“Catholic teachers will continue to present the issue of human sexuality within the fullness of a faith-based family life curriculum that teaches the content of our faith, the value of persons, human relationships, commitment and social responsibility,” wrote Bishop Ronald Fabbro in a statement July 12.

“As elements of the health and physical education curriculum are reviewed, I pray that our elected officials listen intently to all voices and remain mindful of the delicate and challenging journey facing our young people.”

The controversial sex-ed program was rolled out by the previous Liberal government in 2015, the first time it was updated since 1998. It was met with much criticism from faith groups and others who deemed it age-inappropriate.

The publicly-funded Catholic system, while following the Ministry of Education curriculum, has had a tradition of adapting the guidelines for appropriate use in Catholic classrooms. “We will continue this tradition,” said Fabbro.

“As elements of the health and physical education curriculum are reviewed, I pray that our elected officials listen intently to all voices and remain mindful of the delicate and challenging journey facing our young people,” he said. “Finally, I encourage parents to continue modelling Catholic principles for their children at home. They remain the primary educators of our Catholic students.”

Since 1989, the Institute for Catholic Education (ICE) is responsible for co-ordinating the mplementation of the family life curriculum in Catholic schools. The family life program, today called “Fully Alive,” was introduced in the 1978 and been updated regularly since.

Tanya Granic Allen, who campaigned for Ontario PC leader on a platform of dumping the sex-ed curriculum, said the announcement by new premier Doug Ford was “great news for Ontario parents and children.”