Pablo Su is a TEAM Burnaby school board candidate:
I am 51 years old and have lived in the same Burnaby neighbourhood for 41 years. Needless to say, I am very impressed by this city and am now trying to give back in whatever way I can. I began doing some volunteer work teaching photography at the Confederation Park Seniors' Centre last year, and I hope to be able to expand to other seniors' centres.
I have two children in the Burnaby school system, one in Grade 4 and the other in Grade 8. I have been very involved in the elementary school parent advisory council and hope to continue being a positive influence in both parent advisory councils.
I strongly believe that we are not doing enough to maximize each child's potential at an early age. Lifelong learning should be encouraged in elementary schools because those positive skills and attitudes will last throughout the student's academic life.
Policy 5.45 was an eye-opener for me. I tried to voice my concerns that an anti-bullying policy should protect all children. I wrote to every trustee, and none bothered to answer me. I was made to feel insignificant. I was not presenting a religious viewpoint. I simply wanted to widen the discussion. I believe strongly that parental input should be welcomed and not dismissed without consideration. After all, who knows our children best? It is time for a new board of education that welcomes input from all education stakeholders. A TEAM Burnaby Board will be that board of education.
