Scanned, recopied or Internet copy, if there are errors, please e-mail me with corrections:
Opening comments: Maybe more at the end.
Back to the Lyndwood School Cover-up.
Comments by others to this web-page - 58 - to this web-page at time of posting.
Mississauga News - Dec. 6, 2011 (11:11 am) - By - Joseph Chin - jchin@mississauga.net
School renaming sparks controversy
On the spot.
Peel Board of Education Chair Janet McDougald defends the naming of a school in her honour
during a meeting with parents tonight at Hartsdale Public School.
Staff photo by Rob Beintema
A meeting to update the community on the progress of construction of Hartsdale Avenue Public School turned rowdy tonight when about 50 parents blasted their long-time trustee Janet McDougald for accepting the decision by her fellow trustees to rename the new school for her.
Parent after parent took the microphone to insist the school retain its current name.
Randy O’Malley said students were counting on the stability of that name after the community went through the disruption of a school-closing process which amalgamated Byngmount Beach, Neil C. Matheson and Lyndwood Schools into the new Hartsdale Public School.
“I’m not opposed to you, but it should not be renamed for you — and especially not at this time,” O’Malley told McDougald, noting the name was changed overnight without consulting parents.
“Eleven of your peers voted for you in secret — that’s an apparent conflict of interest,” he added.
Saying the name change was an “emotional” issue for her, another parent, Brenda Verma, suggested a compromise.
“Why not name a room — the library or gymnasium — for you?” she said.
Even a couple of young students appealed to McDougald to turn down the honour. Eight-year-old Griffin Brockie said students had worked hard to come up with a name for their new mascot.
“It’s called the Hartsdale Huskies but because of the school’s new name it doesn’t sound right,” he said.
Another student, James O’Malley, 9, said the move will take away the only thing the school has: its name.
“It’s not only the two of us that are upset,” he told McDougald. “I’ve got 34 signatures (opposing the change). That equals 34 angry kids”
McDougald, who has been a trustee for 23 years and board chair for the past 14 consecutive terms, stood her ground, dismissing the arguments. She said she hoped parents will focus on the teaching and learning in the classrooms since that is the most important part of the school, not the name.
“I see everything remaining the same. I see a new name outside the school, but inside the school I don’t see anything changing,” she said.
“It already has,” someone in the audience shouted.
McDougald had the support of at least one parent.
“She didn’t ask for the school to be renamed for her,” said Linda Newton. “The crowd was too hostile ... I feel so sorry for her.”
However, McDougald was criticized by the majority of speakers. At one point, she appealed that the attacks do not become personal.
“But it is what you will make it,” she said resignedly.
Randy Brockie charges McDougald hasn’t been upfront with parents from the very beginning of the amalgamation process. McDougald, he says, pushed for locating the new school at Cawthra Rd. and Atwater Ave., rather than at the old Neil C. Matheson site, because it suited her personally. The vast majority of students, he argued, will have to be bused when the new school opens.
“Renaming the new school after her was the last straw,” he said.
McDougald noted it wasn’t within her “influence or power” to reverse the move, approved during the Peel District School Board’s inaugural meeting on Dec. 1. At the time, McDougald said it was exciting enough being acclaimed chair, but having a school renamed after her was “truly an honour.”
Later, in a letter to O’Malley, who’s spearheading the opposition to the change, McDougald said, “I am sorry you and some people may disagree with the renaming of the school for me. It concerns me but I will not decline this honour and I respect the decision of the board. I am honoured and grateful to be given this recognition in the community I have been involved in all my life.”
Faced with McDougald’s stand, O’Malley says he’s weighing his options.
“The Province has responsibility for education. I may have to take the matter to them,” he said.
Before the meeting turned ugly, parents were receptive to the announcement the new school, whatever name it bears, will open next September.
Parent after parent took the microphone to insist the school retain its current name.
