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UPDATE: School bus slides off road

This photo was taken in a five-car pileup in Middleton early Wednesday afternoon. (TC Media) Roger Wells

This photo was taken in a five-car pileup in Middleton early Wednesday afternoon. (TC Media)

Published on January 30, 2013
Published on January 30, 2013
Topics :
RCMP , English Language School Board , Prince , Queens , Kings

At least one school bus slid off the road today, despite a long delay before sending students home.

The bus was transporting students home from Belfast Consolidated School in Kings County when it slid off the Gillis Road and into the ditch, said one parent.

There were approximately 15 to 20 students on the bus at the time, said the parent.

One student who was on the bus, told The Guardian that some of the younger children were crying.

School officials were on the scene within minutes and took the students off the bus to a neighbouring house where family members later picked them up.

Island schools held students back for an additional 30 minutes, on top of the one-hour delay originally announced in order to allow ice conditions to improve.

The decision by the English Language School Board was made after the noon hour when weather conditions changed from the original forecast, said John Cummings, director of corporate services for the board.

Extensive consultation early in the day suggested that the freezing rain period would follow after snow, and would be short. That did not happen and the icing problem had the board rapidly reassessing the situation, said Cummings.

The decision to delay has happened in the past, he said, but he did not have dates at hand.

Board staff remained on duty and answering phones well past regular office hours until all students were safely home, said Cummings.

The RCMP said that by 3 pm.,  icy roads led to numerous traffic accidents.

"We've had 26 crashes since 11 am, 10 in Prince County, 12 in Queens County and four in Kings County," said Sgt. Andrew Blackadar, RCMP spokesperson.

Comments

  • Username
    common sense
    - February 1, 2013 at 08:50:34

    For all of you saying we should have been called or volunteered to go get our kids.. give your head a shake!! "unsafe roads' mean the roads are not safe for ANYONE let alone 'just' buses. Did you not hear the RCMP warning EVERYONE to stay off the roads? The schools are safe, warm, they have food just in case... i fail to understand why so many are up in arms over the right decision being made. wouldn't you rather be inconvenienced than risk your children? Mind boggling...

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  • Username
    PEI Fan
    - January 31, 2013 at 12:01:01

    Lets give it up for the Bus Drivers who get our Children home safely in all situations. Some times they are the unsung heros.

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  • Username
    Sabrina
    - January 31, 2013 at 10:47:25

    It was 2 and a half hours later than usual before I saw my daughter getting off of the bus; however, she did because they were not put on the roads whole it was unsafe to do so. They stopped and picked up children from another bus that was stuck and continued on. As for being inconvenient, I can't think of any plans that I may have or activities that my children could be involved in that their safety comes in second to. To me it would have been a lot more "inconvenient" to have tried to get to a hospital or worse. Kudos to the board, teachers and drivers who kept them safe. My only quarrell is the fact that there was no clear announcement. Some of us aren't near radios at work, and there needs to be a better means by which to communicate this info.

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  • Username
    Sabrina
    - January 31, 2013 at 10:37:09

    I didn't see my daughter until 2 and a half hours later than usual. But the main point is that I SAW her home and safe! They had to stop and pick up children from another bus that couldn't move and her driver is a smart fellow who had her call home to let us know they would be later than earlier anticipated. Kudos to him and many thanks for getting her and many other children home safely. Was it conveneint waiting? No, but I would much rather than the inconvenience of waiting for her to get home than the "inconvenience" of trying to get to a hospital or worse if they had sent them out in the middle of it. The most important thing to me is the fact that my children are safe: somehow I don't see how trying to ensure that this happens is "inconvenient".

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  • Username
    Grateful
    - January 31, 2013 at 10:01:36

    I think it was a great decision that the kids stay an extra hour. I was once a kid waiting for a school bus on a day like yesterday and there were so many complaints from parents over how many storm days there were that it pressured the School Board into going ahead with regular classes. My bus slid through a red light at an intersection on the way to school and 2 hours later we were back on the buses in a rush to get home. My bus slid into the ditch and we were an hour and half waiting for a new bus and a tow truck. By the time we did get home the weather had cleared considerably, I would have welcomed the option to wait it out in school that day and I'm sure that the kids really weren't bothered by staying one extra hour for safety. I guess what I'm getting at is there shouldn't be so many negative comments on a good decision, and MM the freezing rain did start around 1pm in SOME of the eastern end of the Island....a lot of kids would still have been on the bus then if they were let out at noon.

