Byelection Survey Question 5
Can you commit to removing any policies that require secrets to be kept from parents by policy, without an individual, exceptional circumstance being identified?
Wards 4 & 7
Joe Degagne:
Nope
Dan Penna:
Parents are the first educators of their children. At a Catholic school, parents need to know that all teachers are committed to defending this right by having assurance that only the Catholic Catechism is taught and nothing that subverts the Catechism. No secrets from parents is my commitment, including working to change any policies that force or allow such secrecy.
Maria-Teresa Vecchio-Romano:
Candidate did not complete our survey.
Wards 11 & 12
Steve Chapman:
there would have to be extraordinary circumstances for a school to keep information from a parent regarding their child and likely that secrecy would only exist until other actions have occurred. Such as passing that information onto police or social services for investigation if the child was at risk. As a former cop I was always compelled to involve parents into any contact I had with a minor as soon as possible. I believe it is a good policy.
Kimberly Cichon:
As a parent, I believe in open communication with those who work with my children. I know my children best and want to ensure transparency and collaboration in supporting their growth and well-being. This value will be incorporated into my role as Trustee.
Laura Dennison:
The question is somewhat unclear and could be interpreted in two ways:
a) A commitment to removing any “secrets” kept from parents.
b) A commitment to removing policies that require secrets, except in cases where evidence of harm justifies confidentiality.
First and foremost, I believe that parents are the primary educators of their children and should be central to any decisions affecting their well-being. Legislative requirements, such as the Education Amendment Act (formerly Bill 27), were designed to enhance transparency and communication between school authorities and parents. While compliance with these regulations is, of course, a given, I place an even greater emphasis on fostering trust and openness between schools and families.
As a trustee, my commitment would be to ensure that both students and parents are supported in ways that prioritize their best interests. I would advocate for clarity and open dialogue, ensuring that decisions are made with care, compassion, and respect for both the family’s role and the student’s needs.
Chantelle Dur:
Yes.