FALL RIVER: Jacqueline Brideau isn’t sure where she would be if it wasn’t for the leadership and guidance from her school teachers.
That’s why the Lockview High School student joined approximately 150 other students at the Fall River school in walking out on the afternoon of Dec. 2 in a show of solidarity with their teachers. The walkout was part of a province-wide walkout at high schools in Nova Scotia, dubbed on social media as #students4teachers.
“There isn’t a teacher that I ever had that hasn’t changed who I am and made me a better person,” Brideau said as she huddled with friends on the corner trying to stay warm on the cold afternoon, but also bring attention to what the students were doing. “Every single teacher I have had has impacted me in amazing ways.”
Brideau said she is extremely involved in Lockview because of the teachers.
“They have made me who I am,” she said. “I love every single teacher at Lockview.
“I want the teachers to know we stand with them, we support them. It’s hard for them and us, but I appreciate everything that their doing.”
Each of the students that participated in the walkout at Lockview—as well as across the province—risked surrendering their exam exemptions for an “unexcused absence” as per the school board policy.
But some students, like Kyle Ford, felt it was a risk worth taking.
“A lot of students who came out here are losing their exam exemptions,” said Ford. “The school board actually said that we weren’t allowed to come out and do this, but people were still willing to.”
Ford said he was participating because “it was important for the students to show solidarity to the teachers.”
“It’s important that we take action to show our support for them and what their fighting for as well,” he said.
Liam MacCormick was the organizer for the Lockview walkout in conjunction with Students 4 Teachers.
“We’re doing this today because a lot of teachers give students like me a lot of extra help, so we’re giving them some extra help for their work-to-rule,” he said.
He was thrilled with how many students form Lockview were partaking in the walkout.
“It’s just awesome to see,” he said.
MacCormick said he would like to see Education Minister Karen Casey and Premier Stephen McNeil respect some of the wishes of the teachers.
“My mother’s friend teaches at an elementary school and has 35 students with six disabled students,” he said. “She doesn’t get any extra help for that.”
Liberal MLA Bill Horne stopped in to the rally at the corner of Fall River Road and Hwy 2 in front of Subway.
“We’re understanding some of the concerns that teachers had that we didn’t understand until it had gone through the two legitimate negotiations,” he said. “Teachers are important to our system.”
MacCormick said it was great to have passing motorists honking their horns in support of the students.
“It means they’re supporting us and that’s all we can ask for,” said MacCormick.
He was pleased to have had Horne drop by.
“It means a lot to have him stop by,” he said. “Although we’re here for our teachers, we’re not against our government. It’s nice to hear from him.”
MacCormick acknowledged the academic risk involved for the students taking part.
“It’s important to recognize what our teachers do for us,” he said. “It’s time for us to do something for them.”
Education Minister Karen Casey announced Dec. 3 that students would be locked out, but teachers would report to work. She said legislation will be brought forward that would force the teachers to work under an agreement they rejected by 70 per cent in October.
phealey@enfieldweeklypress.com