Lately, as more years pass by, we can see how everybody is polarized: left or right; conservative or liberal, and sometimes extreme views on both sides. For those of us with faith, this division is a clear sign of the devil’s work, aiming to split, separate, and destroy. It is become harder to work together to find solutions; instead, we seem to be taking stances, often without reflection, moved by fake news and social media. 

The role of a good Catholic School Trustee is able to really listen to both parts, all parts, and come with solutions that can work for everyone, no extreme positions. Saint Ignatius of Loyola liked to say “Nothing of too much.” Every time there is a “too much” in one direction, means that the other side is not taken care for and respected. I heard so many parents lamenting that they have not been listened by our board members in many points and that is sad… A Catholic School Trustee must be a sincere and open listener and work for the common good, without being in an echo chamber!

WORKLOAD

Recently, the conversation around teachers has become politicized. It is no longer about finding real solutions but about using teachers as a political tool. It seems that only a good raise of teachers’ salaries will solve everything. However, even with a million-dollar salary, could the stress, workload, and burnout that many teachers experience truly be addressed? No! Absolutely not! So let us focus on the root issues affecting the vocation of teaching, rather than getting sidetracked by political fixes.

I often compare my past experience of being a teacher in Italy to what I have seen here in Canada. There, once the last bell ring to end the school day, I also walk out from school with the students. I do not need to stay extra hours at school. I enjoy my time at home, reviewing or preparing a little for the next day, but that is it. Communication with parents is minimal. They are already overwhelmed by the constant flow of messages, so I meet them during parent-teacher nights or call them if there is a real issue to address. I do not grade at home, as I mark student work in class, usually when I ask questions about the assigned homework. Only once a month, if there is a test, would I have additional grading to do. I do not need to do extracurricular activities, unless I am enjoying them myself, so I participate and organize them with pleasure! 

Here in Canada, however, the demands on teachers seem endless. It feels like teachers are expected to do everything— as if they are machines, expected to constantly optimize and perform every task in the most efficient way possible. They are expected to handle all their duties and more, with little regard for their well-being. I believe teachers must be treated as human beings.

Another major source of stress for teachers is the politicization of issues concerning students with disabilities. Why must this be a burden on teachers? Over the past fifty years, governments, experts, parents, and medical professionals in Canada and across the Western world have worked together to find a balanced approach. With the help of Educational Assistants (EAs), students with disabilities can be included in schools, and specialized rooms or accommodations, when necessary, help ensure all students are supported. So, actually, I believe Catholic Schools in Edmonton have found a good balance in this regard. I have seen this firsthand during my school visits over the last ten years. I do not want political extremism to destabilize the environment we have worked so hard to create; a balanced, compassionate environment that recognizes the unique needs of every student.  

Yes, teachers and EAs absolutely need support and collaboration, especially at the start of a new year. But after that, we should not be blaming them or using every small incident as an excuse to point fingers. Teachers and EAs are doing their very best! They are following procedures, policies, and guidelines that have been built through years of hard work and experience. Do not let political agendas strip away the peace and serenity that should come with being a teacher. We cannot let external forces undermine the dedication and professionalism of our educators.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Lately some people ask me also about DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Maybe they do not fully understand the Catholic Church. The Church is, by nature and vocation, welcoming. As the Gospel of Matthew (22:9-10) reminds us, “Everyone is welcome to the banquet of the King.” However, this does not mean we accept or promote everything, especially if it goes against our beliefs. Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized that the Church accepts everyone, especially in discussions around transgender issues, but that does not mean the Church promotes transgenderism. What we promote is what is in line with our faith, which is also protected by the Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. If we did not stand by our faith and beliefs, hypothetically, we would have no reason to exist as a Catholic school system. We exist because we offer something different from the public schools. When families choose us, they are seeking that “different thing” that we cannot compromise on, just to give them what is already available in society.

Let us continue to work together in peace and respect, and not be swayed by any political or ideological current of the moment.

I am not in favor of chaos or political tensions; I support real solutions, peace, and harmony in our society.