Unbiased History In Ontario Classrooms

Correspondance to:   Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Ontario Minister of Education:

Enclosed please find a copy of the DVD “Upside Down.” In light of the recent decision by the Toronto Board of Education to open an Africentric school, I would like to illustrate how the development of resources such as this DVD could offer an alternative and assist in promoting an understanding of various cultures and traditions while also providing instruction in such areas as geography, history and sociology. The Polish community in Ontario has a particular interest to insure that the Ontario curriculum contains an unbiased history especially in relation to Poland.

Several teachers, both members of the Polish Teachers Association and many other individuals employed by various school boards have viewed this DVD and felt it could be used in the classroom in various ways dealing with such topics as: The Holocaust, World War II history and cultural awareness. I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that the video also makes reference to many inaccuracies found in present day curriculum being used in our schools related to World War II and the Holocaust. This is an important fact that needs to be investigated, and changed.

As President of the Canadian Polish Congress I would like to offer our assistance to developing a curriculum that will allow students to share their culture, history and traditions, which in turn would lead to individuals of various backgrounds coming together to learn, work, share and grow. I would also like to ensure that children of all nationalities are being taught an accurate and unbiased account of historic events.

The members of the Polish Teachers Association have a vast amount of experience and expertise in working with students, developing curriculum and classroom management. They would be willing to serve on an advisory panel and or working group to help develop resources and/or new curriculum.

I would request that once you have had the opportunity to view the movie you would provide a time that we could meet and discuss using this movie as a resource and also the possibility of building accompanying material in the form of a curriculum binder to be used by teachers in Ontario.

I look forward to meeting with you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Wladyslaw Lizon

President

Canadian Polish Congress