Bay of Islands MHA writes letter to the Premier about student assistants

Eddie Joyce says the stories were very sad and many are left with keeping their kids out of school due to safety concerns.

Bay of Islands MHA Eddie Joyce has written the Premier about education being a provincial responsibility and that includes providing a safe and inclusive environment for children. He met last week with parents, children and family members about the lack of funding for student assistants. Joyce says the stories were very sad and many are left with keeping their kids out of school due to safety concerns. Joyce says the issue of Jordan’s Principle was raised. He says this program is funded by the federal government intended for status children but many of the kids who need assistance at school do not have status. Joyce has heard the provincial government is relying on that funding. 

Meanwhile, NL Schools has  posted more than 30 student assistant jobs in the western region. These positions involve assisting students  with severe cognitive, physical, and or behavioural needs. Pay can range from $24 to more than $27 an hour  for upwards of 6 hours per school day. The deadline to apply is September 23rd. Joyce says he wonders if this is funded by Jordan’s Principle or the provincial government. He is also asking that a Task Force be created to re-vamp the process of st student allocation.