From: Pierre Barns <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 2:06 PM
To: michael.nomellini@abbyschools.ca
Subject: *****
Dear
Michael,
I am writing to address
some concerns that have come to my attention. Can you please confirm whether
you did, in fact, inform your class that September 20th was a sad day due to
the low attendance and whether you made remarks implying that people attending
the protest lacked acceptance or similar comments? Additionally, could you
confirm whether a pride flag is displayed in your classroom? Lastly, I require
clarification regarding the disclosure of your brother's sexual orientation
while my son was present during a classroom session. I expect a prompt response
to these inquiries.
Regards,
Pierre Barns
236-458-7269
From: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>
Sent: Friday, September 29, 2023 8:16 AM
To: pierrebarns@gmail.com
Subject: Eugene Reimer Middle School
Dear
Mr. Barns,
I am
the Deputy Superintendent of the Abbotsford School District and am responsible
for inclusive education in the School District. On my advice, Mr. Nomellini will not be responding to you.
Our
teachers are professionals who abide by both the District's
expectations and the professional standards of the Ministry. They deliver
content in age appropriate ways that reflect the
required provincial curriculum. As you are undoubtedly aware, the
provincial curriculum is focused around viewing issues
from a perspective of respect and inclusion. We will continue to
encourage our teachers to do so in a respectful and professional way, and expect parent communications to be in the same
manner.
The District will not be engaging with you further on this
matter.
Nathan
Ngieng
Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Nathan Ngieng / Deputy Superintendent of Schools
nathan.ngieng@abbyschools.ca
Abbotsford School District
T: 604.859.4891 /
F: 604.852.8587
2790 Tims Street,
Abbotsford, BC V2T 4M7
www.abbyschools.ca
Abbotsford
School District is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Stó:lo people, the Semá:th First
Nation, and Mathxwí First Nation. With this, we
respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this
land, as they are the original caretakers.
This e-mail is privileged, confidential, and subject to copyright.
Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. If you have received this
email in error, please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or
opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not
necessarily represent those of the Abbotsford School District. The recipient
should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The
organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus
transmitted by this email.
From: Pierre Barns <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, September 29, 2023 11:29 AM
To: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>
Cc: michael.nomellini@abbyschools.ca; Korky Neufeld
<korky.neufeld@abbyschools.ca>; Jared White
<jared.white@abbyschools.ca>; Mike Rauch
<mike.rauch@abbyschools.ca>; stan.petersen@abbyschools.ca;
preet.rai@abbyschools.ca; rupi.kanda-rajwan@abbyschools.ca;
dean.johnston@abbyschools.ca; CommissionerTeacherRegulation@gov.bc.ca
Subject: Re: Eugene Reimer Middle School
Dear Nathan,
You are overstepping your boundaries here. The questions
I've posed to Michael are unrelated to the topic of inclusion. I wanted Michael
to confirm whether this specific subjects was
addressed in the classroom. This confirmation was important for deciding how I
should proceed with this matter. If Michael is sharing the sexual orientation
of his brother with students while my son is present
in the classroom, I want to understand why and in what context.
Additionally, I am concerned about Michael expressing prejudice against parents
who protest, which I find unacceptable. Lastly, I disagree with Michael
displaying any flag in his classroom besides the Canadian flag unless he
teaches geography.
Given Michael's apparent unwillingness to address my
concerns and what I perceive as an inappropriate response on your part, I have
significant concerns about my son's safety and well-being in Michael's
classroom. As communication seems to be restricted, I hereby request that my
son be promptly removed from Michael's classroom and transferred to an
alternative class where flags are not displayed, and where the teacher's
ideological influences are not a prominent factor.
Kind Regard,
Pierre Barns
236-458-7269
From: Pierre Barns <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 9:46 PM
To: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>
Cc: michael.nomellini@abbyschools.ca; Korky Neufeld
<korky.neufeld@abbyschools.ca>; Jared White
<jared.white@abbyschools.ca>; Mike Rauch
<mike.rauch@abbyschools.ca>; stan.petersen@abbyschools.ca;
preet.rai@abbyschools.ca; rupi.kanda-rajwan@abbyschools.ca;
dean.johnston@abbyschools.ca; CommissionerTeacherRegulation@gov.bc.ca
Subject: Re: Eugene Reimer Middle School
Dear Trustees and Principal,
Despite my concerns and request to have my son removed from
Michael's classroom, following the refusal to engage in a discussion about
Michael's comments in the classroom, the school and superintendent's office
have shown a complete disregard for my concerns. To my disapproval, my son
was placed in Michael's classroom today. This lack of responsibility is deeply
flawed and should raise serious red flags regarding Michael and Nathan's
attitudes. I intend to file a formal complaint with the Teacher Commissioner
regarding Michael's inappropriate comments and disregard for boundaries with
students. Please note that my son will only attend school once I receive
confirmation that he will be moved to another classroom.
Kind regards,
Pierre Barns
From: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:32 AM
To: Pierre Barns <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Subject: Follow up
Mr.
Barns,
I am
in receipt of your request to have your child assigned to another class at
Eugene Reimer Middle School because of your disagreement with the learning
environment in your child’s current classroom.