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  • Username
    thankful mom
    - January 31, 2013 at 10:01:30

    I am commenting because my daughter goes to a school that is litterally a 10 min walk from my house and they put her on a bus because they don't want the kids walking across a busy main road so thank you to the school and bus people for that, also i want to write a sincere thankyou to the school board for doing what they did yesterday to keep my daughter and all of the other kids safe, i was a little freaked out at first because my daughter is only in grade one but as i thought about it i was very grateful for what they did to keep her safe, thankyou to all of the teachers and people that work in the schools for doing what u do everyday and for being there for the kids yesterday

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  • Username
    concerned parent
    - January 31, 2013 at 09:30:40

    I feel that if these parents want to complain about what went on do like i did and not put your childs life in the hands of another person. I had all three of mine picked up so I would not have to worry about the bus sliding in a ditch or rolling over. Shame on the parents with their ignorance about their kids safety. Work is never more important than your childrens lives. If I was the school board I would of pulled the buses off the road and had the parents come pick up their children for the safety of the bus driver and the children and the other motorists that might come in contact with a bus sliding towards them!

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    • Username
      I agree
      - January 31, 2013 at 11:22:48

      I agree that the buses should not have been on the dangerous roads. Parents should have been asked to pick up their children. The bus drivers didn't have an option. They had to drive on roads that were unsafe. That is their job. Let's just be thankful that no one was hurt and great job to all involved. I heard that buses were still on the road at 7:30 pm with children on the bus as they too slid off the road. Many many stories coming out today about just how many buses slid off the road.

  • Username
    Targetman
    - January 31, 2013 at 09:18:43

    First let me point out that Belfast Consolidated School isn't in King's County. The media always gets this wrong, check the map folks. Secondly, school should have been closed before the day began. NB had already closed theirs due to the freezing rain warning. We had the same forcast and ignored it. In a year where we haven't had a school closure I would have opted for closing it. Thirdly all those involved did a great job with what had happened. The road this happened on is a dirt road and is known for this to happen when these conditions present themselves, I've been in the ditch on that road myself.

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  • Username
    Cora Sonier
    - January 31, 2013 at 08:36:49

    I for one am damned GRATEFUL to my sons school and the school boards for their decision to keep the kids late. It was a pain in the behind to work around but I'd much rather children are SAFE than being forced to travel unsafe roads. Kudos to the decision makers , heartfelt THANK YOUs to the teachers and school staff from one end of PEI to the other. Those of us with common sense are very grateful indeed

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  • Username
    Stephen
    - January 31, 2013 at 00:13:51

    I started out reading the posted article about the bus sliding into the ditch and went on tto read comments, many were from polite and caring people who know what teachers, bus drivers and the board have to deal with on a daily basis....the rest of the comments do NOT deserve recognition! I am formerly from P.E.I. and have been on the roads there and all through Canada and the U.S.A., for those of you who do not know, just because the weather man/woman reads off what they have in front of them for you to hear, that doesn't exactly mean the forecast is NOT going to change or be 100% accurate at any given time. Weather changes just like our minds, without warning many times. Have you ever heard 10cm in the forecast for a night and wake up in the morning and see 20? How about rain? How about the winds? Freezing rain? Freezing fog? Any kind of precipitation at all? Come on people, not one of us are perfect or can we all be perfectly right 100% of the time. Regardless of who made what decision, it was one based on the information at hand and made in the best interest of the students regardless of their age. These teachers give their time each and everyday to help make a difference in the lives of YOUR children, to educate them and on more then what we all see in the books. Now before I get critized for that, I mean that they are also taught to play together as a team, rules of certain things such as in the cafeteria, on the school grounds, punctuation and im not talking in a sentence for those who do not comprehend! They are taught many things that are good things that are needed throughout their lives in the schools, work places and basically everywhere that they will find themselves as they grow. I could go on forever but basically I believe in my heart that the teachers, the board and the bus drivers as well as those who rarely get mentioned......all the admin in all schools, deserve a huge thank you for all they do and all they have to deal with everyday.............I say KUDOS to you all and keep up the awesome job you are doing with OUR children! Have a great day and a great year! PS. On parent / teacher day when the teachers give yet another night up so they can keep the parents up to speed on the progress of their children, maybe have children / teacher day instead to bring the children up to speed on how they shouldn't be like some who have written here on this subject!

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    • Username
      TeacherMom
      - January 31, 2013 at 09:27:52

      Very well said!!!!!

    • Username
      mej
      - January 31, 2013 at 10:26:37

      AMEN to that!!!

  • Username
    daughter was on this bus
    - January 30, 2013 at 23:32:50

    My daughter was on the bus that went in the ditch and I am just so very thankful that everyone was okay and that the bus driver and school admin were totally on top of this and it was handled beautifully....Thank you!

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  • Username
    someones not so SMART
    - January 30, 2013 at 23:17:55

    WOW WOW WOW .....DOES THIS "TRAPPED SO-CALLED TEACHER " realize that when he/she posted a comment ..e-mail had to be provided and on top of that every KEY we all press on the computer is logged .....HOPEFULLY he/she knows they can track her/his IP ADDRESS (OH WELL THEY KNOW NOW !!! LOL )..........omg some PEOPLES' CHILDREN ARE NOT TOO BRIGHT !!! I am glad everyone is home safe and sound .

