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Past
1959
Grade four meant officially becoming the junior students of the school—you know, the older kids but not exactly teenagers. Like when you're nine. Being nine.
Nine feels a weird age, if you ask me, like you're still too young for lots of things, but you're quite old for some things like songs meant for preschoolers and sleeping with your parents. It's all confusing, and people are really starting to change.
At least that's what it is.
"Attention to everyone! Now that the national anthem is over, we have a couple of announcements to make as to wrap term one up. First is about the primary show that's happening next week. Handing it over to the teachers.
"If you are in first grade, please meet during first recess to practice; if you are in second grade, please meet at lunch recess to practice; and if you are in third, please meet after school to lead the show and make props. Thank you. More will be announced when we meet.
"OK. And if you are in third grade, there are forms for a field trip that should be signed by your parents, given out from your teacher, and handed in by this Friday.
"This is now for all grades. The gym will be closed for the next two weeks due to the practices happening there.
"And now time for our last announcement. This is for all junior students. If you are in grade five, your sexual health unit will start during the weeks before the break and go to your teacher for your time. The room is 205. If you are in grade four, your teachers will hand out forms for the sexual health unit next term. Please sign before this Friday. And that's all the announcements we have."
And with that, everyone in the class started buzzing about it quietly, even me and Carly. "Quiet." The teacher said. "Forms will be given out at the end of class. Now let's get to work."
It's all we could talk about during first recess. "That seems interesting! I never thought we'd learn this stuff at this age!" Carly said. "It's not going to go super deep. Probably just the basic friendship or safety stuff or online safety or something." Penny said.
"My mom won't let me." I said. I already knew this when the announcement came on. "Let you do what?" Carly asked. "Attend a sexual health class. I know this because she won't ever let my brother attend one, not even in grade nine." I said. "Trust me. He's my older brother."
Carly looked Penny them back to me. "The form said to get it signed from a parent or guardian." Carly said. "Look at the bottom carefully."
Signature (you must be 18 or older to sign, and you must be a parent or guardian).
I agree to let my child attend.
I disagree to let my child attend.
I sighed. "So?" I said. "My parents count as guardians for you. Remember the play dates where your parents couldn't be there to supervise you and mine had to watch you? My parents are like your second guardians." Carly said.
"Ooh, I could see where you're going with this." Penny said. "So my parents could sign it for you! They don't know anything about your parents or brother exactly." Carly said.
"Well," I started, but never finished my thought.
That could work.
I couldn't doubt it, as the bell rang, signalling to go back to class.
