Hundreds of local high school students walked out of class Thursday in an impressive demonstration against changes to the education system.
Students at St. Patrick's, Northern, Great Lakes, North Lambton, Alexander MacKenzie, and LCCVI joined an estimated 200,000 students across the province in a mass walkout early Thursday afternoon.
Grade 11 student Niamh Ellwood helped organize the walkout at St. Patrick's.
"For the [provincial government] to think they can get away with cutting our education, thinking that we're not paying attention, or thinking that we're not listening, is quite frankly insulting," said Ellwood. "We are paying attention, we do care and we do listen. This will directly affect us, our little brothers and sisters, and this has a ripple effect that could last generations. We really don't want to see anyone's future negatively impacted."
Ellwood said the changes to education could affect her beyond high school as well.
"A lot of kids come from low income families, and admittedly I'm going to need OSAP when I go to university," said Ellwood. "University has always been my goal and my plan-- I work very hard, I'm a straight 'A' student, and I think I deserve to go to university, and to say I can't go because I can't afford it financially is unjust."
St. Patrick's and Northern high school students gathered as one group at the Murphy Road and Michigan Avenue intersection.
Students from Great Lakes protested outside their school on Wellington Street and the education centre before marching to the steps of Sarnia City Hall.
Grade 11 student Leah Smith said the walkout sends a clear message to the provincial Conservatives.
"It's important that we can show the government and other adults that we understand what's going on-- we listen, we pay attention, we have opinions, and we need to make them heard," said Smith. "You're never too young to make a difference. If you find something that you believe in, something that you're passionate about, go with it and you'll make a difference."
Smith said they're fighting for all students and their teachers as well.
"We're the future of Ontario so we should have a say in our education. We know this is going to cause plenty of problems for teachers as well, teachers that we care about who we love learning from," said Smith. "We are going to be hurt by these changes. The mandatory e-learning; not everyone learns that way. Larger class sizes that will eliminate time for one-on-one help. And the cuts to IEPs [Individualized Education Program]-- that will allow those students to fall to the wayside."
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