Editor:
Re: Other local options for full day kindergarten.
Ed Russell’s letter was somewhat of a shock for me. I am appalled that an elected member of our town council would write a letter apparently in support of any of the many school divisions in the Bow Valley.
Secondly, it would be appropriate for Mr. Russell to do his homework before sending such a letter. CRPS has offered full-day kindergarten at Exshaw School for many years. This program was implemented in order to assist with English language development in the predominantly Stoney population. In fact, full-day kindergarten has been found to be most effective for students who are English language learners or those who come from impoverished backgrounds. For other students, its effectiveness is less certain, although it is certainly an attractive child care option, as it, unlike day cares or day homes, is free.
Perhaps Mr. Russell is unaware that full-day kindergarten is not funded by Alberta Education. Other schools in Christ the Redeemer’s division are making do with less, so that OLS can offer this service to the residents of the Bow Valley; I hesitate to speculate about their motives. Certainly it has pulled students away from the public school system, thereby creating an environment in which competition for students has become more important than sound teaching and learning practice.
Having said that, I know any child who attends Canadian Rockies Public Schools will receive an education from experienced and dedicated professionals who care for the whole child. Teachers in CRPS are some of the most experienced and educated in the province. They continue to develop their knowledge, understanding and delivery of excellent teaching throughout their careers. Those students who are learning English for the first time will benefit from a full-day kindergarten experience in Canmore or Banff and for this I am grateful.
In future, I sincerely hope that Mr. Russell will consider his position as an elected official and the strengths of each of the valley’s school divisions before speaking in support of any.
B. Taylor (Happy CRPS parent),
Canmore
