On Friday, January 21st, 2010, the cast and ensemble for the upcoming CDDHS production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” was called into a meeting to be advised that after consideration of the script and the content of the proposed play it was decided that this play was inappropriate for our school production. It is our understanding that it was decided that some scenes may not be suitable for public viewing and therefore this entire program has been immediately discontinued.

Many of us students at CDDHS are extremely disappointed by this decision. We would like to take the opportunity to address this situation and express our dissatisfaction with this decision. We feel that for whatever the reasons it was decided to discontinue the production of this play, the persons responsible for making this decision on behalf of the entire student body, without consideration or consultation of the students before making this decision, should understand the importance of this play for the students of this school. The excitement of all of this begins for us at the auditions stage of this production. Hours were spent rehearsing audition pieces, hoping to perfect it in a way that would make one stand out from the rest and secure one of the lead roles in the play. And for those of us who were not fortunate enough to have gotten a lead role, the ensemble cast would be built with the same anticipation and dedication. Those who auditioned waited anxiously for the lead roles to be chosen and announced. Their friends rallied around them in support of their goals and their visions for themselves, igniting the school spirit and infusing a camaraderie in the students of CDDHS.

Immediately following the announcement of the lead roles, rehearsals began. The students involved in this production rearranged their entire lives, including work schedules, family schedules and other extracurricular activities so that they could attend rehearsals after school and devoted their time twice a week from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Students continued the rehearsal of their lines at home, practicing with their friends. It was also intended that another rehearsal day was to be added to this schedule, which these students were only too happy to oblige. There has been a great deal of dedication that has gone into this play so far by the students and the co-coordinating staff, a dedication which was sure to have been continued throughout this entire production.

Not all students are athletic nor have any desire to pretend to be. Some of us prefer to explore the world of creative arts to challenge ourselves and discover our potential and worth. The live-theater experience is the enrichment these students seek and the school play is a platform from which these students can achieve this. Taking away this production has deprived these students the chance to reach their potential in their ambitions. Furthermore, some students had intended to use the success of this play as part of their resume, another opportunity which has been lost.

There is also considerable concern regarding the funds the school has already spent on this production. Again, it is our understanding that the school has already spent $5,000.00 on obtaining the manuscript for this play, funds which can not be recaptured in the event that the school decides not to proceed with this play. Also concerning is the loss of potential revenue to our school which this play would have generated.

Had we, the students, been given the opportunity to discuss and address the concerns of this play being inappropriate in parts, we would have perhaps suggested that these scenes of concern either be re-written or revised in a manner which would have been better suited. There is also the possibility of censoring this show, advising the public that this play contains mature subject matter and is not intended for younger viewers. We would, however, question why this play was chosen for us, why the money was spent on obtaining the manuscript and why rehearsals had begun, only to discover at that point that it was not appropriate content. This matter should have been addressed long before now.

Our school vision clearly states that “We, the students, staff, parents and community responsible for education at Centre Dufferin believe that to be the best we can be as individuals and as partners, we also value: fairness and respect among partners; tolerance and open communication; positive participation in social experiences and school spirit”. None of this vision statement is reflective on the decisions made in regards to this production. At no point were any concerns regarding this play communicated with us. We are being deprived of what is, to many of us, a considerable social experience, and our school spirit is suffering greatly by this situation. All of which falls short on the fairness and respect promoted in our school vision.

We ask that you seriously reconsider your position on our school’s production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and allow us to partake in further discussions regarding same.

We thank you for your consideration in doing so.

Steven Smith On behalf of the student

body of CDDHS

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On Friday January 22nd, the CDDHS cast of the musical production “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” were informed that this show was not going to be performed and was cancelled. This obviously spurred on a lot of emotions, such as distress and sadness. However, anger seemed to trump all of these. This anger was primarily directed at the Principal, whose decision caused the cancellation of the musical. It was her opinion that the morals of the play were not appropriate for our community. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but the fact that Ms. Wilson, CDDHS Principal, would inflict her opinion on the 1100 students of the High School is inexcusable. Our Principal is supposed to be a leader of our school, and her actions certainly contradict the qualities of a good leader.

At the point when she made the announcement of the cancellation, a cast had already been selected and had been rehearsing for approximately a month; not to mention the amount of time spent by a number of staff members in regard to rehearsals, props, costume design and the pit band. By having a lead role in the play, feel I can speak on behalf of the cast, with respect to how much time people have spent on this production and how angry the student population is about this issue.

