The XCV (95) Thesis

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XXXIst, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Not only is October XXXIst a night II have fun with your kids trick or treating IV All Hallow's Eve, its the date that the Lutheran Church was born with its creator, Martin Luther (a German monk) placing up his XCV (95) Thesis IV all to see. So the birth of the Protestant Reformation & a step towards the ever evolving christian Church in the early XVIth Century. Yes this caused a schism between Protestants & Catholics, but it is a fascinating tidbit inII a great offshoot religion.

IV more stories on the Lutheran Church & other great religions of the world, students should look at taking Religious Studies XV-XXXV (15-35) through the sublime St. Gabriel Storefront Cybernetics Catholic (Public) School in St. Albert. Or through any school in the province that offers this as part of the High School curriculum. Plus there are many fine religious classes in Elementary, Junior High School, & as post-secondary options province wide. Its not just Christianity out there, no its a world full of great religions.

New Perspectives & Teachings,

Rory

Source: Www.NewAdvent.Org.

You Can't Put A Price On Education

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2
October XXXth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

So Congressman/Dr. Ron Paul (& Presidential Candidate) states that the United States should get out of public financing of education altogether. I must vociferously disagree. Yes the United States of America hit $1 Trillion United States Dollars in debt last week. But thats b/c of bad decisions by governing bodies, not anything these students have done. Many school boards & post-secondary institutions are suffering tremendously b/c of cutbacks. Candidate Paul says that students should rely more on their family's to pay. Well family's don't have the money in many situations b/c of the lack of jobs & infrastructure troubles going on in America. Many students want to go to trade schools, but there are almost zero jobs in manufacturing being created in America anymore, so there isn't a real incentive IV them II want II go on & add to their debt load. So Dr. Paul is just talking about a wealth transfer from government to private individuals, it can't be done, there are no funds. Just as Alison has ordered the $107 million restored to Alberta schools, the U.S. & state governments need to find more monies IV education at this critical juncture, not less.

Educate Not Deviate,

Rory

Source: Cable News Network's (CNN's): "State Of The Union With Candy Crowley."

Common Sense

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2
October XXIXth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

I've had several students complain to me about not being able II print off copies of their Statement Of Courses & Marks &/or High School Transcripts right from the internet. To me, this kind of complaining is just egregious & grandstanding. The people at XLIV (44) Capital Boulevard where you are now the boss of do the best that they can. They don't send Transcripts or Statements Of Marks out by email or by web to ensure that every single High School in this Province has privacy & total quiet respect when receiving their grades. By sending out all of the documents via mail, or providing over the counter service at their facility, these amazing staffers are just protecting the rights of students not to have every Tom, Dick, & Harry know what their grades are on any particular subject or subjects.

The CSP Helpdesk,
Rory

Source: The Government Of Alberta, Ministry of Education.

Vincent Price

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XXVIIIth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Talk about an overbearing & unneeded reaction. Administrators have banned scary costumes at Halloween at Earl Buxton Elementary School & LaPerle Elementary School in the Edmonton Public District are banning schools b/c they don't want kids too be frightened, etc. Oh my gosh, this is political correctness gone mad, nay absolutely insane! All Hallow's Eve is about "ghosts & goblins & witches brew." So its a little scary, thats the idea, to be fun scary & all pretend, so that kids know its not real, just a fun time II be with their family & friends, getting candy & going IV a walk meeting their neighbors. Or perhaps even attending a Halloween party. If scary costumes were always allowed beIV & no 1 is complaining, then why the change?

Unbelievable,

Rory

Source: "CTV Edmonton News At V With Carrie Doll." Reporter: Jessica Earle.

Insane Beyond Words

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2
October XXVIIth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Having just taken the Aboriginal Studies X component course IV high school through the highly esteemed St. Albert Outreach Protestant High School, I can truly say what a great people these folks are. I didn't just see the course, I lived it by talking to members of the Red Earth Society in NE Edmonton & then having a chat with band officials at the Enoch Casino just west of Edmonton on their reserve. It breaks my heart to see as a columnist states today in the paper that 43.7% of aboriginal students hold no form of paper, not even a high school diploma, much less a post-secondary certificate/diploma/degree designation of any kind. Thomas, thats just an appalling figure.

We Need II Change That,

Rory

Source: The Vancouver Sun, Fazil Mihlar.