Randy O’Malley said students were counting on the stability of that name after the community went through the disruption of a school-closing process which amalgamated Byngmount Beach, Neil C. Matheson and Lyndwood Schools into the new Hartsdale Public School.
“I’m not opposed to you, but it should not be renamed for you — and especially not at this time,” O’Malley told McDougald, noting the name was changed overnight without consulting parents.
“Eleven of your peers voted for you in secret — that’s an apparent conflict of interest,” he added.
Saying the name change was an “emotional” issue for her, another parent, Brenda Verma, suggested a compromise.
“Why not name a room — the library or gymnasium — for you?” she said.
Even a couple of young students appealed to McDougald to turn down the honour. Eight-year-old Griffin Brockie said students had worked hard to come up with a name for their new mascot.
“It’s called the Hartsdale Huskies but because of the school’s new name it doesn’t sound right,” he said.
Another student, James O’Malley, 9, said the move will take away the only thing the school has: its name.
“It’s not only the two of us that are upset,” he told McDougald. “I’ve got 34 signatures (opposing the change). That equals 34 angry kids”
McDougald, who has been a trustee for 23 years and board chair for the past 14 consecutive terms, stood her ground, dismissing the arguments. She said she hoped parents will focus on the teaching and learning in the classrooms since that is the most important part of the school, not the name.
“I see everything remaining the same. I see a new name outside the school, but inside the school I don’t see anything changing,” she said.
“It already has,” someone in the audience shouted.
McDougald had the support of at least one parent.
“She didn’t ask for the school to be renamed for her,” said Linda Newton. “The crowd was too hostile ... I feel so sorry for her.”
However, McDougald was criticized by the majority of speakers. At one point, she appealed that the attacks do not become personal.
“But it is what you will make it,” she said resignedly.
Randy Brockie charges McDougald hasn’t been upfront with parents from the very beginning of the amalgamation process. McDougald, he says, pushed for locating the new school at Cawthra Rd. and Atwater Ave., rather than at the old Neil C. Matheson site, because it suited her personally. The vast majority of students, he argued, will have to be bused when the new school opens.
“Renaming the new school after her was the last straw,” he said.
McDougald noted it wasn’t within her “influence or power” to reverse the move, approved during the Peel District School Board’s inaugural meeting on Dec. 1. At the time, McDougald said it was exciting enough being acclaimed chair, but having a school renamed after her was “truly an honour.”
Later, in a letter to O’Malley, who’s spearheading the opposition to the change, McDougald said, “I am sorry you and some people may disagree with the renaming of the school for me. It concerns me but I will not decline this honour and I respect the decision of the board. I am honoured and grateful to be given this recognition in the community I have been involved in all my life.”
Faced with McDougald’s stand, O’Malley says he’s weighing his options.
“The Province has responsibility for education. I may have to take the matter to them,” he said.
Before the meeting turned ugly, parents were receptive to the announcement the new school, whatever name it bears, will open next September.
Comments by others - 58 - to this web-page at time of posting;
thebusinessman Dec 13, 2011 4:11 PM
Board Meeting Tonight at 7:30 Matheson\Hurontario
hio - it is democracy get on there and speak your mind.
hio Dec 12, 2011 5:44 PM
Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Janet-McDougald-STOP/202634003156255?sk=info#!/pages/Janet-McDougald-STOP/202634003156255?sk=wall Is is true that teachers cannot comment or vote on online polls about this because it violates their contract?
Fenian Dec 12, 2011 3:26 PM
Amazed
Always amazes me when our elected officials can not see when things don't "pass the smell test." Hmmmm....the Chair of the schoolboard is going to have a school named after her......hmmmm....and it is decided in closed session......hmmmm....and it would be impolite to decline the honour......hmmmm
Agree 2
thebusinessman Dec 12, 2011 12:51 PM
Janet McDougald STOP - Now on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Janet-McDougald-STOP/202634003156255
Agree 2
Fartleberry Dec 11, 2011 11:43 AM
TJ
Maybe McD should have Eleanor Clitheroe over for a strategy session. Birds of a feather ...
