The dismissal of Mr David Finlay

The dismissal of Mr. David Finlay comes in a period where his presence is absolutely necessary to many members of the community. Whether the repercussions for Mr. Finlay's actions are just is not the conflict among the student body, however in firing David Finlay the school is knowledgably jeopardizing many students academic stance. Those involved in making this decision must consider the consequences that it will have on the center of the CAC community, the student body.

As the deadline for the internal assessment approaches, students still need much guidance and instruction from subject teachers. Similarly, preparation for the May IB exam begins with students scores in serious threat if they do not have suitable preparations from their instructor, Mr. Finlay. The process of getting students ready is an extensive one and begins from the very first day a teacher meets his students. Even if a replacement is brought in, it is doubtful that he/she can prepare students as well as he who has taught them for two years and built substantial relationships. What the internal assessment and IB exam have in common is that both are assessed externally, the IB will not give special treatment to CAC candidates for what they might just call "unfortunate circumstances", but in our eyes it is a disaster.

Besides his academic merit, Mr. Finlay has been a paramount figure on the CAC campus ever since his arrival in 2004. He has fast become a favorite teacher of many students for teaching better ways to live, promoting ethics and sustainability. Besides teaching these values to his business classes, he has founded the Green team, a vastly popular organization which endorses unity amongst man and nature. He has created many projects that have improved the biological environment around us and inspired many to follow by his example.

It is understood that the actions taken by the school are based on codes and principles. However, the rational behind their decision is compromised by their violation of other, arguably more important, principles such as failing to look out for the students best interests. The school may have followed their code and correctly given to one man what he deserved. However, in bringing justice to one, they have punished countless others, and that is not what our school stands for. The school has impetuously removed a rarity to this school, a man who not only builds education, but also builds character. Knowing that by the word of the law the students have no say in this matter, the student respectably ask that any action is postponed till the end of the academic year 2005/2006.