​Halloween is a fun and festive time across all our schools, bringing the community together in celebration. Typically, this period is incident-free and marked by respect and enjoyment.

However, occasionally, some students may push the boundaries of what is socially acceptable or appropriate behavior in schools, sometimes at the expense of others. To ensure the safety and positive climate of our schools, and to make sure everyone in our community enjoys Halloween, we ask for your help in reinforcing the following guidelines with your children:

• Recognizable Costumes: Students in costume should be easily recognizable and able to identify themselves to any staff member when asked. Additionally, students “in character" should behave appropriately. Intimidating, harassing, or humiliating behaviors do not contribute to a fun, festive, and safe environment.
• Appropriate Costumes: Replica weapons (e.g., guns, knives) are not allowed, nor are hypersexualized costumes or those depicting elements of sexual exploitation.
• Respectful Costumes: Costumes should not portray negative stereotypes or demean any group of people. They should not make light of anyone's religious, cultural, ethnic, or racial background.

As a reminder, the use and possession of firecrackers or fireworks at school are strictly prohibited by law and School District expectations. This applies to students before, during, and after school, whether on or offsite.

By respecting each other, we can prevent disruptions to our school communities, such as vandalism or disrespectful and potentially dangerous behavior. Students and parents should be aware that inappropriate behavior will be addressed by school administration under the authority granted to them by the BC School Act, with police involvement where appropriate.

Thank you for your cooperation in making this Halloween safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Please refer to these readily available public websites for more information:

https://www.coquitlam.ca/286/Fire-Safety-Tips
https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/city-services/fire-emergency-services/fire-safety-information/
https://www.portmoody.ca/en/city-services/fall-safety-tips.aspx#Halloween-Safety

Have a safe and happy Halloween.​

Sincerely,

Patricia Gartland
Superintendent/CEO