Agree 2
Priorities Dec 10, 2011 11:47 PM
"More" doesn't mean "right".
There aren't that many people in the school. So take your grudge elsewhere. Leave our school alone and find some seasonal peace in your heart! This has gone on far too long. It is time that the Mississauga news removes this forum for people to be cruel. Enough is enough. It is time to focus on our children and move forward. T'is the season. Happy Holidays to all!
Disagree 6
Tony Jackson Dec 10, 2011 10:31 PM
McD must step down!
Already 750 plus unique IP addresses voted "NO" to giving McD's name to this School. McD should step down from the board chair position and spend some time for soul searching.
Agree 8 - Disagree 2
Priorities Dec 10, 2011 5:43 PM
Dear "My Comment",
Do you decline and return gifts of appreciation that you receive? How rude would that be! My goodness. I would hope you would be gracious, accept them and say thank you. Isn't that what we teach our children? It is what I teach mine. Manners please.
Agree - Disagree 9
my comment Dec 10, 2011 4:32 PM
"Not within my power!"
"McDougal noted it wasn’t within her influence or power to reverse the move. This is untrue. All she would have to do is say she appreciated the honour but wasn't comfortable with it. The Board does not have the power to force anyone to have a school named after them. Her above quote from this article says it all. If you had any doubt.
Agree 5 - Disagree 2
Priorities Dec 10, 2011 1:52 PM
Opportunists
I believe that some people not even associated with this school are capitalizing on this forum to be cruel and hurtful for personal gain. I guess the comforting part of that is that it isn't OUR community who is full of hurtful people, hence maybe our kids do have great supportive families that can make sure OUR children grow up in a respectful supportive environment - one where we celebrate and applaud service and commitment to student success, such as all that Mrs. McDougald has done for our school and our Board. I am glad that we don't live and raise our children amongst wolves in sheep's clothing. Too bad they exist at all, but such is society.
Disagree 6
my comment Dec 10, 2011 7:05 AM
Few things more important than protesting bold manipulation of our democracy
McDougal insists this represents the "will of the people" even in the face of protest from: 1. Large number of children and parents in the school 2. Editorial condemnation in local newspaper 3. Social media outrage including large polling samples and comment blogs 4. The provincial government. 5. Petitions 6. The fact that major media outlets including the CBC picked up the story. None of these groups benefit from joining the protest other than to demand decency and respect for taxpayers. There are few things more important than fighting the bold manipulation of our democratic system.
Agree 7 - Disagree 2
Starter Dec 10, 2011 5:59 AM
EK
While you are right that there are more pressing matters, political cronyism, decisions in secrecy that disenfranchise the community that the trustees are supposed to serve, always have to be called out and elected officials made to answer. I think it's great that this has come out, since I think at worst, it will make future processes much more open.
Agree 4 - Disagree 2
EK Dec 9, 2011 11:00 PM
This Issue
I have to say, very politely to both sides. that really, I could care less about this issue. We have more pressing matters to deal with.
Agree 2 - Disagree 5
Starter Dec 9, 2011 7:48 PM
Gideon
Your admiration for Mcdougald is your right, but it's one opinion. Naming a school is not a technicality. It should not be done in secret. Give the community that will be defined by the name the opportunity to let their opinion be heard as well. It's not about Mcdougald, Mike Harris or any other politician. It's about what the community wants. Give them a say. Their opinion is as important as yours
Agree 6 - Disagree 2
Twinfire Dec 9, 2011 7:46 PM
History of Lyndwood School too!!!!!
I definately agree with you severn99 but there is history to Lyndwood school too. Lyndwood was actually named after the Lynd family who donated the land many years ago. When questioned as to why the Lyndwood name was not being kept we were advised that the Board did not want to have the students feel like one school was being favored over another.
