Health Unit Information

Parents, this letter went home on Tuesday:

Dear Parent or Guardian:

On FRIDAY MAY 27 we will begin a health unit on Human Development and Sexual Health. The purpose of this letter is to inform you of the topics that will be covered. It is our belief that you as parent/guardian play the most significant role in the formation of your child’s values and behaviours related to human development and sexual health. It is important for schools and parents to work together to ensure that home and school provide a mutually supportive framework for learning.

We are communicating our learning goals with you so that you are able to consider the topics in view of your own family and your own beliefs. This unit will cover the following areas of the Grade 8 Curriculum as outlined in the 2015 Ontario Health Curriculum document (Healthy Living section):

C1.4: identify and explain factors that can affect an individual’s decisions about sexual activity and identify sources of support regarding sexual health

C1.5: demonstrate an understanding of gender identity (e.g., male, female, two-spirited, transgender, transsexual, intersex), gender expression, and sexual orientation (e.g., heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual), and identify factors that can help individuals of all identities and orientations develop a positive self-

C2.4: analyze the attractions and benefits associated with being in a relationship as well as the benefits, risks, and drawbacks, for themselves and others, of relationships involving different degrees of sexual intimacy

C3.3:  demonstrate an understanding of aspects of sexual health and safety, including contraception and condom use for pregnancy and STI prevention, the concept of consent, and matters they need to consider and skills they need to use in order to make safe and healthy decisions about sexual activity

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. My email is jujohnson@scdsb.on.ca.

Regards,

Julie Johnson

Shanty Bay PS

Grade 8 Teacher