Let Your Fingers Do The Walking

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XXVIth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA

Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Great idea at the Meadowlark Canada/Alberta Employment Centre. The staff there suggested II me that I carry around in my vehicle a paper copy of the Yellow Pages. In this way, if I am given slightly wrong information IV contacting an employer I can check it w/o having to resort to trying to find a computer. I can then see if there might be a contact number or a a slight mistake on my part in recording the address. This is a great tip IV post-secondary students & students in general who have a vehicle & may have forgotten their cell/Ipad/Blackberry at home & who might be trying II say get to an interview on time.

Its Not All Black & White,

Rory

Source: Www.YellowPages.Ca.

Loballed

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XXVth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA

Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

So Actress Lindsay Lohan is apparently posing or at least considering doing so IV Playboy magazine & has been offered a $1 million U.S. payday II do so. Sure she needs the money & such, but is this an example to set IV her young female (& male) fans who might want II emulate her & study acting? No of course it isn't. Constantly sneaking drugs & booze. Constantly defying her court ordered community service. Its time Miss Lohan got her life together, say no II further degrading herself in Playboy (& other venues) & started back on her addiction treatment programs! If she wants II be an Oscar (TM) winner some day, or have a future, she'll set an example IV acting students & make things right in the future.

Emotionally Abused & Constantly Used,

Rory

Source: The Vancouver Sun, Leah Collins.

Not So Grande Prairie

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XXIVth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

So a second batch of four students struck down in their prime. Some god damned idiot drove drunk & gets out on bail the next day IV a mere $2,000.00. I tell you Thomas those boys lives are worth a hell of a lot more than $500.00 apiece.

Heartbreaking,

 

Rory

Source: "CTV National News With Lisa LaFlamme": Reporter: Janet Dirks.

What A Shame

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XXIVth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

So they buried those teenagers from Magrath Junior-Senior High School this weekend. Four lives lost IV no reason except driver inexperience & poor road conditions. Four students whose full potential will never be realized. So long Jorden Miller, Clay Card, Renzo Dainard, Danae Gough.

My Thoughts & Prayers Are With The School & Their Family's,

Rory

Source: The Calgary Herald, Sherri Zickefoose.

SCTV Is Now On The Air

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XXIIIrd, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Students who want to be artisans, actors, comedians, & actors could do no better than II go & see the "Die-Nasty" Edmonton Improvisational Theatre Comedy Troupe on Monday's at the 7:30pm at the Varscona Theatre. As it happens, I was invited out to their performance at the Citadel Theatre Saturday night as part of Edmonton's Inaugural Comedy Festival. They had Special Guest & SCTV Alumnus Joe Flaherty there dressed up as "Count Floyd", one of his greatest comedic characters. The most unscary vampire in human history, but certainly the one with the most braggadocio.

It was hilarious, the actors & actresses played off of eachother brilliantly & since the show is 100% improvised every night, they have no idea what the other people on stage from one minute to the next. So future artistic students who might want II take in some Die-Nasty performances in the future. They can pick up many of the finer points of staging, acting, playing off one another & working as a team. These folks have it down II a science as they realize that comedic timing is working as a group IV sharing laughs instead of being mean-spirited & hogging the limelight IV themselves as individuals.

Floyd Robertson Meets Guy Caballero,

Rory

Source: Www.Casaannett.Com/VarsonaTheatre/Die-Nasty/Die-Nasty_Web/Html.

Labor Fairness

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XXIInd, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

There seems II be a big war between Brandon University professors & University administrators over a new contract. So much so that the professors have asked IV a mediator, which can lead II binding arbitration. Shades of the federal government coming in & threatening II force workers back to work like the Canada Post employees. As you are a former Employment & Immigration Minister, you can see the value in treating our educators here in Alberta fairly. Lets hope this dispute in the great province of Manitoba is solved fairly & that future labor peace & fair negotiation is conducted here in Alberta.

Salary Grids,

Rory

Source: The Winnipeg Free Press, Brandon, Manitoba.

I Wish I Was XVIII (18) Again

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., The Edmonton Journal Eastgate Production Facility Employee Computer #II, Edmonton, Alberta

October XXIst, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Why is it that so many children are dropping out of High School these days? Seems II me that the step by David (your predecessor) to raise the dropout age from XVI to XVII was a wise one. However, I feel that it should be raised to XVIII. If at XVIII you are an adult, then as a XVII year old, you must realize that you wait till you are actually an adult beIV being allowed the choice II drop out.

Having students stay in school that extra year will give them the time to make an informed choice as to their future. Eg.: Whether that be in the trades, post-secondary, or strictly right to a career.

Lets Up The Age Limit,

Rory

Source: Myself.