Agree 7
hio Dec 9, 2011 6:08 PM
so what are we teaching our kids then?
If we do not speak up when wrong has been committed - what does that teach our children? The whole process here was wrong. If you don't think this has affected the kids - then why not have THEM hold a vote.
Agree 5 - Disagree 2
hio Dec 9, 2011 6:05 PM
missing the point
This is all about the process that happened. This decision was made in secret. The schools are trying to teach the kids inclusiveness and honesty along with other good solid values - how did the trustees demonstrate this to the kids? A public building is too great an honour to give to one person - especially while still in office. And to say there is no one else more worthy? What an insult. Tell that to firefighters, doctors, .. those that died for our country - they give heir LIVES.
Agree 7 - Disagree 1
Canadians Dec 9, 2011 4:07 PM
An "honour" demanded
isn't. That's what the children will understand long before the troops figure it out CR.
Agree 4 - Disagree 1
ConcernedResident Dec 9, 2011 4:01 PM
Looks like someone has rounded up the troops for support.
Agree 6 - Disagree 1
severn99 Dec 9, 2011 3:29 PM
History or Common Sense?
None of this debate would be taking place if the board would have just used common sense by either transferring the Neil C Matheson name to the new school or kept it as the street name which is currently the accepted practice. Many of the stated character traits and accomplishments of Ms. McDougal equally applied to Mr. Matheson 39 years ago when the school was named after him. I'm surprised there has not been a debate about the preservation of history and the name of a very good man. What will Ms. McDougal's grandchildren think if, 39 years from now, her name is replaced through a similar process.
Agree 5 - Disagree 1
Fartleberry Dec 9, 2011 3:27 PM
Been a while since I've seen this board spammed by instant registrations.
Agree 3
Priorities Dec 9, 2011 3:02 PM
Parenting by example
If your child was given an honour, and other parents went to this great extent to bash your child and declare his/ her unworthiness, would you be impressed by their behaviour. If that happened, would you still think this behaviour was right? Look in a mirror and reverse the attacker and receiver to the public and your child. You would be outraged, but you feel justified in continuing this debate since you are the attacker??? I hope what goes around will come around. Maybe that is what it will take for you to stop the attack and focus on civility. We teach our children to celebrate the accomplishments of others, and to be respectful and caring. We teach them by example. What are you teaching yours by this debate? Congratulations Mrs. McDougald for being the role model that some of our children obviously don't have at home! I am going to go pick up my kids, and thank the school for what they did for my kids today. That's more important that this online drivel. Have a good day to all.
Agree 1 - Disagree 5 - Report Abuse 1
PoliScistudent Dec 9, 2011 2:58 PM
What's in a name?
For schools named after people, the qualities of their namesake can provide a great starting point for character education activities and themes. Janet McDougald is certainly an inspiring, selfless and committed individual. I can’t think of better qualities to have in a namesake, and there is a lot our children—in fact—all of us, can learn from a person like Janet. We have a problem with civic engagement in our country. Our voting rate is around 50%. It's important for children learned from a young age how important it is to be involved and how the involvement of just one person can make a difference. Janet's story--her devotion to her community--can help teach this lesson.
Agree 1 - Disagree 5 - Report Abuse 1
Priorities Dec 9, 2011 2:54 PM
A Communities’ Reputation
I am pleased that this school is named after such a formidable leader. In this moment it is a small token of thanks to someone who has done so much. In years to come the school will be known by how our children achieved, the type of citizens they become and the character of our community. What type of character / reputation are the vocal parents creating for our community? I dare not label what we see here from the adults. Shameful to some, embarrassing to those of us who care more about what happens inside the school in their lessons than a bunch of letters on a building. Truly , in years to come, the name is irrelevant, but what this adult behavior is teaching our children is a travesty. Quit ruining our community’s reputation with this nonsense. Think of our community’s future! It will be handed down to our kids!
