Dear school community,
As you may know, we recently made temporary changes to which flags were flown outside our schools. In an effort to gain a better understanding of flag protocols and while we replaced damaged flags, schools were asked to fly only the Canadian flag outdoors, while moving others to the inside of their buildings.
Our intention has always been to show the utmost respect for the flags and banners that are flown at our schools. After hearing the concerns of school communities, we are immediately reinstating the flying of various diversity flags outside our school buildings.
The diversity flags and banners have already started to be moved back outdoors at a number of our schools and that work will continue. We continue to review the proper protocols for flying flags and to ensure all schools have flags that are in good condition.
We were already in the process of determining what flags can be made into banner-style signs and ordering has started. These signs will be installed as soon as possible, should schools wish to display these in addition to the flags.
I sincerely apologize to all those hurt by the temporary relocation. We have learned a lot from this experience and we are committed to rebuilding relationships that have been affected. It remains very important to SSRCE that our schools and work sites continue to create inclusive environments that both acknowledge and respect our diverse communities.
Sincerely,
Angela Gladwin
SSRCE Regional Executive Director