As we get closer to Halloween, some students are making plans for their Halloween costume.  Please guide your teenager’s decision making to ensure their Halloween costume is appropriate.  Some guidelines below to celebrate Halloween respectfully

            “Trick or Treat” Others with Respect. Halloween should and needs to be fun; however, we need to be aware that celebrating Halloween needs to be fun for all.  Halloween offers an opportunity to have meaningful conversations about costume choices with colleagues and students and requires consideration.  It is important to keep in mind that we need to be sensitive to groups that have been marginalized through mimicry and cultural appropriation during Halloween and other ‘dress up’ events.

It’s good to keep in mind that the following are NOT Costumes:   

RACE (black face/brown face)

CULTURE (Indigenous regalia/dreadlocks)

RELIGIOUS FAITH (religious figures/gods/saints/gurus/hijab)

GENDER (gender switching for humour or to mock)

TRAUMA (hangman’s noose/weapons)

For safety purposes, we need to be able to students face, partial mask is ok. Fake or real weapons cannot be part of their costume.  Thanks for cooperation.

Mr. Johnstone    Ms. Lee                Ms. Naidu

McMath Secondary School