Our little school needs our voices right now. 💔

A.J. Elliott Elementary, nestled in the heart of our community, is facing a harsh reality. There's a proposed reduction of 0.6 teaching staff for the 2026–2027 school year. On paper, this may sound insignificant, but in our tiny rural school with only 22 projected students across eight grade levels, it is anything but small.
This reduction threatens to transform our current two-room school into a one-room K–7 school for most of the time, placing an enormous strain on students, staff, and the overall learning environment. 

This reduction would impact:
• student learning and support
• classroom safety and stability
• literacy and numeracy intervention
• behavioural and emotional support
• extracurricular opportunities like Maker Club, cross-country, track and field, and science fair
• authentic French classes

• outdoor/survival education

• staff sustainability and burnout
• and ultimately the long-term health of our school community

Small schools cannot absorb cuts the way larger schools can.

At A.J. Elliott, teachers are more than teachers. They are mentors, safe adults, coaches, aunties, and trusted community members woven into the daily lives of our children. Our school is not simply a building where curriculum is delivered, it is the heartbeat of our community.

And unlike larger communities, there is no simple alternative for families here. For many children, attending another school would mean long ferry commutes and extended days away from home at a very young age.

We are asking the Board of Education to reconsider this staffing reduction and recognize the unique realities of small rural schools.

Please take a moment to read and sign our petition. Every voice matters.