“There Is Simply Not Enough Support Staff.”

The number of students who are struggling with anxiety and mental health is

staggering. There is simply not enough support staff - Social Workers, CYW's, administrators, to follow up and connect students and families to the resources they need. Yes, cell phone use is on the rise, as well as addiction issues with our students (and hopefully this will be supported effectively with new policies in September). But it's more than just the cell phone use. Absenteeism is on the rise, and teachers are concerned about the gaps in learning and also the long term effects of missed learning on our society as a whole. The pandemic should not be an excuse for the current underachievement of our students. Expectations should not be lowered because of a pandemic, they should be heightened and supported by the proper funding for classroom resources and personnel. Wake up Doug Ford, this is our future society we are risking!

– OSSTF TTBU
Central Toronto Academy (Ward 11)