The Needs Of The Many Must Outweigh The Needs Of The Few Or The One

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

November XXXth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

These childcare courses through Edmonton Catholic Schools Online are quite the "Revelation." I am taking Child Care Studies (CCS) 3110 through Revelation Online School & am thoroughly amazed at the quality of its content. Not II mention the fact there is a staggering amount of material II learn when a person is thinking of entering the profession of childcare. You wind up having II put the child(ren) beIV yourself.

Fascinating,

Rory

Source: Www.Ecsd.Net/Online_Courses/About.Html.

Art XXXI (31)

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

November XXIXth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

I must confess II having just really enjoying the Art XXXI experience. I just finished up the last II modules & now look forward to hearing of my final grade. I've also taken Art XI (11) & Art XXI (21) & Art X (10), Art XX (20), & Art XXX (30.) I never had an appreciation for art beIV as much as I do now. Cristin Raven-Jackson, B. Ed. (R.J. just like me, R.J. Koopmans, how cool is that duplicate initials) is just an excellent teacher. She also teaches design fundamentals & fashion. Definitely unique areas of talent IV students II have. I think St. Albert Outreach Protestant High School is definitely the place II be!

Art Carney,

Rory

Source: Www.Outreach.SpSchools.Org.

The Lost Generation

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

November XXVIIIth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

I don't know if you saw the report on last night's "60 Minutes." But its getting worse & worse down in the United States & not better. In America, just about XXV% (25%) of America's children are homeless. CBS News Correspondent Scott Pelley interviewed kids who had II live in their vehicles, including II that lived with their widower father. The daughter wanted to still be a Dr. when she eventually graduates. So it was a triumph of her youth & the American spirit that she still, despite being homeless believed that life will eventually get better.

Fully 1/3rd of the homeless students are living in Florida alone. The Sunshine State isn't all that sunny IV them. Their even being kicked out of motels b/c their family's resources have run out. Its quite frankly appalling & thats what keeps "60 Minutes" numero uno in the ratings for XLIII.V (43.5) straight years: they focus on the family & the raw emotions of what makes people tick, not just the story, but the one behind it. School buses have to pick up these kids at the motels & even on street corners, its so sad, so devastating & in a country thats supposed to be so great like America: appalling. Kids even have to use gas station & YMCA & hostel restrooms just to get showered & changed IV school. They use different ones each week so as not to piss off mangers & owners. I cannot imagine that type of humiliation Thomas, can you?

We Must Pray That Life Gets Better IV Students & IV Their Family's Worldwide,

Rory

Source: Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) Television News's : "60 Minutes": A CBS News Magazine: Correspondent: Scott Pelley.

Nancy Davis Reagan Republican California

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

Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

November XXVIIth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA

Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

So let me get this straight, law enforcement officials at the University of California-Davis peppered sprayed students who were participating in a legal protest over exorbinant fees that are well above inflation & that wasn't interfering with any other party on campus. How in the hell does that make sense Thomas? Its called the right to free speech & unlike the Occupy Edmonton movement, the UC Davis students were just planning on getting out there message & then moving on. I mean whats wrong with that Thomas? Frankly, there's nothing wrong with it. Maybe the Davis University Police Chief & the University Chancellor ought II retire early or fire a few asses.

Unfreaking Believable,

Rory

Source: Www.OccupyDavis.Org & Www.UprisingRadio.Org.

The Northern Lights Are Spectacular At Night From The Darkness And Embers of a Campfire

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

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

Dear Thomas:

Perhaps it was a fluke, or perhaps it was by design. But yesterday I received a double-hit of advertising about what a great school that the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is. First, I was dropping off a disabled senior at the Jasper Place Bus Terminal when I saw a NAIT ad hyping some of the great degrees that they offer. It took up the whole side of the bus, needless II say I was mightily impressed at this full on & huge display of educational positivity in advertising.

