JUSTCAWS

I am an unapologetic American, for now. When my country of birth voted for Trump in 2016, I will admit surprise, but not shock. Democracies don't always get it right, but to fall for the same con twice -the Canadian side of my citizenship would make me apologize for that.  Back in 2016,  the media made it seem that only ignorant, white men would vote Trump. With that level of shame and condescension aimed at disgruntled voters, the results should not be shocking to anyone who claims to understand people.  No one would admit voting for Trump, so the accuracy of any polling was off.  As any teenage parent or high school teacher can attest, shame is an effective motivator, if you want the opposite reaction of what's intended.  Keep telling Americans not to do something with derision and just ask the British how that will go. Still, I am hopeful after now seeing Trump for what he is, Americans  will correct course. Even with a media establishment bias that seem...

Why Everyone Wants to Work In Your Department Administration/Front Office: The office does control the world. Our world at least. We have democratic processes and committees, but honestly, if anyone in the office wants to make an announcement, call a meeting, cancel a meeting, ring a bell to end class 5 minutes early or whatever, they could just do it and we would follow along (grumbling, but obedient nonetheless). That is power. You are all better people than I am for handling it with such aplomb. I would be a corrupt monster, ringing bells and calling meetings haphazardly. And yes, this is an email where I am going to use dorky words like 'aplomb' -buckle up! Arts : This is the only subject students actually try to do in the rest of their classes. Seriously - kid not paying attention in class? They’re either doodling images, listening to music or acting out. But what about kids just looking at their phone, you say? Memes? Spotify? Youtube? TikTok? Insta...

Been so much discussion about the merits of various reopening plans that I thought a change of topic was in order. I want to go back to March when everyone put politics aside and dug in to support one another. With that spirit in mind, I wanted to share my back to school tips for in class teachers.   I talked with a number of colleagues this summer and did some summer internet surfing for ideas. This list is by no means exhaustive so please send me any of your tips for this fall and I will add them.   1. Get Your Sleep  This year it is more important than ever that we get enough sleep and have a good diet to make sure we don't get run down and make ourselves more susceptible to any type of illness. I have had this discussion with my own kids and plan to do the same with my students on the first day.  2. Be A Rock  Try to diffuse anxiety - don't add to it. Be a rock for the students. If you have been a neurotic wreck to anyone who would listen this summ...

Like many people not shy to share their opinions I have been on social media  specifically twitter a lot more during this pandemic.  While it can be enlightening to gain perspective from different points of view, it is not without peril.  Social media like many indulgences is fine in moderation and self regulated use, but it can turn quickly agsinst you if abused. Witnessed that personally with friends and family. To avoid its trappings, I have my own set of guidelines.  When Facebook got started it was to connect socially with friends and families. Now it has become an immersive platform that many connect with first when they go on-line. People have their own rules, on who they "friend". I was pretty restictive with it to start as being a friend means a lot more than an aquaintance. But I moved on that, still keeping in mind I was sharing persoanl family pictures, stories and moments on the platform.  When I start writing for a brief time I would po...

Been certainly enough speculation from concerned parties about what is going to happen in Ontario Schools this fall. Since I have more than a little skin in the game, I wanted to share my thoughts on the matter.  Knowing first hand as an educator and parent the vital role teachers play in the development of young minds I was very satisfied to hear that Sick Kids recommended that school return back to the classroom (with enhanced cleaning and safety measures of course) this fall.  I thought this would be met with relief, and it was for some. But for many it seemed to only bring anxiety. I can understand this feeling of unease coming from some parents, but I thought educators would embrace being relevant and essential again. Teachers know the dark side of abuse and neglect that occurs in homes of the vulnerable. For these students, school is their safe space. We also know that e-learning does not work for many students with special needs and those facing tech inequity. So barrin...

  The plight of Guelph's lack of news coverage was a  focus last week when local police did not publicize liberal MP's arrest.  Globe columnist @JohnIbbitson  even took to twitter to sound off on the dangers of disappearing local news.  Said much of the same and more when the axe fell on our local paper a few years back ...   I can’t sleep tonight. The demise of my local paper, the Guelph Mercury, has struck a nerve. I believe I am like many citizens progressing through the stages of loss. My shock and sadness are giving way to anger, but my greatest fear is that we will move to acceptance. Like most of Guelph, I was not a current subscriber to the print edition. Even though I had contributed to the paper in the past, I cancelled my subscription to the Mercury because printed copies were available at my work. I enjoy the convenience of reading the news on-line and since it is the greener thing to do, I consume most of my news that way. I don’t have an ...

