Nasir Sohail:<\/strong> Parents expect their children\u2019s well-being to come first when children attend school. This includes the expectation of respect for students\u2019 privacy and adequate protection of the confidentiality of children\u2019s personal information. To that end, parents expect openness and transparency from schools and districts about their data practices, so that parents can evaluate whether a school\u2019s protection of children\u2019s personal information meets those expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI think there is always a room for improvement. Accountability is created when families are brought into the education conversation, and I am a strong supporter of families\u2019 involvement in their children\u2019s education as I believe IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO GROW A CHILD. Once parents are actively engaged in their children\u2019s education there will be a greater transparency and more could be achieved to foster the skill sets of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt Thompson:<\/strong> I am committed to be as open and transparent as possible. I would like to see more public responses to actions from the Ministry of Education.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy: <\/strong>This is a work in progress, with some schools doing it very well while others struggle. I think school staff at all levels are working hard and trying their best. My experience as a parent has shown me that dialogue between parents\/families and teachers\/administration\/board does need to improve. There needs to be clarity and consistency in the information around policies, processes\/procedures and expectations that is communicated to parents and families. There is a lot going on, and it can be challenging and confusing for parents who are trying to stay on top of it all and understand how to navigate their way when they have concerns. Parents and families have a right to understand what is happening in the school system and how it affects their children. I know when parents\/families have concerns\/problems\/incidents, many do not know how to navigate the system to address and resolve these issues. People who don\u2019t feel their concerns are addressed appropriately become disengaged with the system. That doesn\u2019t solve anything and often exacerbates the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI will work with and listen to parents\/families and school staff and administrators to understand their concerns and determine where the disconnect is and how best to strengthen communication and increase transparency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Employee Relations<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nWill you vote to uphold the principles of collective bargaining of Regina educators and other staff to ensure the process is fair and balanced?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson:<\/strong> Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy:<\/strong> Yes, I will.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail:<\/strong> Yes I will vote to uphold the principles of collective bargaining of Regina educators and other staff to ensure the process is fair and balanced. I studied the AGREEMENT July 2016 – June 2018 between THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE REGINA SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 4 OF SASKATCHEWAN and THE TEACHERS OF THE REGINA SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 4.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI strongly agree with the agreement and to protect the rights of educators and staff. I will certainly vote to the fair and balanced working environment and other perks for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Diversity and Inclusion<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nWill you vote for continued efforts around equity and inclusion to improve student achievement, close opportunity gaps, and support student well-being?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail:<\/strong> I am an educationalist and I am passionate about the culture of teaching and learning. I strongly believe all the students must be able to learn in an environment that is conducive to learning. In my profile statement I mentioned about change, Canada is a multicultural country and Differences in ethnicity, culture, religion and a variety of other factors can all play a role in the development of students.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson: <\/strong>I believe that all students and teachers deserve to feel safe and welcome in the Regina Public School System, regardless of their sexual or gender identity, race, or religion.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy:<\/strong> Of course I will. One of our key priorities should be to ensure students feel safe at school, while supporting learning and mental health. There is good work currently being done around diversity and inclusion, recognizing the challenges with gender identity and racial discrimination. If not addressed appropriately, issues can further develop that distract from learning, may cause mental health problems in children and more harm down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA sense of belonging is very important for children\u2019s growth, development and especially in building confidence. This involves listening to concerns of students, parents and families, and ensuring teachers and all school system staff continue to receive anti-racism training and diversity and inclusion training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With attacks on anti-racist education rising, how will you protect the rights of children to an education that emphasizes teaching about racism as both a historic and contemporary phenomenon?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy: <\/strong>As a minority, and the mother of bi-racial children, my view is this: Racism exists everywhere, but not everyone or everything is racist. I want a school system that is supportive and focuses on inclusivity, not one that labels people. