Some may say that Alexis Park Elementary school is a “have-not” school and in some respects I would agree. A number of our families struggle with the harsh daily realities of not enough food on the table, not enough work to be found and too much month at the end of the pay cheque.
There is another side to the school where I teach, however, and if you come and spend some time here, you will see it and feel it. From our tireless administrators to the compassionate teachers, hardworking support staff and dedicated volunteers, we all show up each day hopeful that we can make a difference in a child’s life.
Whether it’s a small moment of connection like a hug for a sad child, or a big project like the Christmas concert, we give this school everything we have five days a week. So, when an HP laptop, donated by a former PAC president, was stolen from the Ark Dec. 13, in the middle of the day I have to ask myself why.
Why would someone steal from our kids? This particular laptop had specialized software and had just been set up for use by one of our Grade 7 students who has significant challenges with written output. She was so excited to finally get to use it but now that will not happen. I guess all I can do now is hope that whoever removed the laptop from the Ark will use the money they got for stealing it to to buy something that will help out their family.
That still doesn’t make what they did right but it’s the best thought I can come up with.
Wendy Goodall
Vernon
