Following the death of His Excellency Mr. Nelson Mandela, who passed away on December 5, 2013, flags on all Government of Canada buildings and establishments across the country, including the Peace Tower in Ottawa will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on the day of the funeral. Similarly, the Chief Protocol Officer for the Province has determined that all district and school flags should be flown at half-mast on the day of his funeral. 

In light of the fact that Nelson Mandela's funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 15, all district and school sites will lower their flags to half-mast on Friday, December 13, and raise them to full mast on Monday, December 16, 2013.  

"His Excellency Mr. Nelson Mandela has had a significant impact on people throughout the world. He was a leader of leaders and an inspiration to many. Lowering the flag is a way that we can honour Mr. Mandela and his legacy in Canada," said Superintendent Steve Cardwell. He has encouraged all school leaders to speak with students about the significance of Nelson Mandela's legacy.