Dear School District 79 trustees:
I must voice my concern in regard to the announcement of the Cowichan Adult Learning Centre’s closure. Will students find the high school courses they need at VIU difficult to enter and attend due to the regimented nature of their system? Yes, because the two programs are completely different.
When I tried to access the VIU programs through their website, it was confusing. Their system didn’t appear to be flexible and the costs were much higher than CALC.
CALC has a structure specifically set up to help those who need assistance in getting their required high school courses. Often, they need this assistance because the traditional system failed them. As a current student of CALC, I see the advantage and care that was available to students. Having now completed English 12 and soon to complete First Nations 12, I have done something which I thought was too difficult for me to accomplish.
My success would not have been possible without this program.
I understand there are some financial issues with keeping CALC open, but the repercussions of its closure are too much. Students who are struggling, especially younger students, will find VIU too daunting; I certainly did. I am on my way to a fine arts program because I was able to do the high school courses I needed at CALC. It has changed my life.
Our community needs you to reconsider your decision.
Andrew Fryer
CALC student