When April comes, rest assure that it will be a bumpy ride. Budget season falls in April and all school districts have to balance their books. It’s never been easy to balance the books when the funds are coming from the Provincial Government. When there is no funds; programs are cut, head rolls and the students suffer.
A particular program was under threat, Strings program, an instrumental music program that is an international language for all students. One doesn’t have to speak their native tongue in order to be part of this and children have an ingrained talent to play a music instrument.
Needless to say, there were so many heartbroken teachers, parents and students. The sound of violin “death“ score is playing in the air.
Some psychology and gifted-education program were also in the chopping board. This is another very important program for students that are “challenged”.
The public has spoken to express their concerns about the effect of these cuts to their children.
Music aids the cognitive development of a child. According to scientific study that exposure to music makes kids of all ages smarter in math especially classical music. The practice lessons are helpful for the students to have structured time rather than face time. Further musical training enhances the brain structure of the child in language and reasoning.
As for therapy sessions, parents need help how to educate a child with behavior, speech, attention deficit or high functioning. Without these vital resources, it’s impossible for the child to learn and fit into the norm of school structure.
The month of April is over and these services are spared for now. Problem solved? Not really.
May is a power struggle between the Teachers and BC Public School Employers. The teachers are on a rotating strike this week and will continue until next week should there be no resolution in terms of bargaining on class sizes and remuneration.
Field trips, camping trips, sports practice and others are cancelled. Graduation is coming and will the teachers be there for the graduating class?
Dear Parents,
As you are aware, the BCTF is now in phase 2 of job action, as well as an imposed partial lock-out by BCPSEA. This directly impacts the level in which teachers are able to be involved in field trips, including our regional track meet.
And while we exercised every reasonable option to carry on with this event, unfortunately, we have had to make the decision to cancel our District Zone Track and Field meet that was scheduled for May 30th. We realize this is very disappointing for the students who have been working very hard in their gym classes to qualify for the events at the Track meet as well as parents who enjoy being a part of the day.
We encourage the children to continue with their personal fitness training to support their future endeavors in track and field events.
This is a challenging time for all those involved in BC schools. Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter. Please contact the school if you have any questions.
Yours truly,
The Administrators
On a personal level, Lucy my niece is in three of these events and she is really looking forward to it. It’s a very sad time for Lucy and my family.
My feelings are split between the teachers, education, children, parents, the whole British Columbia, my colleagues, and me. Of course, the bottom line for most is no ticky, no laundry. Meaning, no pay.
The children, have mercy on these children. They are the one’s suffering.
Nelson Mandela said that education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Weapon? Heaven forbid, not at the cost of the children.
Power Nap and Pwer Struggle: A Child uses a strike sign for shade while her mom walks a picket line outside school in Vancouver. Photo credit Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press via Vancouver Metro
Photographs and Memories 