‘The kids have already gone through a lot:’ NDSS parents voice concerns on school capacity changes

“It’s sort of perplexing that the district assumed the students of Gabriola were simply a ‘bus in, bus out’ community which is really not the case. That’s a very narrow perspective of what life looks like for Gabriola youth.”

She added students participate in a number of after school activities in Nanaimo, many look for work, and have the majority of their friends here.

Sperber also mentioned many young people from Gabriola said they enjoy the independence of going to school in the city.

Students have established connections and support systems in Nanaimo, whereas Cedar is unfamiliar for them.

Moving to Cedar would also extend their already long commute.

“Their autonomy really grows there and the success in growing that independence would be very limited by the distance and the accessibility that Cedar is for our community. Their social and emotional learning and feelings of inclusion would definitely be impacted.”

Sperber added a petition recently started by the committee already has over 1,000 signatures against the displacement.

Talks on how the district plans to address the over-subscription has long been underway, with recent projections showing that the issue will increase over the next few years if no changes are implemented.

A second scenario posed by the district to reduce student population at NDSS involved moving so-called programs of choice, or academy programs, to John Barsby Secondary School.

The proposal cited this would provide increased athletic opportunities for Barsby students, however NDSS parents disagree.

Kristen White, parent of an NDSS Lacrosse Academy student, said moving the academy will decrease future opportunities for their young athletes.

“The move to Barsby would put scholarships at risk. Colleges specifically recognize the elite caliber of the head coach and the NDSS academy in it’s current establishment and not any other staff or school.”

White’s son Alexander, a french immersion student and lacrosse goalie at NDSS, added during the meeting moving to Barsby would clip his wings.

“Why should I be forced to limit my options and goals? It doesnt seem to align with the school’s values of personalized learning or being student centered, where I’m able to pursue all of my passions.”

He added he would “happily learn in portables” if it meant he could stay in both programs at NDSS.

One of the scenarios supported by many NDSS parents and students involves adding additional portable to the school.

Mark Walsh, district secretary treasurer, said SD68 is receiving receiving roughly $70,000 to support infrastructure.

He said these funds could be used to aid capacity solutions most desired by the public.

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by Chelsea Cavanagh

‘The kids have already gone through a lot:’ NDSS parents voice concerns on school capacity changes

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