HPEDSB activities related to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II
September 16, 2022 - The memorial for Queen Elizabeth II will be held next week. Below is a notice sent to families this afternoon, detailing the activities taking place on September 19 and 20 related to the Queen's passing.
Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board expresses sincere condolences to King Charles III, the Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom and Canada on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving British monarch and Canadian Head of State.
To align with the provincial Day of Mourning, students and staff will be invited to stand to observe a moment of silent reflection at 1:00 PM on Monday, September 19. If a school has a nutrition break scheduled at that time, the silent reflection may be recognized at another time, between 12:30 and 1:30 PM, that works for the school schedule.
Canadian flags at all HPEDSB sites will remain at half-mast until sunset on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, the day of the Ontario Commemorative Service.
While we acknowledge and honour individual experiences, emotions and perspectives about the Queen’s passing, we also recognize that not all students, staff and families will be affected in the same way.
People’s historical experiences with the British monarchy are varied. In conversations about the Queen’s passing, educators are mindful of the impact on racialized, marginalized and Indigenous students and support a balanced, unbiased approach that considers topics and issues from a variety of perspectives.
Schools will respect individual choices regarding participation in this moment of silent reflection.