The goal of this petition is to ask the CEF to change the current rule of mandatory masking of students to optional masking of students.

As we start this school year there are no provincial public health measures in place.  We believe our school, Ecole Providence (and any other CEF school who would like to join the petition), should follow suit.  Children need to see facial expression, lip movement and hear clear language to increase their own vocabulary, self-control and understanding emotions with recognizing expression.  This is especially important in the early years as language is emerging, and should be of great concern to this school division as many children who are entering preschool and kindergarten will be learning a whole new language.  Seeing facial cues is also of the utmost importance for those students with learning disabilities. 

Our children have a right to a quality education, not another year of masking reminders, and not being allowed to experience the full social aspect of school.  Many other school divisions in the province are implementing optional mask wearing.  We ask that you allow the families and children to decide for themselves whether or not they choose to wear a mask.

If no changes are made to permit more optional mask use by Oct 12th, 2021 public collective action may be taken by certain signatories.

Signed, The Following: