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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, May 7, 2015 | 22 Public student trustee speaks up on strike action by Tim Whitnell Metroland West Media A student trustee with the Halton District School Board is worried about the ramifications for her and thousands of fellow high schoolers, at her board and across Ontario, as the strike by secondary teachers grows. Sophie Schneider sent her thoughts in an email to the Oakville Beaver. The Grade 11 student at Abbey Park High School in Oakville said she wonders when the Halton public and Catholic boards' high school teachers might join public secondary teaching staff in Durham, the Rainbow District School Board and Peel Region, who are already on the picket lines. "This move deprives nearly 73,000 secondary school students of prime learning opportunities both within and outside the classroom. "Students will be unable to get essential education in order to be successful in post-secondary, as well as being unable to participate in co-curricular activities that enrich and enhance their learning experience. "Some will be unable to participate in highly-anticipated events and initiatives. There is little question that the strike will hurt students the most," wrote Schneider. The 17-year-old is finishing her first oneyear term as one of two elected student trustees with the Halton District School Board. She has been re-elected to a second term with the public school board for the 201516 school year. She's hoping there will be no more teaching disruptions in Ontario. The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation continues to meet this week at the local level with Halton board negotiators to discuss non-monetary contract issues. "We believe that students deserve a voice in this matter because we are a clear, prominent, non-partisan stakeholder.... In Halton, they have not announced a strike action yet, but we as students wish to convey to the public the importance of the Sophie Schneider student position and concerns before this happens," added Schneider. She is worried that a possible strike in Halton would impact summer school for those who need to attend it in order to graduate. From her own perspective, Schneider says she is concerned that her studies as a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) student could be jeopardized by a high school teachers' strike. She has plans to participate in co-operative education computer programming placement this summer. "In order to get my SHSM (credit) I have to get my co-op credit." Schneider said school boards are "kind of like the students and caught in the middle" of the negotiations between teachers and the education ministry. "We want to make sure everyone is considering what's best for students and their education." Schneider said she has no opinion on whether teachers should have the legal right to strike. 0% Interest on All Water Treatment Equipment Until July 15th 2015 All Softeners, All Iron Removal Systems, All UV Units, All R/O Units! Receive 50 FREE litres of U Fill Water and we'll also give you a FREE jug to transport your water! ening p p a H WATER DEpOT hAS A Now! 0% InTEREST EVEnT NEW CUSTOMER OFFER: 2251 WESTOAK TRAIL BLVD., UNIT#1 (905) 257.9257 · Email: oakvillewaterdepot@yahoo.ca HEARING AID SPECIAL *Some Conditions Apply (Clients portion) Up to 3 Year Service Warranty HOME VISITS AVAILABLE $295 Latest Technology 60 DAY GUARANTEE: FREE Hearing test · Age 55 www.hearingclinicgroup.com + Weekly Grass Cutting and Garden Maintenance Sign up for our weekly grass cutting ce servi and receive your first cut free!!! starting at $ PrOUD MeMBerS Of: 30 per week fIND US ON: Hopedale Hearing Clinic 905-827-7333 In Hopedale Mall, next to the CIBC 1515 Rebecca Street, Unit 38, Oakville computer designs | pools & hot tubs | patios | accent lighting | outdoor kitchens | flagstone & masonry 905.842.0069 · www.ProScapeLandDesign.ca