Scouts (Dis)honor

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2


October XXIst, MMXI


Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Excellent guest reportage by Diana Swain on CBC News's "The Fifth Estate" together with assistance & the combined forces of the reknowned Los Angeles Times. Scouts Of America & Scouts Canada are being exposed IV keeping records of pedophiles & sexual sadists who were Scout Leaders & kicked out. Lawyers fighting IV these victims had to go all the way II the Washington Supreme Court to get those files. Scouts Of America never told Scouts Canada that a Leader was a pervert & vice versa. A total conspiracy & a total coverup. These young boys did not deserve II lose their sexual innocence. Scouting is about male bonding, camping, learning to work as a team & survive on your own in emergency's. Its about learning II be a young man & shaping these boys into being good citizens & into volunteerism.

Shocked,

Rory

Source: The Los Angeles Times & Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's (CBC's): "The Fifth Estate." Reporter: Diana Swain.

Brother Leader My Ass

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XXIst, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA

Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Well the nutbar Colonel/Brother Leader Moammar Gadhafi is dead. It couldn't have happened II a nicer guy. I don't normally endorse capital murder, but this psychotic idiot deserved his fatal end IV all of the crap he's pulled over the years. Students of history need to know that Gadhafi constantly stated that it was wrong IV people II try & kill him. But in the same breath, he admits staffers in his government ordered the bombing of PAN AM Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Gadhafi admits this action took place & pays the family's of the victims 2.3 billion U.S. $ as restitution. What an inconsistent hypocrite.

Gadhafi stated he was in charge but horded billions in foreign numbered bank accounts & that left Libya short of cash IV things such as infrastructure, health care, schools. Students need II be taught in their Social Studies classes that the way Gadhafi operated as a person is not how they should set themselves out to be. The man killed Thousands of his own citizenry, his death makes theirs seem less painful.

Horrifying & Humbling,

Rory

Source: Www.Blog.Nj.Com.

Sexually Exploited And IVEver Destroyed

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., The Edmonton Journal Eastgate Production Facility Employee Computer #VI, Edmonton, Alberta

October XXth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Did you hear about this asswipe in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The guy rapes & forcibly confines his daughters IV years & his wife aids in the deed. Talk about an ugly education in sexual exploitation. Young men & women need to learn about the "birds & the bees" in school, through health seminars, as well as through the discovery of eachother in boyfriend/girlfriend relationships. I mean your a father of II daughters Thomas. The guy held them, nay imprisoned them 24/7/365 for 7.5 years. What a scumbucket! Hurting your own children with daily raping & sodomizing. Its beyond sick. This man deserves termination off of the Earth. Instead he'll get III squares a day until he dies. I feel sorry IV those young ladies.

Disgusted,

Rory

Source: Myself.

The Beedie School of Business

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XXth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Looks like Simon Fraser University has an MBA session here in Edmonton tonight from 5:30pm-7pm. Its happening at the Delta Edmonton South. Simon Fraser has an extremely good business reputation & I as a Bachelor of Administration graduate myself am certainly curious II see what they have II offer me & other potential students.

Business Casual,

Rory

Source: Www.Beedie.Sfu.Ca.

The Man Of Steel Equals Beetle Bailey

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XIXth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Having just worked through my temporary placement agency IV the last III days at Bailey Metal Products Ltd. in SE Edmonton just off of 50th Street & Roper Road, I can say I was truly impressed. We need Thomas II stress the importance of metal fabrication, production, & assembly line as a career IV students. I was treated with dignity & respect, from the Production Manager Wes on down to my production line partner, Bruce. Plant Ops Manager Steve & Region GM Bob were also quite courteous in making sure was comfortable at the worksite.

Sam Bailey, the initial founder of Bailey Metal Products Ltd. had a dream II have his own metal fabrication shop, he started out small & now his firm is nation wide. With offices in several Canadian cities, this is truly a great company across this great Dominion. Bailey has been serving Canadians & their housing needs IV over VI decades now, a proud tradition II be sure.

We need these manufacturing jobs & we need II encourage Canadians to go to trade schools such as the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) so they can get the skills they need to perform well at these jobs. Its not less of a job to work in manufacturing & labor than it is II be a professional. Farmers, hunters, railworkers, & other tradespeople made this nation. Lets tell students II go II work IV Bailey Metal Products Ltd. & other manufacturing firms so that we can keep making this nation better & better IV future generations.

Steely Dan,

Rory

Source: Www.Bmp-Group.Com.

