Editor:
It seems yet another example of shortsighted thinking is taking place, education being treated as a corporation, money (or something?) being seen as more important than human lives and hearts.
The Bulkley Valley Learning Centre is “morphing”.
Some of the students are heading to a small room at the NWCC and the younger ones are going to have to blend into the high school, while the purpose-built still-new building sits empty.
Gone are the wonderful food program, the breakfasts and weekly luncheons along with cooking instruction, and special meals served several times a year.
Also going are the custom-made programs for those who need them.
Gone is the opportunity to be known in depth and helped through the ripples of life.
Gone is the chance to interact with consistent and caring staff throughout one’s high school career.
Gone is the no-pressure-to-get-a-diploma-in-four-years phenomenon.
Gone is the family feeling associated with growing with a group, a feeling I’ve witnessed and felt first-hand as a staff member for 4.5 years.
The BVLC is an important institution.
It isn’t broken.
It doesn’t need to be fixed.
I feel the need for an alternative school still exists, and the proposed changes will leave the needs of most of the students un-met and compromise the quality of their teenage years.
Hopefully the BVLC building, with its architecturally welcoming atmosphere, will be kept in reserve to be re-opened soon, as I feel the students need their safe haven, where they have a sense they matter and they belong.
Paulie Haines
Smithers