The Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA) is frustrated by what they say is a lack of meaningful dialogue with the current minister of education on escalating school violence in the province.
NLTA president Trent Langdon says rates continue to rise and solutions must be found to help keep teachers, administrators and students safe.
The frustration, he says, stems from a lack of communication with Minister John Haggie, who is filling in for Krista Lynn Howell while she’s on maternity leave.
Langdon refers to Haggie as “a caretaker minister.”
“I have yet to hear from him,” says Langdon, adding unless the union or a parent raises a matter “there doesn’t seem to be much discussion around it.”
The PC Opposition education critic echoes those concerns.
PC MHA Paul Dinn
Paul Dinn says he wants to hear from Haggie on school violence and the “bullying crisis” in the province.
Dinn cites a recent attack on a student at MacDonald Drive Junior High, and a weapons-related incident at Waterford Valley High.
He notes the all-grade E.A. Butler school in McKays went into secure lockdown in September following a violent outburst, not to mention recent aggravated assault convictions stemming from a brutal attack on a student at Prince of Wales Collegiate.
Dinn wants to know where Haggie is on the issue, as does NAPE president Jerry Earle.
Earle questions whether or not the proper supports are in place to address the rising incidence of violence in schools.
NAPE President Jerry Earle
NAPE represents student assistants and other professionals in the school system.
Earle singled out student assistants in particular, some of whom work with kids who have complex needs.
He says everyone has a right to safety in the workplace, and wonders what’s in place to deal with students who have been removed from schools.
“What’s being done to ensure there’s not a re-offence or recurrence of these incidents?”
