A growing trend among Canadian schools is reshaping traditional parental celebrations in favor of more inclusive approaches. An elementary school in Winnipeg will send students home with "family gifts" this week, replacing the customary Mother's Day and Father's Day presents. This change reflects a broader movement to downplay or eliminate these holidays in educational settings.
Changes at Sage Creek School
Grade 1 and 2 teachers at Sage Creek School in Winnipeg informed parents of the shift last week, just days before Mother's Day. The student-made gifts will be distributed on May 15 to coincide with the International Day of Families, a United Nations observance. Teachers explained in a memo that the change aims to "respect the diversity of families that are represented in our classroom and community." Students may still use quiet time to create cards for Mother's Day, Father's Day, or other occasions if they choose.
Parent Reactions
Some parents have expressed frustration. Ashley Dolphin, a mother of two including a Grade 1 student at the school, questioned: "Where is the line? What is next? At what point are you being more exclusive than inclusive?" She supports introducing more holidays rather than limiting existing ones. Tiffany Draper, another parent, emphasized the importance of parental input: "They should be taking parent input. These are our children's minds that they're helping shape." She added that teaching gratitude is valuable.
Michelle Ferreri, former Conservative MP and media personality, called the approach "absurd." She stated: "There's nothing inclusive about it at all. It's removing one person's rights for another person's, instead of just adding to the conversation." Ferreri argued that ditching Mother's and Father's Day celebrations amounts to "shaming the nuclear family."
School's Defense
Principal Jason Dubeau defended the decision, saying: "We strive to create learning experiences where all students feel seen, respected, and included. This year, our Grade 1 and 2 teams have chosen to focus on International Day of Families on May 15. This approach reflects the diversity of family structures in our community and supports all students in participating in a way that feels safe and meaningful to them."
The move highlights ongoing debates about inclusivity in education, balancing respect for diverse family structures with traditional celebrations.
