Sarah Sollors, SAC Co-President (left); Emma Schuster, Student Trustee. Photos submitted.
Dear Editor,
We would like to take this opportunity to write to parents and caregivers of future Grade 7 and 8 students.
We are Grade 12 students at SDSS, as well as members of our student council. After attending the information session at SDSS on November 5, it was unfortunately obvious that some parents have a very skewed view of our school.
We are writing this letter to both acknowledge these concerns and to rebut them.
Students at Saugeen District are academically driven, very involved, and passionate. The students strive for success in many different aspects of school, and do so with maturity and respect to all. At Saugeen District, we have a broad range of programs and clubs specifically directed towards inclusivity, allowing all students to find their place. As members of student council, we have committed our year to increasing school spirit, with much success. We have started to create an environment where students of all ages and backgrounds are able to work together, allowing a strong sense of family to emerge in our school. Welcoming the Grade 7 and 8 students in the same positive spirit is our full intention.
Saugeen District staff and students are open to the arrival of additional students, and have frequently accepted similar newcomers with open arms and a strong sense of respect. Over the years we have successfully welcomed students from Chesley District, new community members, as well as dozens of exchange students. The addition of each of these groups of students has enriched our school and made our Royal family even better.
Within any community, any high school, and any elementary school, there will be a presence of peer pressure. However, this presence is often relatively small. At the recent information meeting, high school students were unfairly portrayed as bad examples and even potentially dangerous towards the Grade 7 and 8 peers who will be joining them next September. As leaders of the school, it is clear to us that our fellow students are in fact the complete opposite. Parents of Grade 7 and 8 students can in fact expect their child’s secondary peers to be positive influences and valuable mentors.
As this transition came without considerable warning, some students are hesitant, and many students have valid questions and concerns. Even with hesitance towards the situation, the high school students will no doubt be respectful and accommodating to the changes this transition will bring. As parents and caregivers we hope you are able to trust that the older students have the ability to be ideal role models for your children. We, as student leaders, care about the well being of ALL students at SDSS.
High school students are interested in maintaining the specialized spaces at our school, not only for ourselves, but for the students to come. As SDSS students, we wish to ensure that these positive aspects of our school are maintained to allow future generations to enjoy the same incredible opportunities we currently have.
Although this decision came without much notice, we understand that a change is necessary to accommodate the growing population. Despite not currently having all of the details and answers that we would like, we both look forward to working closely with the transition teams to be a proactive voice for all students. We are hopeful that parents, staff and fellow students will join us in working together to make this transition as favourable as possible.
Quite frankly, students at SDSS were appalled by this characterization of our school and our students, and are looking forward to the opportunity to demonstrate what positive leaders we can be for the younger students.
Signed,
Sarah Sollors, SAC Co-President
Emma Schuster, Student Trustee
Send your letters to news@saugeenshoreshub.ca.