Raising Awareness

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XIXth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Seems rather sad that another teen has killed themselves over being gay. XV year gay student Jamie Hubley was a good student, had friends, liked studying but couldn't take the peer pressure & insults lobbed at him. of course there will always be taunts from homophobic persons & kids who are just taught to be full of hatred & yes A.Y. Jackson School did what they could to provide administrative support. However, the Ottawa Catholic School Board needs II be more progressive on this like the Edmonton Public School Board & see if there are more ways that depressed kids (gay or straight) can be helped beIV they reach the grave decision to possible (or IV sure) terminate themselves.

A Sad Waste,

Rory

Source: The Ottawa Citizen, Matthew Pearson.

IV

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2
October XVIIIth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Seems that the Grant MacEwan Team Golf Squads have quashed the competition so fiercely this year that they are off to Nationals in Roseneath, Prince Edward Island. Both the ladies & the men won the Provincial crowns & their coaches, Jodi Campbell & Alan Riley won coach of the year honors. Truly an amazing program that Golf Management Studies Diploma. As a regular Management Studies Diploma graduate of MacEwan, I am truly proud that my old alma mater is doing so well on fairway.

Going For A Birdie,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Examiner, Trevor Robb.

Orchidestral

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XVIIth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Orchids: Mystery & Romance is a display that runs from Oct. VIIIth-XXIIIrd at the Muttart Conservatory. Get your lovely wife to take your kids down there to see this beautiful flower at work. Students who are interested in horticulture, agriculture, forestry, botany & other floral related industries will definitely appreciate seeing this gorgeous floral display & what other flowers/plants/shrubs/trees the Muttart has to offer. It is a delight IV both the nasal passages & visually impeccable. A truly great place II spend the afternoon!

Orchidstrated,

Rory

Source: The New Manitoba Orchid Society.

Shades Of Grey

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XVIth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Our thoughts & prayers must go II the family & friends of Jolene Cote, a Grade IX teacher killed beIV her time. I am especially sad IV her two little children who will lose their mother at age XXXVI (36.) My age, how frightening. She apparently taught at Greystone School in the Parkland School Division. Her fellow teachers, students, friends, & family all loved her & she was not just a great teacher, but a great volunteer with school activity's & in the community. Lets hope the Royal Canadian Mounted Police can bring her killer under arrest swiftly.

In Memoriam,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal, Julianna Cummins & Jana G. Pruden.

Carlito's Way

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2


October XVth, MMXI


Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns


Dear Thomas:


Is this really the right message II be sending II the students of this great province? Appointing Carl Benito, MLA to the education committee, a man who has given less than $10,000.00 of a promised $440,000.00 in salary to youth with an awards banquet through his "Carl Benito Scholastic Awards Of Excellence." A man who says he'd work for a $1.00 a month, plus his gas & meals allowance. This was b/c he'd done "very well" in real estate. I say IV shame on Premier Redford, this quite frankly is an embarrassment of an appointment. I do not know what kind of respect Carl brings to your caucus, he can't even make sure his wife stays an ethical person & lets her fall behind on paying his property tax bills. Whats he going to do with the extra $20,000.00 in committee salary, also not give it to the students?! Reminicent of Stephen Carter!

A Financial Deadbeat,


Rory


Source: Myself.

Je Ne Sais Quoi

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin, #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XIVth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Look at what is happening at the Art Gallery of Alberta starting tomorrow. Its a display called: "A Passion IV Nature: Landscape Painting From XIXth Century France." This sounds awesome as Renoir, Courbet, Monet & other great Impressioniste painters lived & created arts that were just & are just ever so spellbinding to this day.

Tie this in with a lecture on the Impressioniste period entitled "The Judgment de Paris" by author Ross King on Sunday, October XXIIIrd at IIPM & students of art will have a true gold mine of fascinating art information coming their way!

Vive Le France,

Rory

Source: Www.YourAga.Ca.

Charging InII Battle

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XIIIth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

I've got to give you & Premier Redford a lot of credit. Restoring the educational cutbacks right out of the gate, beIV you guys left the swearing in at Government House. That took my good sir a lot of integrity & courage. Your following directions well, considering I saw you in the Gary Mar Campaign Offices when I stopped in there for coffee, I am impressed at your ability to get right down II work IV the new boss.

Now Lets Go Help The Kids,

Rory

Source: Myself.

