French changes jeopardize lots more in schools

To the editor:

At present, the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board (AVRSB) is considering proposals to consolidate programs across the region.

The suggested proposal for Berwick and District School would cut French immersion in Berwick after Grade 5. These students would then have to travel to Pine Ridge Middle School to continue their education in French, and the AVRSB has made it clear no buses will be provided. The parents of these students would be responsible for getting their children to Kingston every day.

This proposal will also have a huge impact on the programs currently offered at Berwick school. Fewer students would mean fewer funds, and programs like the band and physical education would likely have to be cut.

The AVRSB says the "primary factor behind this consolidation is the lack of qualified staff to maintain existing programs.� My question to the AVRSB is: what lengths have you gone to to ensure qualified staff are hired? The AVRSB has been in the enviable position of having a surplus of teachers for years - suddenly there is a shortage, and the first proposal is to admit defeat and consolidate programs?

It seems to me, if this issue is about a shortage of qualified teachers, then the AVRSB should get creative and look at other options before jeopardizing an excellent program at an excellent school.

I urge all concerned readers to attend a parents’ meeting at Berwick and District School at 7 p.m. November 16, and to attend the AVRSB meeting scheduled for the Board office November 21 at 7 p.m.



Michael Ciarrocco,

Berwick