The sad and shocking news that NDP Leader Jack Layton had passed away only a short time after he announced he was battling a new cancer resulted in thousands of Canadians paying tribute to the populist politician. From individuals leaving their condolences at memorials that sprung up in Ottawa and Toronto to the offer by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to the Layton family for a state funeral, it was clear that Mr. Layton touched people in a unique way.
That was most evident in the last election where Mr. Layton brought his Party to new heights due in large part to his own personal popularity. While politicians from differing political parties are often seen at odds with each other, there is another side that doesn’t often receive media attention. That side is a respect that exists between opposing politicians and it is clear, despite any differences in policies, that Mr. Layton had the respect of members of each political party. And most importantly, he had the respect of Canadians, who gravitated to his optimism and passion for our country. That is a legacy that will live on.
School Returns
While many students may not like to be reminded, the fact is that in a couple of weeks the summer holidays for students will come to an end and school will return. For families this is always an important time of the year as one routine ends and another begins. For my wife Kim and I, this year takes on a special significance as our son begins elementary school in Steinbach. The orientation that he has been a part of is a reminder to us how much work is involved for teachers, staff and school administration to prepare for a new year.
As parents, we send our kids off to school with the hope that they will be welcomed into a safe environment and one that encourages them to reach their full academic potential. We are lucky as residents of the Hanover School Division to be able to have some of the most desirable schools in the province. Everyone, from the teachers and assistants in the classrooms to the school administration and support staff have helped to give our schools the reputation of being welcoming, inclusive and rewarding.
Of course, there are challenges in our schools as the growth of our region places added pressure on the available resources. While there is some relief ahead as the result of new schools that are either already under construction or that soon will be in Steinbach, the pressures of growth that exist both in the City of Steinbach and throughout all of the Hanover School Division still exist. Those realities need to be met with additional support from the provincial government to ensure that our students learning environment is never less than it should be.
As well, I hope that those students who are returning to post-secondary education studies have a successful year as you prepare to enter the workforce in new careers. Your studies will not only benefit you individually, but they will be a benefit to our province as a whole as you bring new skills into Manitoba.
For all of the the students that are returning to class I hope that you have an enjoyable remainder of your summer break and that the academic year is both safe and rewarding. For all of the teachers, support staff and school administration that help make the Hanover School Division such a tremendous learning environment, thank you for your work and best wishes to you in the upcoming year.
