Pembina Hills School Board cites inclusive approach to transgender policy

Pembina Hills school trustees said at their Sept. 5 meeting that the school division has adequate policies in place for inclusion of transgender children.

Behavioural consultant Aynsley Graham and two concerned parents made a request for a policy regarding inclusion specific to transgender children at the June school board meeting which the board discussed Sept. 5.

Graham had said during the June presentation to the board that she has seen teachers who aren’t sure what to say in these specific incidents when children have questions or parents ask questions.

“We are in this really uncomfortable place where we say yes, this child is accepted. Of course we would never turn this child away,” said Graham.

“Of course, we want to support them. Of course they are safe in our schools. We aren’t having real conversations about what that looks like,” stated Graham.

Graham talked about moving to a sense of belonging for transgender children.

At the Sept. 5 meeting, several policies were listed that speak to inclusion, diversity and safe and caring schools that are in place.

On Feb. 1 Alberta Premier Danielle Smith had said that in the fall that new legislation would be introduced in support of the planned policy changes affecting transgender and non-binary youth and adults.

The school board and its policy committee have held discussions on details, timing and approaches in the development of a policy summarized Heather Nanninga, the board's secretary-treasurer.

“I do want to thank Rod McGarva, Student Services, for including the trustees and Pembina Hills staff in resource supports in safe and caring schools and diversity and inclusive,” said trustee Victoria Kane.

“Also, more for the teachers may need support that includes addressing sensitive situations that may come in the classroom.”

“What we have in place protects all of the students,” said Vice-chair Judy Lefebvre commented.

Chairperson David Truckey agreed: “We have embedded, in a variety of places, language and protection for every student.”

"In lieu of having any specific policies, the principals work hard to make sure our students and families are looked after very day,” said Superintendent Brett Cooper. “They are passionate about looking after our students.

“I realize that parents may have slightly different perceptions, but I trust the work that principals are doing in their community schools.”

Trustees decided to send a follow-up letter to the delegates from the June 19 meeting.