I am heartened to see many videos and images this morning of Police joining with peaceful protesters in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. While racism in society is pervasive and progress toward true equality moves at a frustratingly slow pace, the relationship citizens have with those sworn with a duty to protect them is at the core of this anger. I am not a police officer and I have no family connection to law enforcement. However, like many of us I know many and some very well. I have heard their stories and have nothing, but respect for the job they do. Many of the officers I know are also black. I have deep admiration for these heroes because I would imagine their sense of duty to their communities comes with an inner battle that must be won before they join that group and don that uniform. So I am careful not to suggest solutions in policing, or offer changes to law enforcement structures that I don’t understand.   I am a member of another professional tribe an...

Click  HERE  for the published version. With so much time on our hands, it is only natural that many have turned to social platforms to offer their two cents on how our governments are responding to the COVID – 19 crisis. So let me chime in, with my nickels worth of observations. I have nothing but praise for the way our governments has handled this difficult, unprecedented situation. In fact, I believe Canadian leaders of all political stripes have done an admirable job of maintaining a balance between trying to protect public health and the economy.   This is evident if you dare enter the arena of social media. Here you have people posting that governments are overreacting, causing too much economic damage to our economy and impoverished. While the other side believes government is not doing enough to protect the public health of the most vulnerable.   To tick both sides off governments have obviously achieved some sort of a middle ground. Unfortun...

To commemorate black history month I am posting my first column published this month 28 years ago.  In pursuit of this goal I spoke with a number of professors and scholars including Duke University's John Hope Franklin. I also traveled to the University of Guelph  and meet with Dr. C.J. Mumford. I was able to have a sit down meeting with the Chancellor of the University of Western Ontario.  The column did build awareness around the issue and I am pleased to see that Western now offers this course. I hope a diverse group takes this class. So what now... I continue to advocate for a strong, diverse public education system.  Learning in a diverse setting that has a deep respect for human rights, builds a strong foundation of perspective and understanding. And in the future... Many of our culture wars and petty political squabbles are inconsequential in a global context. Our biggest global problems will only be solved with a global mindset. We must embr...

I have waited on writing this, hoping the man would say something. So on the anniversary of the big trade that saw the Raptors acquire Kawhi Leonard, my disappointment turns to disbelief. I doubt anything is coming. Not sure who Kawhi Leonard has as his publicist, or if he even has one. Sad, because the man could use some advice. Most Canadians do not begrudge Kawhi for wanting to go home and play for the LA Clippers. Sorry to see him go and not return for another Championship run, but no anger. Well that maybe changing Kawhi. A city and country opened its arms to you and offered you the moon. The least you could do is offer some token acknowledgment. It's standard practice to post something thanking the fans. Danny Green did his  late in the night, after word go out that he was leaving to go to the Lakers. Apparently, this gesture is just too much for the fun guy who was given the literal key to the city. Fine, you don't like talking to the press and avoid s...

In our last lesson we showed you how to easily put aside a portion of your paycheque into a high interest savings account. While you enjoy seeing that money grow, we can now focus on making your walking around cash last. Tracking your spending indicated how much money you need to get by on between pay periods. Whatever that amount is, go to your bank’s ATM and take it out in cash. I told you to use a debit card before — so that you could track where your money was going over a month’s time. We’ve done that — so now we can start using cash to make our purchases. There are many reasons to do this — but a key one is that you will spend less money using cash to buy things instead of debit. Why? You will control your own spending because you will always know how much money you have left. If your bank has provided your account with overdraft protection, you have the option of going into debt if your account balance goes below zero. You pay fees and interest every time you use this dangerous ...

Ah, April, that beautiful time of year when the snow melts away and things are supposed to warm up. April is also tax season for Canadians. With that in mind, this lesson in finance will examine income taxes from a teenage perspective. For the 2018 tax year, the basic personal tax exemption is $11,809. If you earn under this amount, then you don’t have to pay federal income taxes. Some employers, however, will deduct income taxes from students’ paycheques if the gross pay they earn, pro-rated for the year, is greater than the exemption limit. Many students who only work during the summer months are in this situation. If, for example, a student earns $2,000 a month during July and August — but does not work the rest of the year — their employer will deduct income taxes from their paycheque even though they are earning below the exemption limit. To the employer, the student’s monthly earnings equate to $24,000 (12 months times $2,000). This amount is above the exemption limit, and theref...