Politics

Last January, I wrote a letter to several government officials complaining about the services for students or lack there of in small communities. My letter was filled with concern regarding several issues found in small town schools in the northern rural schools. I received several response letters and my superintendent also responded with, "what's going on?" I should have, at the very least, CC'd her the letter.

I found out that there is a protocol with regards to letter writing if you are a principal of a school or work for the government in any capacity. First, you send the letter to your supervisor, who will give you advice with regards to content, or will address the issues if he or she can. Then the letter is passed on to the deputy minister - you don't send a letter directly to the minister of the portfolio that is directly responsible for your paycheck. I didn't get into too much trouble, but my letters did generate some responses from the ministers to whom I had sent the letters.

One such response, I received just the other day, from the Honorable Gene Zwozdesky. He did apologize for not responding sooner, citing changes in the transition to a new Cabinet on Jan. 15, 2010. Anyway, this letter was actually helpful. It gave me names and phone numbers of people who might be able to help me get more services for the students, including the High Prairie Public Health Office,  the Breakfast for Learning Alberta contact, Meg Irwin, and Alberta Aboriginal Health Coordinator for the Northwest Zone, Bev Moylan.

We do have a Breakfast for Learning Program at our school, offered free every day to every student who wishes to participate. Some years, we are also able to offer hot lunch, one day a week, in a cold winter month, to all students free of charge under this same program. We also are in contact with our local Public Health Office regarding health issues such as body image, H1N1 and lice. We have had presentations to our students involving body image and self esteem. Our own district central office has been able to employ a dietitian or nutritionist that provides each staff member with resources in the areas of health promotion and safety, and active living. We also have First Nations Metis and Inuit (FNMI) coordinators at the division level and in our schools that provide us with advice and help us bring the aboriginal cultural perspective into our classrooms and schools.

I do feel that we have many resources we can use in the prevention of injury, and promotion of healthy living. However, when we are faced with the aftermath of broken homes, poverty, and family violence, it is difficult to get psychologists, social services, aboriginal healers, etc. to come see our students. It is the task of getting support for students and parents who are hurting and feeling isolated, that I find frustrating. That doesn't mean I'm giving up.

Plans for the new school year include involving certified staff in the FNMI coordination at the school level, continuing with our Breakfast for Learning program, maintaining close relationships with local and nearby agencies such as Public Health and Child and Family Services, and Student Health Partnership, and involving the community and parents in our day to day activities and special events. At the school level, we will continue with our reading goal, incorporate a school wide writing program, and begin a review of our discipline procedures. Weekly assemblies will introduce and review expectations, school rules, monthly themes and allow students and staff to recognize each others' talents and to pray together.

On a professional, political note, a new goal this year, for myself is to spend more time connecting with staff, parents and community in order to find local resources for our students. Our school will continue to have a school improvement team. However, involving local community members and parents more, is another goal for the new year. In addition, I will continue to solicit support from government agencies that are responsible in our area for the welfare of children and families. If I feel the need to 'complain' again, I will be using the proper protocol. After all, I have found over the course of last year, that my superintendent is an excellent resource in light of her experiences and vision as educator. In fact, if there is one thing that I should take into this next school year, our superintendent is not only my direct supervisor, but she is also our students', staff's, and schools' biggest fan. Her knowledge of the education system and her enthusiasm for improvement are just a couple of her talents we could use a lot more of in our line of work.

My job as principal will be to supervise, advise, and connect students, staff, parents, and community in the business of education. It might sound simple, but it is anything but. Every year, I look forward to beginning again, with excitement and enthusiasm! I love school!