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAs Trustee, I want to see positive change when it comes to the safety of our students. I understand that the Regina Public School Board has made it mandatory to deliver anti-racism and anti-oppression training for all staff in the school division. I look forward to hearing from students, parents and teachers about how effective they feel this has been and any suggestions for how these initiatives can be enhanced or supplemented. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Continued education and awareness with students on acceptance and diversity will enhance learning and understanding. All humans benefit from learning about other cultures and traditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Racism is an issue that hits home for me. I have experienced racism in my life. My children have experienced racism from peers while attending Regina Public Schools, which was very upsetting. I encourage them to be proud of who they are and to report any racial harassment. I support zero-tolerance of racism in schools and feel like any allegations of racism should be thoroughly investigated and treated with the appropriate seriousness by school authorities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt Thompson: <\/strong>I was incredibly disappointed with the direction of the provincial government to the school boards in regards to the Anti-Hate support material. I believe that our teachers should be trained in anti-racism education and relay that to students. The change in attitudes starts with our youth.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail: <\/strong>I believe it’s critical to start anti-racism teaching in schools because of the wide range of cultural backgrounds including Indigenous students and new Canadians.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI work with different newcomer students as transition facilitator and I work with students to get them to think with an anti-racist lens and sometimes that\u2019s uncomfortable and people get uncomfortable talking about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you intend to support Truth and Reconciliation in Saskatchewan?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail: <\/strong>Acknowledging the TRC in Saskatchewan is of vital importance and we need to engage different elders and parents from ingenious communities to share their stories and feelings in different schools as part of the healing process. By listening to their ideas and feelings about the TRC we can learn and understand different prospects from ingenious elders and communities and share our common interest to move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI also think we should have different symposiums and seminars in different schools where indigenous students are in high numbers and we can present different ideas and strategies to move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tracey McMurchy: <\/strong>I think there is effort being made in the school division, but feel that much more can and should be done. I believe Regina Public needs stronger focus in this area and understand that what is being done is not enough, as it relates to education. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIn my opinion, supporting this further could include culturally appropriate curriculum, hiring more Indigenous teachers, land-based education, implementing after-school programs, providing the appropriate technology needed, and ensuring the students feel a sense of belonging. When kids do not feel included, like they belong, or feel like they matter, they can get into difficult situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a journey we must all take together. Ultimately it takes all levels of decision-makers — from the federal government down to the school division level — to critically examine (a) what is being done, (b) what should be done, and (c) how to bridge those gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt Thompson: <\/strong>I would like to see it as a more than one-day event. I found the stadium event that occurred this last year to be not engaging to students. It was too long, and didn\u2019t really provide much context. I would like to see smaller, more engaging sessions that would provide more enrichment. I think that students should have access to Elders, smudging rooms and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWill you push to remove the School Resource Officer program in light of other divisions that are doing so because of the harm they can cause racialized students?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson: <\/strong>Yes, I don\u2019t believe that School Resource Officers are needed. It provides an uncomfortable environment for racialized students, and I believe that all students should feel safe in the public school system.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail: <\/strong>I have no comments on this as I need to study and learn about the role of resource officers program and how they are racializing students. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy:<\/strong> I would support an evaluation\/assessment of the School Resource Officer program. That evaluation should include hearing from racialized students and their families. In an ideal world, the School Resource Officer program should be about building relationships and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you support GSAs (Gay-Straight Alliances or sometimes Gay Sexualities Alliances) in schools, how will you defend the rights of children \u2014 including 2SLGBTQ+ children \u2014 to privacy?