A memo from the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
All members of our school communities within the NLESD have the right to a safe, inclusive, socially-just education, regardless of gender, race, economic status, sexuality, national or ethnic
origin, age, ability, or other life factors. This is a tenant of the Department of Education’s Safe and Caring Schools policy, specifically Procedure 7, and grounded in the Human Rights Act. The District and the Department of Education strive to ensure that this is the environment provided for each and every one of our students – no matter how they identify.
As we continue to refine our practices and protocols to better serve all students, we are excited to share that we have expanded how we record gender for students in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Gender identifiers in PowerSchool now include:
- F (female/girl/woman)
- M (male/boy/man)
- X (non-binary person or another gender identity)
- NS (not specified/prefer not to say)
Offering space for a student to communicate and express their gender identity in a positive manner and have their pronouns respected creates safer, healthier, and more inclusive classes,
schools, and communities.
Using someone’s correct name and respecting their gender identity and pronouns demonstrates respect for their unique identity and signals that the person matters to you.
Who can make the request to change gender in PowerSchool?
- Students, and/or their parent(s)/guardian(s), can request to have their identified gender changed in PowerSchool without having to legally change their gender with Vital Statistics. This request can be made during the school registration process for Kindergarten to Grade 12, or at any time throughout the school year.
- This request can be made verbally or in writing to school administration. Parental/guardian consent will be requested for students in Kindergarten to Grade 6. From grades 7 to 12, if the student has the capacity to consent, parental/guardian consent is not required.
In addition, here are some resources that might be helpful as we continue to learn and work together to better support our children and youth:
Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school administrator or guidance counsellor if you are looking to support your child with a Gender Identity Change in PowerSchool.
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