Grading school
I read a post about how parents were feeling lost in regards to their children with learning disabilities, and how they felt there wasn't enough support within their schools. The sort of problems we hear so much about these days in regards to the NS school system. I could relate to the learning disability part because my son, in Grade 2 French immersion, was recently diagnosed with dyslexia.
What I can't relate to is the lack of support or direction. My son attends St. Joseph's-Alexander McKay School (SJAM). His teacher, Mme. Darwish, immediately picked up on his trouble with reading and asked permission to have him screened by a language pathologist, who diagnosed him. The school sent me a list of tutors in private practice, so I can get him the help he needs. Mrs. King, the resource teacher, sent home information to have him registered for a free reading program, so he can stay on track during the summer months.
I'm not thrilled about the diagnosis (this is how he was born/it's actually quite common/he will likely always read and write at a slower pace/he's a bright, social, amazing kid who will adapt and figure out how to get around the barrier and be just fine), but I am thrilled the staff at his school didn't let him fall through the cracks.
SJAM's not perfect, but overall the kids at the school are having their needs met and they are going to be alright thanks to the dedicated and patient team of adults there. So thank you to the staff of SJAM, keep up the great work. It's really appreciated. —Not another unhappy NS public school parent
The pipeline PM
It is hard to believe that our politicians continue to have their heads in the sand (or their hands in industry's pockets) when it comes to climate issues. Trudeau's decision on the TMX pipeline and tanker project could have a big impact on his re-election campaign.
I've voted Liberal in past elections in part because they pledged to make climate action a priority. But I can't support a party that would pour tax dollars into pipelines and tankers, in the middle of a climate emergency. I know I am not alone in this view.
Trudeau would be wise to consider whether voters will back a "pipeline prime minister" in a climate election. I certainly won't. –Deborah Luscomb, Halifax
Gold bugged
At the community meeting in Sherbrooke on May 24, it was appalling the way the RCMP and a security thug hired by mining company Atlantic Gold treated John Perkins. Most in attendance were shocked and astonished by the unnecessary use of force and the RCMP's role in supporting Atlantic Gold's efforts to rid the meeting of anyone questioning the company's plans for the area.
Anyone familiar with the activities of Canadian mining companies in other parts of the world would not be surprised by the use of thugs and police to assist companies in getting their way. People trying to protect their homes and the local environment are often displaced, and many are beaten, shot or disappeared. Trials are currently underway related to the atrocities of Canadian mining companies in Guatemala. Their record in many other countries is no better.
The use of police to stifle freedom of expression is becoming an everyday event in Canada. The threat of an arrest without any investigation of the facts, or any explanation of the charges, has become a common means of taking away a citizen's freedom of expression. We don't need companies in Nova Scotia who have no respect for the environment or for local citizens. We also don't need a police force that consistently protects large corporations while trampling on the rights of ordinary citizens. —Wayne Mundle, Mushaboom
Correction
In last week's the Hot Summer Guide, the summer theatre listings by Carey Bray misidentified two characters in Ship's Company
Theatre's upcoming production Bed and Breakfast as brothers, when they are in fact a couple. The Coast regrets this error.
