Saturday, December 31, 2022

Happy New Year!

In some ways it seems like school board elections were last week, when in reality almost 10 weeks have gone by.  The random and spur-of-the-moment conversations that walking in community during a campaign brings have been layered on to while at school and community events- always a welcome opportunity to hear what is on the mind of the folks we serve.  

I continue to appreciate the students, parents, teachers, staff and administrators in Louis Riel School Division who make time to chat, offer valued insight and perspective, and ask good and important questions about our governance work.  I value our conversations- even (and maybe especially) the tough ones. 

The new year will see us continue to grapple with the effects of a global pandemic even while we look ahead to the many opportunities that are before us.  The bright future we want for everyone in our community will be articulated in a new multi-year strategic plan, our budget conversations, and the vision we have for everyone to excel as caring, confident, capable, and resilient life-long learners who contribute to a democratic and sustainable work. 

Be well. Please make time for the people and experiences that fill your heart and bring joy to your life. 

I wish you and yours a healthy, happy and prosperous 2023.  Happy New Year!
 

 “The future depends on what we do in the present.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

'Twas the night before the election, and time to say thanks.

 
  • to everyone who assisted by walking (and walking) up driveways and stairs, in wind, rain, cold and heat to ensure information about who I am and what I'm about made it into mailboxes. 
  • to the folks who provided feedback on my flyer, and to Albert and Carol at Dycom for their patience and expertise.
  • to everyone who asked for a sign. 
  • to Bev for a very long walk on a beautiful Sunday morning!! and for moral support and encouragement when needed the most- and not just during elections.
  • to Nikolas for encouragement and support (from across town this time), and for all of the conversations we've had and continue to have about local politics and the future of Winnipeg.
  • to Pam and the 'minis' for their smiles as we walked the far corner of the ward (especially so early in the day!!) and to Paige for doing it with a skip in her step and a broad repetoire of songs. 
  • to Bailey for the conversations that have provided valued insight and perspective, always infused with good humour and laughter. 
  • to Linn for the photos; I'm not photogenic but she made me look half-way decent!
  • to those of you I've been texting and messaging like mad as election day got closer-  you know who you are and I appreciate your common sense, logic, calm influence and really good and positive vibes!

And thank you to Eve, who hands down walked the most number of steps only after the number I took.  By our last flyer drop, this kid could deliver a street effortlessly and like a pro, spot a 'no flyers' sign on a mail box from the street, navigate a mapped route, and put stakes on a sign with ease. We covered a lot of ground, in steps and in conversation, and it was fun to get to know the youngest member of the 'team' a bit better.

One. More. Sleep. 

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Informing your school trustee vote

This is the week when, collectively, voters in school division wards across Manitoba will elect their representation to school boards to serve a four year mandate.  

When we are handed a ballot we will be invited to 'vote for one trustee', OR 'vote for up to two/three/four trustees' depending on how many are elected where we reside.   

Doing some research is important, and mindful that many have voted at advance polls, here is how to inform your vote for school trustee:

  • visit Winnipeg Election 2022 for another source of information, again provided by candidates in response to an invitation to do so*
  • call candidates or send them an e-mail and ask the questions that are on your mind
  • if they are on social media, visit their platforms
  • if you live in LRSD, all candidates were invited to a forum, which can be viewed at LRSD.TV 
  • many teachers associations sent out candidate questionnaires which were posted on websites and social media platforms.

Visit the Manitoba School Boards election site for more information. 

Three more sleeps until election day!!

*includes mayoral and city councillor candidate responses as well.


Monday, October 17, 2022

Brought to you by the letters LRTA and ATC

Props to the Louis Riel Teachers Association for organizing the first ever (as far as I know) LRSD trustee candidate forum this evening, and to all those that attended in person and remotely.  Students in the ATC Broadcast Media program were set up to live-stream the event, and students in the ATC Cake and Pastry program provided post-forum treats. 

That's it, that's the post; might be my shortest one ever!

9 days until the election. 

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Chance of showers, with a trustee forum a certainty.

 

It was bound to happen eventually.  After successive warm and sunny days over the long weekend, we are likely to see rain tomorrow.  It's been a great run so far weather wise for campaign 2022!

My day started and ended in the company of some LRSD folks- talking, sharing, listening and learning, with lots of laughter as well.  These are some of my greatest teachers and they have patience for my questions, always broadening my perspective and understanding with their answers and insight. 