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    • Username
      C
      - January 31, 2013 at 04:10:03

      A few things: - It doesn't have to be a real email. - Even if an IP was logged it would take a subpoena from law enforcement to the internet provider to reveal who's behind the IP. This isn't a crime of any sort so I can't see that happening any time soon. - It's probably not even a teacher and you all are just being trolled. (use google if you don't understand) Welcome to the internet.

    • Username
      t
      - January 31, 2013 at 07:55:47

      Gov IT are too busy to be searching all Internet traffic to verify teachers aren't going to the Guardian site and crosschecking to see if they posted something, domba$$.

  • Username
    Not your typical islander
    - January 30, 2013 at 22:15:36

    PEI...really?! At least the children are safe. The board made THE best decision possible! As a teacher myself, I am pleased the board made the decision they did! Jus another thing for islanders to complain about!! Jeez people!! It could have been so much worse! And thank the bus driver for their tough job as well!! Shame on some of you islanders!!!

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  • Username
    Dardar
    - January 30, 2013 at 21:58:54

    Why has the fact that the school board kept the children in school they are responsible for our children all day long I never thought a report in the guardian could turn into a full blown insult showdown I give praise to the principal and vice principal a great big pat on the back for taking charge when I was a kid in the 1 room schools we weren't sent home on days like today

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  • Username
    MM
    - January 30, 2013 at 21:11:42

    I said to send them home at noon because I was just thinking of just my area. I live in the east and the freezing rain didn't start until 1:00. Our kids could have made it home before it started. Sorry folks. Didn't think I would be attacked that much for my comment. We are all just thinking of our own kids, and the situation was different here. TRUCE!

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  • Username
    Greeneyed Monster
    - January 30, 2013 at 20:43:58

    Tired of listening to people bashing teachers...if your a parent and bashing teachers, your obviously not involved at all in your childs education. If your not involved than these teachers, you say do little for nothing, are most likely doing a better job at raising your child than you are. Sadly, if your down on them, your attitude about every thing is most likely negative. I'm grateful these life educators are there to ensure your child gets a break from his/her melancholy schooling from home.Spending their day building your childs ego and self esteem to ensure they are productive and have a sence of self worth. If your not a parent, but feel the need to bash them, cheer up dude...you don't have the fortitude to teach? Try to learn something!!! Grateful Parent.

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    • Username
      Tanya Herrell
      - January 30, 2013 at 21:52:29

      I just wanted to say to the schools and the school board a huge Thank You for taking the precautions that you decided on. Keeping the kids later at school so that the conditions could improve before sending my son and all other children home on the icy roads today was an excellent call.

    • Username
      Clean up your act
      - January 30, 2013 at 22:19:29

      Speaking of "Try to learn something!!!", try learning the difference between "your" and "you're". It's really quite simple. Also how to spell "sense".

  • Username
    Sand & Salt
    - January 30, 2013 at 20:24:07

    Sand & salt trucks should have been dispatched along the school roots between 12-1. That foolish new formula you are using as to how & when the trucks go out. The dangers of this were apparently brought up last year. Almost happened today. Hope you saved $1000 today. Get rid of 1 patronage "Study" and go back to the old rules for highway safety.

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    • Username
      To Just Saying
      - January 30, 2013 at 22:00:50

      To just saying-Mr Myers stood up for Olive publically when Mike Currie wanted her gone-get your facts straight.

  • Username
    Head Shaker
    - January 30, 2013 at 20:15:34

    Look at all the whiners posting during working hours?

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    don
    - January 30, 2013 at 20:12:33

    what happened to the new school board? they screwed up. the weather said therev was going to be freezing drizzle but they still had school. but the parents are also to blame as they do not want to hire a sitter or have the kids stay home so both are to blame. not the teachers they just fallow the boards ORDERS. so dizzy i think you also screwed up the friends you hired are dummies the weather told them unless they can not read. so any kids that were hurt is on the shoulders of your board. and to the parents shame on you to for not wanting to keep your kids home for there safety.

