Teachers helped at special day

I am surprised by the lack of articles regarding the status of the extracurricular activities in Windsor and Essex County schools.

When Dalton McGuinty first imposed the pay freeze and other constraints on our teachers, there were many articles expressing differing opinions.

On Oct. 4, I had the honour of being present at a football game at Vista Academy. Yes, there are still teachers dedicating their time to our children and their after-school activities.

Before the game, the teachers and students from many schools walked around the track, each wearing a tag making public who they were “walking for” a friend or relative, a mother or grandmother, and yes, many walked for their teacher.

At this game, a very touching ceremony remembered Mrs. Robillard, a longtime teacher in Tecumseh who recently passed away after fighting ovarian cancer for many years.

The football players wore pink accessories to their uniforms, for example, socks, gloves and wristbands, and the players walked onto the field with their mother and presented her with a pink rose on the field before joining teammates on the sidelines.

In addition to raising awareness of breast cancer, the students and teachers also raised funds for the Cancer Centre in Windsor. Sixteen area secondary schools participated in this day and some elementary schools participated in the walk.

Many teachers and school board employees were involved in the success of this day. Teachers even manned the concession stands.

It is most unfortunate that The Windsor Star was not present to let their readers know about this very special event.

If we take time to acknowledge those teachers who go above and beyond, those who are giving extra time and support to our children, I believe that the number of teachers in this group will grow.

RUTH BANNON, Windsor