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail: <\/strong>I strongly acknowledge GSA\u2019s at schools as it provides a platform for2SLGBTQ+ children to express themselves. It should be with the teachers and staff (Psychologist, Counselors etc.). If teachers notice anything unusual in the child\u2019s behavior or attitude parents should be involved and informed about the changes that have been observed by the school staff. Together parents, guidance counselors, psychologists, counselors etc. should work together to protect and guide the student about the changes that he\/she is going through and respectfully teach the child about the changes that may happen to him\/her in his\/her later years in life. <\/p>\n\n\n\nLGBTQ youth may experience being hit, punched, kicked, threatened, chased home, chased at school, spat upon, persecuted, or tied up and beaten. Hence it is the responsibility of parents to learn and recognize and teach the students about these types of instances where they may be subjected to verbal\/physical abuse because of their gender identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tracey McMurchy:<\/strong> I have spoken with many residents of Subdivision Two on diversity and inclusion, and the rights of all children. I believe in respect, inclusion, and equality \u2013 especially when it comes to our children and effects on their mental health, well-being, sense of safety, and ability to learn. My son attends Campbell and has a number of friends who have transitioned or are transitioning. I\u2019m so proud of his dedication to being an ally; I wish others found it as easy. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAs Trustee, I would work to ensure that all students and all teachers are treated with respect, feel safe in their surroundings, and maintain a sense of belonging. It is everyone\u2019s responsibility to support and encourage one another, respecting gender identity and sexuality. Creating a supportive environment includes support of GSAs within schools, education and awareness, encouraging the use of preferred pronouns and names, and the opportunity to participate in Pride celebrations. As Trustee, I would listen to students, teachers and the community to further promote inclusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In regard to privacy, I\u2019d hope 2SLGBTQ+ students would be supported and accepted at home for who they are. Sadly, that\u2019s not always the case. So the school should also be a safe place for students and make them feel safe and like they belong and are taken care of. I don\u2019t think the teachers or school officials should be “outing” a student against their will, unless there was a concern that the child was in danger. I think there could be meaningful conversations that could be had that would improve communication between the student and their parents. This must be approached with sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For many, this is a learning and growth experience. As long as there is open-mindedness, acceptance, respect and inclusion, there is progress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any policy related to gender identity that is adopted by Regina Public Schools should be thoughtfully considered with the primary goal of making the affected students feel included, respected and safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt Thompson:<\/strong> I support GSAs and am the only candidate that has publicly stated that I would support and protect 2SLGBTQ+ children in schools. I feel more gender neutral washrooms are needed for students to feel safe and supported.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWill you support the raising of the rainbow flag during Pri\u200bde month?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy:<\/strong> Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson:<\/strong> Yes, I would also support adding a second flag pole to schools, due to the two flag limit that is currently in place so that the Canadian, Pride, and Treaty flags could all be raised at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail:<\/strong> No Comments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Classroom \/ School Supports<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nWill you vote for allocating resources to initiatives that ensure that mental health supports and well-being are integrated into the experiences of students?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail:<\/strong> Yes I will support allocating resources for mental health and well-being of students.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson:<\/strong> I\u2019ve experienced firsthand the lack of mental health supports currently in our school system. There are not enough counsellors and they actually told us we should reach out to children and youth instead due to them not being able to have time. Since the pandemic, stress has elevated for both students and teachers. Teachers are now leaving the profession completely and 1 in 5 students between the ages of 15 and 17 are experiencing severe depression or anxiety. We need more supports for both teachers and students.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy: <\/strong>Yes. I taught Health Education at the University of Regina, in which mental health was a key focus. I also worked in Health Promotion during my time with the Ministry of Health, so I am very much supportive of any initiatives and supports for mental health that are in the best interests of the children.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the maximum number of students you think each classroom should have?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy: <\/strong>Teachers work tirelessly no matter the number of students assigned to their classroom. I admire their commitment, dedication and love for their students. When I taught at the University I felt that having between 20 and 25 students was reasonable. I understand it is hard to compare the two as the ages and needs of students are different but if we are thinking about students\u2019 needs (e.g. time with the teacher for questions and assistance) and teachers\u2019 responsibilities (e.g. time with students, lesson plans, prep, marking), they can be quite similar. I understand that many classrooms have over 25 students and so I will listen to the students, parents, families, teachers and school staff continuously to understand what the needs are, how decisions are affecting them, and how we can do better.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson:<\/strong> I think this depends on the subject being taught. But ideally less than 20. We have far too high of a student teacher ratio right now and need support from the provincial government to lower that. I would advocate and help others advocate for smaller class sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail: <\/strong>I think the ratio should be 1:22 in each classroom, unless or otherwise it is appropriate. We are influenced by the climate, culture and environment where we are and where we make decisions about this ratio.