Four policy changes for West Quebec school board

The Western Quebec School Board (WQSB) rescinded four policies during their May 31 council meeting, two of which dealt with the official symbols of Canada.

“There were redundancies – some policies are already covered by the schools’ codes of behaviour,” said James Shea, WQSB Chairman. “The wording was also incorrect in some. If it says 'may', it is not a policy.”

The rescinded policies are: Policy C-32 — Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting, C-33 — Cheating and Plagiarism, E-4 — Flags, and E-8 — the National Anthem.

“We want a new policy for the display of Canadian and Quebec flags,” added Mr. Shea.

The former policy stipulated that the Canadian and Quebec flags be displayed at all schools and board offices in accordance with each institution. “The new policy bans worn-out flags and requires that both be deployed properly,” said Shea.

According to Quebec law, the Fleur de lys should be flown on buildings used for educational purposes. The national flag is flown on federal buildings, airports, and military bases within and outside Canada. The Canadian flag should be on its own pole and not be displayed lower than another flag.

Canada’s National Anthem policy, approved on October 26, 2004, states that “singing O Canada shall be encouraged in our schools.”

Shea says singing the national anthem remains optional here. “It’s a choice of the school and the governing boards. I think it would be nice that on special occasions they sang O Canada,” Shea told the Bulletin.

According to the Government of Canada “there is no rule as to when it is appropriate to sing the national anthem at an event. It is up to the organizers.