"Children with special needs only want what we all want: to be accepted. Can I make a request of anyone willing to post this and leave it on your status for at least an hour? It is Special Education week, and this is in honor of all children made in a unique way and who learn a little differently"...Quote taken from Dave, my son, on his Facebook page.
I would like to add...
Here's to their teachers, the ones who have the patience, the ability and the absolute joy of helping all children to learn. We all learn in different ways. I believe teachers need the time to plan effective teaching strategies so that all children can learn. Let's take an honest look at prep time. Let's make our schools a better place to learn.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Tribune article
Strong view on public education
News
By KAESHA FORAND , TRIBUNE STAFF
As Sue Barnett's grandchildren enter the District School Board of Niagara education system, she wants to ensure they learn in a positive environment.
"I have a strong view of the public system. I feel the DSBN, specifically Welland, has a lot to offer staff and students. I care about kids, parents, teachers and principals' perspectives."
or those reasons, Barnett is in the running for the Welland DSBN trustee position. She filed her papers Sept. 8.
"I have grandchildren who are starting junior kindergarten and I decided this is the year to make a difference."
There needs to be more dialogue between all sections -- schools should be happy," she said, noting happy teachers lead to positive classrooms. For teachers to be happy, she believes the board needs to function properly with two-way dialogue between parents and schools.
"Every child deserves a first-class education."
The 60-year-old sees the need to meet budgets, but believes the board could undertake fundraising initiatives to help pay for additional programs at its schools.
Her children are all involved in the education system and Barnett understands the struggles teachers face, the need for an active school council and the need to bring neighbouring communities into schools to ensure it is a hub of activity.
Barnett is a retired laboratory technician with MDS (Life Labs) in St. Catharines. She has volunteered during previous elections, is a group commissioner for Scouts Canada and she helps with fundraising initiatives at various organizations.
She is also a parishioner at Holy Trinity Church and is involved with its work with Hope Centre, Salvation Army, Open Arms Mission, new immigrants and those in need through parish outreach.
"My pastoral outlook in life is to help those in need."
Identifying that need also includes collecting supplies for those new to town or buying shoes for a child in need.
Barnett is married to Gil and they have three children and four grandchildren.
If elected, she would encourage more dialogue between teachers, the teacher's union and the board.
"I would like to see everybody on the same page because education is the most important part of life."
Her election logo is a red feathered wing, because, she said with education you can soar to new heights.
kforand@wellandtribune.ca
Article ID# 2753466
News
By KAESHA FORAND , TRIBUNE STAFF
As Sue Barnett's grandchildren enter the District School Board of Niagara education system, she wants to ensure they learn in a positive environment.
"I have a strong view of the public system. I feel the DSBN, specifically Welland, has a lot to offer staff and students. I care about kids, parents, teachers and principals' perspectives."
or those reasons, Barnett is in the running for the Welland DSBN trustee position. She filed her papers Sept. 8.
"I have grandchildren who are starting junior kindergarten and I decided this is the year to make a difference."
There needs to be more dialogue between all sections -- schools should be happy," she said, noting happy teachers lead to positive classrooms. For teachers to be happy, she believes the board needs to function properly with two-way dialogue between parents and schools.
"Every child deserves a first-class education."
The 60-year-old sees the need to meet budgets, but believes the board could undertake fundraising initiatives to help pay for additional programs at its schools.
Her children are all involved in the education system and Barnett understands the struggles teachers face, the need for an active school council and the need to bring neighbouring communities into schools to ensure it is a hub of activity.
Barnett is a retired laboratory technician with MDS (Life Labs) in St. Catharines. She has volunteered during previous elections, is a group commissioner for Scouts Canada and she helps with fundraising initiatives at various organizations.
She is also a parishioner at Holy Trinity Church and is involved with its work with Hope Centre, Salvation Army, Open Arms Mission, new immigrants and those in need through parish outreach.
"My pastoral outlook in life is to help those in need."
Identifying that need also includes collecting supplies for those new to town or buying shoes for a child in need.
Barnett is married to Gil and they have three children and four grandchildren.
If elected, she would encourage more dialogue between teachers, the teacher's union and the board.
"I would like to see everybody on the same page because education is the most important part of life."
Her election logo is a red feathered wing, because, she said with education you can soar to new heights.
kforand@wellandtribune.ca
Article ID# 2753466
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Winning with Education
Gone are the days of our parents. They trained for a job and did that job until they retired. Now a person must learn and reinvent themselves his/her entire life, if he/she wants to remain competent and successful in the job market.
The children in our school system today are our leaders of tomorrow. They need the ability to learn in a safe and nuturing environment and develop critical thinking skills. Their teachers also need a safe and respectful working environment in order to provide the best educational opportunities for students. More positive and proactive dialogue between parents and teachers can de-escalate potential problems and improve the learning environment. This can make a difficult situation turn into a win/win/win situation. The parents win, the teacher wins and the biggest winner of all is the student.
A Trustee needs to be able to mediate, problem solve and be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
When a student is a winner we all win!
The children in our school system today are our leaders of tomorrow. They need the ability to learn in a safe and nuturing environment and develop critical thinking skills. Their teachers also need a safe and respectful working environment in order to provide the best educational opportunities for students. More positive and proactive dialogue between parents and teachers can de-escalate potential problems and improve the learning environment. This can make a difficult situation turn into a win/win/win situation. The parents win, the teacher wins and the biggest winner of all is the student.
A Trustee needs to be able to mediate, problem solve and be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
When a student is a winner we all win!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
About Sue Barnett
• Married to Gil with 3 married children (2 teachers, 1 Educational Assistant, 1 Early Child Educator) and four grandchildren ( 2 are starting JK this year)
• Retired Laboratory Technician with 25 years of experience of attention to detail and continued educational improvement
• Strong community involvement including many years with Scouts Canada as a leader and in supervisory roles
• Parish volunteer including Warden, Sunday School Superintendent, Finances, and Out reach work with Open Arms Mission, Hope Centre, Salvation Army, new immigrants and those in need
• Continue to take classes towards a degree in Theology
• Retired Laboratory Technician with 25 years of experience of attention to detail and continued educational improvement
• Strong community involvement including many years with Scouts Canada as a leader and in supervisory roles
• Parish volunteer including Warden, Sunday School Superintendent, Finances, and Out reach work with Open Arms Mission, Hope Centre, Salvation Army, new immigrants and those in need
• Continue to take classes towards a degree in Theology
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