It seems like every year, the Education
System is jeopardized in one way or another.
The latest decision to halt extracurricular activities leaves me reeling,
even as I sit safely (for now) at Western. Extracurricular activities played a
big part in my early years of school, and even still in my current school life.
Some of my first friends were made at before and after school programs, I
remember hoping that my mom was late so I stayed long enough for snack time or
homework help. I was too busy enjoying the program to notice that someone had
to be up at 5 to have the place open for 7, or stay late until every kid was
home. As i look back now I am very thankful. My ALL time favourite activity was
the MUSIC program! I took part in choirs and musicals for many years, until
highschool (and fear of the boy in band I liked, hearing me sing) killed my
will. To this day that is one of my biggest regrets, because I missed the
chance to be taught by an amazing woman, Angela Southern. I could tell you that
despite not a single moment spent in her music room, the magic she works with
music still inspires me today! I believe that that
these experiences should not be threatened, and I salute those who provide
them!
Now I’m going to talk of my
experiences more generally. I can remember several strikes/ threats of them.
The first I recall was in 97, the strike actually did happen. I didn’t mind so
much because my teacher WAS actually lazy and not supportive of my disability.
After a while though, my mom’s attempts at teaching became rather sad and
empty. The second I can remember was grade 8. While everybody was worried about
how the pending strike would affect the Wonderland trip, I was worried for my
favourite teacher Bill Panopoulos, who had quite seriously earlier that day,
given a lecture to the class on how “THE WORLD WILL NOT SPOOOOOOON
FEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED YOOOOOOUUUUU!” Though I will always laugh at its extra
stressed delivery, it’s a lecture I won’t soon forget. I have a SUPER soft spot
for EA’s. They make sure kids get all the extra help they NEED! I can tell you
I learned more in a 20 minute bathroom break with them than ANY teacher could
EVER teach! They were my safety nets, helped me grow, learn, deal with
heartbreak, death and loss, saw me laugh, cry, triumph, and fail... So when EA’s
strike, it’s a direct blow... When the system is jeopardized, the learning opportunities
may seem squashed, but you can never squash the student teacher relationship! I’ll
never forget the pride I felt when I gave Dave Semple, the man who sparked my
love for English, a black and white still of his prized motorcycle. I went
about as red as my hair as he hung it up, and it’s STILL there! I won’t forget
Linda Harvey-Rioux who sparked my creativity through technology; or how Judy
Carter spent a class and a half trying to help mw grasp poetry and was the
first one I went to when I FINALLY got the ramp we needed. I never expected that
today, I would be having tea and cookies with my grade 6 teacher, and she would
always be there when I needed an ear, or someone to share ideas with. Whatever
happens, I hope it is settled soon, and thank you for the lessons I was meant to learn,
and those I never expected to...
Karli
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