The signed below are concerned parents of students at Mary Hopkins school in Waterdown. 

The physical, verbal, and emotional bullying that has been present at the school for years is currently out of hand. 

There are 3 distinct areas of concern that have been brought to the principal's attention numerous times by concerned parents, including during the school council meeting on October 6, 2021.

1. Supervision - There needs to be more during unstructured time such as the morning lineups, and nutrition breaks/ recess. Classes with problem students also need additional supervision in the form of EA's - we currently don't have enough to go around. Bringing back parent volunteers who are fully vaccinated would be another option for extra eyes and presence. This option has been suggested to the principal, but no action taken. 

2. Communication - This is lost far too often between staff members, staff to the principal, and staff to parents. There are too many incidents that fall through the cracks because teachers aren't communicating what they are seeing (or being told by students) to the homeroom teacher, or to the principal(s) directly. There needs to be a better communication system between all parties to ensure children are supported and safe. 

3. Consequences - We often feel there are no real consequences for the bullies, and the consequences currently being used do nothing to deter the behavior. We often feel as though the principal does not give a straight answer to our questions about "progressive discipline". Instead, she makes us feel like she is ill-equipped to handle these situations and would rather us suffer in silence and go away.

But we aren't going to. We are demanding changes to be made, and if the current principal cannot handle what's going on in the school, then maybe it's time someone is brought in who can.

We will not be silent or go away until all of our children feel safe, supported, and heard.