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I am a retired secondary school principal and Student Success Leader with extensive experience in developing programs and supports for students who, for various reasons, find school challenging.
I am very concerned about the changes being implemented by the provincial government, in particular the increase in average class size and the provision for compulsory online courses. These will have the greatest negative effect on students in small and medium-sized secondary schools outside the GTA.
When the changes were first announced, I requested a conversation with MPP Jill Dunlop. I was pleased to receive a call from her office manager to set up a time to speak by telephone.
Late in the afternoon of the day before the scheduled conversation, the same office manager called to say that the appointment was cancelled. I asked when it would be re-scheduled and was given a rather vague response. That was months ago. I’ve heard nothing further from Ms. Dunlop or her staff, which is disappointing, to say the least.
In the meantime, unrest in the educational system continues and appears likely to escalate. I hope Education Minister Stephen Lecce and his parliamentary assistant, Sam Oosterhof, fully understand the needs of a wide cross section of Ontario students, both rural and urban.
Knowing Mr. Lecce is a graduate of an exclusive private school for boys, and Mr. Oosterhoff was home-schooled, doesn’t particularly add to my confidence in them.
While there is always room for improvement, we are blessed in Ontario to have a fine publicly-funded school system. Access to good education is one of the best ways we can help our young people have healthy and productive lives. Reduced support will achieve nothing but a false sense of economy.
I encourage Ms. Dunlop, Minister Lecce and all the Conservative caucus to reconsider the planned changes to Ontario schools.
John G. Smith
Oro-Medonte
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