MEDIA ADVISORY: "Christy's Classroom" opens today at 9AM on Legislature Lawn
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 02 September 2014 11:00
- Written by editor
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
VICTORIA—With the failure of the Provincial government to resolve its dispute with school teachers, the BC Legislature Lawn will be transformed into an outdoor "peoples' classroom" this morning at 9AM. Students, parents, grandparents, teachers and community members will converge to bring their message directly to Premier Christy Clark's doorstep, demanding a fair and early settlement to the contract dispute, limits on class sizes to support diverse learners, and increased funding for BC's public education system.
"Christy's Classroom" opens with the ringing of a school bell at 9AM, followed by a morning assembly; classes in civics, history, environmental education, music and art; physical exercise and recess; the convening of students' council and parents' council meetings; and activity areas for younger children. All parents, students and community members are encouraged to participate.
Speakers include a number of students and parents as well as... BC Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair, Opposition Education Critic Rob Fleming, Green Party MLA Andrew Weaver, and BC Teachers' Federation Vice-President Glen Hansen.
"We are gathering today to demonstrate our respect for teachers and demand that Premier Christy Clark shows leadership to settle this dispute fairly and allow the schools to open," says Victoria parent Renay Maurice, who is helping organize the event. "I challenge all parents, grandparents, students and community members to come out to Christy's Classroom and show you care about BC's education system."
This message is echoed by Deborah Nohr, Trustee on the School District 61 Board of Education.
"We, the adult generation, have had the privilege of learning through grades K to 12 due to the dedication and expertise of teachers," Nohr says. "Our knowledge, insights, values, positive sense of self, skills and post-secondary training and education is in very large part the result of having access to our public school system and the teachers that brought the curriculum to life in 10,000 different ways! We must take this opportunity to express our appreciation and give back by thanking our teachers and supporting their demands. The time is now. We must not accept the irresponsible and deliberate dismantling of public education through egregious and neglectful underfunding."
Organizations including the Social Environmental Alliance, Council of Canadians Victoria Chapter, Raging Grannies, Protect Public Education Now and Support BC Teachers have joined together as sponsors of Christy's Classroom. The Greater Victoria Teachers' Association is encouraging all teachers in District 61 to attend with their families and friends. Members of the public and the media are also welcome at Christy's Classroom, which opens at 9AM on the Legislature Lawn.
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