Hasselt Teachers, Led by Caroline Defraine, Garner 5,000 Signatures Opposing Project

Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Teachers at Virga Jessecollege, led by Caroline Defraine, raised concerns about a project, submitting a petition with 5,000 signatures. A decision will be made on December 3, with 45% of parents potentially leaving if the plans proceed.

Teachers at Virga Jessecollege, led by Caroline Defraine, expressed their concerns about a project in an open letter, urging a fresh start that includes everyone. They submitted a petition with over 5,000 signatures to the school management. Afterward, the board held a meeting with some teachers to discuss their worries. Tom Cox noted that while the conversation was positive, he did not comment on whether it would influence the upcoming decision on December 3, leaving it to the board to decide.

What are the community concerns surrounding the Virga Jessecollege project?

Teachers at Virga Jessecollege found their recent discussion productive, with Wim Ballien expressing concerns about a large project that could harm students, teachers, and the local community. A decision will be made in a week, with Kristof Van Were highlighting that the timing is strategic due to potential funding for school renovations. He noted that the upcoming exam period starting December 4th makes it challenging for teachers to act, as they want to prioritize their students during this time.

According to Van Were, the project has been discussed for six years, and, parents are only now being asked for their opinions. A survey showed that 45 percent of parents might leave Kindsheid Jesu if the plans happen. Cox noted that talks started in 2018 and continued during Covid, but not everyone feels included. They are trying to involve representatives to hear all voices.


Comments

2 responses to “Hasselt Teachers, Led by Caroline Defraine, Garner 5,000 Signatures Opposing Project”

  1. So, 5,000 signatures against a project that’s been in the works for six years—sounds like a classic case of “shoulda, woulda, coulda,” eh? 🤔 Maybe next time they’ll consult the parents before deciding on a renovation that could send half of them packing! 😂

  2. Seems like the teachers in Hasselt have finally discovered the power of petitions—5,000 signatures, eh? I guess that’s one way to make the board feel like they’re running a democracy instead of a school! 😂📚

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

Modi Confronts Activists’ Challenge on Surveillance at Indian Youth Protest

Modi Confronts Activists’ Challenge on Surveillance at Indian Youth Protest

New Delhi, July 27 Eurotoday Newspaper — India civil liberties are at the centre of a fresh legal dispute after activists challenged surveillance measures used during recent youth protests in the capital. The case follows nationwide demonstrations that began over examination paper leaks and expanded into broader calls for transparency, privacy protections and democratic accountability.
Main Deve

Read More

The French Presidential Candidate Aiming to Disrupt the Franco-German Partnership

The French Presidential Candidate Aiming to Disrupt the Franco-German Partnership

Mélenchon advocates for France to build stronger connections with China, French-speaking African nations, and South American countries. He views the United States as an imperialist threat, whereas Germany, despite its past tensions with President Donald Trump, considers the transatlantic alliance essential to its foreign policy. Mélenchon opposes Germany’s commitment to a free-market economy and i

Read More

EU-Funded Projects Reducing the Burden of Viral Hepatitis

EU-Funded Projects Reducing the Burden of Viral Hepatitis

Infections from hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) impact liver cells, leading to inflammation. Acute HBV and HCV infections may progress to chronic hepatitis, potentially resulting in cirrhosis or liver cancer.
These infections disproportionately impact socially marginalized populations, as transmission primarily occurs through sexual contact or sharing of injection drug equip

Read More

Wroclaw Incident Leads Tusk to Call for End to Anti-Ukrainian Hate Crimes

Wroclaw Incident Leads Tusk to Call for End to Anti-Ukrainian Hate Crimes

Warsaw, July 28 Eurotoday Newspaper — Wroclaw attack has prompted Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to call for an end to hate crimes against Ukrainians after a violent assault in the southwestern city renewed concerns about xenophobic incidents. Tusk urged authorities to prosecute offenders and stressed that violence based on nationality has no place in Poland, which has hosted millions of Ukra

Read More

Enhancing Urban Climate Resilience through LIFE

Enhancing Urban Climate Resilience through LIFE

This summer’s unprecedented heatwaves in Europe have underscored the urgent need for cities to adapt to extreme weather caused by climate change. Seven LIFE projects presented their solutions at this year’s European Urban Resilience Forum to address high temperatures. The forum was held in Guimarães, Portugal, from June 17-19, coinciding with a severe heatwave hitting Western Europe,

Read More

Burnham Criticizes FIFA’s Plan to Sell World Cup Commercial Rights

Burnham Criticizes FIFA’s Plan to Sell World Cup Commercial Rights

FIFA claims its initiative will encourage increased investment in grassroots and women’s football.
However, European football associations, still upset over FIFA’s management of the 2026 men’s World Cup, are furious about the proposals and FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s leadership, viewing him as too aligned with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Thrive Capital, led by CEO Jo

Read More

Malaysia Reassesses Asylum Seeker Policy Amidst UNHCR Role Scrutiny

Malaysia Reassesses Asylum Seeker Policy Amidst UNHCR Role Scrutiny

Kuala Lumpur, July 28 Eurotoday Newspaper — Malaysia asylum seekers are at the center of a government policy review after Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan called for reassessing the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) presence in the country. The proposal follows concerns over refugee registration procedures and closer coordination between the UN agency and Malaysian authorities

Read More

Enexis Secures €500 Million EIB Financing to Boost Network Capacity

Enexis Secures €500 Million EIB Financing to Boost Network Capacity

Dutch grid operator Enexis secured €500 million in financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for its 2026 electricity grid investment programme, focusing on expansion, reinforcement, and renewal in five Dutch provinces. The programme encompasses approximately 4,600 km of power lines and related infrastructure, crucial for adapting to the energy transition and the rise of electric vehicles

Read More

Brussels Supports Nomination of Former Slovenian FM as Special Representative

Brussels Supports Nomination of Former Slovenian FM as Special Representative

Danish diplomat Birgitte Nygaard Markussen was appointed to the role last week. Her responsibilities include managing relations with countries along a 6,000-kilometer area from Africa’s Atlantic coast to the Red Sea, a region troubled by war, drug trafficking, and instability.
Fajon was suggested by the European External Action Service, the EU’s foreign policy branch, according to four peopl

Read More

Veaceslav Platon Extradition Case Reaches UK Court Amid Political Allegations

Veaceslav Platon Extradition Case Reaches UK Court Amid Political Allegations

London, July 28 Eurotoday Newspaper — Veaceslav Platon extradition proceedings continued in the United Kingdom as Moldovan businessman Veaceslav Platon challenged Moldova’s request to return him for prosecution. His legal team argues the case is politically motivated, while Moldovan authorities maintain the extradition request is based on ongoing criminal investigations. The case is now before a

Read More