I then walked inII the Woodcroft Westmount Public Library a couple of hours later to pick up a book my mother had on hold at that location. There was a circular there in the front entrance way promoting Info Session nights at the Main Campus. The next one coming up is on Wednesday, December VIIth, MMXI at 12:15PM-2:10PM & also 6PM-8PM. With the two different times being set up in place II reach students that work different shifts. Just of course so they all have the potential II go there.

Having attended NAIT as both a Pre-Technology & Pre-Business Student. Not to mention as a Summer Hockey Camp Attendee, I can truly attest II its greatness as a school. I certainly suggest to anyone that wants to attend the Info Sessions that they should look at NAIT's website IV address & contact information IV the Main Campus.

Campus Life Can Be Grand,

Rory

Source: Www.Ets.Ca & Www.Epl.Ca & Www.Nait.Ca

Grant MacEwan University Is Truly The Place II Be

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

November XXVth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

As evidenced by their Winter MMXI Alumni News Catalogue, Grant MacEwan University is the place to be. Canada's top country awards, MMXI Distinguished Alumni Awards, a new President (& thereIV a new direction) taking place at the helm, plus XL (40) years of memories & adding more new ones each & every day. Then there is the plethora of classes & fascinating class situation that this fine school offers up.

Mac & Cheese,

Rory

Source: Www.MacEwan.Ca.

Pennile State

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

November XXIVth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

The cover up by Coach Joe Paterno & other administrative officials at Penn State University is beyond sick, disgraceful really. Fired Coach Jerry Sandusky admits II showering & playing games with boys while nude, or at least partially undressed. I mean he has admitted this on open broadcast microphones, the cops never even asked him, he just volunteered it up. This is one sick puppy. These reports that Coach Joe sold his assets to his wife in advance, & that other Penn State people sold assets off in advance beIV the scandal broke shows that they knew the spit was going II hit the fan.

Lets let the process go through & if Sandusky is even guilty of just one single offense, lets nail him to the wall. Plus, to top it off, the boy who came forward with the child molestation allegations got bullied IV his troubles. So these jag off students & adults who bullied him would rather have Sandusky assaulting & raping kids rather than lose their storied football program. Now thats what i call demented beyond belief!

Unneeded Suffering,

Rory

Source: The New York Post, Leonard Greene.

Dumpster Diving

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

November XXIIIrd, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

I cannot believe the horror of the XXX year old mother in Calgary, disposing of not just 1 of her babies in dumpsters, but all III, with the first two to never have their bodies found. And the IIIrd only surviving by fluke b/c of a passer by hearing it. II say Meredith K. Borowiec is the scum of the Earth is putting it mildly.

Obviously, with her mental impairment & III unplanned pregnancies, she was obviously not able II make a proper decision as the welfare of her just born children. What she should have done if the respective dad's were incapable of aiding her was go to a friend or a trusted adult relative. Say by bringing it to a local house of worship or a medical facility. They then could have taken the children off of her hands, she could sign away her legal rights & ensure these babies were adopted & had a chance to grow up in good homes. Eg.: To say adoptive parents who couldn't conceive on their own. Many of them want babies.

This woman just screwed over II innocent children out of the right II a decent funeral. Plus if they had lived, they might grow up & be able with their adoptive family's to get a decent education & become contributing members of society. Setting an example that she as their mother never could. I am agitated at this woman's actions.

I Say Throw The Book At Her,

Rory

Source: The Red Deer Advocate.

The XXXVth President

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

November XXIInd, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

As we mark the XLVIIIth (48th) Anniversary of XXXVth United States President John Fitzgerald Kennedy's murder (Democrat, Massachusetts), let us remind students of history & political science just how bad political assassination can be. Yes there are times when its needed such as with Iraq's Saddam Hussein or Libya's Moammar Gadhafi. They were brutal tyrants.

What needs II happen is that world leaders get the very best in security. XXXVIIIth President Gerald R. Ford (Republican, Michigan) had the right idea when he signed & put inII law Executive Order #12333 banning assassinations of fellow heads of state. All Presidents since Gerry have kept that order going continuously.

lets hope that security staffs learn from their mistakes & try II do even more II protect our future (& present-day) leaders II the best of their ability. They serve their respective nation's, the least we can do is protect them.