Inbetween, I was walking Ward 3.  There were prolonged conversations along the way that allowed me further insight into what is on the minds of voters as it pertains to public education, but that naturally segued into municipal and provincial politics. 
 

The Louis Riel Teachers Association is hosting a candidate forum on October 17, which I will be participating in. 

They are working to live-stream as well, so connect with them on Twitter for updates. 

14 days until the election.

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Gleanings from the campaign trail

In running my 4th campaign there are things that I continue to be grateful for; shared sidewalks and driveways are two of them.  Short driveways are another.  Only one or two steps up to the mailbox also makes the list.  

If I had a nickel for everyone person who has asked if I'm part of the Nemeth Diamonds Nemeth's I'd be sitting pretty. Well, not rich but defiantly able to buy myself a grande pumpkin spice latte. I'm sure we're connected on some distant branch of the family tree.  Clearly they have lots of happy customers out this way. 

Last Sunday was a +20,000 step day.  The weather was beautiful and I was motivated but I sure paid for it on Monday; my back, hips, quads and feet were screaming from pounding the pavement. 
Did I learn from overdoing it? Yup; the steps have decreased each day but I suspect they will creep up over the weekend with some nicer weather on the way and the pain in my joints almost gone. Plus I still have a few thousand houses to get to. 

Canvassing at seniors and retirement residences is great fun. I hope when I'm 80 or 90 I'm as feisty as some of the folks I've met are.  Today I was thanked for being a school trustee, and then peppered with excellent questions by the grandma of an LRSD alumnus. 

And the Halloween decorations!!  I've seen some yards that look like they were set up by professionals. 

I've spent some time looking at other campaigns by school trustee candidates all over town; it's important to learn about the folks that aspire to elected governance.  Lots of good info here: https://www.winnipeg.ca/clerks/election/election-2022/Candidates/ and here: https://www.winnipegelection.ca/

Have a really nice Thanksgiving weekend!

19 days until the election. 

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Why are you running for re-election to the board?


What a beautiful day for getting some information out to residents of Ward 3.  The campaign 'team' has expanded with Mom and Sis pitching in; win-win as I get the help and they get some fresh air and exercise.

Folks are asking why I'm running again (or as one person framed it "why on earth would you want that job these days?").

First, I want to do what I can to protect the investments that our board has made over the last number of years and will continue to make in the name of student engagement and success.  Expenditures in support of full-day kindergarten, our DEI and Anti- Racism Initiative, the work of our Indigenous Education Team, and in mental health and wellness for students, staff and families (among many others) are having a positive impact.  We know this because the data we collect allows us to track our progress. 

Second is wanting to do my part to ensure LRSD  receives the funding that ensures these investments are supported long term, even as we identify more areas requiring support.  The new funding model must ensure adequate funding within a model that is sustainable and predictable.  Anything less has the potential to see needed programs and supports jeopardized.   

While navigating Bill 64 was stressful (to say the least) the engagement and information that was shared was key to its demise.  I want to continue the work of providing information; to our community and to government about the successes we celebrate, the challenges we are navigating, and how we all have a role to play.  Advocacy, engagement and communication is crucial.

That's not a complete list of reasons, but I'll wrap up on a purely personal level- I love the work.  It is important, rewarding, extremely fulfilling, and I have lots of fun.  I have met people who have challenged and broadening my thinking. I've been part of conversations that have offered necessary perspective.  I've learned things that I needed to learn. I don't take the role or responsibility lightly, and I take every opportunity afforded me to learn and grow to ensure I am the best trustee I can be in service to my community. 

23 days until election day.

Saturday, September 24, 2022

31 days until the election; October 26

To recap, I started this blog early in 2010 in the lead-up to the fall election and my arrival on the Louis Riel School Board.  It shows the most recent 24 months of posts and my journey as a trustee.

Here's a bit of who I am:

  • past Chair and current vice-Chair of the Louis Riel School Board
  • Chair of the Louis Riel Endowment Fund Committee (Riel-Evate)
  • past vice-President and current Region 5 Director on the Manitoba School Boards Association Executive
  • member of the Provincial Education Funding Model Review Committee
  • member of the board of directors of Dakota Community Centre
  • column contributor to the Community Review East
  • employee of the University of Manitoba

I've lived in River Park South for 30ish years. I'd say the path to the school board started in the library at Ecole St. Germain where we met as a parent council waaaaaaaaay back when.

This is what I believe about being a trustee: school trustees must understand elected governance, remain visible and engaged in their community, stay informed on current and emerging issues, and demonstrate commitment to the work and effectiveness in the role. It's been my mantra, approach and promise to the LRSD community since day one.

