For Innisfail High student Renee Robinson and her EA Kelly Jobs, each day is filled with understanding and compassion. (Submitted photo)

By Chinook's Edge School Division

"Everyone matters just as much as the other"

Caring and compassion for Innisfail High School duo

Nov 17, 2020 | 9:18 AM

Kelly Jobs could be a witness to intolerance every day, being a person of colour who works with a student with Down Syndrome. Happily, the opposite is true.

“I’ve worked at three different Chinook’s Edge schools – Poplar Ridge, Delburne and now Innisfail High – and I have felt a great deal of respect in each,” said Kelly.

“Truly, for the most part I think my skin colour is irrelevant. There have been a few learning moments that I’ve encountered with students the odd time, when they’ve needed reminders about racial comments. But overall, I think there is a lot of respect for diversity.”

Where Kelly witnesses that respect most is when she sees how students interact with Renee.

“She has always attended Innisfail schools, and the school community is very supportive of her. Students are even protective of her, insisting on kindness towards her.

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“I think kids by nature are accepting, and young people see social justice and tolerance issues as very important. I watch them seek each other out on the playground and they’re just wanting to play – issues of race or abilities aren’t part of that. They’re not confused about relating to one another.”

Kelly also feels a high level of respect for her role in Chinook’s Edge.

“In this division, we’re all the same in that we all care about kids. It doesn’t matter if you’re an EA or a teacher – we’re all treated well. Everyone matters just as much as the other.

“I’ve seen that in the PD opportunities we are continually provided. Last spring when schools were closed, I was taking up to four PD sessions through Division Office, and participating in a book study. By providing all kinds of resources and opportunities, Chinook’s Edge is showing how important their staff are – but most importantly how important their students are.”

(Story by Sandy Bexon – Chinook’s Edge School Division)