Abraham Zapruder Deserves Our Thanks & Respects,

Rory

Source: "CBS Evening News With Walter Cronkite" (Archival) & Www.Jfk.Org: The VIth Floor Museum.

The Sign Of An Excellent Journalist

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

November XXIst, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA

Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Congrats to Carole-Anne Guay, the new co-anchor of the "Global Newshour At VI:" with the great Gord Steinke. A couple of weekends back, Carole-Anne was guiding her replacement, Global's Quinn Ohler around the weekend newsdesk. Quinn is quite the catch IV Global News as she has weekend anchor experience out of Global News Lethbridge. So its quite exciting that Global News has gotten an experienced anchorperson II replace Carole-Anne at the weekend anchor desk who is comfortable in the big chair, this ensures sublime news continuity. Journalism students might want II take note of Carole-Anne's professionalism here. I certainly want II wish her & also Quinn the best of luck in their new positions!

Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman,


Rory

Source: "Global Newshour Edmonton At VI With Gord Steinke & Carole-Anne Guay" & "Global Newshour (Weekend) With Quinn Ohler."

More Consecutive Days In Office Than Anyone Else Alive

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

November XXth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

IV historical record & accuracy, we must give every Alberta his/her credit IV their accomplishments, thats only fair. Just as we must give equal standing II any mistakes they may have made while in office. A big mistake was made by the Northland School Division on page CXXVII (127) of the text IV the Aboriginal Studies XX (20) component Grade XI (11) course. This text states & has a picture of Premier E. Peter Lougheed on it, giving him credit IV signing aboriginal land treaty's (& Metis ones) in MCMXC (1990) with tribal chiefs/leaders.

Well this is garbage & inexcusable & I bet Pete would be the first person to state that he left office in MCMLXXXV (1985), a full V years beIV these treaty's were signed. He'd also want Premier Donald Ross Getty, his successor on whose watch it was that the teaty's were signed II get proper credit IV this accomplishment. The Northland Division is also ticking off Chief Bernard Omniyak of the Lubicon 1st Nation & any other leaders Don signed treaty's with. Why would they risk that type of error?

I have already sent copies of the mistaken pages to Pete Lougheed & Don Getty along with explanation letters. I have also raised hell with my school, & am going II be complaining to Learning Resources, the CSP Helpdesk, and the Northland School Division executives.

General Fiction,

Rory

Source:

Www.Education.Gov.Ab.Ca/K_12/Curriculum/BySubject/AborStudy/Default.Asp.

A Real Life Cowtown Fashionista

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

November XIXth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

The Calgary fashion school called Ecole Holt Couture is a real success story. Right in the middle of Cowtown, its founder Elfriede Holtkamp can be extremely proud of herself. She is teaching students II admire the extremely popular "haute couture" fashion period started up in Paris in the XIXth Century. Every student is encouraged to expound & create on their ideas. Student Chelsea Evans is still in her IIIrd year & she has her own store already, Chelsea Evans Couture. I mean talk about an amazing success story!

I'd very much like II see Elfriede succeed in her goal of founding a university based on couture with a degree component. Perhaps attaching herself II the University of Calgary or another Calgary post-secondary institution might be wise. Elfriede seems II have a lot of influence & seems II have made a really positive mark on today's students of fashion! I'm impressed b/c this shop appears II have great style & a sound sense of fashion!

You Go Girl,

Rory

Source: The Calgary Herald, Theresa Tayler & Www.EcoleHauteCouture.Com.

