Revert new rules about boundaries at Kwayhquitlum Middle School

The Issue

This decision has impacted many people; whether in a ‘positive’ way, or in a ‘negative’ way. Students that reside daily in the environment affected will be ‘kicked out’ in a sense, and the staff who supervise will also be affected in a perspective.  


This situation can be seen both ways, as this change was made with the safety of everybody in mind. The thought process of this situation is the amount of people running around and causing chaos during school breaks, and how that is dangerous for a multitude of people; Students and adults alike.  


Especially in the parking lots, which are found in the front and back of school; Many adults and drivers have expressed concern towards the number of students that have nearly been hit by cars backing up or entering the parking space. There have also been occasional bear sightings, which is worrisome considering there are only 3 supervisors for the entire school ground. Cutting down the amount of ground the adults outside need to watch will help with both these issues.  


However, some groups of people have stated that little bears and cars can be seen, especially later in the year. And even if there are cars around the area, it is expected of middle school students to be mature enough to notice cars and avoid them, as nearly everyone has experience with knowing basic road safety, and what to do when they come in contact with a potentially dangerous animal. Which is seen through the number of students that walk to school and back home by themselves, or at most with a couple of friends. However, others have stated that even if the chances of meeting a car or bear are low, they can still happen; Implying it is always safer than sorry.  


Many students also use the spaces that are now deemed out-of-bounds for activities such as volleyball, pickleball, four-square, and places to relax that are not constantly being berated by loud noises and games. Removing these areas from the school boundaries can result in excessive cramming; Making things even louder. This can negatively affect certain students, as it makes it harder for friends to have private conversations, which also increases the chances of getting injured by tripping over or getting hit with equipment. Some students are also sensitive to loud noises and need space to enjoy their break; The back of the school provides people with a quiet and more private area for them to enjoy their breaks with much less disruption. 

As previously mentioned, these new boundaries have just been recently implemented, so most people believe that acting sooner rather than later is better. Because right now, when the rules are still newly added, changing them will allow for quicker and more efficient adaptation. Coming up with a comprise quicker will also result in less whining children going to bug teachers and staff.  
 
In addition, we would like to note that we understand that it is only the beginning of the new school year, with new classes, staff, and a new principle. We would also like to make it clear that we are not trying to make Ms. Sviatko’s first year at our school a bad experience; We are trying to come up with a compromise that will suit everyone’s needs. We apologize in advance if this comes across as a hindrance and a problematic issue. We all hope that all staff and adults understand why we are doing this at all.  
 
Below we have included some compromises and suggestions that we hope you will look over.  
 
Compromises: 
Move the boundary line to the chain section behind the school: Easy access for supervisors and still enough space for students to play pickleball, volleyball, four-square, etc. If possible allow usage of the sidewalk so students can walk a circle around the school. 

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The Issue

This decision has impacted many people; whether in a ‘positive’ way, or in a ‘negative’ way. Students that reside daily in the environment affected will be ‘kicked out’ in a sense, and the staff who supervise will also be affected in a perspective.  


This situation can be seen both ways, as this change was made with the safety of everybody in mind. The thought process of this situation is the amount of people running around and causing chaos during school breaks, and how that is dangerous for a multitude of people; Students and adults alike.  


Especially in the parking lots, which are found in the front and back of school; Many adults and drivers have expressed concern towards the number of students that have nearly been hit by cars backing up or entering the parking space. There have also been occasional bear sightings, which is worrisome considering there are only 3 supervisors for the entire school ground. Cutting down the amount of ground the adults outside need to watch will help with both these issues.  


However, some groups of people have stated that little bears and cars can be seen, especially later in the year. And even if there are cars around the area, it is expected of middle school students to be mature enough to notice cars and avoid them, as nearly everyone has experience with knowing basic road safety, and what to do when they come in contact with a potentially dangerous animal. Which is seen through the number of students that walk to school and back home by themselves, or at most with a couple of friends. However, others have stated that even if the chances of meeting a car or bear are low, they can still happen; Implying it is always safer than sorry.  


Many students also use the spaces that are now deemed out-of-bounds for activities such as volleyball, pickleball, four-square, and places to relax that are not constantly being berated by loud noises and games. Removing these areas from the school boundaries can result in excessive cramming; Making things even louder. This can negatively affect certain students, as it makes it harder for friends to have private conversations, which also increases the chances of getting injured by tripping over or getting hit with equipment. Some students are also sensitive to loud noises and need space to enjoy their break; The back of the school provides people with a quiet and more private area for them to enjoy their breaks with much less disruption. 

As previously mentioned, these new boundaries have just been recently implemented, so most people believe that acting sooner rather than later is better. Because right now, when the rules are still newly added, changing them will allow for quicker and more efficient adaptation. Coming up with a comprise quicker will also result in less whining children going to bug teachers and staff.  
 
In addition, we would like to note that we understand that it is only the beginning of the new school year, with new classes, staff, and a new principle. We would also like to make it clear that we are not trying to make Ms. Sviatko’s first year at our school a bad experience; We are trying to come up with a compromise that will suit everyone’s needs. We apologize in advance if this comes across as a hindrance and a problematic issue. We all hope that all staff and adults understand why we are doing this at all.  
 
Below we have included some compromises and suggestions that we hope you will look over.  
 
Compromises: 
Move the boundary line to the chain section behind the school: Easy access for supervisors and still enough space for students to play pickleball, volleyball, four-square, etc. If possible allow usage of the sidewalk so students can walk a circle around the school. 

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