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2012-11-01 at NOON

Puppet show presents serious message

tbnewswatch.com
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THUNDER BAY -- Students at St. James Public School were treated to a puppet show with a message Thursday morning.

The students were learning about the struggles of people fighting cancer and what they deal with on a daily basis, and how the children can offer support.

Camp Quality performers have put on 82 puppet shows across Northwestern Ontario since creating the production. It revolves around four characters, who are each dealing with separate types of cancer.

The show teaches children how to support someone who is dealing with a major illness, and that it's important to show compassion and respect to those who need it.

St James Principal, Marla Poulin, says it's a good message for children at this early age.

The puppet show has been performed in front of more than 20,000 children since it was introduced.

 

(Thunder Bay Television)

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basicinformation says:
First off, I am very sympathetic of people with this horrible disease. That being said, I think this puppet show is a horrible idea, and I for one, as a parent, would be furious if my child saw that show. Kids have a hard enough time dealing with the day to days, and more and more kids are forced to deal with horrible situations far to early on in their life. Introducing them to and teaching them about such a horrible disease and it's effects on a person doesn nothing to preserve the innocence of the kids. When I send my kids to school, i expect them to be taught the reading and writing...NOT this! Its my job and my rights as a parent to decide what my children are taught, and at what age. I can't be the only parent who finds this outrageous!
11/1/2012 1:40:38 PM
conker2012 says:
basicinformation, Actually you do not have the right teo decide what your children are taught. The government mandates what they need to be taught in order to be effective people in our society.

Second how else do you propose to explain to a kindergardener how to treat a person that has this disease an a puppet show? If they are not informed properly they may choose to bully a child that is in their class that has cancer. The typical response to something we don't understand is fear, this leads to bullying.

You likely do not have the poper skills to teach your children how to deal with these situations, most parents don't. I would rather your children be taught about tolerance and acceptance by somebody with the skills necessary. Most kids have no idea what cancer is or how it can affect somebody. Childhood is not about clouds and loly pops, PEOPLE DIE and kids need to understand how to treat the dying with respect and dignity. Mis-information is the cause of most bullying.
11/1/2012 3:02:21 PM
Bridges says:
I attended this puppet show today, and it was not in any way disturbing to the children, since it was geared towards a young audience. It did not go into great detail about any of the physiological changes caused by the disease, nor show any graphic images.
The focus of the puppet show was to teach kids how to be socially inclusive with those who are different than themselves, and how to be a good friend.

Teaching children about cancer is not a horrible idea, because there is a good chance that out of the hundred students who attended, a good handful of them have a relative who either presently battles cancer, have lost someone to cancer, or will have a relative who will develop cancer. This presentation normalizes the experience, and sends the message that it is okay to talk about it. Children have the right to innocence, but also the right to be informed.
11/1/2012 3:32:17 PM
tsb says:
You meant protecting the ignorance of kids, right?

God forbid a 6 year old kid who will lose his mother to cervical cancer in two years learns a little bit about what cancer is like today!

Parents are always too nervous to teach important life lessons these days, which is why we need the schools to do it.
11/1/2012 7:31:39 PM
bxyqlq says:
How is this at all offensive? This is a puppet show given by kids with cancer who are just trying to raise awareness.
11/1/2012 2:12:43 PM
greenjellybean1975 says:
While I am trying to see the point the above comment is making, I for one am glad for the character education my son learns at school. He attends St.James Public School and receives excellent character education daily. This play could not come at a better time for him and I. He is unaware that his Poppa is dying from cancer and I have been trying to think of a way to tell him. I'm not sure if I will take this opportunity to tell him or not, but at least he will probably understand better when I do.
11/1/2012 2:55:04 PM
bridges says:
I hear your struggle, and would like to help. If you speak with the principle of st. James who is really nice, she can direct you to a counselling service if needed to help you through this rough time.
(also, Thunder bay Counselling center has a walk in clinic on Wednesdays and you can find more information about hours on their website)
I hope this helps
11/1/2012 6:14:44 PM
woofwoof says:
I think it is a great idea.Compassion and respect are the keys words. It is reality and effects all of us.We got to stop pampering our children on important issues. It also helps them understand more if one of their friends are dealing with cancer.
11/1/2012 3:38:51 PM
northerngardener says:
The information that the children learned today from this play will serve them in many more ways than just dealing with friends and family who have a diagnosis of a life threatening disease. They will hopefully learn to be compassionate and helpful to others who have added stressors, and to learn to extend a hand rather than turning their backs on someone in a time of need. We all need to learn to open our arms to others, and not just shut doors. Learning to be compassionate, empathetic, and to adopt a community spirit starts at a young age. Remember the saying..."All I really need to know, I learned in kindergarten."
11/1/2012 11:46:00 PM
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