Submitted by Chair Amanda Amaral
September 14, 2022
Welcome back! We are happy to begin a new school year and open our doors to our students and their families in ways we have not been able to do in years. Beginnings are full of anticipation and excitement. With the whole school year ahead, it feels full of possibility for students, staff and community. As we settle into our beginnings we hope that each learner, their classroom and school community and their families are able to take those possibilities and hatch plans for action and accomplishment during the school year. We know that many great things will result from your collective efforts and we cannot wait to celebrate with you in June.
This year our beginnings are extended as in November a new School Board will start a new term in office. I imagine that candidates are equally as excited about the possibilities that may await them at the Board table. A new strategic plan, new issues ready for advocacy and new opportunities for learning and growth.
And before the term starts there is another possibility ready to make into reality. This month we have the chance to share a message about citizenship and democracy with our young citizens and community. Municipal and School Board elections are in full swing and there are learning opportunities for our students during this time. From learning how decisions about their education are made, to dreaming about what they want their educational career to be, to talking or writing to a candidate about what they want to see in their education or community. Our learners have the opportunity to participate in the conversations about our local elections regardless of their ability to vote.
As we move through the next month here are the questions I will be considering to prepare myself for conversations with our young citizens: When I talk to young citizens about elections, governance and the future what are the important parts that I want to highlight? How do I share my story about how I found my voice in our system? What do I believe are decisions that impact us most and how do I share this?
Participating in the conversations and spending time considering the current issues are important components to being an active and engaged citizen. How will you approach these conversations with our young citizens? What are the questions you will ask yourself to prepare? What message do you want to share with young citizens about democracy and our government systems? Let’s inspire engagement and change from a place of possibility, a place of collaboration, and a place of self-actualization. I am looking forward to the conversations and to hearing your reflections.