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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1978-01-26, Page 5The readers write: School trips, evaluation Dear Sir: Your lead story of January 19th headlined “students will ski, despite opposition” contains the statement that at least one Huron County Board of Education Trustee feels that the subject ski trip has “no educational value what­ soever”, The teachers involved in the trip and the Principal take issue with the state­ ment. Obviously a majority of trustees feel the same way. One has only to examine the educational goals outlin­ ed by the Huron County Board to understand that the trip is quite consistent with at least two of those goals. Among its educational goals the Board lists the following: Huron County Board of Education Educational Goals 1. The development... of each boy and girl to his or her fullest potential (including) “social and physical growth...” 5. To provide oppor­ tunities for cultural enrich­ ment and creative expres­ sion, and preparation for constructive use of leisure time. It is difficult, if not im­ possible to achieve all of the goals set out for each stu­ dent that we encounter in our schools, however that does not mean that we should not try. Often the pursuit of some of these goals requires the commit­ ment of both in school and out of school time on the part of staff and students. It is at least encouraging that the Board seems com­ mitted to providing oppor­ tunities for those of us in the schools to pursue these goals. As far as selecting P.D. days for the trip is concern­ ed we decided to allow two teachers to miss the P.D. days in order to provide the students with the skiing op­ portunity so that class time would not be missed. It seems to us to be a legitimate trade-off. J.L. Wooden, Principal R.G. Wareham South Huron District High School V # # Dear Editor: Finally, I found it! It will soon be a year since work was begun on the cooperative evaluation of the schools in South Huron. Many interested parents, students and teachers donated their time and ef­ forts compiling a rather lengthy “Internal Report”. As one of those parents I’ll have to admit that I found it a frustrating task as we didn’t seem to be coming to grips with the situation. Un­ til I read the report of the External Committee I was ready to go along with the view of the pessimists who had predicted that we were being used in a “whitewash job”. However, after finding some rather astute obser­ vations and some very worthwhile recommen­ dations in that External Report I agreed to take part in putting together the final report. I might mention here that I thought Mrs. Dee Beuer- man and myself, as the parent representatives could have been given credit for giving two days of our time working on the report not to mention the hours spent studying the reports of the internal and external committees before hand. That was June 1977. Since then I have been searching every news item concerning the Huron County Board of Education looking for some mention of that evaluation report. I read that the Board had received the report in August, I waited — and waited. Had anyone read the report? Was there a copy of the report available to me or to any other interested tax­ payer? The local library didn’t have a copy. I was upset. Many hours of work had gone into that report. It lists the strong points of the school system — and there are quite a few. It also lists the weak points in each area studied and makes recommendations for improvements. Many of them do not in­ volve any extra tax dollars — just better use of the talents at hand. If this report sits on the shelf unus­ ed it is worthless. If it is read and acted upon in bringing about immediate changes as well as in long term planning it will be well worth the dollars spent producing it. Then, finally on January 19 on page 22 of the TA, I found it. Someone had read the report. The elementary school principals’ associa­ tion had brought to the board’s attention that the evaluation report recommended that staff be given opportunity to have more input in the formation of education policy. They were asking for better com­ munications with the board. One need that cried for attention throughout the Evaluation report was the need for better com­ munications at all levels of the system. I have decided to do my bit, Mr. Editor. Through your paper I would like to communicate my concerns as a parent and taxpayer with regard to the evalua­ tion report. To the administrators — Was the evaluation a worthwhile exercise? What changes have you made or are you planning to make as a direct result of this report? to our local Board members — Have you read the report? Do you think it was worthwhile? Have you ever considered using the local paper to communicate with your electorate. Mrs. Marian Zinn, Board member from