Saying Goodbye II An old Friend

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


November XVIIIth, MMXI


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


Dear Thomas:


This morning broadcast students got to say goodbye to a friend. Over 995,600 minutes on the air, thats over 16,000 hours. A staggering amount, more than any1 else alive or dead. Regis Philbin said goodbye to his syndicated live program: "Live" today after XXVII.V years in the chair & over C in broadcasting. He walks up with his head held high & onto new challenges. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Journalism & Broadcast Journalism students need to take note that Regis was always a gentleman & a scholar. His specialty was the art of making the mundane seem fascinating. Telling stories to reel in the crowd. American Broadcasting Company's (ABC's) Television Parent: The Walt Disney Company was so impressed by Regis's stature (& all of the billions in cash he gleaned IV them), they erected a plaque on the outside of the WABC-7 Studio Building in New York City. He's so loved that his two ex co-hosts Anne Abernathy & Kathie Lee Gifford were in the audience IV his final show!


We could all certainly learn a lesson in class, dignity, & bearing from Regis. Lets hope this spry 80 year old enjoys his new challenges in life & that he still pops up on tv once in awhile to tell us how he, his gorgeous wife Joy, & his kids & grandkids are doing!


Bye Reege & Thank You,


Rory


Source: Www.DadT.Com/Live.

Carlton Banks

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

November XVIIth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

I was driving a senior citizen home from a Dr. the other day. He lives in the newer neighborhood of Carlton in north to north-central Edmonton. I drove by Elizabeth Finch School after dropping him off & went inside. The staff were quite gracious to me, especially when I told them I had been a Ward A Trustee Candidate in MMX & that I truly thought their school was beautiful.

It is beautiful Thomas, from the limited sections I saw. The staff invited me II call ahead & arrange a tour at a future juncture. You know what, I believe I will!

Go Cheryl Johner Go,

Rory

Source: Www.ElizabethFinchSchool.Com.

RoboThomas

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Outreach High School Computer Terminal #CIV, St. Albert, Alberta T8N 0G4

November XVIth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

Excellent job sir in chasing down those II students who were harassing you & falsely pretending to try & chase you down & arrest you. Impersonation of any kind, especially of "Law & Order" officials is inexcusable. Students entering justice, criminology, & police programs at say Grant MacEwan University must have that instilled in them. The fact that until they've completed all of their assigned training, they are not officers of the law until officials say they can wear the uniform & carry a firearm & other protective devices.

I also greatly respect the fact that you brought in the cops II arrest these obviously very demented young individuals. May they be prosecuted II the full extent of the law!

Barney Miller,

Rory

Source, The Edmonton Sun, Tanara McLean.

Young Voices

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

November XVth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

I must commend Barb Williamson, the Editor Of Letters at The Edmonton Journal. Her platform style IV students & youth in the Journal is excellent. What she does is highlight an opinion by a person under XVIII years of age & puts that person's picture in their letter & their age beside their name at the bottom of their letter. In this way, readers of the paper can extrapolate & see just how valuable the opionions of today's students are.

At the same time, the Journal's insistence on running anonymous blog type or email/facebook entries with phony names & numbers is journalism thats lazy beyond words. They are just trying to cutback Ms. Williamson's salary. It goes against journalistic ethics (& students take note of this) to allow anonymous comments when in fact that letters aren't themselves allowed II be anonymous. Students see that papers insist you give a name, or your initial(s), an address with postal code, & a valid daytime phone number. Why don't they do this with blog/email entries? It seems especially hypocritical of Ms. Williamson II allow the anonymity to exist in the paper version of the paper, especially when regular letter writers aren't allowed to "use pen names."

II Differing Standards Of Quality Is This The Right Way II Teach Journalism Students,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal, Barb Williamson.

Its Hockey Night In Heaven

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Outreach High School Computer Lab Terminal #VII,
St. Albert, Alberta T8N 0G4

November XIVth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

I can't help but really feel IV the family of XVI year old Kyle Fundytus, as well as IV the player who shot the puck in Kyle's general direction, as well as his family. It truly is sad II see that even with added protection such as neck guards, there can still be injury's/fatality's. We must keep our students safe, both in a classroom setting, as well as in the setting of a sports activity. All we can do here is work even harder to ensure that this tragedy doesn't happen again, and II put in more safeguards IV the future by learning from Kyle's death & its subsequent consequences IV sports & student related athletics as a whole.

