October 31st Events at Balaclava

On Tuesday October 31st, Balaclava will facilitate a few different events for students who wish to participate.

Black and Orange Day

Students who wish to participate but do not want to wear a costume are welcome to wear black and orange.

Costumes

Some of our classes will be participating in a costume parade. Students are invited to wear their costumes to school. We encourage students in costume to bring a change of clothes to school since costumes can get uncomfortable and may not be ideal for outdoor play.

Students should not bring/wear full face masks, bring items that are inappropriate for school (e.g. pretend weapons) or small accessories that might be easily lost. It is also important that any costume worn is easy to walk safely and sit in.

Costume choices should be considered for their cultural appropriation. Costumes worn at school should not take or borrow a look or trait from a culture that is not your own. Costumes that are based on people’s culture are offensive, harmful and insensitive. Ask whether your costume makes fun of a group of people, their culture, religion or belief system? Does the costume reinforce jokes or stereotypes about certain groups, cultures, religions and/or belief systems? Do I alter my skin colour, facial/body features to make it like a particular race, ethnicity or cultural group? Am I dressing up as a culture or borrowing from a religion that is not my own or is not part of my background?

Parade

Some of our classes will participate in a parade of costumes. Individual classroom teachers will inform you if their class is participating in the parade. This year, the parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. For any parents/guardians/family members who want to view the parade, we will direct you to a viewing area. Weather permitting, we are hoping for this to be outside on our playground so you have the best opportunity to see all of the students participating.

Non Nutrition Day

October 31st will be one of the school’s designated non nutrition day. As a result, your child’s teacher may provide information about a party or food-related event your child can participate in. Check with your child’s teacher about what is planned for their class.

Alternatives

We recognize that not all students will participate in Halloween activities. Please connect with your child’s teacher if you would like to discuss alternatives for the school day.