Ashfield Township writes a column in the Lucknow Sentinel to in­ form interested citizens in her area. Do you ask questions or take a stand at Board meetings? We rarely see you quoted in the local press. What are you doing to ensure that communication lines between board and ad­ ministration, board and teachers, board and students, board and tax­ payers and between board members themselves are kept open and operating on a congenial basis? To our teachers — Have you had the opportunity to read the evaluation report? Is it included in your dis­ cussions on professional development? Do you con­ sider the recommendations of the report when planning the program for your P.D. days? I believe the prin­ cipals are trying to keep the public informed. However, communication lines operate in two directions. Are you doing your bit to im­ prove communications? Do you encourage or intimidate parents in their attempts to communicate their concerns to you? To the parents and tax­ payers — Are you doing your share to keep yourself in­ formed of school matters? If some particular part of the school program pleases you or disturbs you do you com­ municate your pleasure or displeasure to the persons concerned or do you leave that to “the next guy”? Last, but not least, to the students. Are you honest and open in your communications with your teachers and parents? As you discover and come to accept that no man is perfect, not even your parents and teachers — or your Board members — or even the Director of Educa­ tion — can you offer con­ structive criticism toward improving not just com­ munications but education in general in Huron County? To everyone — Try to find a copy of the evaluation report. I think you will find it worth reading. Yours truly, (Mrs.) Margaret McClure Baptismal service at Centralia church By MRS. FRED BOWDEN CENTRALIA Rev. Harley Moore of Grand Bend conducted the service in the United Church Sunday, morning and ad­ ministered the rite of Baptism to Paul Brian McAllister, young son of Mr. and Mrs. Neil McAllister. Communion was observed during the service. The special music for the service was an anthem by the choir and a number by the men’s quartet. Singing in the quartet were Messrs. Doug Gill, Robert Blair, Bob Heywood and Sam Skinner with Mrs. Gill playing the piano accompaniment. A pot luck dinner was served in the church schoolroom at the close of the service and this was followed by the annual meeting. Seniors Meet Senior Citizens met in the Community Centre on Monday for an afternoon of crokinole and cards followed by lunch. Euchre Party Mr. and Mrs. Otto Darling, Laverne and Ruth Skinner were in charge of the euchre party in the Community Centre Monday night with 11 tables in play. Prize winners were, ladies high, Mrs. Alta Armstrong, lone hands, Mrs. Bob Blair; low, Mrs. Dick Neil. Men’s high, Frank Hicks; lone hands, Jack Dickins; low (playing a man’s card), Mrs. Bill Harvey. The travelling prize was won by Jack Blair. Personals Sunday visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Hirtzel were Mr. and Mrs. Don Hirtzel and Dalphine of Parkhill. The Elimville Women’s Institute held their first euchre party of the year with a good crowd in attendance. Prize winners were: ladies high-Mrs. Myrtle Hanna; men’s high-Jerry McInnis; ladies' lone hands- Mrs. Hazel Coward; men’s lone hands-Russell Brown; low-Dennis McInnis. Another euchre will be held Monday evening. The Elimville United Church Women catered to the Parsons-Pfaff wedding Friday at the Kirkton- Woodham Community Centre. A large number from the community attended the dance the same evening. A large number from the area attended the Fletcher- Monteith dance the Saturday evening prior. Miss Shelia Johnson, Lucan spent the weekend with her grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Cooper. BATT'N AROUND — Continued from Page 4 There are a few small industries in Exeter, but many of the people work outside the community, some at the nearby naval base and many in Boston. They, of course, don’t mind the com­ muting when they escape the sales and income tax in Massachusetts, to say nothing of the lower booze prices. * * * The majority of homes in Exeter are simply huge. Most of our hockey team members reported back that they had only managed to explore half the rooms in their billets during their two- day stay. One lad still can’t get over the fact he had a half dozen toilets to choose from. Most of the homes are of the New England colonial design and most are a full three storeys. Very few brick buildings are in evidence and more than One member of our group con­ sidered returning as d painting con­ tractor after viewing the row on row of mammoth clapboard homes. While the community does not boast of its own arena (nor does it need one with the Academy facility) it does have an outdoor pool, several tennis courts, ball