ensure our learning environments are places where all students feel safe, respected and valued.  Therefore, we expect our students to be thoughtful and respectful at all times, and we ask for your support and assistance to help keep Halloween safe and fun for everyone.

In preparation for Halloween, please be aware of the following:

• Costumes are permitted at school; students should be easily recognizable and/or able to identify themselves to any staff members when asked. Some of our classes have a no mask rule… the key is students need to be easily identifiable.

• Costumes that are offensive in any way will not be allowed.  Please consider the rights maintained in the Canadian Human Rights Act when selecting costumes (e.g. race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family status, genetic characteristics, disability).

• It is inappropriate to wear costumes in poor taste (e.g., hypersexualized, culturally insensitive).

• Maple Grove’s School Codes of Conduct must always be followed, even when in costume.  This includes maintaining respectful and appropriate behaviour with others and with school property.  Vandalism is never acceptable and is a crime.

• Replica weapons (guns, knives, etc.) are NOT allowed at school- even if they are part of a costume.

• The use and possession of firecrackers or fireworks at schools is strictly prohibited at all times.  Please visit the City of Vancouver and District website for more information on fireworks regulations.

The BC CDC (Centre for Disease Control) has created a resource to help us all celebrate Halloween safely this year.  Google it and you will find some helpful links and info on their site.

Lastly, we want to wish all of our families a safe and enjoyable Halloween. We hope that trick or treating in the community provides satisfaction and fun times for you and your family. We are hopeful that we will be able to return to a more normalized Maple Grove Halloween next year. Thank you for ensuring Halloween continues to be a fun and safe celebration for our entire community.

Sincerely,

Your Maple Grove Admin Team