Consider...Christopher, Rosetta, and Ian

Christopher is a 6-year-old child attending an elementary school in Acton, Ontario. Christopher is the only student that is of Caribbean descent in his school. Christopher has often come home after school sharing his discomfort with questions his peers ask him. For example, they asked him if they could touch his hair, where he was born, and if he had ever been to jail. Rosetta and Ian, Christopher’s parents, talk to him about ways to respond when he is uncomfortable and explain that many children may not be doing it intentionally.  

Several times throughout the school year, Rosetta was asked to join the parent involvement committee due to their mandate of having more representation. Rosetta joined the committee during the last half of the school year because she is an elementary school teacher in the neighbouring school district and can contribute in significant ways. In a recent meeting, parents discussed the impact of single parenthood on children and how to support them with the transition. Rosetta was called upon to provide insight on this matter. Rosetta shared that she has not looked at this topic in detail, nor has personal experience with this area but assured the committee that it is important to discuss further. Last month, Rosetta was also asked to comment on how to tackle low student achievement for students that are newcomers to the country. Christopher was born in Canada; Rosetta and Ian immigrated to Canada from Jamaica and Cuba, respectively, more than 20 years ago, therefore, Rosetta shared her own experiences when she was a newcomer to Canada. Rosetta is hesitant to continue as a member on the parent involvement committee next year but fears that her son’s experiences and voice need to be heard.