Priorities There are so many critical things our teachers are packing into our students' days, as well as things that go on in the background to let this amazing learning take place. Here are Jen's top 3 priorities:
1. Sustainability. This new word for environment has many facets. One is the bricks and mortar of our schools that need to work towards net zero in energy usage to reduce our climate impact and teach by example. Students have told us they have climate anxiety about the world they are inheriting and they need actions. Another facet is learning to care for our environment - spending time in nature, learning the connections between plants, animals and us, learning to protect nature, and experiencing how nature can improve our mental health.
2. Equity of Access. The schools in Jen's areas have smaller enrolment numbers than the city schools, and greater distances to programs and sports. Advocating for the best supports is imperative. As EDHS says - Small School Big Noise!
3. Being Ready for the Path to Success. Students should graduate from high school with a plan for the path that will best lead them to success, and the ability to carry out their plan.
I didn't have anything on my website about anti-racism or LGBTQ2S+ because it seemed obvious to me to support these minority groups, but I have received many questions, and I am glad people are researching their candidates. Below is the board's inclusion statement which I fully agree with: As an educational community we have a responsibility to identify and describe racism and oppression and then work to dismantle it. The Upper Grand District School Board is committed to disrupting systemic racism and oppression in all of its forms. We will implement ongoing mandatory anti-racism and anti-oppression training for all staff, review our protocols and policies, including our hiring practices, and be fully transparent and accountable to all Upper Grand students, staff, families, and stakeholders in an ongoing manner.
Specific to the LGBTQ2S+ communities, Upper Grand has installed at least one For Use By All washroom in each of the 76 schools, and many of the schools have chosen to have GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) clubs. I am very happy about these things. I wish we could have rainbow crosswalks or sidewalks at the schools, hopefully in the future, and am very proud that the pride flags fly in June at every school. It is a symbol of acceptance and our commitment.
I am also being asked my opinion of the situation in Oakville. The teacher should not be disciplined for being transgender, that would be a human rights issue. However their behaviour is not appropriate. It is not really a dress code issue, but a code of conduct issue. All boards are reviewing their codes of conducts to prevent this from happening again.
Also an issue some are asking, - I am NOT an anti-vaxxer.
Thank you for researching your candidates! Please vote!! Please bring your ballot to a ballot return station before 8pm on Monday, or use phone/internet for East Garafraxa Let's make this the highest voter turn out ever! Thank you! Jen :)