Canadian schools ditch Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations in the name of diversity

A woman reads a mother's day card at breakfast. Photo by July Ko /Getty Images/iStockphoto

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An elementary school in Winnipeg will send students home with “family gifts” this week, instead of traditional Mother’s Day and Father’s Day presents, part of a new trend among some Canadian schools downplaying or eliminating the traditional parental celebrations.

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Grade 1 and 2 teachers at Sage Creek School in Winnipeg informed parents of the change last week, just days before Mother’s Day.

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The student-made gifts will be distributed on May 15, to coincide with the International Day of Families.

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Winnipeg Free Press reports that teachers wrote a memo to parents explaining that the change is intended to “respect the diversity of families that are represented in our classroom and community.”

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The memo added that students could use quiet and free-choice time to make cards or crafts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and other upcoming observances.

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Some parents have expressed frustration with the change.

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Ashley Dolphin, a local mother of two, including a Grade 1 student at the kindergarten-to-Grade 8 school, told Winnipeg Free Press: “Where is the line? What is next? At what point are you being more exclusive than inclusive?”

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She said she supports schools introducing more holidays and cultural celebrations, rather than limiting existing ones.

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Meanwhile, Tiffany Draper, who has two sons at the school, said: “They should be taking parent input. These are our children’s minds that they’re helping shape.”

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She added: “Parenting is so hard… It’s just nice for the school to teach about how to appreciate someone and how to show gratitude.”

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National Post spoke to Michelle Ferreri, former Conservative MP, media personality and mother. She said Sage Creek School’s new approach is “absurd.”

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“There’s nothing inclusive about it at all, and I think it’s absolutely absurd. It’s removing one person’s rights for another person’s, instead of just adding to the conversation and saying ‘if your mom’s not in your life, you make a card that fits best to you.’ But why should you punish a child who wants to celebrate their mother or father?”

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Ferreri added that ditching Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations is akin to “shaming the nuclear family.”

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Sage Creek School Principal Jason Dubeau has defended the school’s new approach.

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In a statement to National Post, he said: “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.”