Dear editor:
Subject: open letter to BCTF
To the so called “adults” responsible.
It is with disgust and dismay that I feel it necessary to write this letter, but I feel a duty to my children to do so.
I am a very fortunate man with polite, respectful and community minded children — a bounty I credit to the example set by their mother.
Unfortunately for my daughters who attend Sunset school, they are in Grade 5 and Grade 7.
It is well known Grade 5 students always have a field trip to Camp Homewood and Grade 7 students always have one to Victoria.
My daughter’s older brother is an example of these trips which greatly added to his happy memories of Sunset.
My children have been expected to fully participate in fundraising for these activities.
This, they have done willingly and with anticipation that the effort would be more than worth the reward!
Unfortunately on Friday we were informed that the trips were not to be.
Alternatives to allow the trips which didn’t involve teachers and would allow the funds raised by them to be used were not to be.
I received a call from my wife informing me of this and it’s devastating effect on my daughters.
A group that we entrusted with the care and well being of our children caused them to cry!
A group that has repeatedly said that they are doing this for my children has now used them and hurt them and is punishing them for being in their classes at this current time.
I thank the teachers who spoke against this action. I also thank the wonderful teachers who have made a huge difference in their learning years, but to the remainder, here is my message.
Children are not political pawns.
These are not trivial events in their lives to be denied by the so called “adults” because of political posturing!
You have my disdain and disgust.
As a parent and taxpayer I will not forget the hurt you have inflicted to attempt to influence your cause.
The brain trust that came up with this wonderful strategy should be ashamed to consider themselves qualified or suitable for teaching our children.
I would hope that you would come up with an option to allow these trips to continue. A true leader is not afraid to back up when they are WRONG!
Any support or sympathy that your organization had in our household is now gone.
Wayne Griffith
Port McNeill