Message from Principal Patrick McCarthy re: demonstration near NHS today

[Nepean High School School Council]

Good afternoon,

Today, Nepean HS was the focus of an anti-abortion protest. This group has been randomly protesting at local high schools over the past two years. As the group was on a public sidewalk and not interfering with other people or doing anything illegal, we could not deny them the right to be present near our school. Your son or daughter may be upset by the images on the protest signs and may or may not have chosen to speak to a protesters. Myself and Ms. Fulton-Hale were present throughout the lunch hour.  Most students either ignored the group and moved away. After lunch students were directed to attend classes as per our daily routine.

We want to reassure you that this was not aimed specifically at Nepean or our population, but something that was part of a broader campaign over which we have no control. A number of parents have expressed their concern regarding this type of activity occurring near to schools serving students in grades K - 12. We politely reinforced that we did not feel this was the appropriate approach for school aged students.

As always, please direct any questions or concerns to the Administration at 613-722-6551.

All the best, Patrick