One thing I find very tricky about campaigning is the sound bite nature of an election campaign. The few events that are organized for School Board Trustee candidates allow 30 seconds or 1 minute or if we are lucky 2 whole minutes to discuss very complicated issues which is frankly impossible and so we end up saying nothing at all or nothing but campaign slogans and sound bites. None of which helps voters pick who they want to elect. So, thank you for taking the time to read this and I would strongly encourage you to read the websites of the other candidates as well before casting your vote on October 27.
While it's true that I have no agenda, there are a few issues that I am particularly passionate about. For me, parental involvement is key to a child's success in school so I will strive to find ways to improve that in our system. As well, I would like to improve the supports in place for ESL learners and special education .
I believe that a world-class education is the right of all Canadians but I also believe it is the responsibility of all Canadians. As a Trustee my responsibility would be to administer the system that delivers that education, to be a good steward of the resources of the Board and to help parents and students access all of the services and programs that they need. But it doesn't end there. It is the responsibility of the teachers to use their passion for children and education along with their training and skills to teach our students well. It is the responsibility of the parents and larger community to ensure that children arrive at school ready and able to learn. If parents are struggling to provide for the basic needs of their children then they need to be able to reach out the larger community for help and support. Finally, it is the responsibility of the students to not squander an opportunity that many people, in other parts of the world, would give anything to have. I think we are all in this together which I think is a good thing since we are stronger together than we are separately.
I know a lot of people complain about our school system and I get it and I think that open and frank discussions including complaining is important and valuable for improving the system but I would challenge all of those who complain to do something about it. If you think the schools don't have enough art instruction, write your MPP , start an after school art program, or work with school kids to paint a mural. If you think kids aren't learning enough math, start a math competition or a homework club. Whatever it is that floats your boat get out there and start working on it. Everyone has something to offer. Don't worry that it might not work; if it doesn't try something else or try again.
I have lived in Kitchener for 15 years and I have two children, in grades 2 and 4, in the Waterloo Region District School Board.
I have been active in my children's school for several years through the Parent Council, doing things such as helping to organize the Fun Fair, a homework club and TV free nights at the school. I am active in my community in other ways such as working on Habitat for Humanity building projects, volunteering at the Nutrition for Learning program and serving on the board of my church.
I have worked at the University of Waterloo for the last 15 years and I also attended UW as a student, obtaining my B.A. from there in 2013.
If working full time, raising children, volunteering and finishing a degree simultaneously has taught me anything it is the importance of not wasting time. I stay focused on what needs to get done and work efficiently and carefully to get it done properly.
While it's true that I have no agenda, there are a few issues that I am particularly passionate about. For me, parental involvement is key to a child's success in school so I will strive to find ways to improve that in our system. As well, I would like to improve the supports in place for ESL learners and special education .
I believe that a world-class education is the right of all Canadians but I also believe it is the responsibility of all Canadians. As a Trustee my responsibility would be to administer the system that delivers that education, to be a good steward of the resources of the Board and to help parents and students access all of the services and programs that they need. But it doesn't end there. It is the responsibility of the teachers to use their passion for children and education along with their training and skills to teach our students well. It is the responsibility of the parents and larger community to ensure that children arrive at school ready and able to learn. If parents are struggling to provide for the basic needs of their children then they need to be able to reach out the larger community for help and support. Finally, it is the responsibility of the students to not squander an opportunity that many people, in other parts of the world, would give anything to have. I think we are all in this together which I think is a good thing since we are stronger together than we are separately.
I know a lot of people complain about our school system and I get it and I think that open and frank discussions including complaining is important and valuable for improving the system but I would challenge all of those who complain to do something about it. If you think the schools don't have enough art instruction, write your MPP , start an after school art program, or work with school kids to paint a mural. If you think kids aren't learning enough math, start a math competition or a homework club. Whatever it is that floats your boat get out there and start working on it. Everyone has something to offer. Don't worry that it might not work; if it doesn't try something else or try again.
I have lived in Kitchener for 15 years and I have two children, in grades 2 and 4, in the Waterloo Region District School Board.
I have been active in my children's school for several years through the Parent Council, doing things such as helping to organize the Fun Fair, a homework club and TV free nights at the school. I am active in my community in other ways such as working on Habitat for Humanity building projects, volunteering at the Nutrition for Learning program and serving on the board of my church.
I have worked at the University of Waterloo for the last 15 years and I also attended UW as a student, obtaining my B.A. from there in 2013.
If working full time, raising children, volunteering and finishing a degree simultaneously has taught me anything it is the importance of not wasting time. I stay focused on what needs to get done and work efficiently and carefully to get it done properly.