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDo you support expanding school breakfast, lunch and snack programs? Do you agree no child should go hungry at school in Saskatchewan?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail: <\/strong>Yes 100% and I will ask school community councils to initiate this program. Saskatchewan is warm and friendly and we care for every individual. I strongly believe that once it is discussed in SCC\u2019s there will not be a single child who will go hungry. I witnessed how people open their arms to assist others. Generosity is at its best when it comes to children particularly in Saskatchewan.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy: <\/strong>My family came to Canada in 1980 and as newcomers, we did not have much. We moved around a lot in search of affordable housing. I went to seven different elementary schools\u2026 and felt taken care by every school I went to. I was provided food when I was hungry at school. If children are hungry, it is very difficult for them to learn. So yes, I support school meal programs. I want children to feel safe and taken care of, like I did.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson: <\/strong>Yes definitely. There should be no reason that a child should be hungry in school. Hungry children mean a lack of focus and learning will occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWill you advocate against cuts (and cuts to special education supports) and advocate for greater supports and resources for special education?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson: <\/strong>As someone that has had a child that needed extra support in school, I would advocate for greater supports for special education. Public schools should be accessible for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail:<\/strong> Yes I will advocate for additional resources for special needs students and education. I am actually working on a draft to promote accessible playgrounds in different schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy:<\/strong> Yes. The needs of children come first and so parents, families, and teachers need the resources for quality education, including special education supports. It will always be a challenge to find more resources, but this system should serve all students and their needs. I am a 22-year public servant and a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), so I am passionate, empathetic, have a strong voice, and a solid understanding of fiscal constraints and opportunities. I can identify where funding can be used more efficiently and cut red tape (e.g. redundancies, inefficiencies, repetitiveness, things that don\u2019t make sense or hinder progress) in our system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Special Issues<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nWhat do you think should be cut from schools or what do you think should be funded at schools?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail:<\/strong> When I look at education and how it is set up I don’t want to make swift decisions in the long term because we have a short term deficit problem. I won\u2019t compromise on the student’s teacher\u2019s ratio during classroom sessions. I will vote for reductions to facility renovation and contracted services budgets. Transportation efficiencies in light vehicle costs. We can also work on reducing the cost for bus service during field trips as many a parents will be able to support with the transportation cost when class is going for field trips. There are numerous instances where we can reduce the spending and improve the resources in schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson:<\/strong> I think there is a lot of red tape that could be cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy: <\/strong>It is important that the board continues to be thoughtful stewards of public funds. Obviously, tax dollars are finite, and we have to manage with the resources available. I\u2019m not coming into this looking to cut anything; I do want taxpayers to get the best value out of the funding they provide Regina Public Schools. My professional experience will be helpful in this regard. I have a CPA designation, I\u2019m a former Director of Education Funding and am currently leading the province\u2019s red tape reduction efforts. I was responsible for the distribution funding formula. I understand the details of how funding is distributed and reading statements to determine where inefficiencies (red tape) lie and how best to redistribute funding so that students\u2019 needs are met the best way possible with the resources we have. This is what I would bring to the board. Looking at best practices, red tape reduction, and continuous improvement in processes and procedures will help to reduce costs and create efficiencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDo you agree with our current curriculum?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy: <\/strong>The curriculum is directed by the Ministry of Education (many people I\u2019ve spoken with throughout the campaign did not know this). I think we are heading in the right direction in general. Curriculum in Saskatchewan has expanded from the traditional subjects (English, Math, Social Studies) to ensuring students are exposed to learning about diversity and inclusion and acceptance of all. With more newcomers into the province, there is a shift (increase) in the supports required by students from teachers and all staff to teach the curriculum. We just have to recognize that this requires a lot from teachers and should look at what they also need. Having been a sessional instructor at the University of Regina, I taught students who just graduated high school. I applaud the excellent work the teachers and the school system have done to help these students get to a place where they are independent, intelligent, creative, thoughtful, learners. I was very happy when the ministry implemented personal finance as a course that students can take. Financial literacy