Want to read how trustee hopefuls in other wards responded to our school-themed scenarios? Click here.
You suddenly find yourself back in grade school. You have all of your grown-up life experience, but you’re moving around the school in a young person’s body. You’re in Grade 1 and Halloween is fast approaching. Which costume do you wear to school and why?
Public school board candidates
Marilyn Dennis: I would go as a ballet dancer and wear a pancake tutu. I never took dance lessons as a child, but I am a dance mom now and I love the pancake tutus. This would finally be my chance to wear a pancake tutu!
Rekha Dhawan: I’d love to be Robin Williams as I believe that joy can help bring creative solutions to all situations.
Sohail Sherwani: I would probably be Batman. Calgary is like Gotham City, I’m the hero that Wards 5 & 10 need.
Bianca Smetacek: Cinderella , my daughters favourite !
Separate school board candidates
Mario Deshaies: I have 5 sisters and brothers. My mom always made our costumes – my favorite is the Little Red Riding Hood costume with a bright red hooded cape and green skirt with white tights. I will be comfortable and confident to learn all day.
Cheryl Low: A silly clown, i like to make people laugh.
How time flies. You’re in Grade 9. Your teacher is insisting you vote for which school club to cut because there’s a shortage of teachers to run the clubs. Which one gets the thumbs down? Explain your decision, please.
Public school board candidates
Marilyn Dennis: AV club, Rather than cancelling a club, I would suggest that a couple of the clubs be offered every other week
Rekha Dhawan: AV club will be the one I would suggest to cancel as in this day and age, there are many alternative ways to get the exposure to AV outside of school as technology is such a big part of every person’s life. Chess is developing problem solving and critical thinking, Drama encourages portrayal of artistic abilities and expression, Science club is developing scientific inquiry and innovation, Sports intramurals promotes fitness and teamwork while Gay Straight Alliance club provides understanding, awareness, and respect for all.
Sohail Sherwani: Chess club, While clubs are a place where students are able to express themselves, school is an environment which fosters growth in skills for the future. While chess is my favorite board game, it has to go.
Bianca Smetacek: AV club, Not a technical person.
Separate school board candidates
Mario Deshaies: AV club. I think watching too much TV is not good for our Children. I think we should promote physical activities outside and open their mind to different point of view
Cheryl Low: Chess club. As a student I appreciate that I am being provided the opportunity to have input. Each school is unique and has unique needs. It is important that the student body is included in the decisions at their school. While chess challenges the mind and develops excellent skills it has never been my game.
You’re in high school. You realize that one of your friends has been bullying another student because of his sexual orientation. You go to a teacher about the need to start a Gay Straight Alliance club, but her reception is lukewarm. You can tell she’s not going to help. How are you going to make this happen?
Public school board candidates
Marilyn Dennis: Whether it were my LGBTQ friend bullying a straight student or my straight friend bullying a LGBTQ student, I would confront my friend about the decision he/she is making in bullying another student since bullying is not alright in any situation. If this teacher is not receptive to the idea of sponsoring this club, another teacher or the Principal can be approached. Alberta has passed Bill 10 which mandates gay-straight alliances in any school where students want them. No student has to ‘make this happen’, they just need to ask.
Rekha Dhawan: The first step is the speak with a counsellor.
Sohail Sherwani: I would start a petition to initiate a Gay Straight Alliance Club. When this teacher would see the number of students who want a safe space for their peers, how could she say no? The people have the power. If she does say no, then this is a matter for the school administration team to handle.
Bianca Smetacek: I would go to the principal or even approach the parent council.
Separate school board candidates
Mario Deshaies: would go talk to the school director to talk about it
Cheryl Low: N/A
It is nearing the end of the tenth grade and marijuana has been legalized for a little over a month. You and a few other students learn that a teacher smokes a lot of cannabis at home. Do you think she should be held to a different standard when it comes to her recreation?
Public school board candidates
Marilyn Dennis: Teachers should be held accountable to the law just like any other citizen.
Rekha Dhawan: Nobody should be subjected to any different standards as long as it is not affecting the professional conduct of the teacher, including any absenteeism from work or affecting the quality and conductance of her duties.
Sohail Sherwani: No.
Bianca Smetacek: No , what people do in their personal lives doesn’t matter.
Separate school board candidates
Mario Deshaies: I don’t think we should change our standard. Smoking marijuana at home is a personal choice. As long as this teacher is not smoking in front of the students and on the school site.
Cheryl Low: Teachers are role models, mentors, and leaders in their schools and communities. They are held in high regard and hold themselves to high standards.
All responses have been edited for typos, but not for spelling or syntax.