Halloween is coming up next week.  To make sure that everyone who celebrates Halloween has fun and is safe, we need to be mindful of our costumes.  Before your child plans for their costume, please keep in mind that the following are considered inappropriate: 

• Weapons – even fake ones are not allowed at school as part of their costume
• Cultural or racial stereotypes – includes black face/brown face, Indigenous regalia, dreadlocks, etc.
• Masks that cover one’s face
• Religious faith – i.e., religious figures, gods, saints, gurus, hijab, etc.
• Gender – gender switching for humour or to mock
• Trauma – i.e., hangman’s noose/weapons, etc.

Because Halloween falls on a school day, we must also be able to see the students’ faces for identity purposes.  Lastly, costumes must be appropriate for their classes, such as PHE, Tech Ed, ADST, and sitting in a desk.

We need to be aware that celebrating Halloween needs to be fun for ALL and not at the expense of equity seeking groups. It is important to keep in mind that we need to be sensitive to groups that have been marginalized through mimicry and cultural appropriation during Halloween and other ‘dress up’ events. Please guide your teen’s decision making to ensure their Halloween costume is appropriate. 

Please have a conversation about safety on the night of Halloween. In previous years, our school has been vandalized with broken windows, garbage, fireworks and small fires.  Please encourage your child to celebrate in a safe manner and do not go to the school.

If your child is unsure about their costume or has any other questions, please check with administration.

With thanks,

Hugh Boyd Secondary School