Message from the Honourable Dave Hancock Minister of Education
As every parent and teacher knows, the school year starts much earlier than the day students actually enter the classroom.
Parents and students have much to do before the big day. Routines and schedules must be created or re-established and anxieties overcome; new clothes are needed for children who have grown over the summer; parents have to ensure that children have the proper supplies…for many parents, the list of things to do must seem endless.
Teachers too start working before the school year begins. When students enter their classrooms in September, our teachers want to know that they have done everything they can to ensure that our children are coming into welcoming and caring spaces that inspire learning and foster success.
I think this school year is going to be particularly exciting. As you may know, Education has undertaken three major public engagement initiatives: Setting the Direction for Special Education in Alberta; Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans; and Speak Out!- Alberta Student Engagement Initiative.
These three initiatives represent a significant province-wide discussion with thousands of Alberta parents, teachers, students and members of the general public. The considerable response from citizens has further strengthened my belief that for the overwhelming majority of Albertans, education truly matters. I rarely encounter anyone who does not believe that our education system is the foundation on which the future success of our province will be built.
I am particularly pleased with the response to Inspiring Education. As part of this process, 14 successful events in 10 communities have been held and many more groups and private citizens have organized smaller community conversations that have further contributed to the dialogue. The Inspiring Education events, policy work, and research will all come together at a forum that will be held in Edmonton on October 18, 19 and 20. We expect to see 1,000 participants at the conference representing a broad range of interests.
The rate of change we are experiencing today is challenging all of us to create an education system that will enable our children to succeed—whatever the future holds. We can only achieve this by ensuring our students have the tools and supports they need to engage fully with learning; by valuing and recognizing the efforts and professionalism of our teachers, administrators and trustees; and by including the broad community in the education of our children.
All the best on a memorable and inspirational school year.
Dave Hancock, Q.C.
Minister
