On September 15th, 2008, I attended a gathering of parents, teachers and neighbours at Saint Mary's Elementary School in Halfax to discuss the announcement of this school's review for closure. I was so impressed by the presentations of the Saint Mary's Study Committee that evening.
This smart, organized group presented on the benefits of out-of-area student attendance; the benefits of small school education; the importance of an urban school to working parents and parents going to school on the peninsula; the diversity the school brings to the downtown core; about access to urban supports for children with special needs; about intergenerational experiences between the school and Spencer House; and on the breadth of experiences offered to students by virtue of close proximity to museums, libraries and galleries. The presentations were passionate and heartfelt, but they were also clear, organized, logical and filled with common sense.
I want to offer my congratulations to the Study Committee and to everyone who had a story to share at this meeting. Community involvement is crucial on such education issues.
By Megan Leslie, Halifax NDP