is important and it\u2019s something that not enough people have. <\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson:<\/strong> For the most part yes, but I feel that we always need to be learning and listening to experts. As someone with a science-based background, I feel that education experts would be best at improving the curriculum and finding things we\u2019ve missed teaching. Also as someone with a science-based background who\u2019s taught university-level labs, I would like to see a bit more emphasis on source material and how to tell if something is legitimate or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail: <\/strong>Canada enjoys the greatest education system in the world, however, there is always a room for improvement and I am sure we can add some additional resources to improve the curriculum. Additional worksheets and additional text books can be added. ICT can also play an important role in improving skills, knowledge, attributes and values in children\u2019s education and academics.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow much physical activity do you think children should get each day at school?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail: <\/strong>As much as they possibly can. It is as important as developing their cognitive skills. It is both the intrinsic and extrinsic environment that develop the children into healthy, productive and responsible students.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy:<\/strong> I worked in Health Promotion at the Ministry of Health and I taught Health Education at the University of Regina, so I am very much in favour of regular physical exercise. Physical activity not only helps overall physical health, it is so important for mental health and well-being. How much exercise depends on individual abilities, but I think as much as possible that can fit into the daily schedule of classes. Depending on what is realistic, teachers can look for ways to incorporate the outdoors and physical activity into the class instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson: <\/strong>I believe physical activity is an important part of the school day. It gets the wiggles out, expels excess energy and has overall many health benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Advocacy<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nThe future of universally accessible public education is under attack. The Saskatchewan Party government has forced school boards to enact cuts, layoffs, introduce user fees, etc. What will you do if the provincial government directs school boards to implement austerity measures that could adversely affect students?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson:<\/strong> I will advocate and help others advocate and lobby for more funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail: <\/strong>Well I only have one sentence, \u201cadvocate for the children and their future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy: <\/strong>I will reiterate that it is important that the board continues to be thoughtful stewards of public funds. Again, this is where my CPA designation, background as former Director of Education Funding and current Director in red tape reduction efforts will be very valuable. I understand financial statements and could examine the line items to ensure efficiencies in spending and accountability. Reducing red tape in our processes and looking at spending through a continuous improvement lens will also help the board and school system as a whole. Understanding how funds are being spent and utilized is important. It will put trustees in a better position to advocate for more funding, being able to explain where the shortfalls are, what we have done to manage and how we could use additional funds to meet students\u2019 and teachers\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWill you work with other school divisions to demand permanent stable funding for public education?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy: <\/strong>Yes, the Regina Public School Board would work with other SDs to seek more stability in funding. Being able to show transparency and fiscal accountability in our operations will also go a long way, in addition to ensuring our strategic direction is sound and reflects what is heard from students, parents, families, teachers, and staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail: <\/strong>Yes this is a great idea and at the end of the day it is not any individual that we are talking about, but the students and their future, in other words, it is our future and our legacy. We need to understand that everything is not politics and we should have a common goal of development of our generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWill you vote to advocate for more provincial resources to fix the school repair backlog and for funding solutions to address this so that students are in safe and comfortable conditions?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson:<\/strong> Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy: <\/strong>Children\u2019s safety is priority and so yes, I would work to allocate more resources to repairs and more long-term solutions that lowers future maintenance costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail:<\/strong> Yes I will.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDo you think all schools should have their extracurricular needs (field trips, technology, gym equipment, playgrounds etc) equally funded by the government or should they be allowed or even required to fundraise and ask for donations?