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  • Username
    Tom
    - January 30, 2013 at 20:08:06

    I think all you people with negative comments about teachers and what they do and their time don't have a bloody clue I honestly think your all thick as two planks of wood go and get a life

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  • Username
    jwburke
    - January 30, 2013 at 20:04:47

    Glad everyone made it home safe. I live in rural PEI my drive home was fine at about 5 pm, pulled onto my road and near slid into the ditch. I had a 2km drive on a complete sheet of ice, got in the house called tppw to tell them about the road conditions and that no sand has been put down on this road. Gentleman on the phone wouldn't be quite long enough for me to speak, anyhow to get to it, its now 7:30 the highways pick-up and the highways sand truck just went by followed by the school bus that could not make it down this road. Then low and behold the paid contractor( island escavators) was close behind. I feel very bad for the school bus driver and thankfully at this time no children would have been on the bus cause my daughter was picked up from school

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  • Username
    EmbarrassedIslander
    - January 30, 2013 at 19:45:38

    Holy! it's called circumstance folks. Things could be far worse but they are not. The schoolboard made a good call, the teachers should be praised not belittled, and the children are okay. Please lets just call it what it is, "an accident" and let it be. Scrutinizers should be ashamed of themselves... big news in PEI. Wow.

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  • Username
    Sandy MacKay
    - January 30, 2013 at 19:26:48

    “workplace” means a place where a worker is or is likely to be engaged in an occupation and includes a vehicle, fishing vessel or mobile equipment used or likely to be used by a worker in an occupation. So there may be a fine coming for the School Board for allowing the worker to be on an unsafe workplace - the highway.

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  • Username
    justsaying
    - January 30, 2013 at 19:22:09

    i didnt travel until the late part of the day and was skeptical about doing that...i knew that the weather was suppose to be bad for a spell today so was throwing caution to the wind, watching the weather network and asking around to people who were on or heading out on the roads what the roads were like....school should have been cancelled this morning for the day...apparently at least one bus went off the road even after the delay to let the kids go home, so the roads must have been still slippery in some places...that to me is STILL risking children's lives on that bus, and it could have been worse, they could have been seriously hurt or killed. i've never had a problem with the school board making an early decision "before bad weather comes" to cancel school...always better to be safe than sorry, especially when the children's safety is the reason...just saying!!!

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  • Username
    Teacher in Town
    - January 30, 2013 at 19:13:16

    To everyone that has commented about today's delay in closing and many other days of delayed opening the first and primary decision is based on safety. The school board tries to make the best decision possible based on the information they have regarding impending weather. As for teachers, as I am one, we work the hours the school board is open - and then many more. Yes our days finish any where from 3:30 - 4:00 at the school so that we can have a few hours to refocus so that we can continue working well into our evenings. In any given night we could have five or six phone calls to make (which may keep you on the line for thirty minutes or more depending on the situation), we create differentiated lessons for the diversity of the students in our classes, we generate assignments and PowerPoint presentations, we create tests and then mark them (which could take 8 hours on a Saturday if you teach a high level English class with 35 students), we spend hours coaching and participating in extra curricular activities so your children can participate, and then we find a little but if time so we can relax. I can speak for myself and many other teachers that Christmas, march break, and even through the summer holidays there is planning and preparation that occurs. The last two weeks of the summer I spend looking at my class lists and learning about my students and their backgrounds so I can create a caring and comfortable environment for all students. I'm finding new resources and videos to show my classes (that are educational) and practicing doing labs so I know the best way to show my classes during the year. The day does NOT end at 4:00 for us or at the end of June. We are always working even when we are not in the building. Our jobs continue well into the night and weekends so we can do the best we can for your children.

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    • Username
      Teacher in Country
      - January 30, 2013 at 21:38:18

      Thank you Teacher in Town. Glad you are willing to explain to these misguided folks the reality. I have been teaching for several years at a small school. I spend an average of 10-15 hours per week (depending upon sports seasons and number of games) in the gym-- volunteering as a coach and timing/scoring games. After that, around 8 or 9 pm on game nights (11 on away games) I go home and mark tests for my class of 28. Get a clue the rest of you. If a kid leaves home at 8 am and returns at 9pm who do you think is with them all day?

  • Username
    Grateful Mom
    - January 30, 2013 at 19:12:15

    Seriously, I had two children on the bus that slid in the ditch. I cannot say enough about the staff from Belfast school. I received a phone call from the school's secretary informing us of the situation shortly after the incident, the principal and vice-principal were on scene immediately to assist the bus driver and take care of the children. I went and picked up my children and received another call from the school verifying that everything was OK. They all deserve a huge thank you for reacting quickly and making sure everyone was OK. The older kids on the bus need to be commended for assisting with the younger children and making them feel safe. Many kindergarten and grade 1 and 2 kids were on the older kids laps being reassured that everything was fine. The school boards make decisions based on information available to them, I don't think based on the forecast that this amount of freezing rain was anticipated. Thank heavens they are all safe!!

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  • Username
    Admin
    - January 30, 2013 at 19:11:06

    I do not believe that comment about pay was made by a teacher... I believe it to be a hoax... I am a school administrative assistant and have never met a teacher that would say such an ignorant thing... if this was made by a teacher... the title is all wrong for you.

