Hallowe’en at Carleton
Thursday, October 31st, 2024
 With Hallowe’en quickly approaching, we would like to share with families our plans for October 31st.  We are going to give students the option of spend the day in costumes at school or dress in orange and black. 
 
We will start the day with having our costume parade immediately following morning attendance, at approximately 9:10 a.m. We invite families to gather on the asphalt behind the school. Our Kindergarten classes will start the parade by picking up all our classes and then exiting out our Gymnasium Doors. Classes will parade around the asphalt area, walk up the southside of the school and up to the front of the school, then enter the school through the Front Doors to return to class.

Students at Carleton PS are reminded regularly that we do not share food. One of the reasons for this expectation is that we have a number of students that have significant, and in some cases, life threatening food allergies (not only to peanuts) and other significant dietary needs that may cause serious health complications.

A special treat will be distributed by our staff (with alternatives for students with allergies) during our Halloween celebration.  Please do not send in food with your child.
 
Halloween is a cultural event that is exciting for many students. We always want to promote safe, caring and inclusive school communities, and Halloween provides us an opportunity to talk to students about respecting identity. Like many annual traditions, this day can be filled with excitement, however, we want to make sure Halloween activities foster a climate of inclusion and support the ongoing commitment to school culture.

Equity and Inclusion Considerations for Halloween

We live in a very diverse community and this celebration lends itself to teaching students about inclusion and human rights.
Costumes which students may choose to wear should not be disrespectful of others. If something is representative of a person’s culture or religious beliefs, then it should not be worn as another person's costume. For a more detailed understanding of this subject, we suggest LSPRIG’s campaign that educates about cultural appropriation and Halloween costumes. 
Not all families celebrate Halloween for many reasons including cultural, religious, socioeconomic and personal reasons. Although this can be a great teaching opportunity to raise awareness of this cultural event among those unfamiliar with its origins, inclusion also means respect for the decision of those who choose not to participate in these activities.
For students that do not want to wear a costume, an alternative is to wear black and orange, and please know that participating is not a requirement for anyone. Students not participating in the parade will be given the opportunity to go to our Library during this time.
 
COSTUMES REMINDERS

We ask families to also follow these guidelines for costumes as well:
Students should come to school dressed in easy to manage costumes that can be worn for the entire day. Students can also take costumes off after the parade;
Staff will not be able to assist with costumes;
Weapons should be left at home.  Plastic masks are permitted to wear during the parade only. 
no offensive content in the costume; and
students who are wearing costumes will not be allowed on the playground equipment as many costumes have fabric that could be a trip hazard.
 
Some students may decide not to wear their costumes and that is ok! We encourage students to wear orange and black or a favourite Hallowe’en shirt in place of a costume. For students that do not wish to participate in the Halloween Parade, they will be allowed to go to the Library.

We look forward to a great Hallowe’en at Carleton!

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