Parents Demand Urgent Support as School Year Starts

St. John’s, NL (September 9, 2025) – Paul Dinn, PC Shadow Minister for Education and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, is continuing to advocate on behalf of parents who feel like their children are again being left behind.  

“As students return to school in Newfoundland and Labrador, parents are increasingly frustrated by the government's failure to provide the necessary supports and resources, “said Dinn. 

Today, community members gathered outside Stephenville Primary School for a rally organize by retired principal Wally Childs, who said he knows firsthand what children require in theclassroom. “Year after year, we  fight the same battle to ensure our children receive the support they require,” Childs told VOCM.

Dinn said it speaks volumes that a retired principal felt compelled to organize such a demonstration. “This rally highlights a systemic failure that causes immense stress for families whose children require additional resources and supports to ensure an education that maximizes their cognitive and social development.”

He questioned how the Liberal government can celebrate new teaching units while parents continue to struggle to secure basic supports.

Dinn continued, “Parents, and children are frustrated and angry at the lack of meaningful progress. The Liberal government was quick to announce new teaching units, but the reality is that children continue to struggle without access to essential services and resources.”

Despite the recent claims of improving educational resources, the reality is that many families are left wondering why their children still lack proper support. Teachers are burdened with added responsibilities, stepping in to fulfill roles that should be provided by the system, leading to unnecessary stress in the classroom. 

Dinn emphasizes, “After 10 years in power, the Liberals have had more than enough time to address these critical issues. Our families deserve better, children deserve real support so they can participate fully in their education, and they are set up to succeed.