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  • Username
    Sylvia
    - January 30, 2013 at 19:00:13

    I think that the schools shouldn't have been open today. As far as TrappedNorthEasTeacher goes, this may not be a teacher at all, but simply someone trying to put teachers in a bad light or someone just wanting to get a controversy going. I wouldn't bother responding to this person's remark. I'm glad the children on the bus weren't hurt.

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  • Username
    voter
    - January 30, 2013 at 18:19:03

    hey --all you complainers -----just keep complining if it makes you feel better ---fact is , it is very evident you just don't like teachers and are not smart or caring enough to be one !!!!

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  • Username
    Gerry
    - January 30, 2013 at 18:02:18

    Come on folks, do you actually believe TrappedNorthEast Teacher is actually a teacher? Don't allow yourself to get sucked in by these sick-minded idiots who delight in stirring the pot, which obviously worked with a few like-minds. Pray to God these morons aren't parents. Wise decision with regard to protecting our children.

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  • Username
    Tanya
    - January 30, 2013 at 16:37:12

    And to those of you who think that a teacher would actually post something like that ... shame on you!! Have you no ability to see through that attempt to make teachers look bad??? I'm with IRONY on this one, thank you to all the teachers, administrators, bus drivers, EAs etc who kept my kiddos safe today :) oh, and HOLLY ... for the record, check your facts ... teachers do NOT get paid FOR the summer, they do get paid IN the summer if they're part of the averaging program that has their salary spread out over the full year instead of the 10 mos it's based on. And seriously, why wouldn't they get paid for March Break or Christmas? It's called vacation pay to most of the working world. Those of you who think teachers have it soooo easy should just go back to school, do your degrees, get a job and do it. Easy peasy, right?

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    • Username
      Holly
      - January 30, 2013 at 17:58:09

      Actually I knew that! The fact is they still get a paycheck in the summer and I am sure they wouldn't want their pay docked when its delayed an hour in the morning

    • Username
      Holly
      - January 30, 2013 at 18:00:02

      And I do have a degree

    • Username
      NO SUMMER PAY
      - January 31, 2013 at 07:11:44

      TEACHERS DO NOT GET PAID IN THE SUMMER !!! their contract ends at the end of June at which time they are paid up in full for their service for the school year --no cheques received between July 1 and end of August ---------------

  • Username
    egy
    - January 30, 2013 at 16:33:51

    Pretty sure "Trapped" isn't really a teacher, just someone making a joke. Calm down.

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  • Username
    Tanya
    - January 30, 2013 at 16:32:58

    And to those of you who think that a teacher would actually post something like that ... shame on you!! Have you no ability to see through that attempt to make teachers look bad??? I'm with IRONY on this one, thank you to all the teachers, administrators, bus drivers, EAs etc who kept my kiddos safe today :)

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  • Username
    Tanya
    - January 30, 2013 at 16:16:33

    Not a fail at all! The conditions changed rapidly just before noon, it was the right call and as a parent I fully support their decision to keep my children safe!

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    • Username
      Dianne
      - January 30, 2013 at 16:26:12

      Absolutely NOT a fail....as you sit home in your warm comfortable house, it is easy to judge. The people making these decisions have the responsibility to keep our children safe.

  • Username
    Irony
    - January 30, 2013 at 16:13:43

    Interesting, when school is delayed opening in the mornings, the comment section is full of parents complaining about how lazy teachers are and what a "cushy" job they have to get all this time off. Where are the comments now that school is delayed closing and teachers are spending their after hours time making sure your children are safe?

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  • Username
    Ellen
    - January 30, 2013 at 16:12:02

    to Trapped North east teacher,, well nice to see the children's safety is your first priority! Shame on you! as for MM send them home at lunch?? are you serious that's when all the accidents started happening!! Seriously people this is our children's lives you are talking about, an hour or two delay to make sure they arrive safe and sound should be applauded!! what is wrong with you people!! Kodo's to the authorities who made the call to keep our little ones safe !! Thank you . for those of you grumbling about it , think how you would feel if they didn't take precautions and some of them were hurt or worse! of course then you would be boo hoo'ing that they let them out.

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  • Username
    Taran
    - January 30, 2013 at 16:11:56

    Yeah why the school board don't send us at home at lunch i'm just came at home from school . Montague

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    • Username
      OMG
      - January 30, 2013 at 19:13:51

      Maybe you should have been one of the students that did stay, your grammar is aweful.

  • Username
    country boy
    - January 30, 2013 at 16:10:29

    Trapped North East Teacher........No Teacher would post that comment.....

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    • Username
      huh
      - January 30, 2013 at 17:57:52

      A troll. And people bit.

  • Username
    Sheesh
    - January 30, 2013 at 16:09:39

    Good grief!!! You're darned if you do and you're darned if you don't. What is the matter with people these days?

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  • Username
    RG
    - January 30, 2013 at 16:01:58

    Now if they wanted to be productive, they'd actually keep teaching for this extra hour to make up for the probably many times schools will be delayed for the rest of the year, but I'm guessing that's not happening.