A New Day Has Come

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XIth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Congrats on your transfer over II the Education Ministry. I certainly wish you much success in your new portfolio & the administrative oversight of the restored funding. To be fair to Former Minister Dave Hancock, those cuts were foisted upon him by Premier Stelmach & he was also treated shabbily when the Former Premier slagged teachers for being uncooperative on finances. This from a man who'll get close to a million in pension buyout pay IV putting Alberta billions more into debt. Nice work if you can get it. I also feel that Premier Redford appointed you b/c you have two young daughters & so can provide a fresh prospective of that of a young father!

Best Of Luck,

Rory

Source: The Cabinet, Government of Alberta, Government House Swearing In.

Here, Let Me Lend You A Hand

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October XIth, MMXI

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

Dear David:

So a school in England is insisting kids put up their thumbs instead of stretching out their hands in the air. This is to promote a more relaxed or "cool" atmosphere in the stress of a classroom setting. To me this sounds ridiculous, like educators out of control. On the other "thumb" as it were, it will save the students the pain in the arm & hand that is caused by continuously holding it up while waiting to (perhaps) be called upon.

So I Say "Aaaaaaaay",

Rory

Source: The National Ledger, Angela Carson.

Senors Et Senoras

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October Xth, MMXI

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

Dear David:

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund in the United States seems like a great concept. Its goal is to promote diversity in learning & gives to other races besides Hispanics. Unlike some of the African-American or other educational funds down there (even up here), this fund takes the needs of all II heart.

Its not just the financial aspect of getting Hispanics & others to towards getting a post-secondary degree &/or certificate. No, the fund provides financial & social support to make sure the student & their family's have a decent life quality while their family member is in school. Plus, they help provide the student with a sense of comfort while they embark on their new career & try to ensure their family has the basic necessities given to them so they know they have hope.

Leaders In Education,

Rory

Source: Www.Hsf.Net.

McDonald's Would Be Rather Upset With These Two Teen Girls

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October IXth, MMXI

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I was sitting in the Meadowlark McDonald's yesterday having my lunch as I was getting ready for my 1-9:30PM job. Two teenage girls with cellphones approached me & my neighbor as we were eating together. They said we seemed rather friendly & asked us to give them a ride to West Edmonton Mall. My neighbor & I were horrified, complete strangers asking II men they do not know IV a ride, totally improper. First of all, we are adult males (with my neighbor being senior) & they are underage girls. I bloody well told the girls how inappropriate their request was & how they needed to use their cellphones to call their family &/or friends IV a ride.

The girls responded by saying no one wanted to drive them. I then asked them if they are taught about safety issues & staying away from strangers. My neighbor then advised the girls to catch an Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) bus along 87 Avenue going west or call a local cab company. We gave them the numbers for Barrel & Checker Cabs. There needs to be a lesson review given to these girls & other teens about how wrong it is to trust someone you do not even know.

Graciously,

Rory

Source: Myself.

What Goes Up Must Come Down

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October VIIIth, MMXI

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

Dear David:

What a unique & fascinating situation we have here with Edmonton Public School Board Chairman Dave Colburn commenting on school achievement testing scores. He almost seems surprised that many of the scientific & math scores are going down while others are going up. This is only logical as there were some educational cutbacks, so naturally some students affected by those cutbacks are possibly going to get lower grades if they lost teachers & say teacher aide help.

"We do have challenges in the area of our diploma results" says Chairman Colburn. Well of course you Dave, its the law of averages, some schools are going to perform better than others depending on how well the course materials were laid out in context II the exams as well as the intelligencia level of every student at every test structure & level will vary. In other years, lower scoring schools will rise & overtake other schools. Chairman Colburn, its just the way things of working out. All we can do is keep on working harder & harder IV the students.

My Compliments II Edmonton Catholic Schools On Their Above Average Scores,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Sun, Angelique Rodrigues.

Female Excellence

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin. #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2
October VIIth, MMXI

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

Dear David:

How about that, IV 89 minutes now we've had a female Premier! This proves David that female students of all ages, races, & background can possibly succeed all the way II the top & not have to worry about their gender being a barrier.

Congrats Alison,

Rory

Source: The Office Of The Premier, Room #307, Legislature Bvilding.

Religiosity Intolerance

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October VIth, MMXI

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Is this ever a ludicrous attack on Christianity. At a public school in Fremont, Nebraska: a XII (12) year old student named Elizabeth Carey cannot where her rosary II school as its considered a gang symbol. This happened while she was attending elementary school last year. This is an unmitigated disaster, Liz wants to wear a necklace that shows off her pride in her Catholic faith. But, she's stopped & yet its okay IV Sikh young males to carry kirpans inII American & Canadian schools b/c they are religious daggers. Religious with a serrated edge that is, plus they could maim &/or kill someone or even a number of students. The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska is right to get involved.

