We want our extracurriculars back. By signing this petition you're sending a message to the decision makers in Ontario that you care about extracurriculars, and you care about students' learning.

Regardless of which side of the issue you are on, something that we can all agree on is that students should not be placed in the middle. Extracurriculars aren’t just extras. Learning that happens outside the classroom can be just as important as learning that happens inside the classroom. School isn't the same without them and it's time for the government and the teachers' unions to stop placing us in the middle of this political fight.

This year I have lost the sense of community that I felt strongly during my first year of high school. Last year I was involved in multiple extracurricular activities including the rugby team, dare to dance, adolescents for community teamwork (ACT) and model parliament but was unable to participate fully in any of these this year. These extracurriculars made school inspiring and exciting. Due to the cancellation of extracurriculars, I have lost enjoyment and positive social interaction throughout my school day.

Every day this goes on it hurts our learning now, and our futures. Graduating students are unable to get scholarships that make education affordable for many, and possible for some. For younger students, extracurriculars make the difference between parents being forced to come home early from work or paying for daycare, both of which directly affect families’ bottom lines. For the most disadvantaged students, extracurriculars can make the difference between coming to school, or not. They can make the difference between a student graduating or choosing to drop out. For all of us, it means we learn less in school.

Students may not have a seat at the negotiating table, but we are a key player in this conflict and although the issues do not seem to be about us, we are impacted the most. Sign this petition and let the people in power know that what is being done to you is wrong.  

As adults in positions to stop this we ask only that you try and help us learn. Our message is simple - we want our extracurriculars back.  We want you to know that this is hurting everyone. By signing this petition you help us all.