Final Graduation Class HD Stafford -2008
We enjoyed the graduation ceremonies for the final graduate class from HD Stafford last night at CLA Church.
Like most grade 12 grad ceremonies, there was a feeling of high excitement, nervous energy and youthful exuberance in the air, however on this night there was something else waiting in the wings.
The closure of the High School sees a 30 year history shut down and a loss to the City of Langley of its only High School. One can debate the merits (and the reasons) of the closure, but this was a night for the grads and the students, parents, other family members, friends, local politicians, administrative staff and teachers kept a respectful air in the church. It seemed we all understood that the night was for the kids.......
Attending were Trustees; Stacy Cody, Joan Bech, Hattie Hogterp and Sonya Paterson (in late from a ferry - but there)......who was missing? ......a very quiet hush over the audience as they were introduced.
Stacy Cody gave a very heartfelt and timely talk to the grads. A very upfront and honest speech she was able to give voice to what I think I lot of the kids were thinking. She touched on the closure respectfully and with passion. Hope she continues on. Langley and the schools need her voice.
Mayor Fassbender gave a passionate and thoughtful speech and quoted the Rolling Stones,"you can't always get what you want"..... with a thought that the battle must be fought (whatever your battle) but in a democracy, sometimes you do not win.
However the fight is worth it.......to learn from it......and to grow.
Wendy Johnson - a true 'teacher and leader' attended and one could certainly get a feel for how the kids respect and look up to the former Principal. A standing O was given to Wendy and deservedly so........ an emotional and excellent speech.
The amount of top scholarships as well as National Canadian student awards given to a number of students from HD Stafford causes this writer to question the Fraser report.....
Mr David Stafford (son of HD Stafford) attended and handed out the Laurels Award....
A great night and it was evident how classy and standup the students from Stafford are....well done.
A last thought: HD Stafford Secondary is the last of its kind in Langley.
A 'true' public High School in Langley with under 1000 kids............ a school where the teachers know all of the students names and it is understood with a school population of that size the teachers and admin are able to give one-on-one teaching........
As a few of the current trustees have publicly stated: the decision to change the configuration of HD Stafford Secondary was recommended by staff, and we have to, "rely on staff (the experts) in order to make the decisions.........."
It's too bad the people of Langley were not thought of as the one of the 'experts' as well..........consultation, negotiation and an open / fair process is the basis for democracy.
Congrats Class of 2008 HD Stafford Secondary.....Proud of all of You!!!!.....especially you Gong-Show boys.....p.s. the fridge is always open (and full) for you ..........
Comments
Doug
I did not mention them nor would I.....
you singled out one school.
So I ask again... which school or schools are examples of public school in Langley that are run "as private schools and live off of the public payroll/taxpayer......"
I was referring to any school which funds itself off the taxpayers but runs itself like a private elite school....could be anywhere in BC.
You bought up a specific named school here in Langley.
I'm just going to leave it there....thanks for commenting and visiting my blog, cheers....Ken
Ken states:
"I was referring to any school which funds itself off the taxpayers but runs itself like a private elite school....could be anywhere in BC."
Ketih replies: Ken, that is not true. Read your own blog:
"A last thought: HD Stafford Secondary is the last of its kind in Langley."
Got that? The "last of its kind in Langley" part? OK, then you went on:
"A 'true' public High School in Langley with under 1000 kids............ a school where the teachers know all of the students names and it is understood with a school population of that size the teachers and admin are able to give one-on-one teaching........"
So Stafford is the only reaming "true" High School under 1000 students? And, hence, the remaining publicly funded High Schools in Langley with under 1000 kids don't count? You don't see them as 'true' high schools?
I'm a little tired of this and if you wish to understand what I was stating please read the aformentioned comments. Thanks, Ken
P.S. it was just an editorial regarding a celebration of a whole lot of kids graduating from Grade 12 from a great school in the heart of Langley which the current trustees and board staff decided was not needed anymore......a decision made for right or wrong....
A great group of young people who I know through multi levels of school, coaching, music concerts and other functions who all live throughout the Langleys......nothing more......
.....if you wish to 'read' more into it....."fill yer' buckets!"....as they say.
Cheers, K
In my thinking, it is not about 'winning', it is about being fully honest. I was hoping your response would have been something like:
"Oh, I had forgotten about the Fundamental School, sorry, yes, of course they are a 'true' public high school, but that does not take away form point that losing the precious few small schools we have in the district...."
or even this would have been fine:
"I don't consider the Fundamental School in the same category as Stafford because... (fill in your reason)."
I still hope for just as straight an answer, Ken, but will leave it there if you wish to let it go.
The 'true debate' is the politicizing within the boards throughout BC (of course this has been happening for many years), the political decision making from the top on down which are having an immediate impact upon the students in BC and the erosion of the public school systems in BC....
The elections in Langley this November are sure gearing up to be verrrry interesting.