The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2009-06-04, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2009. PAGE 19. On display The community show opened last week at the Blyth Festival Art Gallery. Lois van Vliet stands before some of the photos she has in the exhibit. (Vicky Bremner photo) Due to what could be described asa technicality, a proposed revision ofthe Huron-Perth Catholic DistrictSchool Board’s class trip policy was deferred at a meeting Monday, May 25. But it seems quite likely that, when the policy again comes before trustees, it will result in a ban on school-organized trips to downhill ski resorts. According to education superintendent Dan Parr, the risks involved in downhill skiing have been a hot topic amongst school administrators from across theprovince in recent months, duelargely to the deaths of two studentson school-organized outings atOntario ski hills this past winter.“I believe other boards arecurrently in the early stages of revising their policies,” Parr said in an interview – although he did not specify which boards. A proposed Huron-Perth policy revision states, “high-risk activities including, but not limited to, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow-tubing, rafting, and small craft motorized boating are inconsistent with the high standard of safety required of all educational programming. These trips will notbe approved.”According to Parr, the board’sexisting “Educational Field Trips”policy doesn’t specify skiing orsnowboarding trips as “high-risk.”But they are identified that way in guidelines laid out by the jointly- owned insurance consortium through which Huron-Perth purchases its insurance. Under the board’s existing policy, such trips need only be approved by the principal. Under the proposed policy, they will not be allowed. At the May 25 meeting, a motion for deferral of the proposed revision – to allow for Parr to provide some additional information to trustees –passed unanimously, with nodiscussion. But, speaking after the meeting,Parr revealed the request forinformation has nothing to do withthe proposed downhill skiing changes. Instead, trustees have requested that Parr look into possible revisions to specific wording in another portion of the policy – regarding trips to areas where there’s a risk of political unrest. Trustees didn’t attach a date to their motion for deferral, and Parr couldn’t say when the fully revised proposal would return to the decision-making table. However, it seems likely there will be little opposition to a ban on school- sanctioned downhill skiing trips.Perth South/St. Marys trusteeBernard Murray, when asked aboutthe potential reaction from ski resortowners, noted the entire industry isaware of the two recent deaths.“They can’t help but understand that there are going to be some changes.” Superintendent Parr added, “we know better now, based on the very tragic winter just passed. And we know that we must take measures based on that knowledge.” New addition The four-foot bank ramp was installed at the Blyth youth park on Monday. The structure was built by Grade 11 and 12 machine shop students from St. Anne’s Secondary School in Clinton. (Photo submitted) Catholic board defers school trip policy revision According to the Mayo Clinic, moderate doses of caffeine (between 200 to 300 milligrams, or roughly two to three cups of brewed coffee per day) are not harmful to most people. While some people might respond negatively to caffeine, studies have shown that there is no link between caffeine and higher cholesterol, irregular heartbeat or an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, when caffeine typically proves problematic is when moderate intake becomes heavy intake. When daily caffeine intake reaches or exceeds 500 to 600 milligrams per day, problems such as restlessness, muscle tremors, headaches, and difficulty falling asleep can arise. However, as the Mayo Clinic notes, much of a person’s reaction to caffeine depends on that person’s individual sensitivity. Sensitivity to caffeine can be influenced by body mass, psychological or physical stress and a person’s history of caffeine use. Age, smoking habits and drug use can also influence an individual’s reaction tocaffeine. THURS., AUG. 27/09 - 8PM CENTENNIAL HALL - LONDON Tickets at The Centennial Hall Box Office. Charge by Phone 519-672-1967 or online at www.centennialhall.london.ca NEWFIE LUAU CHRIS ARMSTRONG & HOLLY VALLIS f o r “ A Pig Roast with the Most!” Saturday, June 13, 2009 Armstrong Farm - 43325 Brandon Rd. Ethel Festivities start at 5:00 pm, Dinner at 7:00 pm Food, Raffles, FUN! Tickets $10.00 For tickets call Laura 519-887-6820 or Richard 519-887-8998 Public Notice Inviting Family & Friends Stag & Doe Mark Skinn & Nicole Procter Friday, June 5 Belgrave Community Centre (Arena Floor) Music by DJ ~ 9 pm - 1 am Tickets: $5 each, call Candace Procter 519-357-4511 Matt Dixon 519-357-0507 Bus leaving Wingham Valumart at 9:15 pm Age of majority required ~ Lunch provided Buck & Doe for Pam Gibson & Tom Egli Friday, June 5 Mitchell Arena 8 pm - 1 am Tickets $8 or 2/$15 Music by DJ Age of Majority Lunch provided For tickets call Dan 519-523-4955 or Heather 519-357-0286 By Stew SlaterSpecial to The Citizen Study says some caffeine okay