Anne Montgomery, Trustee for Parkland School Division

On this September 30, 2021, the first Day of Truth and Reconciliation, I am taking time to reflect on the unjustified use of law and education in the creation of the residential school system (the last one in Alberta closing in 1996). I also look to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, specifically #6: We call upon the Government of Canada to repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada. Section 43: Every schoolteacher, parent or ...person standing in the place of a parent is justified in using force by way of correction toward a pupil or child, as the case may be, who is under his care, if the force does not exceed what is reasonable under the circumstances. In a 2004 decision, the Supreme Court of Canada has found that Teachers cannot use force for physical punishment under any circumstances. Teachers may be permitted to use reasonable force toward a child in appropriate circumstances, such as to remove a child from a classroom. Also that decision held that, the use of objects, such as belts or rulers, must never be used on a child and a child must never be hit or slapped on the face or head. If you would like to read the Calls to Action: https://web.archive.org///pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf If you would like to read the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada: https://decisions.scc-csc.ca//scc-csc/en/item/2115/index.do

I am answering common questions via my blog. The first topic is the K-12 draft curriculum. Always keep in mind that my answers are my personal opinion, not in any way representative of the board. https://www.annemontgomery.ca/blog

IT’S OFFICIAL! My nomination papers have been submitted for re-election as trustee for Parkland School Division.

The BEST thing about being a trustee is that I get to be included in conversations about education with so many people - students, parents, teachers, administrators. Parkland School Division is an amazing community of people who genuinely want what is best for our children. Thank you to all of the Principals and Vice Principals who let me share my 'non-educator' thoughts yesterday. I am humbled by your dedication to our students and staff.

So I am three months in to my first term and here are my personal thoughts on my experience so far: I am so fortunate to have all of the learning opportunities this position provides. There has been no shortage of education for me in this new role. I have been able to connect with many new people and have been inspired by all of the good happening in Parkland School Division. I have had to miss a total of 15 working days in the last 3 months (it will be 19 days after this... upcoming week). These days have been for learning conferences, associations meetings and school division meetings. In addition to this, there have been a few Saturdays and a number of evening school council meetings. I have LOVED every second of it and am so thankful that I am self employed and can create flexibility in my schedule. I wonder how a person with a traditional full-time day job could juggle this. November was CRAZY and I am glad I survived that hectic schedule. I missed one school council meeting because I confused what night of the week it was. Super embarrassing. I have missed the social media interaction I had during the election. I have not yet found my balance point between me as an individual and me as a board member, so I choose to be an observer for now. This is a tough one as I am usually pretty outspoken. There is a weird invisible barrier between "trustee Anne" and division staff members that I meet in both school and non-school settings; sometimes it's a bit of hesitation when they learn I am a trustee or most recently an outright "I don't know if I am allowed to talk to you". I am definitely naive to the formalities surrounding this and am usually slow to pick up on the social cues. I get very self conscious when I am introduced at school functions. I am learning about governance - both its importance and its limitations - each day. Limitations are definitely necessary, but part of me wishes I could read into every aspect of our Division like it was an open book. Alas, I do not get to be the know about everything - my nosy self is having a bit of a tantrum about that. Thanks for reading.

If I am being totally honest, I was about to say the F-word before saying AMAZING!!! The delay in my speech was my brain processing - don't say it... think of another word.... good grief..... just say something.....talk!

The Examiner asked us 4 questions, but were only able to print the first one in the paper this week. Here are all of my responses. Why did I want to run for Trustee? The most effective way to positively impact my community is to better the lives of the children in that community. I am seeking election as a trustee to contribute to the ongoing improvement of education in Parkland School Division.... What, if anything, do I hope to change or improve about PSD? My goal is to improve the initiatives intended to develop students for lifelong learning and wellness after graduation. Innovations in technology make it difficult to predict the information our students will need to know in the future, so we must instill in them the innate confidence and skills to be able to learn independently and adapt to change after their formal education is complete. What separates me from the other candidates? My perspective as a parent: I have two children currently attending school in the division. My analytical reasoning abilities: I am able to breakdown a complex issue into more manageable components. My fundamental belief that two opposing views can be equally correct: I respect and strive to learn about opposing viewpoints rather than dismissing them. What is my occupation? What roles in politics have I held and or how long? I am a lawyer with HUB Legal in Spruce Grove and this is my first attempt seeking an elected position. I am offering a fresh set of eyes and a new perspective.

Spruce Grove - Share the Love!!

My post-election thoughts (it's a bit long - maybe get a cup of coffee before reading this): GOOD JOB SPRUCE GROVE: We had an additional 2000+ voters this election compared to 2013. There were at least 2 candidates running for each available position. There was community engagement and discussion AND I think a very large interested but silent group following the conversation. MY JOURNEY HERE: I didn't know a thing about politics 3 years ago. I remember feeling embarr...Continue reading

I am speechless. Thank you so much to each and every person who voted.

As I finish up my last day of campaigning, I know that I have been authentic and honest in every interaction. I have stretched outside my comfort zone and shared my life with you. I have respectfully and thoughtfully answered every question asked to me. If I am fortunate enough to be elected tomorrow, I promise you the following: 1. To learn all that I can about how our education system operates, share what I have learned with you and contribute to its improvement. ... 2. That when there are difficult decisions to be made, I will seek out and listen to all of the perspectives available to me, especially the perspective of those who will be most impacted, before I move forward. 3. To respect all differing viewpoints and always seek to continue the conversation. 4. That I will act in the best interest of those I represent. If there is a conflict of interest, I will make every effort to balance priorities and look for a cooperative solution. During the past 4 weeks, I have been privileged to learn from many of you. Thank you for reaching out to me and sharing your advice, your concerns and your thoughts. History seems to suggest that I will need between 1700 - 2000 votes tomorrow to be elected. Our journey to improve education in Parkland School Division begins tomorrow with your vote. Thank you for your support.

FIRST TIME VOTING??? Here's what to expect.