The Principal had already signed the contract, allowing the rights for the play to be purchased, and this was signed with her having no knowledge of the content of the play. This irresponsible action infuriated the students.

My opinion of this production is that it would be more than suitable for the public and certainly not any more inappropriate than any of the other plays that have been performed at this school. However, I am not making my opinion the opinion of the school and that is the difference with Ms. Wilson. She is making her opinion the opinion of the school.

Everything involving the decision of canceling the play was handled poorly. The staff members tried diligently to make a compromise that would still allow the show to be performed, and Ms. Wilson was uncomfortable with all of the suggestions. Once again, we are all entitled to our opinion, but the fact of her deciding what is best for the community is wrong. This decision is making it appear that she is viewing students as a number and just people who go to four classes a day. It appears that she is losing sight of the importance of extracurricular activities and how they make a school part of the community. I’m not saying these are her intentions, I’m just saying that it is the way it appears. There is so much more to school than just attending classes. Canceling the musical is killing the spirit of the school. The student body is furious about this decision and although we acknowledge that this play can no longer be performed, we are not about to let our opinions be unheard.

Patrick Clark

CDDHS student

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Re: Cancellation of the CDDHS School Musical

I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me on Friday regarding your decision to cancel the school musical. As a concerned parent, I am not arguing our difference of opinion with respect to the suitability of the show, as we all have a right to our own opinion. My concerns are related to the leadership practices that you are exhibiting and I feel that it is important that I share my feelings with the Board of Education and with the community. You will note below that I have copied this letter to the Superintendent of Education, the Director of Education, and the local papers.

We agree that the Principal of the school is responsible for the school, the activities conducted in the school, and the well being of the students.

The Principal should be seen as a leader, a role model for staff and students, and a motivator for the students to excel mentally, physically and socially during their four years at high school. No question this is quite a responsibility - but it could also be a rewarding position if done right; to know that through your leadership, the students and staff enjoyed their time while at school, and worked hard both during school hours and after school hours.

However, with your current autocratic leadership style, you have single handedly alienated hundreds of students and many staff and most likely regaining their support is probably near to impossible.

I understand that you personally do not believe that the chosen musical was suitable for CDDHS to produce. You indicated to me that the Vice Principal, Mr. Hamilton, agreed with your decision, but that appears to be it. The staff who selected the play and the numerous staff who are involved with the production of the play were comfortable with the play.

To my understanding there were no concerns expressed from any parents whose children were performing in the play. So it appears to come down to your opinion. Your decision was made on your opinion, and certainly not that of the staff, students, parents or community members.

That to me is taking on a dictatorship role as Principal.

In addition to the fact that you made this decision based on your own opinion, you made this decision two months after the students and teachers have been rehearsing for the play.

You signed the contract and agreed to pay $5000 for the rights to the music and script, and yet you had no idea of the plays content. If you feel that you have the authority to rule in this autocratic fashion, I am quite surprised at your lack of research into the play before signing the contract.

I consider us very fortunate that you have such dedicated teachers at that school who are willing to put so much extra time into projects outside of the curriculum, for the benefit of the students. To put on a school play, is a phenomenal undertaking by so many students, staff and parents. It certainly helps to build a little school spirit at CDDHS, something that is sorely lacking.

Your decision to cancel this play, two months after the play had been confirmed is unacceptable. Your decision to tell the students of your intentions to cancel the play on the Friday afternoon before the start of exams, is appalling and phenomenally inconsiderate for those students who were directly involved in the play.

Your decision to announce the cancellation of the play during lunch hour, and then not be present to answer questions from the students is cowardly. You left a teacher to respond to the student’s anger, frustration and disappointment - a teacher who was not supportive of your decision.

A good leader is someone who works with, and supports their staff and / or employees. A good leader listens to their concerns and works as a team to resolve issues so that all are agreeable to the resolution. A good leader does not shirk her responsibilities to discuss the matter with those affected, when a decision is made. A good leader does not make a decision when she is the only individual who believes that it is the right decision. A good leader is only as good as the support of those people who work with her. I believe that you are the only person who is happy with the decision that you made. That in itself should tell you something about your decision.

CDDHS has great potential. There are many dedicated staff and students who want an enjoyable school experience. I hope the future for the school, will be one where the Principal shows trust, support, and encouragement, and provides motivation for the staff and students. If not, then nobody wins.

Patricia Clark

Mansfield