Waterloo Region District School Board has decided on behalf of the students and families to advise all schools in the region to avoid school-based Halloween celebrations including, but not limited to, decorations, costume day, distribution of treats and other expressions of this tradition.

I will start with this - Life is too short not to be enjoyed. Is dressing up in a Halloween costume at the expense of others?
Or is it a long standing fun tradition that is not aimed at hurting others who do not observe it.

For kids especially, it is meant as a way to celebrate their favourite tv or movie character, a magical animal, a hero or yes even a ghoul or ghost.

Kids should be allowed the freedom to wear a costume in class but within reason. Meaning  no cultural appropriation, no weapons, nothing scary, not big or awkward, essentially the costume would adhere to whatever stipulation WRDSB wants to put into affect. The bottom line is let these traditions live, let the children have some fun (especially after the COVID 19 pandemic).

Let the school embrace all cultures with observing their holidays and traditions, multi cultural events and nights, learning these cultures as part of the school curriculum.

Organize Halloween costume exchanges or costume drives in order to make sure the families that need support towards providing a costume has something in place for their child to wear not only for costume day at school but on Halloween night too.

Please reconsider giving the kids a reason to have some fun this one day of the year, let’s work together towards inclusivity and not towards cancellation.

WRDSB Halloween cancellation article below

https://www.kitchenertoday.com/local-news/no-halloween-celebrations-at-wrdsb-schools-4510063