Winnipeg school doesn't want student's career path comment in yearbook
Bartender. That is what one Grade 4 student in Winnipeg said for the yearbook when asked what he wanted to be when he grows up, an answer the school is asking him to change.
Zachary Anderson goes to Whyte Ridge School and was asked the question last week.
“It’s one way to be creative,” said Anderson, who has an uncle who bartends, “You get to socialize and you meet new people.”
Anderson’s teacher—and later, the school administration—asked him to change his answer, something he didn’t want to do.
As a compromise, the school offered to make a separate yearbook for Anderson and his twin brother who is in the same class, with their two copies saying “bartender,” while all others would read, “hospitality.”
Anderson declined.
“Instead of making a big deal about this they should just support it like the rest of the class," Anderson said, “They have to support everyone, no matter what.”
Anderson’s mother, Jennifer, a doctor and former bartender herself, supports her son’s choice and advocated on his behalf to the school’s administration.
She received an email from the school, saying that, despite her approval of her son’s chosen occupation, the term “bartender” could “lend itself to questions and interpretations within our community,” said Jennifer, while reading the email from her phone.
“They’re speaking for the community and I’m sure there are lots of people in the community that either were bartenders in the past or currently do,” she said in response to the email.
Ted Fransen, superintendent for Pembina Trails School Division, said in a statement to CTV News that “We will not be engaging the media in any discussions about the school work of an early years child.”
Some bartenders receive accredited post-secondary training, like at the Manitoba Tourism Education Council’s bartending program.
“Dealing with difficult situations, knowing when to cut someone off, working in fast-pace environment, you have to multi-task,” said Shannon Fontaine, CEO of the Manitoba Tourism Council, when asked what skills one might learn while working as a bartender.
She said educators shouldn’t discourage students from any occupation in the service industry, adding that, some people may just be misinformed how far one can go in the sector.
“Many people have no idea what a lucrative career you can have while working hospitality,” said Fontaine, “I went from a front desk clerk to a manager, which led me to where I am today.”
Bartenders can be business owners, too.
Mark Turner went to university for psychology. Now, he owns and operates the Amsterdam Tea Room and Bar in the Exchange District.
“While studying I worked pretty much full-time in a bar and a restaurant, and I learned more about human psychology from my bartender job than I did at school,” said Turner.
Turner applauds Anderson’s hopes of being a bartender and for sticking to his decision, traits he likes to see in employees.
“I think if he wants a job, as soon as he’s 16, I would put him in the dish pit,” said Turner.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it's too late
Christine Roess is a retired consultant. Ezra Bozeman has spent the last 49 years in prison, serving a life sentence for a murder he says he didn’t commit. Against the odds, the two fell in love.