As January comes to a close I feel as though 2017 has started off with the force of a tornado.
In some ways it's almost as if a year's worth of events have happened in the first month.
With the swearing in of the 45th president of the United States and the announcement that a Canadian business mogul has plans to run for Canada's head spot, it is enough to make your head spin.
Regardless of how you feel about the outcome of the voting, these events demonstrate the true strength of the democratic system. Time will tell if the people chose wisely and if the decisions made by those voted into power will stand the test of time.
In so many ways we are fortunate to live in Canada and be a part of a governmental system that filters into all public areas of society. It's more than just elections and speeches; it's a voice for us all.
Even though the legal age to vote in Alberta is 18, communities are seeking feedback from much younger populations regarding issues like skate parks and new building developments.
Online polls and surveys are the norm to gauge the pulse of a community and our phones have become our soapbox to voice our opinions.
With all these opportunities and ease of expressing ourselves, it's shocking to read the statistics of how few of us take the opportunity to use the voting power we have been given.
How many of us have taken the time to "rate our experience" after a purchase at a local store when the cashier points out the web page at the bottom of the bill, or taken the time to attend a community forum looking for input that has been posted in all media areas for weeks? These opportunities are everywhere, yet many of us take it for granted almost as if we forget the importance of it all.
Being part of the educational system I have witnessed the same opportunities provided to all stakeholders.
Schools seeking input for children's growth and programming is an opportunity that seems to slip by with such small numbers rendering the results distorted and misrepresented. Schools need input to stay relevant and grow, as well as to provide educated suggestions to Alberta Education for curriculum and procedural changes. As the end of the month approaches, schools will be looking for your input for the remainder of the year and to help plan for next year. Will you let this opportunity slip by or will you contact your school and find out more?
I hope the latter is true and schools can benefit from those who matter most you!
Adam Sia is the vice-principal of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School
