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Should Ontario merge its public and separate school systems?
No   97     57%
Yes   74     43%
 Total Votes: 171


Comments   Add Your Own
father  ( May 15, 2007)
If the public school system is not good enough for your child and you want to send them to a Catholic school then the church should fund it not the government.
DM  ( May 15, 2007)
The time and money that it would take to combine the two boards would be huge. Not to mention the politics behind it all. It won't happen until enrollment for both boards drops off to the point where it's absolutely not economically viable to have two boards... not anytime soon.
Steve  ( May 14, 2007)
A big yes. We taxpayers get nailed for both anyway, even when we dont use either system. Combine them, reduce admin and board costs and save us a few bucks!
from the pulpit  ( May 14, 2007)
People who would like to have religion in their child's education should have the option and their taxes will support that option. I went through the seperate system and probably a better person for that. Heck, bring back the nuns!
Mike  ( May 14, 2007)
Of course religion should be taught in schools. We can understand each other much better if we have a basis for understanding the other persons beliefs. Since most of the world falls under one religion or another I think it is a great place to start. While Catholicism is only one of many religions, the separate school system at least gives them an understanding of what religion is all about. I also believe a separate school system is guaranteed under the charter of rights and freedoms. Besides, what incentive would the public system have to improve were it not for a separate system to compete with?
N/A  ( May 14, 2007)
Schools are meant to educate - home and church can teach religious values.
Peggy  ( May 14, 2007)
Two reasons I feel we should have one system.
1) It only makes sense to me to have one strong system allowing students all the resources in one system. If the government is splitting money to both systems it's logical to surmise you'll have two weaker systems. Resources could be shared, a possible cost saving advantage, therefore allowing a stronger more up to date system in technology and programs offered.
2) I do attend church myself (I'm not a fanatic Protestant but I'm a believer and I enjoy attending) and I sent my kids to Sunday school at our church because I wanted them to have the opportunity for an enriched education. I disagree with the idea of allowing a school for each religion. Why should just the catholic system have schools that are publicly funded. There are several different religions. I know other religions have schools but I believe they may be private. We can't fairly let every religion the same advantage of their own school system. If you want your child to have a religious education why can't you use your own church for their education or offer it in the home if you don't attend church if it is important to you. Sometimes parents take the easy way out and just let the school educate their children. Beaver Brae does offer a religious class for those interested in learning more about religions. In today's society I think it's important to be aware and inclusive of all religions and maybe there would be a little more tolerance towards one another if we understood each others beliefs. There is so much hate in the world based on our different beliefs. Lets stop separating us and learn to understand and tolerate each other. Remember it all starts in the home. Don't leave it all up to the school. We decided to have kids lets try and raise them with mutual respect and understanding. Maybe one day we can hope for peace.
That's my opinion. Thank you.
Dave  ( May 14, 2007)
In theory, combining them should save us taxpaters money! It would reduce the number of well paid administrators etc. Since they both are a burden to the tax payer, any saving would help.It leads to the question, why do seniors pay school tax anyway, they don't use the system?
a mother  ( May 13, 2007)
I like the idea of prayer in the separate school system - the Lord's Prayer didn't hurt me when I was growing up - that is the main reason I have sent my kids to the separate school. When they get to be high school aged they then can make the decision themselves whether they want to stay in the separate school system or transfer to the public one.
Richard  ( May 11, 2007)
Religion has no place as a basis of education.

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