My Regards & My Respects II The Fundytus Family & Kyle's Team Members As Well As His Schoolmates,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal, Mariam Ibrahim.

An Educator Of The Mind

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

Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

November XIVth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA

Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

 

Dear Thomas:

 

Here's a great story from CBS News Correspondent Byron Pitts, on Special Assignment IV "60 Minutes." Byron found an educator who overcame adversity in Alabama during race riots of the 1960's in Alabama. He was illegally spit upon, thrown in jail, & illegally held in an adult cell for V days. All he was doing was participating in a peaceful youth march & a crooked white sheriff put the youths in jail, called them negroes & spat upon them, trying II cover up his incompetence when they weren't rioting. Unbelievable!

Now Professor Freeman Hrabowski has overcome these difficulty's by running a great state school in Maryland called the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Since MCMXCII (1992) he has focused students on the main topics of science, engineering, mathematics. In particular, African-American students who graduate at lower rates in the sciences. Now its black, yellow, red, & white, they are all precious in President Hrabowski's site.

Everyone is welcome. Students of all backgrounds are taught to work together, walk to classes together, live in their dorms together, & study together. "Collaboration is more fruitful in the end than competition." I like this sense of learning, the President refused a football team b/c he realized that it was better IV his school II focus on academia. America & the world need future generations of scientific thinkers. President Hrabowski & his school have a higher graduation rate than many other scientifically based schools, & have a higher % of students that go onto getting graduate as well as doctoral degrees.

This Is A System Of Learning That Truly Works,

Rory

Source: Www.Cbs.Com/60Minutes, Reporter: Byron Pitts & Www.UMaryland.Edu.

Music IV All Ages

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
Lois Hole Public Library Terminal #VII
Edmonton, Alberta

November XIIIth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

At the Jamie Platz YMCA next door here, registrations are now taking place IV Kindermusik. This is where from the time they are babies on, children are stimulated & encouraged II sing along & dance with the music.This is wonderful as it lets them develop their artistic minds early & gives them a taste IV art which they can learn II appreciate as they grow up through their educational journeys, & beyond!

Maestro Bernardi,

Rory

Source: Www.MovesAndGrooves.Ca.

The Solid Gold Dancers

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

November XIIIth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

 

It seeems that VIII high school students from Harry Ainlay High School are forging a productive working relationship with folks from the Goldbar Community League. They have now taken over operational control of the Annual Seniors Tea, which was held last week. The Cth (50th) edition, this new & fresh student blood & initiative can only bring excitement to the relationship of the young & the old. Forging better community ties will ensure that the community remains strong, & that students will get a chance II network with seniors & other community officials to find jobs. Bully on these students, they've done themselves proud!

Mr. Orich Goldfinger,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Examiner, Kevin Maimann.

Dr. Captain Sir Frederick Banting

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


November XIIth, MMXI


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


Dear Thomas:


As the child of a diabetic, & through my school board run campaign appearances last year, I have been finding that diabetics is growing like an epidemic. I have talked II Dr's, nurses, health care workers & many others. It is becoming absolutely sick how many students are now diabetic, or have diabetic related symptoms.


As a result of this, I'd like II see a greater number of students heading inII the medical research field try & find a point of focus. More pooling of resources worldwide need to be placed on this. Governments, parents, private industry, & even the students themselves need II not only help students who are sick with diabetes now live manageable lives, but also try & help prevent future generations of millions of young pedople from dying from the disease. Diabetes has actually been outright cured in some people by a total change of diet & living a healthier lifestyle. So it can be attacked at the source.


Encourage students, & people of all ages to eat real sugars & plant root substitutes such as Stevia. Actually sweeter in taste than Aspartame & with no after affects. Many sugar substitutes are the root cause of diabetes & can lead II other failures such as heart diseases & even certain cancer types. Lets get students on ther right track on the war against diabetes, its a war that they can be of tremendous help in winning!


Scientifically Speaking,


Rory


Source: Www.Afdr.Ab.Ca.

