7학년, 즉 한국에서라면 중학교 1학년 나이인 아들내미 학교에서 온 학부모 안내장이다. 특별히 ‘성교육’이라고 한마디로 정의하지는 않고 한국어로 바꿔보자면 ‘보건교육’ 같은 식으로 소개하고 있으며 그 내용을 읽어보면 “당신의 자식들에게 아래 설명처럼 성교육을 시행하려하니 이에 대해 필요할 경우 학교와 상담하시오..”, “부모님들 또한 자식들과 대화를 통해 이 교육에서 중요한 역할을 담당하시길 바라며..”, “만약 교육자료를 사전에 검토하고 싶다면 그것도 가능하오..” 등의 내용도 보이고 이 교육을 시행함에 대해 승인을 요청하고 있다. 캐나다 공립학교에서의 성교육을 이런 식으로 한다는 점도 볼 수 있으니 학부모들에겐 좋은 영어공부 자료가 될 것 같다.
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Dear Parent or Guardian:
In the near future, we will begin a health unit on Healthy Living – Growth and Development. The purpose of this letter s to inform you of the topics that will be covered and to provide you with the opportunity to speak with me prior to commencing our studies.
This unit extends the work begun in Grade 6 and will cover the following areas:
- explain the male and female reproductive systems and fertilization;
- abstinence and healthy sexuality;
- transmission, symptoms and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (including contraception awareness);
- effective communication skills to deal with various relationships and situations, e.g., refusal skills, active listening;
- identifying sources of support related to healthy sexuality, e.g., parents/guardians, doctors.
It is our belief that you as parents/guardians play the most significant role in the formation of your children’s values and behaviours related to human growth and development. This unit offers you the chance to discuss the classroom lessons and to consider them in view of your own family and religious beliefs.
Other activities which might encourage discussion with your child are:
- what a video or television show with your child and focus on sexual stereotypes, how relationships are portrayed and what messages are being given about sexuality;
- look at magazine ads or commercials talk about the messages that are being conveyed about human sexuality;
- complete any activity that your child brings home to share with you.
Should you have any concerns or if you would like further information about this unit, I can be reached at ___________. This includes the opportunity to view materials.
Yours truly,
Signature of Teacher ____________________________
Please return to school by: ____________________________
I have read the letter which introduces the healthy unit on Healthy Living, Growth and Development.
Name of Student and Class: _________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________