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail: <\/strong>I think donations and fundraising whatever is possible and get some resources by the city grants, grants from different businesses can also help achieving these objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson:<\/strong> I think that by requiring families to pay a certain amount via fundraising, it\u2019s leaving out lower income households that cannot afford this and causes unneeded stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI think to an extent, extracurricular needs should be funded, but there should be a limit. For example, international trips etc, would require some fundraising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, I also think there should be a publicized grant process for underprivileged youth for these as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tracey McMurchy:<\/strong> I have had many of these conversations with parents. The consensus, and also my opinion, is that parents who are able, are fine to share in the fees within reason \u2013 whether it is direct payments, or donations, or through fundraising efforts. To elaborate, I feel that fees could be partially subsidized by the government, as these are part of children\u2019s needs in school, and that the rest can be made up of other components such as parents\u2019 contributions\/donations, and fundraising. Parents also contribute to the fundraising efforts, so if allowed, these would be reasonable approaches to raising money for extracurricular activities. If it causes hardship for parents\/families, there should be a solution developed to manage those situations, as it may vary from school to school.<\/p>\n\n\n\nShould a publicly-funded school board provide services to private schools? Why or why not?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson: <\/strong>No, a publicly-funded school board should only provide funding to public schools. The Public School system is for everyone; by funding private schools, it\u2019s going against this ideology as they (private schools) are only providing education to the select few students.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy: <\/strong>No. I believe public school board resources should allocated to public schools. I think that is what taxpayers expect. <\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail: <\/strong>Yes a publicly-funded school board provide services to private schools in order to have a say in the decisions and policies of private schools. There is another element of transparency and sense of belonging for private schools as they will be forced to maintain the highest standard of education and upheld the constitution of Canada and public school board in private schools. There will an accountability and enforced structure to maintain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n7. Student and Employee Health<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nHow do you intend to keep our schools safe and accessible for all students?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail:<\/strong> It is my belief that \u201cno plan conceived will ever be perfect and cover all situations equally well, but the absence of a plan is often the cause of devastating results.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nSchool board trustees should work with the school management and SCC to ensure to create a committee including management, staff and parents to have the following prevention measures: 1) anti-bullying programs and suicide prevention programs 2). Intervention measures: including the development of protocols for response to threats of violence in schools 3). Postvention measures: including defusing and debriefing responses to schools which have experienced a traumatic events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would like the staff to be fully trained for VTRA level 1 and level 2. Staff should have drills to evacuate the schools frequently and let the students know the safety protocol in the unforeseen event of threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt Thompson:<\/strong> By listening to experts, peer-reviewed research and mandating based on these findings.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy:<\/strong> It is very important for the board to follow the guidelines of public health authorities and recognized experts in the fields of health and safety (for accessibility) in determining how to keep our schools safe and accessible. The board needs to take their recommendations seriously and consider the best options in our decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow would you monitor a school for outbreaks of communicable disease and what is the threshold for notifying the parents? What would you monitor for?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy: <\/strong>Again, I think the board should follow public health guidelines and the professionals in the health field. The board should work with the experts and understand the circumstances, the options available, the experts\u2019 recommendations, and consider all the implications prior to making decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson:<\/strong> This would be something that an expert on communicable diseases would have to develop. I am a geologist and so I would listen to the expert advice as opposed to making rules on things I don\u2019t really understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail: <\/strong>I believe teachers and management should keep a close eye and work closely with local health authorities to understand the outbreaks and preventative measure to keep everyone safe. I believe RPSB did a splendid job during pandemic and parents were also kept abreast with all the necessary steps that were taken by school management during Covid-19 pandemic. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDo you support the administration of vaccines at schools?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMatt Thompson:<\/strong> Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTracey McMurchy: <\/strong>Yes, I do. I think that anything that makes accessibility to vaccines easier for people is a good thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNasir Sohail: <\/strong>Yes since every school have different set of families and students therefore vacancies needs to be administered by schools as the school management will understand exactly how many teaching and non-teaching staff they need. Proper protocol should be followed with audit system in order to avoid exploitation of the resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow do you think schools should manage sick children? Acknowledging not all parents are able to arrange child care to keep them home when sick.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n