Like Sands Through The Hourglass

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

November XIth, MMXI

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA

Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Perhaps its only fitting that on this Rememberance Day (& my XXXVIIth Birthday) we celebrate a changing of the guard on the education beat at The Edmonton Journal. The new reporter on this front is Andrea Sands. An excellent reporter on many topics over the years, I have every confidence she will do education & its complexities proud. Just as proud as her predecessors Elise Stolte & Sarah O'Donnell did.

Sandy Gillis,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal, Andrea Sands.

Keeping II Sets Of Books

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

November Xth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

Learning how to budget is very key. I am having budgetary troubles due II my medical disorder, & so I am taking FIN 1015 & FIN 1020 through St. Albert Outreach High School. Yes I have a business degree, but taking a refresher set of accounting courses can never hurt. I am having a hard time with the numbers & ledgers, but I have accompanying accounting websites II look at II increase my visualization ability IV the accounting forms.

I Know I Can Do This,

Rory

Source: Myself.

Utopia Planecia

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

November IXth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

"IV the most part, every man is brought up in his father's craft. They are naturally inclined II it; but if a youth wants II learn another, he is adopted by a family in the occupation he wants II learn. After he has learned one craft, wants II learn still another, he is permitted to do so."

See Thomas, even your namesake Sir Thomas More was promoting continuous learning of crafts ion the XVIth Century. His book came out after his death by beheading at the order of King Henry the VIIIth. But the thought process is quite well orchestrated, CDL (450) plus years later & I totally agree with Sir Thomas's wise words in context II the students of today.

Tommy Boy,

Rory

Source: "Utopia", Sir Thomas More, MDLVIII (1558) Anno Domini.

Lets Get II Work

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

November VIIIth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

Currently I am getting set up II take Work Experience XV & XXV through St. Albert Outreach High School. I am just setting up the preliminary paperwork now. Its quite the interesting course, not only do you earn High School credits while you learn, you get II go out & work many different or 1 affixed jobs IV a set amount of hours. This gives students a nice reference, plus a chance II hone their resumes, build up a contact list, & garner valuable career experience while still stimulating their brains in a classroom setting. Ideal course definitely IV both regular & adult students.

Working IX II V Got A Way II Make A Living,

Rory

Source: Outreach High School, St. Albert, Alberta.

The Edmonton Film Society Is Flying High

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

November VIIth, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

Starting with "The Spirit Of St. Louis" with Double Academy Award (TM) Winner Jimmy Stewart on Monday, September XIIth, the Edmonton Film Society is about II complete another stellar Fall Program with the airing tonight at VIIIPM of "Fate Is The Hunter." This is a classic MCMLXIV (1964) disaster/action movie starring the great Glenn Ford. The focus of this particular series is aviation & disasters. Each series has a remarkable feel II it & its ambience & businesslike serious in being held at The Royal Alberta Museum screening room only makes the films come alive even more. I strongly encourage arts students II take note & buy tickets II the next series.

Come Fly With Me, Lets Fly, Lets Fly Away,

Rory

Source: Www.RoyalAlbertaMuseum.Ca/Events/Movies/Movies.Cfm.

What Do Writers Do, They Write

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

November VIth, MMXI


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


Dear Thomas:


Just as Phil Donahue (not Oprah) created the daytime talkshow format with running through & up II audience members with a microphone, Andrew (Andy) Achin Rooney created the format of the literary essay on television. Sad news out of New York City, ol' Andy died Friday night, a CBS News Correspondent-Emeritus & great guy, Andy finished his 1,097th & final broadcast on CBS News's "60 Minutes" just XXXV days ago. He may have been too tired to keep on working at age XCII (92), but its just so sad b/c just like Walter Cronkite, Rooney quit at age 92 & both men died within less than XL days of their retirements. If they had kept going, these journalists would have contributed to age C (100) or more.

Students of journalism know that Andy literally invented his complaint & commentary style format b/c he was a journalist & a writer/producer first. He worked IV over XXX years as a writer/producer for Harry Reasoner & IV the Army newspaper, The Stars & Stripes beIV he ever appeared on the air. He brought eloquence to everything he did & said what was on America's mind during times of crisis. I mean who else but Andy could make licking postage stamps exciting enough to do a tv essay on?


