Ned Yeung<p>From a school principal:</p><p>"This was a tough week. All week we knew October 6 would come, and we as teachers have struggled between fighting for our students and having to leave them. Today as I walked through my school, I saw what I see every day - our staff engaging with their students, building relationships and teaching like October 6 was never coming. Our staff shows up every day for our kids - we live for these kids. Even in the face of this strike, they were there today teaching their hearts out - no bitching, no grumbling about the strike, not slacking because why would it matter. They showed up to teach. Our kids thrive at school - between classes, clubs and the countless hours our coaches put in to give these kids the best high school experience possible. Our staff goes above and beyond every day. I wish people could have witnessed today. For those who think we are striking for the money, you are sadly mistaken. We are going out to make things better for the students. As a principal for seven years, I have struggled to provide the best staffing plan for my school - but every year our division has received less funding than the year prior. We are forced to make hard decisions - bigger classes, less supports, and a slew of bullshit ministerial orders which add to the stress of all. Somehow teachers continue to take this on - because they care for these kids. I saw my students leave today - many asked how long they would have to be away, many said it sucked, and there were a lot of fist bumps. I feel for those students where school is the only safe place for them, for my special needs students who need our support and who struggle with change, and those students who I check in on and who check in with me every day so I can make sure they get through their day without a major incident. Even the most challenging and toughest students were not happy that we were going on strike. <br>While we are out, people need to phone their MLA, Education minister and our premier to let them know how much chaos they are creating. They need to know they need to get their heads out of their asses and do the right thing - not tow some bullshit party line to appease a minority. <br>When we return, know our teachers will be under the gun to catch our students up. Show them some grace, support them and help them get our kids back on track. <br>To my staff, colleagues, and parents, thank you for all you do. I am humbled daily to witness how much you care for kids. I wish those in government could care as much as you do. <br>We will see you soon - we can't wait to be back. Stay strong kids."</p><p><a href="https://beige.party/tags/abpoli" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>abpoli</span></a> <a href="https://beige.party/tags/cdnpoli" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>cdnpoli</span></a> <a href="https://beige.party/tags/education" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>education</span></a> <a href="https://beige.party/tags/strike" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>strike</span></a> <a href="https://beige.party/tags/union" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>union</span></a> <a href="https://beige.party/tags/solidarity" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>solidarity</span></a> <a href="https://beige.party/tags/unionstrong" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>unionstrong</span></a> <a href="https://beige.party/tags/yeg" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>yeg</span></a> <a href="https://beige.party/tags/yyc" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>yyc</span></a></p>