Agree 2 - Disagree 6 - Report Abuse 1
Priorities Dec 9, 2011 2:38 PM
Why not channel this effort into lobbying for adequate funding for our kids?
Hazel McCallion didn't get re-elected because she has a school named for her. She was re-elected on her merits. So saying this gives Janet unfair advantage is ludicrous. The speaker under the name of “Gideon” is wise. He gets it! Nice to see there is sanity in our community. We don’t care about the name of the building. We care about what happens IN the building. We don’t spend time now worrying about who R.J Lee was, nor any of the other schools named after people. Why are you wasting your time on this now? Peace on Earth…can only be accomplished by the people. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…I can only imagine what the vocal people are teaching their own children.Scary! If you want to complain, pick a topic around insufficient funding from the government for our kid’s classrooms! Now there’s a worthwhile cause to take up!
Agree 1 - Disagree 6
Gideon Dec 9, 2011 12:56 PM
A deserved honour for a true leader
McDougald is a good, caring person and an ethical leader--rare these days. The silent majority know that--but many are afraid of the aggressive parents leading this silly crusdae so won't speak out. Anyhow, your uninformed sniping is entertaining, but serves little purpose. As the quote says, "it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing" Got to go--have a life.
Agree 2 - Disagree 9
Gideon Dec 9, 2011 12:21 PM
anti-bullying legislation
shoul;d apply to some of the people leading the anti-charge--and some posters. Not sure what anyone did to deserve such venom.
Agree 2 - Disagree 7
Canadians Dec 9, 2011 12:17 PM
Does the provincial government's anti-bully legislation
for our schools apply to Trustees?
Agree 6 - Disagree 2
Gideon Dec 9, 2011 12:03 PM
@concernedresident
Your clear support of Mike Harris is all I need to know. And, by the way, Alexander and Bondar were both approved in private too.Same process ays the board. Were they "shrouded in secrecy"?
Agree 1 - Disagree 4
ConcernedResident Dec 9, 2011 11:28 AM
@Gideon
That fact still remains that this gives McDougald an unfair advantage over ANYONE who runs against her in 2014. It also sets a very bad precedent, in that an institution has been named after a sitting politician. You can defend her all you want, for what you perceive she has done for the kids, (as an outsider, not much more that any other trustee/she's just been fortunate to do it longer), but the fact remains, the methodology for how this came about was shrouded in secrecy. And let’s get one thing straight, Harris did not destroy public education. He tried to reign in the sense of entitlement the teachers unions had (and have regained under the Liberals). You can’t keep blaming him when Dalton has had 9 years at the rudder now. Every “accomplishment” you mention below, are the daily routine for every trustee. Naming this school will put her in the same stratosphere with Alexander, Bondar, Peterson, etc. In no way is this woman even close to them. On that basis alone, she has no right to have this school named after her.
Agree 5 - Disagree 3
Mohsen Dec 9, 2011 11:16 AM
Let's be supportive
It is good to name a school after someone who is always highly supportive of staff and the board
Agree 1 - Disagree 5
Gideon Dec 9, 2011 10:54 AM
@hio
Get your facts right--according to the News--and the picture shows it --McDougald answered the questions about the name, even though some of the parents were pretty nasty. And I'm confused--do you want Hartsdale? Or matheson? Or Lyndwood?
Disagree 7
Gideon Dec 9, 2011 10:47 AM
@TONYJACKSON
If just another reader, the ndon't call people outsiders. And the board made the decision--they need to defend it. But maybe 23 years of public service is worthy of recognition. To be longest serving chair in the GTA. To fight the province on behald of Peel kids . To get millions more in funding thru that fight. To stand up to Mike Harris as they tried to destroy public education. To meet with hundreds of parents a year persoanlly to help with their issues. And attend almost every school evening event. And be spokesperson of the board on rough issues. How many of us would rstand up at a meeting like she did and thke the abuse some parents offered. Start with that.
