Enough signatures were collected to allow religious exercises and religious instruction in all Hanover School Division schools this coming year.

Superintendent Randy Dueck says this is something that is community driven.

"This is never driven by the schools, it can't be driven by the schools. It's driven by the communities so it's obviously something important to the communities, to make sure there are enough petitions and signatures for religious instruction and there are enough petitions and signatures for religious exercises."

Chair of the Steinbach Ministerial Association, Pastor Dave Dickey, says, "I think it's important for our children, like any person of whatever age, to realize that, oh, my faith is relevant and supported in everyday life settings. So, school is one of those, our workplaces are others, community involvement are others."

Dickey says there are quite a few volunteers from the community that offer their support as well as help teach the instruction sessions and provide leadership in opening exercises.

Dueck says there were no problems this year in having all the signatures submitted. He adds through Thought Exchange he's heard comments from the community that they are grateful to have religious exercises and instruction in the schools.