It appears the instrumental music program at Elora Public School will continue, despite an announcement last week that the program would be cancelled.
The school’s parent council was informed on May 13 the program would be cancelled due to changes in staff. On May 16 students staged a brief protest at the school in response to the announcement.
Parents say they were told the teacher leading the program was going to be replaced by another teacher who was returning to work – and that the returning teacher did not have the qualifications to teach instrumental music.
Lloyd Phillips, chair of the school’s parent council, told the Advertiser the decision would be devastating to a school that is recognized as being in an arts community.
“It is particularly disturbing that this is happening in this community,” said Phillips.
But just four days following the announcement of the program’s possible demise, school principal Nelson Keene sent a letter to parents indicating the “opportunities” for the program will continue.
“In recent days I have heard some concerns … [about] the viability of our music program,” Keene wrote. “Please be assured that we are not cancelling music for the next year or removing instruments.”
The principal explained that due to projected enrolment and corresponding teacher positions, next year the school will be left with “0.9 surplus teachers.”
But he stressed the staffing process is not over, adding that late on May 16 “we were able to recall the person who has taught music this year,” which “opens up opportunities for band and she may be able to offer some instrumental instruction during class time.”
Keene appealed to parents to “let the staffing process unfold” and said the school is “working towards having a dynamic and thoughtful music program in 2013-14. When I know something … final I will inform everyone concerned.”
-with files from Kelly Waterhouse
