The Sunshine Coast School District No. 46 (SD46) has officially changed the calendar for the 2021-22 school year to include the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
On Thursday, Sept. 30, schools in SD46 will not be in session in order to honour the holiday. Students and staff will observe the day on Sept. 29 and learning opportunities will be available throughout the week of Sept. 27 leading up to the event.
At the Sept. 8 school board meeting, board chair Amanda Amaral said the flags outside of the schools would be lowered on Sept. 9 until the end of the month.
“The flags will be half-mast for an extended period of time because of the mourning of and reflection on ... the experiences that children endured in residential schools commands more than just one day,” Amaral said.
“During the month of September, while flags remain half-masted, we enter a time of deep reflection, care for others, care for ourselves and learning. We journey together with the Squamish and shishalh Nations.”
