Pushing Grade 7 and Grade 8 students into an adult environment is unacceptable. The almighty dollar is barking at the notion common sense should rule. This move is an assault on the safety, social and emotional development of children. And yes, many Grade 8
students are still children.
The most consequential reason is physicality. Statistically two thirds of girls and one third or boys have gone through puberty in Grade 8. In Grade 9, all or most boys and girls have experienced this life changing event. A ninth Grader is too sophisticated for Grade 7 and
Grade 8 students who want to emulate their older peers.
That is why past educators believed K to 8 was such a strong buffer in protecting childhood years. Peer influence is powerful. There is no question that pupils 11 to 14 years of age will be pressured to place their childhood behind them because constant interaction
with young adults is unavoidable. All students act out in that journey toward adulthood. To subject younger students to others who have recently crossed such an emotional threshold is a very naive position to take.
Ask a teacher about the importance of K to 8. Grade 7 and Grade 8 students are the schoolʼs leaders in success, motivation, standards, mood, and the overall reputation of THEIR school. That phenomena disappears with this reckless plan.
Sadly for some students this is the only real family atmosphere they experience. On that point alone, this change is suspect and runs the real risk of that child losing for a second time their school adopted family before they have reached an emotional strength of their
own.
Option B (moving the 7s and 8s) is “a lower cost mid-term option.” Tax payers need to know how much lower and why is lower even an option?
This proposed timetable does not benefit these students. Studies prove that Math and English marks will go down! Just because other Bluewater community schools have made like decisions does not make it right!
Experience states that some teachers relish teaching in a portable classroom. There is no question that some students behind the emotional curve thrive in this protected environment. And in years gone by when SDSS and SC did have multiple portables,
they worked!
Logic would suggest new additions to both Northport and SD schools. Expansion of SDSS worked! Hopefully, Saugeen Shores Council will take a strong stand against a bad proposal.
Government policy of supporting new schools but not school additions need to change that thinking. The Board is literally forced to choose the money path over setting the best learning environment for these students. Too bad Board members accept this nonsense.
The PC member for our riding is Lisa Thompson who has been appointed Minister of Education. Our new Minister needs to be convinced that a different funding formula is needed.
Her opening remarks as new Minister stated, “you will find I work tirelessly to ensure student success ….” Perhaps by eliminating the disastrous politically motivated Grades 3, 6 and 9 provincial testing, millions of wasted dollars could be redirected where it would
“ensure student success.”
Wayne Mc Grath (Retired Teacher)
P.S
The ultimate goal of every teacher, regardless of subject, is self-esteem building. The subject(s) we teach are merely the tools we use. The time we take with children is crucial, especially in this day of broken families, and that thread from Kindergarten to Grade 8 should be seamless. The importance of establishing that continuous strand in a young personʼs mind is what creates that confidence to move into adulthood. Students base their successes on this history of accomplishment and that critical factor should not be interrupted by forcing Grade 7 and 8s out of childhood before they naturally do it.