Placement
of students is specifically the responsibility of the principal, who assigns
children to particular teachers based on a variety of
factors, including learning styles and abilities, balancing students needs, the
obligations under the collective agreement, and any other relevant input
received from teachers or parents on those matters. I have consulted with the school admin, and given the
assessment of the above factors, we will not be moving your child to a
different classroom at Eugene Reimer.
If
you wish your child to be in a different learning environment, you are free to
enroll them in an independent school, a different school within the district
where there is capacity, or to homeschool them. You should know that in
any classroom in our district, the curriculum will be followed and that all
students will be valued and respected.
Yours
truly,
Nathan
Dr. Nathan Ngieng / Deputy Superintendent of Schools
nathan.ngieng@abbyschools.ca
Abbotsford School District
T: 604.859.4891 /
F: 604.852.8587
2790 Tims Street,
Abbotsford, BC V2T 4M7
www.abbyschools.ca
Abbotsford
School District is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Stó:lo people, the Semá:th First
Nation, and Mathxwí First Nation. With this, we
respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this
land, as they are the original caretakers.
This e-mail is privileged, confidential, and subject to copyright.
Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. If you have received this
email in error, please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or
opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not
necessarily represent those of the Abbotsford School District. The recipient
should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The
organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus
transmitted by this email.
From: pierrebarns@gmail.com <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, October 6, 2023 4:17 PM
To: michael.nomellini@abbyschools.ca; 'Korky Neufeld'
<korky.neufeld@abbyschools.ca>; 'Jared White'
<jared.white@abbyschools.ca>; 'Mike Rauch'
<mike.rauch@abbyschools.ca>; stan.petersen@abbyschools.ca;
preet.rai@abbyschools.ca; rupi.kanda-rajwan@abbyschools.ca;
dean.johnston@abbyschools.ca; CommissionerTeacherRegulation@gov.bc.ca; 'Nathan
Ngieng' <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>; shirley.wilson@abbyschools.ca
Subject: RE: Follow up
Dear Nathan,
I express openly my deep concerns regarding a
matter that has been troubling my family greatly. While the school's focus on
inclusivity is commendable, it seems that the core issue at hand has been
overshadowed. My primary concern is the safety and well-being of my children,
particularly in light of what I perceive as concerning
behaviors from Michael, which I can only describe as emotional manipulation and
grooming, especially since communication is now restricted.
Regrettably, despite my attempts to communicate
these concerns, they have gone unanswered, leaving me feeling increasingly
frustrated and unheard. Considering my commitment to my son's well-being, I
have decided to take action. Starting next week, I
will be enrolling my son in a Christian school where your authority will not
extend, ensuring he is in an environment that prioritizes safety, support, and
inclusivity while addressing his emotional and educational needs.
In one letter the School Superintendent sent to
parents state the following “if
parent have questions about resources, materials or discussion taking place in
classrooms, please have conversation with your child’s teacher or school
Principal”. Shirley Wilson also state
something similar “Parents
- you have the right to speak to your child's teacher and ask what is happening
in the classroom and being taught.”
I would like to draw your attention to the
guidance provided by the School Superintendent and Shirley Wilson, both of whom
have emphasized the importance of open communication between parents and the
school. It is disheartening to note that my attempts to engage in such a
dialogue have been met with rejection and, in some instances, dismissal.
I must emphasize that it is of paramount
importance for parents to be heard when red flags are raised. As parents, our role extends beyond nurturing and educating
our children; it also encompasses protecting them from potential harm. Please
take my concerns seriously and address them promptly. What if, down the line,
it becomes clear that Michael's behavior was indeed deviant, and children
suffered harm because my legitimate concerns were not given the attention they
deserved?
I cannot, in good conscience, stand idly by when
the safety of children is at stake. As a Canadian citizen, it is my duty to be
vigilant and address any signs of grooming behaviors or emotional manipulation
to the proper authorities. I believe it is equally your duty, as
administrators, to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students and to
treat parental concerns with the gravity they deserve.
In the end, it takes a village to educate a
child, but it also takes a village to protect a child from harm. I am asking
you to reconsider your approach to this type of matter next time and work
collaboratively with parents to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for all
students.
King Regards,
Pierre Barns
236-458-7269
From: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2023 1:29 PM
To: pierrebarns@gmail.com
Subject: Follow up
Mr. Barns,
I am in receipt of your email. I have
followed up with the school principal and am satisfied that your child had been
placed in a classroom space that is safe and inclusive.
I wish your child all the success in their
new school. When we are contacted by that school, you child's records will be
forwarded to them.
Regards,
Nathan
Dr. Nathan Ngieng / Deputy Superintendent of Schools
nathan.ngieng@abbyschools.ca
Abbotsford School District
T: 604.859.4891 /
F: 604.852.8587
2790 Tims Street,
Abbotsford, BC V2T 4M7
www.abbyschools.ca
Abbotsford
School District is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Stó:lo people, the Semá:th First
Nation, and Mathxwí First Nation. With this, we
respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this
land, as they are the original caretakers.
This e-mail is privileged, confidential, and subject to copyright.
Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. If you have received this
email in error, please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or
opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not
necessarily represent those of the Abbotsford School District. The recipient
should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The
organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus
transmitted by this email.