Well, it is both cliché and an understatement to say that this year has not and was not the year that any of us had in mind. The usual message at this time of year is about celebrating the end of the year, remembering the memories with your students and congratulating yourselves for a job well done! This message is indeed that very same message but under much different and unexpected circumstances. However, the level of gratitude, respect, appreciation and admiration has not wavered, in fact, it has grown immensely.
This school year showed us a lot of challenges, to say the least. The saddening and frustrating result of wage arbitration decision to stay teachers’ wages (again) at 0% after a much anticipated and delayed arbitration process. A provincial government budget that took millions of dollars out of the school systems province wide with a “new” funding model that was veiled in deceit and resulted in a shell game of (limited) funding allocations. A bill regarding “Choice in Education” that, in reality, just offers choice to the elite few among Albertans off of the backs of taxpayer dollars. The consequences of the dismissal of the Association from the curriculum re-write committee. The removal of our pensions from ATRF to an oversight group not of our choosing and one with a scattered investment track record that does not offer any level of comfort to those whose dollars it is intended to safeguard. The saddening passing of Superintendent Carr. Most recently, the absolutely absurd statement in the house by a MLA comparing publicly funded schools to liquor stores and phone companies while a member of the current provincial government speaks to the validity of privatizing schools. I could go on…
Instead, I am choosing joy to send us off into this much deserved summer break. The power of protest has amplified the power of voice and the passion of people. On February 27th, public sector workers gathered in the thousands to protest a budget that cut off public services at its knees. And today, people all over the world are speaking out, in protest, about the value of all human life bringing the truth of the presence of racism to the forefront of conversation. A much-needed conversation in our world and surely, in our profession. Where the death of black people is NOT to be celebrated, the power of people gathering and uniting for the power of change is always worth celebrating. This message from the Pope in his response to the death of George Floyd, drives this home in an unquestioning manner – “We cannot close our eyes to any form of racism or exclusion, while pretending to defend the sacredness of every human life.” This, without question is a key lesson learned in 2020.
I celebrate the work that teachers have done with students despite limited resources in schools. I celebrate our ability to teach within our publicly funded faith-based school division bringing the joy of our faith to our students and school families through our work. I celebrate you, the Edmonton Catholic Teachers who love and lead with heart without fail. This school year should not be remembered as the year of COVID but, instead as the year that teachers rose to the challenge of delivering quality education to students in the face of a lack of provincial leadership, despite the cutting of funding and in the wake of laying off almost all support staff in schools. This should be the year that we say we are powerful, we are valuable, we are integral, and we surely are essential to the underpinning of this province and world.
This summer, as you enjoy the beauty of whatever your slow days bring, let your soul be rejuvenated and your mind be at ease. What September brings is of no matter during the time that is set aside just for you to help you recoup from your tireless efforts throughout the school year. On behalf of the Local’s Executive and office staff, our sincerest “thanks” are offered to you all.
Wishing you a beautiful, restful, safe and peaceful summer.
With gratitude and admiration,
Sandra