KISH students taking action

Walkout being organized in response to recent government announcements

It was a regular art class for Josie Green, Skye MacAusland and Rebecca Wiegers.

But then the trio had an idea to voice their disdain over the teacher reallocations expected for Kensington Intermediate and Senior High – a walkout.

“We heard about one that had a really great result. We’re hoping ours will have the same and will work as well,” said Wiegers.

Not long after, the three Grade 11 students at KISH spread the word about their protest, a Facebook event was started and fellow students asked how they could help and get involved.

“Within six hours it seemed to have taken off,” said Green of the event that is now planned for Tuesday, June 6, 2-2:30 p.m. MacAusland agreed. “There has been a positive reaction. I know it sounds cliché, but we want to make a difference. We want to be heard, we want to make an impact. We want to make a difference.”

Green says the situation students are facing is enraging.

“There are some post-secondary programs that need the courses that are going to be cut.” She added, “if these cuts happen, our post-secondary options will be limited, if the elective courses are lost because of the teacher cuts.”

Wiegers said many senior high students have been planning their courses since Grade 10.

“We still have one more year to go. How are we supposed to decide part of our plan when we know it won’t happen? Now we’re being told we can’t access a third of what we want to do.”

Green adds that they’re not just organizing the walkout for senior high students.

“This will affect the junior students to. It could mean the loss of our entire French program. I hope it comes across to the government that it’s not only the parents that are upset by this. It’s the students that want to take action.”

It isn’t only about the students, MacAusland added.

“The parents that are concerned for their kids are backing us. We’re inviting them, current students and past students to the walkout. Anyone in the public that supports us is welcome to come.”