Re: PACE PROPOSAL
Dear Sir/Madam:
Recently, I attended a P.A.C.E. information meeting to hear about an Alternative Christian Education program that has been in existence in the Edmonton Public School District since 1996. It was also explained that, currently in Ontario, there are publicly-funded alternative religious programs in existence within other public school systems.
We support the proposal by P.A.C.E. A school program supported by Christian principles and beliefs would more closely meet the needs and support the values of our family.
We understand that Hamilton District School Board's senior management would not, on their own, support the establishment of a committee to research the viability of establishing such a program in our public schools. Because of this I/we want to express concern to you, our elected representative.
We are also concerned over the lack of fairness and the present inequity in education in Ontario. There are many families who wish to have their child educated in a school that supports their of religious beliefs and values, however, only those people who can afford private schools are benefitting from education that reflects their families' values.
We have found that there have been occasions when there is a conflict between the values taught in the schools and the values taught at home. For example, . (YOU could explain one such situation or occasion). Our involvement with our child(ren's) school and our attempts to communicate our belief's do not adequately counter the conflicts brought to light.
At the PACE meeting, it was evident that there are many families in the region that share my views and needs. To date more than 600 have expressed an interest in attending such a program. It is interesting to note that almost 50 percent of these are people who had left public education and are interested in returning.
These expressions of interest are being collected by the PACE organization as an indication of the need for such a program.
If you have not already received material about the PACE proposal, the information I have lists the contact persons as Gloria at (905) 662 6952 or Phil at (905) 692 5092. If the School Board is truly a public board, it should be willing to work with the public to develop programs that meet the needs of the public.
We are one of the families suportive of the PACE proposal. We are also supportive of public education, and see this as a way to strengthen public education.
I would like to know where you stand on this issue and would very much appreciate hearing from you.
Yours truly,
C Citizen