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LETTERS: It's up to the school, staff to keep kids safe

Editor: It was a pleasure to read in your July 5 edition ( New Westminster Bylaw Officer wins B.C.
kid on swing
PEXELS

Editor: It was a pleasure to read in your July 5 edition (New Westminster Bylaw Officer wins B.C. Award) that New Westminster bylaw officer John Doebert was named Bylaw Officer of the Year and that he will be recognized by New Westminster City Council for his service. Over the years, I’ve witnessed friendly service from him and he is a great ambassador for the city. I commend him for making New Westminster proud of its employees.

This article, however, brings to light the conduct of (school district) employees. How is it possible for a kindergarten student to leave a school? This story inadvertently puts the blame on the child (“instead of going to the office so they could contact her mom, she headed home.”). Any miscommunication with a five-year-old is the fault of the school.

What are the protocols in this situation, and why were they not followed? Aren’t there only one set of entry and exit doors at an elementary school and aren’t those doors monitored? How is it that the teacher, the secretary or the principal had no idea a five-year-old left the school? This story does not inspire confidence in the city’s school administration.

New Westminster (school district) has an obligation to ensure all children are safe during school hours and it’s clear this school’s administration let down this child and her family.  

E. Hughes, New Westminster