PMSS ALLEGATIONS 'DISTURBING'

Editor, the News:

Re: Pitt Meadows steers clear of crystal meth task force (News, Jan. 25).

Within this article, Maple Ridge Mayor Gordy Robson stated: "If [Pitt
Meadows Mayor Don] McLean doesn't think [the District of Pitt
Meadows] has a crystal meth problem, he should go to the high school
[Pitt Meadows Secondary]."

As a school, like all the secondary schools in this district, we are
committed to supporting student achievement and positive, socially
responsible behaviour.

Currently, we have an advisory model supporting positive connections,
proactive teaching in areas of health and career education, in-school
counselling support from Alouette Addictions, an RCMP liaison
officer, regularly scheduled guest speakers for the entire student
population, PAC provides a monthly speaker series (on Feb. 7, RCMP
officer Scott Rintoul will speaking about the crystal meth issue in
Greater Vancouver), and a staff committed to knowing students.

Also, our school hosted the original kickoff to the crystal meth
campaign in 2004.

With all these support systems, and an aware staff at Pitt Meadows
secondary, we have not suspended one student for issues related to
the use, selling or possession of crystal meth.

Please understand any substance use or behaviour that detracts from
student achievement should be addressed.

At Pitt Meadows secondary, our staff works extremely hard with our
students and our parents.

Our results reflect working together, a solid vision, great students,
parents and staff.

Our parent advisory group and our parents in general have been very
supportive in this community and I am sure they are disturbed by the
allegations represented in this article.

While I could go on and on about our always improving student results
and growth in social responsible behaviour, this information is
available for all to see on our website (pmss.sd42.ca) or at any time
anyone wishes to see our school in person.

Please do not hesitate to contact me to set up a walk through.

I extend this same invitation to Mayor Robson. Over the three years
as principal of this great school, I do not recall seeing him visit.
Anyone making comments about a person or institution should do so
with knowledge.

Blanket statements, particularly those that are potentially damaging,
must be accurate and with purpose.

I am as unclear as to the accuracy of his information as I am clear
to his purpose.

I believe the use of crystal meth is an issue in the Pitt Meadows and
Maple Ridge communities similar to others in Greater Vancouver.

I am also confident that crystal meth is not an issue in our school
beyond the time we spend on educating our students in areas of
personal health and well being.

Stewart Sonne

principal, Pitt Meadows secondary