In his Apostolic Letter on the Significance of Christmas, Pope Francis writes;
“The nativity scene is like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture”, continues Pope Francis. Contemplating the Christmas story is like setting out on a spiritual journey, “drawn by the humility of the God who became man in order to encounter every man and woman.” So great is His love for us, writes the Pope, “that He became one of us, so that we in turn might become one with Him.”
What a significance this message brings to us all as teachers within this incredible publicly funded Catholic school division. We are asked to bring the Gospel to our students each day in a way that illuminates the desire to know and love Jesus in all that we do and experience. More importantly, the Pope asks us to live out the Gospel showing Jesus’ way and presence in our actions and words. This advent and always, it is my hope that we continue to do this as teachers and spiritual role models for our students while embracing the realities of humanity in all of its glory and natural flaws.
During this time of advocacy within this province, we have a role to use our passion for our incredibly important role as an educator to do the right thing. To speak clarity where there is confusion, to sow seeds of knowledge where there is learning that must happen and to rise up with unprecedented strength when we see wrong doings that will ultimately harm our work as educators and, our schools along with the children in them. If we stand by as these changes and forces that are working to limit our work continue with their craft, the outcome could be dire. Now is the time to stand up, speak out and share all of the reasons that sufficiently funded Public Education in Catholic, Francophone and Public schools where ALL students are welcome is one of the most important pillars of this great province.
During the close of the advent season, as we rolled into the glory of Christmas, and now in this new year, I hope that you found a peace of your mind that will allowed you to bring your best to this new calendar year. Our students along with our loved ones, deserve us at our absolute best. This said, do spare a moment or two to take action for the betterment of Publicly Funded Education. We cannot stand by and watch this falter. As the message from our Pope reads, we must live the Gospel each day and with this, we must NOT allow the wrong doing of those who may not know what they do work to deconstruct what we cherish so dearly.
Finally, as we await the decision of the arbitrator’s decision on our salary, know that no matter the result you are valued. A decision by an independent party is part of the process that was laid out as a part of arbitration. This or any attacks to our profession need not cause any concern of your value to our province. Our work in schools and with our students is a necessity, this is something that an arbitrator’s decision can never change or cause to falter.
On behalf of the Edmonton Catholic Teachers Local 54 of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, we wish you a joyous welcome to the new year. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and in his heart now and always.
Peace
to you,
Sandra