I am not really sure what to say. Chris did not get a permanent contract after his probationary contract this year, even though he put 110% into his teaching, and did well on his evaluation. We feel like this a big slap in the face by the school district. If this district did NOT believe the enrolment numbers were going in the right direction, they should NOT have offered a probationary contract to Chris last year. If it had been a temporary contract that had been offered last year, Chris would probably have stayed in Drumheller because the amazing school district that he had been part of in that town, (which he loved!) had offered him a permanent contract after his one year of probationary.
This is a slap in the face to say the least. Even if it is legally acceptable for the district to do this, I believe it is morally wrong. At this point in time, I have lost a lot of respect for the district and have NO desire to have my kids go to Vulcan school. I also have friends that are toying with the idea of sending their kids elsewhere after junior high and I will 100% encourage it.
I am so upset right now but I need to be strong. Chris has been at this for 6 years already. I feel for him having to start new each year. We went on a long walk in the coulees last night and I felt empathy for him. I love him even though I struggle with uncertainty and the pressures of life. The only inspiration we have received so far, is to take it one year at a time; To treat each year like an adventure instead of trying to plan the future completely and exhausting ourselves in the process. Yes, I know that I want to have the means to retire in my early 60s, be there for my kids and grandkids, go on a mission and to move and downsize (house, belongings) someday in order to focus on serving others (in the church, temple and around my community), but I need to be ok with living one year at a time and feeling the beauty and tender mercies of each day.
We don't know what the future will bring, but I hope Chris and I can learn to cherish each moment, not just looking towards the future.