fields, park (or commons as they say south of the border). They have apparently escaped the “persons” syndrome in Exeter, because their councillors are known as selectmen. The main drag isn’t modern as ours, but they already have their shopping plaza, which much to the chagrin in our fellow male travellers, was located within walking distance of our motel. However, the most noticeable at­ tribute the two communities share is their friendly people, although we came away with the feeling our New Hampshire people may just be a little warmer than local Exeterites when it comes to greeting strangers and mak­ ing them feel welcome. LEGION ZONE HOCKEY — The annual Legion zone pee wee tournament was held in Exeter Sunday and was won by Goderich. Above, Goderich captain David Gallow receives the trophy from Exeter Legion sports officer Norm Ferguson, zone sports officer Ed Callaham of Kincardine and Exeter Legion president Roy Hunter. T-A photo Times-Advocate, January 26, 1978 Page 5 COMPLETE INSULATION SERVICE RIGID URETHANE and ROCK WOOL INSULATION Spray on Rigid Urethane Foam for oil types of farm buildings, new and older homes, warehouses, cottages, retail stores, etc. . FREE ESTIMATES .CALL US TODAY . ALL WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED H. VAN MOORSEL INSULATION RR 5 Mitchel I Phone 348-9376 Rapco Foam Insulation FOR OLDER HOMES ETC. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS AND FREE ESTIMATE PHONE 284-1455 Tomlinson Electric & Son INSULATING CONTRACTORS ST. MARYS If we please you tell others if not tell us f: Here is one for the Book of Records! aWatm^, ■ ■ * I i & I JSSS& OF UimBffl THE U10WJ ana aliquam erat vol hTnostrud exercitatioi quipexeacommodo )?or in reprehenderit i ansequat.vel iHumdo os et accusam et iusto joatum delenit aigue c fcaecatcupidtatnom quiofficiadeseruntm Ft harumd dereud fac ternpor cum soluta no impedit arum id quod Guptas assu"endaau autem quinusd at au atib saepe eveniet u •ecusand. animid ast er expedit disti ehgend optio com xim P'ace?tfaf®pi omnis dolor repell ti(Ouare nost rot urn etia ^^^Jm ier ad augend?5 KlioqueCMuda..^ St "S'5 ouas nulla pi dCini’5"madUtC° ,mumdant.UnP'°' nd magistandetd a-nnp santo- c°"ven^dad P 3Pn|SsiCcaus pe" nu"ff_ci\e exp P'^psbindolo Lorem 'P v e,u d'atnna°al^e,&t . ^ctmd exetoit NOW IN TRANSIT ACROSS CANADA BY OXI RAIL Destination: Discount Dave's A mountain of spruce is rolling across Canada from the west coast to Windsor, Ontario and a page of commercial history is being recorded. This is the first time such an enormous quantity of lumber has been shipped on one rail car. This super size flatbed car was designed and const­ ructed to transport giant earth moving vehicles. It was commissioned for this journey by Dis­ count Dave’s Home Centres for this volume lumber purchase. Dave Conklin, president of Discount Dave’s Home Centres, stated that demand in his 16 Centres has reached such a volume that it required a purchase of this mag­ nitude. The shipment is made up of over 100,000 board feet of first quality kiln dried spruce — enough to build 10 average size single family homes. The road of this eighty-nine foot long car was carefully planned by CNR so that no low overpasses would cause delays. This pre­ mium load of lumber will be railed directly to Discount Dave’s Matthew Branch. There it will be unloaded and distributed to the various Dis­ count Dave’s Home Centres. Pictured above is the single railway flatcar carrying a world record quantity of lum­ ber on Its way across Canada. The car, loaded with 110,080 board feet of premium kiln dried spruce, was shipped from the Canadian Cellulose, Pohle Lumber Divis­ ion, sawmill at Terrace, B.C. to Discount Dave's Matthews Branch in Windsor, Ont­ ario. The 89 foot long car is carrying enough lumber to build ten average size single family homes. It is expected to arrive in Windsor near the end of January. ENOUGH LUMBER ON A SINGLE RAILROAD CAR TO BUILD TEN AVERAGE SIZE HOMES 16 Branches to Serve You: AMHERSTBURG............................ 736-2151 EXETER............................................ 235-1422 GODERICH......................................524-8321 GRAND BEND................................238-2374 HARROW.........................................738-2221 KINCARDINE .................................396-3403 KINGSVILLE....................................733-2341 KITCHENER....................................744-6371 OWEN SOUND.................................370-3181 RIDGETOWN..................................674-5465 SOUTHAMPTON.............................797-3245 THEDFORD......................................296-4991 WEST LORNE...................................768-1520 WINDSOR EAST.............................727-6001 WINDSOR WEST MATTHEW’S............................ 734-1221 ....254-1143 KITCHENER Out-of-town call Free of Charge 1-800-265-8990-1