Community members ‘Make noise’ in North Battleford during Nov. 4 mini-rally

“We’ve been talking about the increasing class size and class complexity and the issues in public education for at least a decade,” she said, noting there have been two rounds of collective bargaining.

“Teachers are doing their best to make do in the situation but…they’re stretched too thin, they’re at their breaking point.”

The rally kicked off with Michael Hagel, president of the Tri-West Teachers’ Association and member of the STF executive, serving as the event’s emcee.

“It’s an honour to see so many gathered here today advocating for students and teachers,” he said.

“Your commitment this Saturday shows our united front fighting for a world-class publicly funded education for every child in our province.”

The Make a Noise rallies have popped up in communities around the province since this spring and Hagel said they estimate about 7,000 people have come out in support.

“I know that public education is the best investment that this government could make to ensure a proper future, a successful future for all of Saskatchewan,” said Becotte.

“Education is the greatest equalizer and if we continue to ignore the realities – if this government continues to ignore the realities – it just means that there are going to be winners and losers and when we are talking about our children, that is not what we should be talking about.”

Logan Poitras waves his sign during the Make Noise mini-rally in North Battleford on Sat., Nov. 4. Community members and supporters came out in solidarity for educators. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW)

Becotte explained that during a meeting with Cockrill, he said he wants to collaborate with parents and teachers, and he wants what is best for the children, but she said that the government’s actions don’t bear that out.

“What are those actions that we see? We see a budget that is below the rate of inflation and…increases in our enrolment. We see a Throne Speech that takes 30 minutes to mention education.”

Parents speak out on personal experiences

As part of the rally, local parents also took the microphone and spoke about their personal realities. Cheryl Duntis said her son, who has Downs Syndrome, is part of the Functional Integrated Learning Program at North Battleford Comprehensive High School and his teachers and educational assistants have “done a wonderful job” to help him reach his potential.

“So, what’s the problem? With consistent underfunding of the people in the building, the ability of schools to provide safe, appropriate educational opportunities has been eroded,” she said.

“If this is true for my kid, it’s true for all kids.”

As the crowed clapped and cheered Duntis on, she said that while new buildings are great, it’s educated, invested and enough adults in the building that have the true impact.

Another mom, Catherine Hagel, also spoke about her how her family has been affected.

“I have two daughters who I love more than anything in the world,” she said, noting one of her girls has anxiety and ADHD.

“She struggles with task management ad time management. She also struggles with anxiety attacks, particularly in busy environments.”

Hagel explained that due to large class sizes, her daughter is overwhelmed.

“Through no fault of her teachers, classes are louder and busier than ever. If she gets triggered, she’ll quietly have a panic attack and she’s quiet – especially in a class of more than 24, which by the way is a big class in small town Saskatchewan.”

Show of solidarity

Meanwhile, following the presentations, impromptu singing and dancing commenced with the overall spirit was one of excitement and community coming together.

“I think it went really well,” said Hannah Kendrick, parent and teacher.

“There were more people in Saskatoon last weekend, but it’s still nice to see people in smaller cities coming out to these,” she said, noting they drove from out of town to attend.

Kendrick said her own son has an Inclusion and Intervention Plan (IIP), but said that doesn’t guarantee him the supports that he needs.

“We just have too many problems in the schools, there’s too many kids that have intensive needs and not enough funding to get enough E.A.s to support everything.”

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julia.lovett-squires@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @battlefordsnow

by Julia Lovett-Squires

Community members ‘Make noise’ in North Battleford during Nov. 4 mini-rally

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