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  • Username
    john l
    - January 30, 2013 at 16:00:45

    Students that walk, have their vehicle, or have other engagements such as part-time jobs in the evening should be allowed to leave whatever school they're situated at at the normal designated time.

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  • Username
    Shannon
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:59:49

    It was awful at noon that's when the freezing rain was hitting. Glad they are safe :(

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  • Username
    GLADIT'SNOT ME
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:59:23

    If they had been sent home and nothing happened...the school board is to blame! They are kept after school to allow road conditions to improve...the school board is to blame! I do not work for the school board and have no intentions of it. They are damned if you do and damned if they don't! Stop whining and be glads your kids are safe! Trapped North east teacher aren't you suppose to be there until 4 anyway??

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  • Username
    Matt
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:58:52

    Great call! The roads are a lot better now that the sand and salt trucks have been out.

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  • Username
    donna
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:49:44

    . Thank you for keeping out children in a safe place until conditions inprove. You made a very wise choice

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  • Username
    face palm
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:42:38

    Hey MM, Give your face a smack. The roads have been as slick as ice. It is far safer to keep the kids in school then put the busses on the road and risk a crash. I give the scool board credit for being smart and thinking of the safty of the kids they are responsable for.

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  • Username
    Just another taxpayer
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:42:20

    For once, a school board "delay" that makes real sense. The kids are safely at school and it would be treacherous to send them out on the roads - hold them back an extra hour until it's safe. The kids might get an extra hour of contact time, get some after school exercise in or just chill out without any agenda. Hurrah for the school board. Shame on the teacher who wants to get an overtime hour - you're being paid for the day - who says it ends at 2:30/3:30? I don't think that you get docked the hour that school is delayed in the morning - so, why would you get paid the extra hour here? And "send the kids home at noon"? Sure, disrupt all the parents who are working and need to make special arrangements? I was out at noon and it was darn slippery! If we want our kids and our society to do well, we need to increase the amount of time that kids spend in school - not send them home or keep them at home at the first snowflake! Again, kudos to the school board for this decision!

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  • Username
    Upset mom
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:40:16

    To Trapped North East Teacher...seriously? It's your job, if you don't like it, find a new one. Many of us need to stay a little late for our jobs. Besides most teachers are SUPPOSE to be in school until at least 3:30 anyway, if not later. To MM...maybe they didn't send them home at lunch time because it was at it's worse out there at that time and they were likely hoping things would be better by the end of the day.

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  • Username
    Mr. PLow
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:30:59

    To: MM< in case you didnt check, the roads were at their worst at noon. As far as I can figure, they are safer in school for an extra hour rather than have sent them out on the roads at the worst possible time.

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  • Username
    MS
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:30:49

    Happy the school boards have decided that the safety of our Island's children IS priority! Great job! :)

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  • Username
    Angry Islander
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:30:15

    Back in the day i had to walk through much worse, teach these kids to grow a backbone!

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  • Username
    mej
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:26:36

    Why is it PEI has the largest number of complainers? I think it was the right decision. Thank you to the English School board for doing the right thing!!

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  • Username
    wow
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:20:51

    wwwwwwwhhhhhhhhaaaaaaa?? this may be the most backwards idea ive ever heard.

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  • Username
    mike arsenault
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:18:56

    really trapped teacher??? your hour staying with the kids so they are safe is less important then wherever you have to be? if it were my call...today would be your last day as a teacher!

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  • Username
    cindy
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:13:29

    I for one am glad that they are operating on a one hour delay the roads are horrible. However if the school board was smart at all they should of cancelled school in the first place. They knew the weather was going to be nasty, makes absolutely no sense to me. Just my opinion though

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  • Username
    angry parent
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:13:20

    I was not prepared for this. I have a plan for when my children come home early and when school is cancelled but not this. They have been predicting freezing rain for a week now, why did they not see it coming. Send the children home early or keep them home. I think they do this because they are scared of the comments from the few parents who expect the schools to babysit their kids. I just want them home safe.

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    • Username
      Steve
      - January 31, 2013 at 00:22:09

      Angry Parent......grow up, the world does not and will not revovle around what you want! Always have a plan B for unforeseen circumstances. Sure they may have "PREDICTED" , (look that up in the dictionary), but exactly what day and what time was that to take place and exactly how much????

  • Username
    Me
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:09:14

    Why didn't they send them home at noon? Because it was already rotten out by then. Better to keep them inside where it is safe until it clears up. And sorry to all the teachers out there who have to work an extra hour! You are already under appreciated and under paid.

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  • Username
    S
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:07:11

    @Trapped North East Teacher. It's for precautionary reasons. To keep the kids safe. Suck it up.

