1 VOTE FOR YOUR CHILD - ELIZABETH JOHNSTON

My Husband Doug and I have lived in Indian Hill with our four children for the past 18 years. All of our children have attended Indian Hill Schools, 2 are presently pursuing University degrees, one has graduated from York University and the youngest is at Indian Hill Middle School.

I have seen the inside of this schools system as a parent, as parent volunteer and as a taxpayer. I have shared in the struggles and successes of the schools from kindergarten to twelfth grade.

Everybody believes Indian Hill Schools are special, but quite frankly, with the resources of money, expectations, parental involvement, and the competitiveness of this community, I think we could do better.

Education is a valued commodity in our community. But I’m not convinced those resources are being used to the advantage of every child in this district. Every child should get the maximum benefit from those resources; every child deserves the opportunity to maximize his or her potential.

This district has a lot to be proud of with all the attributes that go into making for the best schools anywhere: Financial Resources, Physical Assets, Great Teachers, Parental Involvement, and Community Support as well as high expectations, and a true spirit of competitiveness. As a result we have a school that has enjoyed the National Award of Excellence.

Indian Hill Schools are typical of a national trend that has showered resources on the top 10% with the aim of “not holding them back” from their academic potential. The schools use these attributes to make the grade – they cater to the top 10%, and teach to the tests. It’s easy to get the kids in the 85th percentile to the 95-98th percentile. BUT what quality education are our children getting? AND what about the other 90% of children who are not the “HEADLINERS”. ALL of them are entitled to a superior quality education.

Our children need to be provided with an atmosphere that helps them develop best – one of OPEN INQUIRY, TRUST, MUTUAL RESPECT, CIVILITY and COMPASSION.

Every child in this district is important. Every child should feel valued, should have high self esteem, and should have the confidence and skills to attain their destiny. Sure it’s a lot harder to move a child from the 50th to the 80th percentile, but that’s our job.

The need of each student should be the factor that decides how we get on with our business.

We must educate the intellect and develop the character. IT is not the information that is important but the use of it. In this community we ought to be raising the bar for everybody, not just somebody. I’m asking for your support and your vote.