In mid-November, Saanich-Gulf Islands Member of Parliament Elizabeth May paid a visit to four Gulf Islands schools: Salt Spring Elementary (SSE), Gulf Islands Secondary (GISS), Phoenix Elementary’s Yurt classroom, and Salt Spring Islands Middle School (SIMS).
After a short presentation at SSE to grade 4 and 5 students, MP May responded to student questions. Tomorrow’s citizens asked questions ranging from how many days a year she spends in Parliament to what she was doing to slow climate change.
“Why do you do this stuff?” posed one SSE student.
“Because I believe you can do anything,” replied Elizabeth May. She went on to say that there is important work for us to do to keep our planet healthy.
An interview with Elizabeth May was conducted at the yurt classroom; their December newsletter will provide a report of that. Ms. May was presented with the first edition of the class’s New Yurt Times newspaper; she told students that she would deliver it to the Prime Minister.
At GISS, Ms. May visited Mr. Crouse’s Social Studies 9 class, and Ms. Arnold’s Social Studies 11 class. Ms. May took the opportunity to emphasize the serious work we must do nationally and globally to alter the course of climate change and the impact that it will have on all of us. She also presented to the grade 8 classes at SIMS.
Update: November 23rd
The Prime Minister is reviewing a letter from the students in Phoenix Elementary’s Yurt Class expressing their views about the Trans Mountain Pipeline. Students communicating about real issues engages them about matters that are important to them. It also gives them practice in democratic participation and decision-making and that will serve all of us well into the future.
Story: Doug Livingston
Photos:
Doug Livingston (student at SSE asking question)
Sue Starkey (Elizabeth May at yurt classroom)
unknown (PM Trudeau with the New Yurt Times)