Agree 1 - Disagree 6
Starter Dec 9, 2011 6:06 AM
School names are important.
They contribute to the identity of those who attend and also the community in general. School names are much too important to be decided by a few trustees in secrecy. The process should be open and inclusive for students and parents and should respect the will of those participants. The current process is not open and when you don't have an open process you risk this happening. It's not a question of whether Mcdougald has done good things. It's a question of whether this community and school wants to be defined by her name. If not, that should be respected. When you run a secret process and aren't inclusive, don't be surprised if someone labels that cronyism
Agree 6 - Disagree 1
Priorities Dec 9, 2011 12:58 AM
Children are wiser than some parents!
Our children performed with pride at their concert tonight. They weren't concerned with the name of their school. They wanted Mom and Dad to be proud of them and we were. They wanted our support and praise for their achievements. Maybe parents shoud stop fighting over a name of the school and redirect their energy to their namesake(s)...their children. Go hug your child and quit bickering over a person's name vs a street name. Priorities ? Invest this much time in reading to your child and displaying respectful behaviour. Our children learn from the behaviour of us...their parents! What is YOUR child learning about your priorities? Bashing in a public forum? Over a name of a school? Or pride in their accomplishments as seen tonight? Negative or positive? What are some of you teaching your children? Please don't talk to mine! They just want to go to a happy school. Quit wrecking it with this foolish debate over a name of a building!
Agree 1 - Disagree 7
hio Dec 8, 2011 11:03 PM
a few missing facts...
At the community meeting Dec 6- they wanted to only allow any discussion of 'other ' matters, ie name change... to be private conversations. Also, the property of the new school site is land donated years ago by the LYND family - if anything - the school should name should remain Lyndwood. More facts: the name of Hartsdale was changed overnight - in the middle of a school year - no warning, not even the principal knew ahead of time (what a slap in the face). A letter sent home to parents Dec 5... days after the annoucement by the trustees. Many of the parents, unless they checked the bottom of the child's backpack, didn't even know as of Dec 6, about the name change .. a general morning annoucement was made on Dec 2 to all the kids - instead of the parents being informed first....
Agree 2 - Disagree 2
severn99 Dec 8, 2011 10:35 PM
Neil C Matheson
There have been several comments that a school could be named after a teacher or principal before it is named after a sitting politician. In fact this was already done 39 years ago when Neil C Matheson Junior Public School was given its name in a special ceremony on June 25, 1972. As stated in a Lakeview history book, it was named for a very dedicated man who had spent 33 years serving Lakeview Schools. Mr. Matheson was a very respected and dedicated principal in Lakeview for 33 years. One of the schools that was replaced by Hartsdale Avenue school was Neil C Matheson Junior Public School. So, in fact, MacDougald's name is replacing an existing one. Apparently, nobody at the board is interested in preserving history or his name.
Agree 6
Tony Jackson Dec 8, 2011 10:31 PM
@Gideon : I'm just yet another reader...
of this website like yourself and my comment is merely an individual's opinion. Don't get emotional. Focus on your objectives and let the readers know, say, ten (10) reasons compelling enough to make Ms.Dougald the right candidate to name the school after her. Please get straight to the point, no beating the bush. Go ahead (1), (2), (3).......(10)
Agree 3
Gideon Dec 8, 2011 10:14 PM
@tonyjackson
Pretty sure the board named Lincoln m Alexander after that worthy individual in a secret meeting of the board. They say that is the process do you want hat name over turned too? How about Rick Hansen, roberta bondar, Stephen Lewis and so on. All named in private. I count three schools out of 233 named for current or past trustees in the past 15 or 20 years. Wow. What cronyism
Agree 1 - Disagree 5
Gideon Dec 8, 2011 9:49 PM
Sorry, didn't know this was a private site...