No he molded & honed each piece, working about XXX hours a week on his editing beIV spending VI-VIII hours filming it IV its Sunday night airing on Friday's. Andy's piece was water cooler talk, people would talk about it in their workplaces the next day & couldn't wait until the next Sunday broadcast. His III-VI minute commentaries were sometimes the most watched part of the 60 Minutes broadcast. A tribute to his superb writing ability & journalistic credentials.


One In A Million,


Rory


Source: Www.CbsNews.Com/60Minutes.

Have A Heart

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


November Vth, MMXI


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


Dear Thomas:


Take it II heart, the Alberta Utilities Commission staffers & administrators are a bunch of jagoffs who couldn't negotiate their way around a horse's rear end, let alone make a proper decision on power lines. power lines & the energy that they create have been proven on many occasions to cause sicknesses & other affects II folks who live around them. I mean what about the students of today who as children do not have all of their immunity levels buit up yet? These will be the taxpayers of tomorrow & not only wiil they b e stuck with the escalating health care costs of the line, they'll be the ones paying for its construction. Build the line below fround, its just basic commion & medical sense. No to Heartland Transmission Project.


Medical Log,


Rory


Source: Www.RetaSite.WordPress.Com.

Hard To Port Mr. Sulu

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

November IVth, MMXI


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


Dear Thomas:


Having just spent IV glorious nights from October XXXIst-November IVth, MMXI working the 11pm-7am shift at Portola Packaging Incorporated, I can truly say what a great company it is II work IV. I worked IV them through a temporary agency doing some general cleaning & was amazed at just how great the atmosphere was. My fellow employees, from my boss Mirra on were amazing & stellar to work with.


This fine firm is worldwide & here in Edmonton they make milk & other assorted fine beverage containers. They are of truly superb quality. In fact, I would highly recommend II students interested in getting into the plastics manufacturing trade that they take a look at Portola's website & apply to work there. Its a company with a great manufacturing future that uses the latest in technology to make itself better & better. I am proud, nay honoured II have worked there. Lets make the plastic business & manufacturing sectors in the Dominion of Canada strong again.


The Port Authority,


Rory


Source: Www.PortPack.Com.

Lets Not Sit Idly By

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

November IIIrd, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

So there is some word going around that the Edmonton Public School system wants II legislate & enforce II a greater degree anti-idling laws. While I agree that pollutants leaking inII the air with kids in the same general area is bad, how the hell an you ask a parent II turn off their engine when its -40 degrees centigrade only to have it fail upon restarting? Thus leaving the parent trapped & not able II get II school, home, or work. Its all just so overdone, legislatively speaking.

How About We Legislate Higher Test Scores While We're At It,

Rory

Source: Www.MetroNews.Ca/Edmonton/Local.

XXV (25) Credits In V (5) Minutes

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

November IInd, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

I just found out today that I passed Science XXX (30), Science XXIV (24), & English X-I Exam challenges. With Science XXX, I had never taken Science X or Science XX, but as adult student, I get those credits retroactively by just passing the Science XXX Exam challenge. So St. Albert Outreach High School got me XXV credits in V minutes. Now how about that, what a remarkable achievement indeed!

And The Educational Journey Continues,

Rory

Source: Myself.

The Last Post

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

November Ist, MMXI

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

Dear Thomas:

We can truly be proud of the late Master Cpl. Byron Geoff. Yes he's dead now, but in life he was a loving father & devoted husband, in addition to being a fine soldier. Its sad he is gone, but he made the ultimate sacrifice IV his country on combat duty, promoting peace in a war torn region. What more noble cause could there be?

Students looking II perhaps jumpstart their chosen career path by getting inII the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, or some affiliated designation should most definitely look up to the Master Cpl. He, like many of our other soldiers, both living & dead, active & retired do the Dominion of Canada proud each & every day.

We Need More Of His Kind,

Rory

Source: Myself.