The policy is just pitting one religion against another! Why is it okay IV Sikhism to be respected & kirpans to be allowed into a school, but Christian children such as Liz have to worship at home? It seems like a double standard to me David!

What About You,

Rory

Source: American Broadcasting Corporation News (ABC's) "KETV" Affiliate: Fremont, Nebraska.

Working The Day Shift

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October Vth, MMXI

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

Dear David:

Did you see Wildrose Alliance Leader Danny Smith's press conference in a daycare? She richly deserves laudits IV talking about increasing daycare funding & ensuring daycare students & their family's are put first. Might be an initiative that your Government's new Minister of Children's Services can list.

Like Sands Of The Hourglass: So Are The Days Of Our Lives,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Sun, Damien Wood.

Elections Aplenty

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October IVth, MMXI

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

Dear David:

Students of democracy like me & you can appreciate that we have VII (7), thats VII provincial & territorial election writs this year. What with Alison Redford becoming the new PC Alberta Leader & a possible Alberta writ in the next year, its a great time II teach students about elections & the parliamentary process. Our friends in Prince Edward Island (many of them first time student voters) just reelected Premier Robert Ghiz & the PEI Liberals. While I do not like Premier Ghiz, he has equaled his father, the late Premier Joe Ghiz & won a second consecutive term. He deserves credit IV achieving this.

An election writ just ended in the North West Territories as well. There they have a consensus government where the elected MLA's choose the cabinet & Premier. Truly fascinating indeed. The great citizens of William Wade Izzard's home province of Manitoba vote this evening. Let us hope the Member IV Winnipeg-River Heights, & Manitoba Liberal Leader Dr. Jon Gerrard survives. He is a good man.

Then on Thursday we have a total dogfight of nastiness in Ontario. Things are looking like a minority government IV Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty or even a flip to PC Leader Tim Hudak. The excitement is awesome here as Ontario is a very important economic engine II this country's tax base. So its important to have a good government there b/c of its high population. Don't let democracy fail, vote!

Elections Never End,

Rory

Source: Myself.

Family Mementos

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October IIIrd, MMXI

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Lets be clear David, the importance of taking family pictures to preserve memories is key in the school environment. Its not just IV taking class pictures, but IV taking pictures of students with their friends, as well as pictures of students while they are accomplishing goals so that the memories are preserved IVever. Eg.: Say an accomplishment in a class, or an athletic achievement that is not just good IV the school, but IV the very soul of that student(s). A positive memory that they can talk about & orate excitely on to their own kids when they enter school.

Say Cheese,

Rory

Source: Myself.

Miracle On The Prairies According II Doug Elniski All Is As It Should Be With The World

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.,#203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

October IInd, MMXI

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

Dear David:

Thast was quite the freakin' barnburner. Ugly, down to Doug Horner's votes being split up. Down & dirty in the gutter & mud, J.R. Ewing style politics. That was just beyond exciting. 1:53am when the result was called out, totally amazing. Candidates Horner, Mar, & Redford all ran great campaigns. Only 1,613 votes seperating winner from loser. Stellar. I drove a Chinese Canadian student named Yusan home who is taking courses towards a Master's of Science Degree at the University Of Alberta. He being an immigrant who is now is a Canadian citizen loved the thrill of the democratic fight. 51.1% to 48.9%, you can't get much closer than that! 

Awesome,

Rory

Source: The Honourable Member IV Calgary-Elbow & Leader Of The Progressive Conservative Association Of Alberta & Premier-Elect, The Province Of Alberta.

Just The Kick In The Pants You And Ed Needed David

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2
October Ist, MMXI

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

Dear David:

As I enter this Mth &(1,000th), I have II give kudos to Brian Mason, MLA, Leader of Alberta's New Democratic Party Opposition. Their lead on the education file & your atrocious cuts has been stellar. Quite frankly, they kick the Wildrose Alliance & the Alberta Liberals in the nuts here with being more effective on the matter with only II MLA's than all the other opposition combined.

I certainly do not generally conform II the socialist viewpoint on most things, but Brian & his cohort, Rachel Notley, MLA have both been stellar. The cuts while II a degree needed have been quite unfair, considering again the fact that you & Premier Edward Michael negotiated the teacher agreements in the first place in exchange IV V years of labor peace.

Give Peace, Thats Labor Peace A Chance,

Rory

Source: The Honourable Member IV Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood.