Anna Chudnovsky: In unprecedented times, we still provide more than 250 meals a day to Strathcona students

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      By Anna Chudnovsky

      While some people have been talking about Strathcona elementary, I thought it might be interesting for folks to know what we’ve been doing at the school during these difficult times. 

      Our school is a special place. It’s special mostly because of the students who go there, and their families. The school is a place where kids from the Downtown Eastsidego for learning, for play, for care, for friendship, for food.

      The student population is mixed of course, like every school, but we serve many dozens of families with food and housing-security issues, a large number of Indigenous families, and many poor and working class families. Our students are all smart, compassionate, funny, unique individuals, and together we make up a pretty wonderful community.

      And luckily, during the COVID-19 crisis, we have been able to maintain a teensy bit of normalcy for our students and their families. Our school is a safe and loving place for them. 

      Even during these unprecedented times, we still provide 250+ packed meals a day to our kids, we provide alternative food security options, we direct families to support services in the neighbourhood, we provide access to technology, and we make available learning opportunities for kids who can’t access online learning. 

      As someone who has been lucky enough to teach at Strathcona for eight years, I’m so proud of all we continue to do and I love our students and their families. I miss them desperately. 

      I hope, in the not too distant future, my students will be able to freely access all of the wonderful programs and educational opportunities our school has to offer. Our staff is so excited to return to our school in a more normal way. 

      In the meantime, we must fully support the continuation of its most rudimentary services, upon which the health and well-being of our children so deeply depend.

      And lastly, to Strathcona students and families, we can't wait to see you!

      Anna Chudnovsky is a teacher at Lord Strathcona elementary. The Georgia Straight publishes opinions like this from the community to encourage constructive debate on important issues.

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