IMPORTANT NOTE:
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.”
!THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I DID!
From: Pierre Barns <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 2:06 PM
To: michael.nomellini@abbyschools.ca
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
On Fri, Sep 29, 2023 at 8:16 AM Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca> wrote:
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
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
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
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.
Kind Regards,
Pierre Barns
