The Neverending Math Equation

OK, I hope you find the title offensive, there is a story behind it which I'll get to.

So, Acting VP for four days was quite the experience, the school is still in one piece and it was a real eye-opener to see what all of the staff goes through in an average day. The staff was really great I was worried that there may be some people who would think that I was stepping on toes being a first year teacher in this role. I think they were just happy it wasn't them!!! It was exhausting but I got to know many more students and although I would do this again, I would not want to do it any time soon....



So immediately after the conclusion of day 4 of my administrative duties it was off to the wonderful, hospitable community of The Pas, Manitoba.. We were hosted at one of the middle schools where I slept on the floor of a classroom with 10 laughing, farting boys. It is fun to see these guys get out of town, having a good time.

Saturday morning we rose at 6:45 to head to a fine dining establishment for breakfast so the boys and girls could be at their first games at 8:15... you guessed it, we went to the local Mcdonald's. What follows is an experience that I really can't recreate to properly represent it...

So three groups of us head to McDonald's when I arrive with my vanload of boys, the restaraunt is empty with the exception of six of our group who arrived first... the two coaches are eating and the line of hungry players forms. I'll admit it was long, but this is McD's right??? I was about 6th in line and the girl working the till was flustered, and complaining vocally about us. She told me that we should have phoned ahead, and the hash browns ( which is what most of the kids were ordering) would take 45 minutes. There were two girls working the front and 3 guys doing the cooking.
As she struggled to take orders she then stopped and said to the other girl "we don't have to serve them"... I just wanted to get the players fed, I was tired after not sleeping very well on the floor of the classroom...I was at the till now and said to the girl " I know this is a bit overwhelming, but you can do it" and tried to be supportive... then she asked if we were all eating in, which I confirmed and now she said "NO, you'll make too much of a mess!!!! We don't have to serve you, please leave"...

"excuse me?" I said " Can I speak with the manager"
"I AM THE MANAGER"
"Not good" I thought
"Well could I speak to your boss?"
"I can't give you that information, you all must leave, we are not serving you"
Then out of the blue she says " I'm not a racist, but I don't have to serve you..."
We left realizing our players were not going to be fed...
There were six adults accompanying the team and we were all floored at this behaviour. I really believe there was racism going on here, and it is difficult to describe. the kids were all quiet and well behaved, there was no reason to not serve us...
I wonder if several groups of people show up independently if they just shut down once a certain number is reached...??
Talking afterwards one of the other employees was heard making comments about this not being a reserve... this blows my mind!!
Well I headed over to A&W with the boys and we were served with no complaint and made it to the game on time... there were only 3 people working at A&W!!!
The basketball was a great success with the boys winnig the A side and the girls coming second in their A side!!!
The local newspaper heard about the McDonald's incident and talked to one of the chaperones, as well one of the councillors for The Pas Indian Band, OCN caught wind of this and along with the band owned Kikiwak Inn gave the whole lot of us a free supper at the restaraunt. This was fantastic, and really helped to soften the feelings we had after our morning experience. The newsman also interviewed me about the big win, as I was one of the coaches, that was cool.

We got back to Sandy Bay at 11:30 PM and I had a great sleep, had Newfie dinner over at Roger and Marion's and chilled out for most of the day. I am off to Regina on Tuesday for a "Safe School" conference, but will be back for the weekend.

We will be sending letters to McDonald's Canada, the mayor of the Pas, as well as the owner of the Pas McDicks to complain and show gratitude to the Band for their hospitality...

I'll leave you with a joke a local guy told me...

Why did white guys go to the moon?????

To see if Indians had any land up there.....

Take care all,


G