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  • Username
    irishnannie
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:01:22

    No fail in not sending them home earlier, when it doubt best place is OFF THE ROAD, good call !

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  • Username
    mike arsenault
    - January 30, 2013 at 15:00:17

    really trapped teacher??? your hour staying with the kids so they are safe is less important then wherever you have to be? if it were my call...today would be your last day as a teacher!

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  • Username
    john smith
    - January 30, 2013 at 14:59:02

    Really trapped north east teacher?? You sound like a "great" teacher!! Worrying about overtime and not the fact that the children are safer to wait out the road conditions?? This is an example of an arrogant heartless teacher!! I am more worried about my children getting home safely than if you get an hour overtime!! But the soounds of your attitude you are getting overpaid!! Have some compassion towards OUR children that we are trusting in your incompetent hands

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  • Username
    can't win
    - January 30, 2013 at 14:58:43

    Seems to me MM that the school board suffers from the classic " damned if you do, damned if you don' t " syndrome. The proper call would have been to heed today's weather forecast which called for freezing rain & cancel school as was the call in parts of N.S. & N.B. however people like you would have found fault with that decision as well.The new Island motto should be " Come to PEI where we moan & complain about everything " .

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  • Username
    Nicole
    - January 30, 2013 at 14:56:25

    Here, folks, is a wonderful example of not being able to please everyone all the time .. I'm glad we can trust the school board to take necessary precautions & not send our children, bus drivers & staff out in less-than-great driving conditions. I sure am glad either of the above commenters aren't looking after my child. PS, "Trapped North East Teacher" ~ kudos for looking out for the well being of the children ;)

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  • Username
    Nor'easter
    - January 30, 2013 at 14:43:31

    A extra hour wouldnt hurt the kids a bit. I hope the teachers get a little in eturn for their part in it though

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    • Username
      Ha Ha
      - January 31, 2013 at 14:57:32

      Yeah Nor'Easter, because they don't get enough already. Give me a break. These teachers almost remind me of NHL players. They think they are entitled to all these days off, but when it comes time to stay one extra hour, it's the end of the world. They have to get over themselves.

  • Username
    GrowUp
    - January 30, 2013 at 14:40:52

    Sending them home @ lunch would have been when it was worst out. This makes way more sense. For those who said it should have been cancelled because of the forecast...you all knew the forecast as well, so it was your choice to keep 'em home.

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  • Username
    Really
    - January 30, 2013 at 14:38:37

    I have two four letter words for Ghiz...........SALT...........SAND.........we knew this was coming.

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  • Username
    Trapped North East Teacher
    - January 30, 2013 at 14:27:45

    Great .......... I better be getting an hours overtime for this. #needtobesomewhere !

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    • Username
      Hey Trapped
      - January 30, 2013 at 14:38:13

      Your award for Teacher of The Year is in the mail. Hopefully you're not one of my children's teacher. Good to see that extra hour's worth of pay is more important than the safety of our children. How do people like you become teachers anyway? By the way, I think the 2 and a half month break in the summer that you get yearly should compensate you for that whole extra hour you have to stay at work. Must be terrible getting off at 4 instead of 3 eh?

    • Username
      hilarious
      - January 30, 2013 at 14:41:33

      Working a full day for once too much for you?

    • Username
      Student
      - January 30, 2013 at 14:42:02

      Guess you forgot you aren't off when students are!!! VERY DEVOTED TEACHER!!

    • Username
      ha ha
      - January 30, 2013 at 14:45:11

      You had better get back to work and stop reading the paper if you are looking to get paid :-)

    • Username
      Greatful Mom
      - January 30, 2013 at 14:45:55

      Maybe you should think of a change in profession if you are making a comment like that on the Guardian website during your hours of work. Pretty sure there are many people who would like to have your job if your private life is more important than the safety of our children. The children of the people who pay for your salary!

    • Username
      you're joking
      - January 30, 2013 at 14:45:56

      Sure, just like you give back a portion of your pay for the hours and days off you receive during storms..

    • Username
      To North East Teacher
      - January 30, 2013 at 14:47:10

      To the teacher who is TRAPPED in North East. You sweet compassionate soul, can you please tell me what school you teach at so I NEVER SEND MY KIDS THERE!!!!

    • Username
      Darren
      - January 30, 2013 at 14:48:29

      To: Trapped. Give me a break. I'm a teacher as well, and have NO problem staying "late" to keep kids safe! I'm always here until at lease 4:30-5:00 anyway!!

    • Username
      Angela
      - January 30, 2013 at 14:48:55

      Please say your not being serious putting an hours pay before safety of the children you teach !

    • Username
      Right....
      - January 30, 2013 at 14:50:31

      I hope you are joking... or you should be fired lol. Unless you requested an early leave for today

    • Username
      To North East Teacher
      - January 30, 2013 at 14:51:46

      To the teacher who is TRAPPED in North East. You sweet compassionate soul, can you please tell me what school you teach at so I NEVER SEND MY KIDS THERE!!!!

