Purple power
The Purple Letter campaign, which is designed to pressure the B.C. government to create a province-wide sexual orientation and gender identity policy for schools, wraps up Oct. 20.
Organizers Ryan Clayton and Kaitlin Burnett asked individuals to submit letters addressed to the premier explaining why a policy is needed to end discrimination. Personal stories were encouraged.
To date, more than 53 letters have been received with about a week left in the campaign. Claytons goal is at least 100.
The letters will be delivered to Victoria. Clayton said the campaign has been in touch with Education Minister George Abbotts office and theyre hoping to pin down a time to meet.
Some letters have been posted on the campaign website, while others are private. Clayton called many heart wrenching.
Theyre incredible. Some of them are inspiring, some of them are tear jerking, he said. We knew by asking for actual physical letters, as opposed to emails, and asking for stories, as opposed to just letters of support, that we wouldnt get as many, but I think the quality of what were getting is going to be the effective part.
COPE trustee Jane Bouey and NPA council candidate Sean Bickerton have submitted letters.
Clayton said Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»School Board chair Patti Bacchus has sent a letter of support, as has Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»East NDP MP Libby Davies. Hes been told Mayor Gregor Robertson will write one, although he hasnt received it yet.
Last year, Clayton staged a vigil in Emery Barnes Park as a memorial for youth whove committed suicide because of homophobic bullying. Participants were asked to wear purple to signify the spirits of those whove died.
This year, other youth have organized another event called Day of Purple to end homophobic bullying, which includes a vigil at Emery Barnes Park, according to a Facebook event page.
Award winners
Two David Livingstone elementary teachersLaurie Cassie and Rebecca Robinswon the Prime Ministers award for teaching excellence.
The tech-savvy pair has inspired other teachers, according to the award submission, which stated:
Collaboration is key for this teaching team known for their creative use of SMART Boards in the classroom and ability to integrate digital media into their lessons and across disciplines. [They] use technology in ways many teachers could only have dreamed of a few years ago. Mrs. Cassie recognizes her students technological abilities and lets them teach the teachers. Often working with students who struggle with the English language or have a learning challenge, Robins uses video to help her students understand content and make a stories come to life. Both are inspiring leaders committed to sharing ideas and best practices with their colleagues.
Cassie and Robins earned certificates of excellence, which are handed to the 15 top-ranked nominees, with at least one award designated for each of the following regions: British Columbia, the Prairies, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada.
Twitter: @Naoibh
