Page 6 - JUne 2 , 2016 - martensville messenger

In Saskatchewan , there are growing concerns about what the approximately $ 260 million provincial budget deficit will mean for school boards across the province .

Though the premier has said education will see a ‘ modest ’ increase , many school boards are being told to budget for the worst case scenario .

Many school divisions are already feeling a budget pinch . Many school boards are dealing with increased enrollment and more complex student needs . Even a modest increase will not be enough for some school divisions to meet the need for frontline support staff .

And when education support staff get cut , it ’ s our children who suffer .

Impact Of Funding Challenges On CUPE Members

Several CUPE locals are already experiencing challenges .

- Prairie Spirit School Division has a $ 3 million shortfall and plans to cut at least 60 educational assistants from CUPE Local 4254 and some teaching staff .

- Prairie South School Division has announced it is laying off 25 school assistants and reducing hours for even more CUPE 5512 members .

- Saskatchewan Rivers School Division is planning to reduce three paid working days from all 10-month support staff in CUPE Local 4195 .

- Regina Public Schools announced it is going to start charging parents for lunch time supervision , resulting in a negative impact for parents and CUPE Local 3766 members .

- Saint Paul ’ s Catholic School Division in Saskatoon is negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding with CUPE Local 3730 members to reduce $ 1.80 / hour of pay ( 8 %) for head caretakers who do not have their fireman ’ s certificate . Currently this will affect 10 members and another six future members once the new P3 schools are operational . The new P3 schools do not require head caretakers as the private company owning the school will be responsible for the HVAC system .

- The Holy Trinity Catholic School Division could face an $ 800,000 shortfall in next year ' s budget and is looking at cuts .

Impact Of Funding Challenges On The Public

The proposed cuts and changes that we already know about will have real consequences for children , placing both the quality of education and the safety of children and workers at enormous risk .

There are more and more students in our schools who have unique needs , whether those needs are medical , behavioural , or if they just need extra academic support . Vulnerable students need an increased number of dedicated educational assistants , not fewer , to successfully integrate into the school system .

With fewer supports for vulnerable students , all students feel the consequences . There is simply no way you can slash the staff dealing with special needs students , slash the workers keeping our schools clean and safe and running smoothly and expect the same quality of education for our kids .

Budget considerations should never come before the rights to a quality education for our children , especially children with diverse needs .

Taking Action

These challenges are just the tip of the iceberg . We need to act now to ensure our education system fully supports all of our children .

Marcy Cross , Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Pharmasave held a Customer Appreciation Event May 27th - 29th . Many customers attended throughout the course of the event , taking part in specials , prizes , treats and more . On Saturday , customers were treated to a piece of delicious cake donated by Theodore ’ s Bakery . The Pharmasave mascot bee made an appearance to delight kids who were also treated to face painting . As an added bonus , 92.9 The Bull was broadcasting live from the parking lot and the Martensville High School Voyage Club held a BBQ . “ Quite a few people came out and the bouncy castle was busy all day . Thankfully the weather held off ,” Lori Biggs , Front Store Manager , stated .

Winners of the prizes were Tina Willick , who won a $ 50 Pharmasave gift card , Jackie Duperreault , who won the gift basket , and Sandra Harron , who won a pair of Park & Buzz earrings .

Lacie Munholland , Martensville Messenger

Great Plains College celebrated its Warman , Biggar , and Whitecap campus graduates Thursday May 26 , 2016 . Graduates from various programs crossed the stage to receive their certificate or diploma , as well as students receiving awards for academic achievement and professionalism . Grads from various programs , including : Adult Basic

Education , Administrative Assistant , Business , Early Childhood Education , and Youth Care Worker were celebrated throughout the evening .

A supper catered by Oven

Scents was provided , and a slideshow was presented featuring pictures of students and staff . Great Plains College President Dr . David Keast , as well as City of Warman Mayor Sheryl Spence made speeches .

ABOVE : Getting some hugs from the ‘ Be Well ’ Bee !

ABOVE : Customers had the chance to enjoy a piece of delicious cake during Pharmsave ’ s Customer Appreciation Days .

Congratulations to all graduates and good luck in your future endeavors !

RIGHT : Warman Mayor Sheryl Spence speaks to the Great Plains College Graduates during their ceremony on Thursday , May 26th .

ABOVE : It was a packed house at the Brian King Centre in Warman for the Great Plains College Graduation Ceremony Thursday , May 26 .