Dear Editor:
This weekend has been a bitter disappointment yet again for children who want to be with friends at school, for parents who have to make special arrangements in order to be able to ensure their children's safety while they go to work, and to the dedicated teachers who want to be back working with them at school.
We had hopes that Vince Ready, because of his excellent track record, would be able to assist the government and BCTF reach the much needed agreement. So why did it not happen?
Teachers want to have more time to work with the students "in the middle" - children who are not behaviour
challenged, children who are managing but with a bit more one on one could improve their understanding, laying the foundation to be successful in the future.
Doesn't B.C. want success for children, our future? Why do B.C. children receive $1,000 less each year than the Canadian average?
Why do Burnaby students receive the lowest funding per student in the province? Is this punishment for the election of more NDP MLAs than other constituencies?
Is it democratic to punish children for what their parents voted?
How do children's rights shape up in all of this?
Don't they deserve to be in a safe, friendly environment, developing skills that will help them to be caring, responsible adults when they have grown up?
How much more will the public stand for? How much more do teachers have to give up in time that they would like to be spending with children, helping them to learn, and in lost salaries, before there is public outrage?
What is it going to take?
Mary Loblaw, by email
