Thread by @pancholi_rakhi

Tonight I'm reflecting on the incredible & overwhelming work, resilience & commitment of Alberta's teachers, school staff, administrators & school boards over the past 4 months. And I want to tell them all that I bear witness. #ableg #abed

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I watched as my daughter's Kindergarten teacher cheerfully spent extra time outside w/ them so she could take her mask off to show them how her mouth looked when she pronounced French words that were new to them. The kids had no idea this was different than usual. #ableg

I watched as my son's Grade 2 teacher brilliantly signed them up for virtual City Hall School and my son might now be more excited about what happens at City Hall than the Legislature. His teacher has done extraordinary things to keep them engaged & he's never loved school more.

I watched as our school principal & vice principal stood outside every morning, picking up dropped masks, cheerfully reminding kids which door to go in & to stay distanced, while greeting parents & sending regular videos to let us know about changing protocols. #ableg

I watched and listened to our school custodian tell me that in the over 40 years he's been at the school, this year stands out as the hardest in memory, but to proudly talk about the custodial staff and how hard they've worked to keep staff and kids safe & healthy. #ableg

I watched as my husband, an assistant principal at a high school, spent evenings and weekends calling parents & students when he'd get that "ding" on his phone telling him they're had been another case at his school. So so so many dings. #ableg

I watched his tension grow when he realized he'd be calling a student about to come out of their 2nd back-to-back isolation period to tell them they had to isolate for a 3rd time. When at many points, 1/3 of the students and teachers were isolating at one time. #ableg

I watched his stress grow when he'd hear from a parent that a student tested positive and then they'd wait 2 days before AHS would call the school to notify them...then 5 days...then 10 days...then not at all. #ableg

I watched as he realized that managing COVID - contact tracing, rearranging schedules as more students & teachers went online & and then everyone moved online - became his full-time job, rather than working directly w/ the diverse kids in his school to improve their outcomes.

I watched as these Albertans did all that was asked of them and SO MUCH MORE because they are professionals who care about our kids. And they did this despite the clear message from @jkenney that his govt does not care about them or their work. #ableg

And for goodness sakes, the Minister of Education has been pretty much MIA for the last 4 months. #WhereisAdriana could have been trending every day since September. #ableg

But I bear witness to our incredible educators & staff. I see you and all you've done. And I know saying thank you is not enough. But it's the least you deserve. Rest now. Take the break you deserve. And I'll see you again when you're back at it in 2 weeks. #ableg #abed