Hello summer holidays!!
Yes indeed… we are at what is truly the best time of the year! June comes with a tremendous amount of emotion and a whole lot of exhaustion! Know that you have done and are doing great! The Local is so proud of the work that our Edmonton Catholic Teachers do and the incredible professional commitment that you all make each day. For this, we are grateful.
This summer, my hope for you is that find true rest, relaxation and a peace that rejuvenates you and your spirit. This profession of teaching gives us so much but can also take a lot and add so much to the list of what we do and feel responsible for each day. Further to this, with the current political climate in Alberta, what can we add to the list but a political theatre that has many people questioning where their opinions and places lay in it all.
For some, Bill 8 may have broken the hearts of some teachers who are worried for their students and the big lives that they live that they often seek refuge from in our schools and classrooms each day. Bill 9, in particular has causes some fear of what could happen to our Collective Bargaining rights and the processes that go along with it. And, now, the return of Grade three SLA’s… what a great amount of change in such a short amount of time at a place in the year when teachers are so ready for a break. With this, where a break is SO very needed consider taking the time to write or visit with your MLA. Pen a note to the Premier. Tell these people that hold great power about the work that you do and why this matters. Explain why funding education is critical to the outcome of how our children learn and their successes in school and be sure to discuss the importance of teacher autonomy as the professionals in the classroom and how standardized tests limit this. Finally, explain that teachers matter and their profession deserves the respect that empowers it to continue to positively impact our communities each day.
This may all seem like a lot for a teacher that is wanting for holidays in such a real way but, it is important. If the message does not come from us, who will it come from?
As Mother Teresa said “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” Lets cast the stone of continued love for our students, continued empowerment for our teachers and continued strength for our profession.
Wishing you all a beautiful summer,
Sandra