Another week gone...where does the time go! This post is not about school planning, but rather about some disturbing issues going on in the halls of Arcola School. A comment made last weekend between a non-Aboriginal student and an Aboriginal student with prejudicial overtones on a social networking site caused all sorts of mayhem and drama between students once other Aboriginal students heard rumors about the comment. A fight nearly broke out, students took sides, students were yelling and swearing at each other...it was scary. I was fearful that if one fight began, a full-out brawl would ensue. Fortunately that did not occur. Today tensions were high again, but nothing occurred. In fact I think one side was making much more out of the whole thing than was needed. How sad is it that I speak in terms of sides like two teams preparing for battle. I am saddened and disheartened that all the hard work my staff, my division, our communities, and myself have gone through to bring our two cultures and communities closer together and to get students to see each other for what students are, human beings with all the fears and anxieties that teenage students have, can seemingly be brought crashing to the ground by a callous comment.

My staff and I have discussed possible options to help resolve and heal the wounds that have been created or exposed by this particular incident, but I would like to hear from you. If you have any ideas or experience in resolving an issue such as this, I would love to hear from you.

Sorry for being such a downer tonight, but have a good one anyways!
KH