A school is about more than its physical structure
Published Tuesday June 30th, 2009
Letters to the editor
Re: Closing of Albert Street Middle School
A school is more than just bricks and mortar.
Indeed, the physical structure is practically irrelevant when compared to the real heart of a school - the students and the staff.
Albert Street Middle School may be in disrepair, heading for the wrecking ball, but the spirit of that school will live on.
It will live in hearts and minds of everyone who ever walked through the doors as an unformed 11-year-old and walked out three years later with a solid education and a stronger sense of themselves and the world in which they live.
It will live on in the teenagers who gained much-needed confidence in their own intellectual and physical abilities, and in those who finally found a safe haven from bullying and torment at the hands of others.
And it will live on in more than a few of those children who learned a better way to cope - without using fists or threats.
For those families whose children will attend the new Bliss Carmen Middle School, I say lucky, lucky you. Not because you have a shiny new school with polished floors, bright classrooms and the latest technology.
I say this because you will have access to the wonderful teachers and staff from Albert Street.
Your children will remember these people long after they leave their school years behind.
Two of my sons have had the privilege of attending Albert. They have benefited greatly from the experience.
I would love to name every teacher and staff member who, through guidance, compassion and a sense of humour helped my sons, but there simply isn't enough room here.
Instead, I thank principal Peter Steeves, vice-principals John Hamilton and Scott Parks, and every teacher and staff member of Albert Street Middle School. You know who you are. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Colleen Kitts
Fredericton
Taking credit, even when it's not due
Re: Connaught Street School drums
Premier Shawn Graham has sunk to a brand new low. In the legislature on June 17 defending education cuts, Graham tried to use a visit to Connaught Street School as a way to criticize the Lord government.
In discussing things his government has done, the premier said, "I also had an opportunity to tour the music room in that school. I saw the children, firsthand, playing the drums. This is something that the former Conservative government could not deliver."
Well Mr. Premier, it's something your government could not deliver either. Those drums in that school were paid for by a grant they received from the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.
Your government had absolutely nothing to do with the purchase of those drums.
I find it appalling that you would attempt to take credit for a gift from a respected local event and the volunteers involved.
Even worse, you attempted to take credit for this gift simply to criticize a government that has been out of power for three years.
This is the level our politics has sunk to - stealing credit for good deeds to belittle your opposition.
I understand your desire to take the focus off your own government's many problems, but next time, please focus on things you actually did and not take credit for the good works of people who give their time and energy to make Fredericton and our schools a better place.
Karen Matheson
Fredericton
There are two sides to this story
Re: Job loss after taking one week of bereavement leave
I'm writing in response to the letter on June 17 in regards to bereavement leave.
The lady in question had only been working for two days when the tragic death of her brother-in-law happened and she wanted a week off.
By law there must be three months of continuous employment to qualify for three days of paid leave. Her employer offered to let her have the day of visitation and funeral off, which is perfectly understandable.
I frequent this establishment and I am always treated with respect and friendliness.
They make an effort to know your name and greet you with it as soon as you walk in the door.
As far as them not having any feelings, whenever there is a person in the area needing any monetary assistance, they put a can on the counter to raise money.
They post events that are happening and they are there to serve the public. It is a very busy place and I stop two or three times a week, and will continue to do so.
I have gone through this same circumstance and my employers have been very understanding and caring, for which I am grateful, but I also worked for these establishments for a number of years and there was full communication.
I can appreciate the fact that it can be a trying and difficult time and hard decisions have to be made, but there are two sides to every story.
Jackie Sproull
Hainesville, N.B.
I always walked to the bus station
Re: Bus station relocation
I went to the University of New Brunswick for three years and lived downtown.
I did extensive travelling using Acadian Coach Lines, to the point where I was probably away every other weekend visiting other Maritime locations. I relied heavily on the bus as my main method of transportation, feet aside.
That said, I always walked to the bus station. I was so pleased that it was in such a convenient location. It literally took me five minutes to reach the station from my home on George Street.
Considering the concentration of students who live in the downtown area who would be using the bus in similar circumstances, it makes sense to make it accessible to this clientele.
I think if you were to survey bus users, you'd be sure to find that the majority of users live downtown (or on campus) and are most likely in the 17-30 age range.
Now I live in Sackville and I often return to Fredericton to visit my family. More often than not, I get in on the 7:15 p.m. Friday night bus and will meet people at a restaurant downtown, or head straight to a nearby friend's house on foot.
I do hope that Acadian Coach Lines does everything it can to keep the bus station downtown and I hope that it is aided in this effort by the city and other businesses.
Theresa Richards
Sackville, N.B.
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he's disgraceful and his sliminess knows no limits.
There were no additional music specialists/teachers hired either = only more minutes of music added to the curriculum per week. The shortfall is left to the classroom teacher. My son has 1 period of music with the specialist, and his classroom teacher had to make up the additional 25 mins in her week somewhere, even though she can't read music and plays no instruments. Phys Ed the same - 1 period with the speicalist, 2 other periods with the homeroom teacher. High quality instruction? Nope.