The LRSD community is flourishing because of investments that must be protected, including:

- full day kindergarten, mental health wellness for students and staff, and our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Initiative

- the use of data to inform conversations, decisions, directions and the monitoring of progress

- concerted efforts to reduce the achievement gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students

-endeavors with a goal of mitigating the impact of poverty on student engagement and success. 

What does that 'protection' look like? Advocacy efforts directed at government for funding that is adequate and sustainable, transparency and accountability in decision making on the part of your school board, and finding and making opportunities for engagement with students, families, staff and public.

You can find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and reach me by e-mail at snemeth8@mymts.net or by phone at (204) 230-6475. 

If what you've read resonates with you and you'd like to support me by hosting a lawn sign, let me know.

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

57 more sleeps

Last week I made it official that I would be seeking re-election to the Louis Riel School Division Board of Trustees representing Ward 3.  On Facebook, Twitter and Instagram I framed it this way:

I was first elected to the Louis School Division Board of Trustees in 2010.  In service to my community as a school trustee, I've experienced some of my most relevant, impactful, rewarding, and purposeful work ever, accompanied by learning that has broadened my perspective and understanding in many areas. 
The Louis Riel community needs and deserves trustees who understand elected governance, who are visible, engaged, and present in their community, who stay informed on current and emerging issues, who are committed to the work, and who demonstrate effectiveness in the role.  This has been my personal promise to my community since 2010.  I've kept it and I will continue to do so.

Election day is October 26; 57 more sleeps.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Milestone birthdays, Arthur and sound healing

With a milestone birthday just around the corner, I'm stuck in a weird place that is part funk and part euphoria- the things that are making me a bit weepy are also filling my heart. To be honest, I think it's less about a 'big number' and more about the timing of my kids being in transition, the world being my oyster, a myriad of choices before me, and the fact that my time is, well, my time.  

This morning I was listening to Tom Power on CBC interview Marc Brown, who, if you don't know, made Arthur the Aardvark a household name in more homes than just ours. My kids (and their parents) were serious fans of Binky, Francine, Brain, Buster, and Muffy and the gang.  Me? I was head over heels for D.W.; the straight shooting, tell it like is is, little sister who never failed to deliver the best line of any episode. It was often quite funny, and offered life lessons that were timely, relevant and all too real. For several years running, Arthur's Perfect Christmas even came before all other holiday shows in our house. Marc Brown is closing the book on Arthur after 25 seasons with the never aging 8-year old.   While reruns, and even a podcast, will be available I cannot bring myself to watch the final episode (just yet anyway) that catapults the crew into the future, leaving age 8 far behind.  Marc Brown was so interesting to listen to, and it sounds like he still has a lot left to do.  

Changing topics, I expanded my yoga practice recently to include a sound healing class in a hot yoga studio.  So taken was I with the experience that I wrote about it.  It was the perfect way to recognize a serendipitous encounter, which I'll have to tell you about in person since it would take too long to detail here. 

At any rate, milestone birthdays, Arthur and sound healing.  Nothing to do with being a school trustee, but then, it doesn't always have to. Does it?

Here's a deep thought in signing off:

Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don't. Bill Nye, the science guy.

Saturday, January 22, 2022

Less social media, more play

I recently muted a bunch of folks on Twitter, and hit the 30-day snooze on a bunch more on Facebook.  I joined these platforms to engage, connect, learn and share, and not to have my feed filled with foul language, judgmental comments, cruel, condescending, and downright inappropriate comments on, well, just about everything.  I cannot take having to wade through a string of stats on COVID case counts, hospitalizations and deaths, and judgy 'I know better' comments to get to the stuff that offers perspective, some humour, insight, and good and worthy distraction.  

More joy.  The muting and snoozing is because I want more of what makes me smile and less of what makes me sad.   

In a 2020 blog post, I introduced you to a warrior princess who unknowingly brought a very restorative and therapeutic flavour to part of my day. I'm lucky to spend time with her fairly regularly, and if it's a day that's started cold and cloudy it never ends that way if she's been part of it.  I've had two of those days with her this month already.

And now she is 6. Still kind and caring, still totally outrageous, and still moving through life with a sense of purpose and determination, and with an opinion on just about everything. It's accompanied by a vocabulary, depth of perception and soulfulness that is all at once captivating and entertaining.  

