My children have been attending St. Andre for a few years now and I have to say this is probably the worst year they have had under this new principal (***) she is absolutely horrible. The lack of diversity and representation for black children in this school is crazy. I was told there is one black staff at this school an EA who my kids called *** (I wish I knew her full last name) and she won't be returning this coming September and a big part of me is asking why? From what I heard families and their children adore her including mine. She was so good at connecting with our children and really the only representation they had, they seemed to love her. Sad to see her go. However, I am not surprised because *** seems to have a huge issue with people of colour especially our black students hopefully they get it together.

Kindergarten Classrooms Are in Crisis—and No One Is Talking About It

I work in a kindergarten classroom with 26 children, one teacher, one ECE, and myself—the only Educational Assistant. Two of those children have special needs that require constant, individualized support.

But there’s only one of me.

Every day, we face moments of chaos and crisis. Children are being hurt. Educators are being hit, bitten, scratched, and spat on. Staff are going on medical leave from stress and injury. ECEs are being pulled away from their role to fill gaps meant for a second EA. The classroom becomes unstable. Learning is disrupted. The environment becomes unsafe—for everyone.

We are not okay.

In the past, EAs were assigned one-on-one to students with high needs. Today, we are being stretched thin—expected to do the work of two or three people without backup.

This is not just my story. This is happening in schools across the province.

The system is failing our children and burning out our educators. I am calling on the media, the public, and the government to pay attention. We need:

One-to-one EA support for children with special needs

Safe classrooms for students and staff

Respect for the professional role of EAs and ECEs

A system that protects—not exploits—the people who care for our youngest learners


This is a crisis. And silence is no longer an option.

I supplied here for years and loved coming back here. This year I supplied and I was not treated well. I dont plan to come back to this school ever gain. Students were ok. You are short staffed for a reason. Sorry to the great staff who are great.

My son has been spit on twice by a student that is not in his class or grade. Both times no one from the school contacted me and I had to hear about it from my 11 year old. Unacceptable.

got so hot in the school during the summer i threw up (it was like 40 celsius in there) so like maybe teach you teachers to keep the windows closed..?

Staff morale is at an all-time low, with many employees either on stress leave or having left entirely due to poor working conditions. There is little to no discipline, with students frequently running through the halls unchecked. Staff concerns are routinely dismissed by administration, leaving employees feeling unheard and undervalued. The lack of support has created a chaotic and unsatisfying workplace. Overall, this is not a place where staff feel respected or supported.