Oh wait, it's not! Wow, talk about cronyism. I am a Mississauga resident and this is my newspaper too. Sorry if my comments that tried to be balanced somehow makes me an "insider". Would you prefer I leave your lub so you can continue your private uninformed dialogue with each other?
Disagree 4
Tony Jackson Dec 8, 2011 8:37 PM
@Jessica12
No one is trying to demonizing McDougald. Just saying it's truely outrageous to name a school after her by her close associates at the board while she's serving as the chair. It's cronyism. And, still you failed to enlist something that she's done outstanding. A lot of people do volunteer (especially career politicians) and every teacher and principal do a lot to the succcess of our students. What make Janet an outstanding enough public personality? For instance, my neigbourhood school is named after a distinguished individual : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Alexander Just try to make a comparison.
Agree 3 - Disagree 2
Jessica12 Dec 8, 2011 6:49 PM
Honestly....
Anyone who knows really knows Janet McDouglad knows that she is someone who has spent over 40 years dedicating herself to the success of students. Over the years she has volunteered at countless events throughout Peel and not for "political" reason but for our kids. Naming a school after her was a gift that she deserves! I would be honored to have my children attend that school. The Peel District School Board is amazing. The Principals, Teachers, EAs, Trustees, Custodial Staff, Support Staff, Secretaries, Superintendents, and the Senior Admin go out of their way each and every day for children. We should all be so lucky as to have our children attend this board!
Agree 3 - Disagree 7
hio Dec 8, 2011 4:33 PM
ONline petition - have your say!
http://www.petitiononlinecanada.com/petition/stop-hartsdale-avenue-public-school-from-being-renamed/607
Agree 4 - Disagree 3 - Report Abuse 1
Tony Jackson Dec 8, 2011 11:10 AM
@Gideon
You are an outsider on this website, therefore you may be an insider of this story. You folks are wrong and idiotic to name the school after a low-tier incumbent politician. By virtue of McDougald’s long presence/experience on the school board (which is infested with cronyism) those fellow trustees chose her as chair; school trustee is not a fiercely contested position and getting reelected for 30 plus years is not a big deal. While this shameful fiasco will always remain as a disgrace upon you, would you please let us know any revolutionary and extraordinary contribution Ms. McDougald made to school-education in Peel?
Agree 6 - Disagree 3
Gideon Dec 8, 2011 10:01 AM
Let's take a visit to the real world
kids don't bring home the letter and so the school (teachers) have a conspiracy? Seriously? And did you ever think that the school is helping kids understand the namesake as part of their job. The level of cruelty in some of these comments is shocking. This is a person you are talking about
Agree 3 - Disagree 4 - Report Abuse 2
macman Dec 8, 2011 7:25 AM
The school is in her ward
Good luck to anyone who ever runs against her in any elected position in ward 1 or 7. Incumbents already have enough advantages to keep them in office, this will be the ultimate in name recognition. I can't think of a better endorsement and a way to keep your name out there all year long. This is unfair and should be illegal.
Agree 2 - Disagree 3
my comment Dec 8, 2011 5:30 AM
Take over this Board Mr. McGuinty
Parents in the school are now reporting the prinicpal is going class to class with a portrait of Mrs. McDougal talking about how great she is!!! Wow wow Astounding. Education in Ontario is a large bureaucracy. Trustees don't actually do anything AT ALL but act as local watchdogs, ask questions and keep an eye out to protect local taxpayers. Their 25k part time salary (evening meetings) reflects this reality. Senior administration and principals must be completely arms length from anything that could benefit trustees. The implications of whar is going on here is astounding. If these people think this is acceptable can you imagine what is going on that we don't know about? Take over this Board Mr. McGuinty.
Agree 2 - Disagree 3
Tony Jackson Dec 8, 2011 12:00 AM
@Gideon ; Cronyism is a Cancer of our society and..