Today I knew enough to take out an extra box of Kraft Dinner for lunch.... and we were off!  In the end, the books, the crafts, and plans to go outside and investigate the neighborhood were all forgotten and replaced by conversation about Lego, families, neighbours, school, and plans for the time a sleepover might be possible- all while absorbed in a puzzle and over several cups of tea.  I also got trounced in Go Fish.  As she left, the sun came out and I bundled up to walk in the last few minutes of daylight feeling restored once again and grateful for having connected with my own inner 6 year old. 

For a few hours there was no stress, no COVID, and no worry. And definitely no Twitter or Facebook.  I was reminded that the work, the reading, the reports and the day-to-day demands and responsibilities can be put on the back-burner with no repercussions, easily and happily replaced by silliness, play and fun.  

'The soul is healed by being with children.' - Fyodor Dostoevsky   

Saturday, January 8, 2022

LRSD students who have come alive

Breaking news out of Louis Riel School Division is that Justin Patrocinio, a grade 12 student at Windsor Park Collegiate is a finalist for a Loran Scholarship. Out of 5,174 applicants, and an interview as one of the 335 semi-finalists, Justin is one of 90 students (and one of three in Manitoba) who have now advanced to the national interview stage of the application process.   

Loran Scholars are exceptional individuals who 'demonstrate perseverance when faced with adversity, a sense of curiosity, and leadership potential'. It recognizes and rewards character, service, and initiative with a financial award, mentorship, and networking opportunities.  Being awarded a scholarship means you are viewed as someone with integrity, courage and grit. To be seen as having those qualities at any age, let alone as a high school student, is remarkable, worth acknowledging and worth celebrating.  Congratulations Justin!

But wait, there's more......

Today on the front page of the Arts & Life section, the Winnipeg Free Press featured Nelson McIntyre Collegiate student Jackson Toone- a young person of many, many, talents that all centre around a love of skateboarding. Words like focused, professional, optimistic, committed and detail oriented could be, and are, used to describe Jackson's approach to everything he takes on. When you read the article it's easy to understand the appropriateness of the name Don't Waste Time (the 'middle finger' analogy is great). 

Let this all sink in folks. 

Two very different teens at first glance, but on closer inspection alike in a lot of ways. Passionate, hardworking, positive, enthusiastic, inspiring, undeterred in their pursuits, and both dreaming big. Supported by family, friends and community they are chasing those dreams and already succeeding. I can't wait to see what they do next, and where they are in 10 years. Justin and Jackson are examples of how students thrive when independence and autonomy is nurtured, and a learning environment is engaging and supported by trusting relationships.  I'm so proud to be able to say they are from LRSD!! 

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive.  And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman

Sunday, January 2, 2022

Happy New Year!

It's been several months since I posted to this blog; a lifetime in many ways given the state of the world and our little corner of it.  

To frame 2021 without thinking I'd say so long, good-bye, don't let the door hit you on the way out.  But to toss 365 days out without stopping to think about all that was good not only suggests it was a wasted year, but that I wasted it, and neither of those is true. 

Aside from another year of not travelling, I shouldn't, can't and won't complain (any more I mean, I did plenty let me tell you!!).  I met new people, read a ton, and learned some stuff.  Was it all a bed of roses? Hell no.  There were days when it was all overwhelming and those were the days when I was glad for my bike, the many walking trails near by, a stack of books, puzzles, and colouring sheets, the young people in my life and all who make me laugh, yoga, my garden (such as it is), and The Forks. 

Like I've developed with Duo, I have a love-hate relationship with social media these days.  What was once a way to connect, learn and be offered welcome insight and perspective is becoming more negative and judgy than ever before. Note to self: it might be time to actually make use of the block, snooze, and mute features- they are there for a reason!! 

On that note I'll wish you a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2022.  There will always be crap.  There will always be people who, intentionally or otherwise, bring others down. 

There will always people who don't show up, or who do and just seem to take up space in the process.  

There are also those who bring their 'A game' every time, who show up and make the space better, who self-reflect as part of self-improvement, who encourage me to do better and give me a gentle shake when I've done the opposite, and who are invested in making their community a better place for everyone (and demonstrate that investment all the time).  You know who you you are; you are great teachers in your unique ways, you make me a better person, and you have my thanks, my gratitude, and my admiration.

OK 2022,  I'm ready for whatever you have in store. Bring. It. On. 

Happy New Year!

In some ways it seems like school board elections were last week, when in reality almost 10 weeks have gone by.  The random and spur-of-the-...