    • Username
      hilarious
      - January 30, 2013 at 14:54:20

      Working a full day for once too much for you?

    • Username
      Victoria Mingles
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:01:09

      Oh please, do they dock you at time and a half every time the schools close early? We all have to work overtime sometimes. Suck it up Buttercup.

    • Username
      .Janet
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:03:38

      I can't believe that comment. Oh, for the teachers of old

    • Username
      Mouse-Townie
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:09:05

      Arent you getting paid till 4;00, Trapped North East Teacher? In any case Childrens lives are at stake here, People driving way to fast on slippery roads, Glad someone with common sense made the right call ..

    • Username
      Eastern Kings Mom
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:35:32

      Evidently you need a career change. Not sure about you but I'm grateful my child is safe. And I am also grateful to SRHS administration for not allowing any students to leave with their cars. We don't need anymore tragedies in our little town.

    • Username
      Are you kidding me...
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:38:17

      Hey "Trapped...", just take the hour off that last day you started later because of a non-weather event.

    • Username
      Holly
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:42:21

      Are you serious? You get paid March Break, Christmas and all summer off and you're going to complain about an hour? Nice to see money is more important than your students lives. I have friends who are teachers and technically they aren't allowed to leave at dismissal time anyway. Where ever you need to be is probably cancelled anyway.

    • Username
      Concerned Parent
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:53:40

      Let me guess.. you missed your hair appointment! I can't believe this comment .. I would think being in the Education field, you would have the childrens' best interest at heart and want them to be safe.. obviouslyl not! How about I throw you a toonie and ask for a loonie back to compensate for your time... I think we all have to make sacrafices sometimes.. suck it up!

    • Username
      Just another taxpayer
      - January 30, 2013 at 16:26:13

      If you get docked an hour's pay when school is delayed opening, I guess you should get paid an extra hour if you are kept later than you should be, right?

  • Username
    MM
    - January 30, 2013 at 14:24:27

    Why didn't the school board send them home at lunch? FAIL!

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    • Username
      To MM
      - January 30, 2013 at 14:40:51

      It's only an hour man. It's not like they are keeping them for the rest of the winter. It's about safety.

    • Username
      karenduffy
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:20:16

      The school had a tough decision and they certainly made the right one. I would rather have my children transported after the road conditions have improved then send them out in the worst of the freezing rain. I completely support their judgement and most parents, bus drivers and teachers would agree that having a one hour delay in bus departure may have saved many lives. Take no critizism and thank you! Think about the big picture and not just how the decision inconvienced you.

    • Username
      Stratford Resident
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:20:43

      Because that is when road conditions were the worst. WIN!

    • Username
      ss
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:24:13

      Noon closure would have sent most students home at the poorest conditions, especially in the western to mid part of the province. Better to keep them there rather than chance accidents. Couldn't believe how many there were in Summerside area about noon, and how many other near misses I heard about.

    • Username
      D Lawlor
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:26:45

      I left work sick at 11:30 this morning. The drive was terrible and I was only going 20-40km per hour. I am sooo thankful the kids were safe at school. Thank you so much to the awesome teachers at Englewood for keeping the kids safe and occupied!

    • Username
      Think it through...
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:35:27

      Think it through again MM - "26 crashes since 11am". Now you want the schools to send the kids home at lunch hour? I think you, MM, are the FAIL in this case!

    • Username
      never happy
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:36:10

      and if they sent them home at lunch time you would be complaining that they closed schools for no reason!

    • Username
      karen duffy
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:36:14

      response?

    • Username
      are u serious????
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:43:15

      Noon was when the roads were at their worst, I for one am glad that they are safe and sound where they are!

    • Username
      THINKBEFOREYOUSPEAK
      - January 30, 2013 at 15:45:38

      @MM maybe because the roads turned bad so quickly so it wasn't an option! @TRAPPEDNORTHEASTTEACHER glad to know our kids are being taught by someone with your attitude! I'm sure there are many people out there with a B Ed who would love to have a teaching position..#wrongprofession

    • Username
      Annette
      - January 30, 2013 at 16:00:53

      it would have been worse for the school board to send them home at lunch! The roads were extremely icy then! If they had people would have been complaining even more! You can't win with the weather!

    • Username
      LA
      - January 30, 2013 at 18:36:56

      Perhaps you should put yourself in charge then. I'm sure you'll do it right one hundred percent of the time.

    • Username
      MM
      - January 30, 2013 at 19:28:42

      I said to send them home at noon because I was just thinking of just my area. I live in the east and the freezing rain didn't start until 1:00. Our kids could have made it home before it started. Sorry folks. Didn't think I would be attacked that much for my comment.

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