Ms."Nice" Chair and her Trustee friends have gone beyond the limit. Let's imagine this: Mr.Harper has been our PM for a while now. What if he wish to change the name of this country to "HARPERLAND"! Do you disagree?
Agree 7 - Disagree 2
momklh Dec 7, 2011 10:20 PM
Supporting the kids
These poor kids have been through so many changes the past couple of years; lots of broken promises; leaders have come and gone. This issue has clearly upset them and as their parents we should be defending their interests and teaching them the right way to voice their concerns. They are being shut down at every turn. The sense of community we were trying so hard to build is gone. Even the teachers have expressed their dislike of the name to their students. The communication is horrible. I have 2 kids at the school and neither one came home with a letter announcing the name change. I think the teachers withheld them intentionally hoping it would be changed back! The principal going to each class with a picture of Janet and telling the kids she is a "nice" person is ridiculous. Was she trying to make the kids feel guilty or "not nice"for expressing their affinity to their school name, mascot and identity?
Agree 5 - Disagree 3
Gideon Dec 7, 2011 9:40 PM
Seriously
Pretty nasty comments about someone who has been a trustee for 21 years and chair for 14 - -is this as good as the residents of Mississauga get in terms of kindness and respect? Maybe direct your anger and passion to something that matters. Just saying.
Agree 2 - Disagree 4 - Report Abuse 3
Fartleberry Dec 7, 2011 9:26 PM
Seems commenters over at Torstar have her figured out.
http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1098092--secret-school-name-change-angers-parents#comments
Agree 1 - Disagree 2
my comment Dec 7, 2011 12:43 PM
Mayoral Candidate?
The job of a trustee is to be a watchdog over the education bureaucracy at the Board that actually run it. The Director of the Board is the head of that bureaucracy. Almost all education policy comes from the province. Trustee is a part time layperson job that pays around $24,000. Compare them to the parent council at your school. Nice people who make sure the community voice is heard. Exemplary teachers that go above and beyond, and almost every principal are far more deserving. People who actually work with the kids and give selflessly. Outside of the school system there are endless better choices. A sitting trustee being awarded this by other trustees with zero community input? Wow. No wonder the media is all over this. Even Carolyn Parrish, a former Board chair didn't do this angle. Come to think of it isn't our mayor retiring and not running again? Hmmm. Maybe this woman would be so good as to offer herself up for mayor? The campaign for mayor will soon be getting underway. These politicians must think taxpayers are a bunch of dummies.
Agree 6 - Disagree 2
Fartleberry Dec 7, 2011 8:13 AM
She made it quite clear on her CBC interview that she was entitled to her entitlements
"hoped parents will focus on the teaching and learning in the classrooms since that is the most important part of the school" ... then we can drop the self-agrandizing name since it apparently matters so little.
Agree 4 - Disagree 3
Prol Dec 7, 2011 8:11 AM
I have to agree with the Spudder on this one too.
The creepiness of this literally makes my skin crawl.
Agree 4 - Disagree 3 - Report Abuse 1
ConcernedResident Dec 7, 2011 7:46 AM
@Spudder
Can't believe I am agreeing with you, but you are correct. It was highly arrogant for McDougald to defend this. She should have declined. End of story.
Agree 5 - Disagree 3
hio Dec 7, 2011 1:29 AM
Link to ONline Petition - Hartsdale name change
http://www.petitiononlinecanada.com/petition/stop-hartsdale-avenue-public-school-from-being-renamed/607
Agree 3 - Disagree 2
The Spudder Dec 6, 2011 11:57 PM
Classless
If Janet McDougald had any class she would not accept her colleagues decision to name the school after her. What is she doing at a meeting defending her colleague’s decision? Not only is this a sign of arrogance but of stupidity. You should have had your colleagues there defending their decision. It looks really stupid when the person whom the school is being named after is standing up there defending the naming. I thought you were smarter than this??
Agree 5 - Disagree 3
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