Stellar

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Ward A, Edmonton Public School Trustee Candidate, Jasper Place Public Library Terminal #IV, Edmonton, Alberta

September IIIrd, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

The staff at Hardisty School appear II have this welcome II our school thing nailed down pat. For this, they definitely need II be commended. Having the new kids come days in advance II give them a tour of the Hardisty facility's will make them feel less stressed on Registration Day. Sure, like any new situation, a person(s) can be nervous in anticipation of seeing whether or not they'll fit in. But the Hardisty staff have seen that the children who were forced out of their schools at Fulton Place & Capilano are just like one of the gang. Like they had belonged there the whole time. They are making them feel equal II any already registered Hardisty student of the past/present. Thats just awesome.

I of course realize that some of the other kids chose to go II other feeder schools such as Goldbar. But the idea that each kid is welcomed with respect teaches them II respect others as they grow inII young adulthood & then subsequently their post-secondary years initial working years. Teach them that they are welcome members of society in a school setting & they'll pass that common sense onto future generations.

Watch Susan Amerongen on CTV News Edmonton's School Zone,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal, Sarah O'Donnell.