Colonel Gray school community voices issues of strength and weakness

A public meeting Thursday looked at what to do with Charlottetown's Colonel Gray family of schools, where some schools are overcrowded and others under-utilized.

The meeting was part of a province-wide review of schools in the province.

• 'Cost per student' at underutilized schools a factor in school review

There werea mix of topics discussed. Some speakers focusedon things that need to be fixed within the schools, others on things they think are already great, and many presenteddifferent solutions.

About 120 people were present, which is an increase from the meeting in the first round of school review consultations, which just attracted around 80.

Not enough resources

The first speaker of the night, Sheldon Opps with the Spring Park Home and School Association, outlined issues at Spring Park Elementary which is overcrowded.

"We currently have a very high student to teacher ratio, and that's something that concerns us in terms of the quality of education and the amount of time that any one child will have access to their teacher," said Opps.

Opps also mentioned a lack of French immersion resources, and not enough support for English as a second language students.

"We have probably one of the larger newcomer populations coming to our school, probably right now about 120 plus. Currently there are insufficient EAL resources to adequately address their needs," he said.

"I wanted to raise that because if you start moving children around again, that might not solve that problem."

HolsenWei, a parent fromChina with a daughter atWest Kent said education is very important to him and the other parents, and thatit's important for people to look at how to keep newcomers in their schools.

Some of the ideas presented throughout the evening included having Spring Park be French immersion only, adding French immersion in other schools, closing St. Jean, and rezoning.

Pride in diversity, green space

Speakers also voiced their pride for the schools and their attributes.

A representative with the St. Jean Elementary Home and School said she was concerned by the talks of closing the school, and emphasized that it is a great school.

Erin Costellowith the Birchwood Parent Council praised the diversity in the schools, saying the students learn acceptance and tolerance.

Costello, along with other presenters, also highlighted the green space available in the city schools.

These comments were in response to concerns voiced by parents at this Monday'sCharlottetown Rural family of schools' meeting.

They are vibrant and diverse school communities.- Jane Ledwell

"We realize green space is something that is a priority for many parents. Birchwood does have access to a lot of green space that some of you may not be aware of."

Costello also said the school's proximityto downtown Charlottetown is an asset.

Jane Ledwell with Prince Street Home and School Federation also spoke on the diversity of the schools.

"These schools are wonderful schools in neighbourhoods with mixed levels of income and sources of income," said Ledwell.

"They are vibrant and diverse school communities with families from many parts of the world, from many cultures, speaking many languages. And these are strengths, not weaknesses."

Ideas taken under consideration by school branch

Parker Grimmer,director of the public schools branch, said the meetings have been great learning experiences and reminder to respect all different points of view.

He thought an idea presented by Charlottetown city Coun.Mitchell Tweelabout having open houses at schools to show people what they offer was a great idea.

Grimmer also said they are taking note of a suggestion to provide child care at the meetings, and whether that may have allowed more parents to attend.

The next meeting in this round on consultations is Monday at Kinkora Regional High.

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