Many school boards across country in dark over Afghan commemoration

OTTAWA – Officials at many school boards across the country are scratching their heads about what’s expected of them during next week’s national commemoration of sacrifices in the Afghan war.

Provincial education departments were asked by the Harper government to have schools mark the May 9 event but left details up to individual jurisdictions.

Many educators are trying to piece together an event, as is the Royal Canadian Legion which is scrambling to organize activities out of its 1,450 branches.

Classrooms been asked to observe two minutes of silence at 1:30 p.m. ET, but some boards, such as the Toronto District School Board, say they are still awaiting direction.

Spokesman Ryan Bird says given that it is a new commemoration, the board — the largest in the country — is reviewing how it can best mark the day, and no decisions have been made.

In Halifax, board spokesman Doug Hadley says principals have yet to be notified about the event, but will be invited to observe the moment of silence.