Dear MPP Kernaghan,

We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the recent changes in classroom sizes at Jack Chambers Public School, specifically the reduction of two Junior Kindergarten/Senior Kindergarten (JK/SK) classes and the subsequent increase in classroom sizes to 34 students per class.

As parents, we are alarmed by the immediate and long-term impacts of this decision on our children's education. The significant increase in classroom sizes means that our classrooms are already at full capacity before summer registration has even begun. This raises serious concerns about the quality of education our children will receive.

We are particularly troubled by the loss of two wonderful teachers and two Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) due to the reduction of classes. These educators have been invaluable members of our school community, and their contributions to delivering high-quality education and nurturing our children's development cannot be overstated. Reducing the number of classes to cut budgets is, unfortunately, being done at the expense of the educational experience and curriculum quality for our children.

The restructuring will result in mixed SK/Grade 1 classes, which poses its own set of challenges. The educational programs for SK and Grade 1 are quite different, and combining these distinct curricula in one classroom will likely create an environment where educators are set up for failure. This, in turn, sets our children up for a less successful future.

We are also concerned about the high likelihood of more children registering over the summer months, which could push classroom sizes beyond the maximum allowable number. This will necessitate further restructuring of classrooms and educators, but by that time, the original teachers will have been reassigned to other schools. This scenario will require last-minute hires, new training, and a loss of historical knowledge, leading to inefficiencies and disruptions in the learning environment.

We urge you to consider the ramifications of these decisions on our children's education and to advocate for maintaining smaller class sizes and adequate staffing. The quality of education should not be compromised for budgetary reasons. Our children deserve the best possible start to their educational journey, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have the resources and support they need to succeed.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response and hope for a positive resolution that prioritizes the educational well-being of our children.
Sincerely, 

Jack Chamber School Parents.