June 23, 2023

We are Stronger Together!

We wrapped up our annual Spring General Assembly earlier this month and it was a wonderful event. The turnout and interactions from the crowd were outstanding as always. To say I had a favorite would be an understatement. Over the duration of the event, we heard about topics covering joy, indigenous perspectives on current affairs, youth participation processes within education, youth in foster care, positive thinking and AI in education. I believe we will all take important lessons away from the event and back to our boards.

One point in particular that I touched on in the Presidents Address was the importance of trusteeship in the public school system. I whole heartedly believe it is our job to ensure trusteeship is not only protected, but that the importance of it and the public school system is valued.

I have always been very intentional in my messaging around how important it is that you as trustees promote the association whenever you get the opportunity.

“We are stronger together.”

Soak in this message and really think about what it means for our advocacy efforts.

The messaging that you put out there, the conversations we have with our stakeholders and the messages we deliver are key to protecting and promoting public education in this province. We have always said that “Public schools should be the first choice in every community.” And that “All schools are publicly funded, but not all publicly funded schools are public schools.” But we now need to add to our messages that “In the lineup for funding, ‘schools of choice’ (charters, privates and independent schools) need to get in the line behind ‘schools of necessity’ until those schools of necessity are adequately funded”.

I believe the message we heard from Jessica Janzen was extremely important and relevant to our cause. We can try to take giant steps to get from one place to another, but that rarely happens. So, instead let’s think about what we can do right now and that is to continue taking baby steps to reach that same goal.

One step at a time and together we will be stronger.

There is still much work to be done, especially when it comes to building relationships with our fraternal partners. Although we thought that the Together for Students campaign was in the past some untruths were presented during the Alberta 2023 election that reopened some of the wounds felt by our Catholic counterparts. These will need to be addressed as we move forward and continue to strengthen our relationship with them, because together we are stronger.

Now, as the school year winds down, we should take the time to reflect on the past year. Have you taken the time to demonstrate the importance of public schools and trusteeship? Is there more you can do in the years ahead to show the value and importance of the causes we advocate for? Let’s take the summer to reflect on how we can each contribute to our positions within our boards, the public school system and in our day to day lives.

I hope you all have a wonderful summer and are able to spend quality time with your family and friends.

Will see you soon!