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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1977-05-04, Page 4 4—THE BRUSSELS POST -MAY4,. 1977 Teachers defend S force the same things in real lilfe, she said. Trust She went on to say that she commended the parents' interest but asked them to trust the students' intelligence and the teachers' professional duties to respond to literature. Elizabeth Twiss, English head at Central. Huron Secondary School in, Clinton said, "It's not the role of literature to offer model behaviour, however it should offer ideas on loyalty and humanity." To support her use of the so-called "filthy" books she quoted from Plato's Apology, "The unexamined life is not worth living." John Stringer, principal of Goderich District Collegiate Institute explained that books or English courses are not chosen by individuals but by highly qualified groups of department heads with board approval. If students or parents object to books on the course of studies, alternate texts are provided for them, he said. Mr.Stringer said that interest groups were attacking the function of the schools through their attacks on the English books. "We cannot allow pressure groups to dominate the school and destroy the search for truth'," he said. 43Aibert Street Clinton, Ont. 482-3876 On Sunday, May 22, the grounds of the Van Egmond House will be transformed into a carnival atmosphere with music, food, entertainment and a flea market. The flea market will feature antiques and collectibles from area dealers, as well as a special selection of artifacts provided by Van Egmond Foundation members. Bargain hunters will enjoy browsing through the many displays set on the lawn of the Egmondville historic site. The sausage burgers that made such a hit at last fall's Ciderfest will again be available, barbecued over a charcoal pit. Music will be provided, it is hoped, by a Wurlitzer Band Organ playing tunes popular in the 1920's and made famous by circuses. A new twist will be a double- barrelled Tall Tales Contests - one for the general public and one for local and invited dignitaries. The winners of that whopper-fest will receive appropriate medallions in honor of their victory. Admission to the grounds will be 50c and tours of the house will be available for another half dollar. However, bargain-lovers can purchase a $2.00 membership at the gate which entitles them to free admission both to the grounds and house, plus all the seen just the "dirty sections" and read them out of context. She admitted that she hadn't read all the Shakespeare on her English courses but she had read and enjoyed a contemporary book by Alice Munro, "Lives of Girls and Women". SDHS principal Bruce Shaw said he'd come to the board meeting with optimism because "it's good to get away from the humdrum of preparing lessons and think about what we're doing and why we're doing it." The conflict about books , he suggested, is between the majority who think schools reflect society and a minority who think schools lead society and blame them for "fostering decadence and immorality." "It's unfortunate that more books don't have more importance to k ids. They are not influenced by the vocabulary of the books," Mr. Shaw said. He does not think that one book, or two books or a school can take away everything that parents have taught their young. "If we've been honest with our kids", there's nothing to fear from books, Mr. Shaw said, and the attempt to shelter our kids may mean that we have doubts in ourselves as parents and friends. Honesty If teachers would agree not to be defensive about the books they teach and the public is sincerely interested in what's being taught, Mr. Shaw suggested that each school could establish a discussion or reading group, made up of public and teachers to go over books on the curriculum. "There's nothing to fear from honesty," he repeated.. Audrey Tiffin, English department head at F.E.Madill Secondary School in Wingham explained to the board that, "literature acts as a mirror of life". Bringing some unpleasant things in life into the classroom in a book can provide a learning experience and students needn't benefits of participating in the Van Egmond Foundation. Gates will open at 11 a.m. and before they close at 5 p.m., it is hoped that a good time will be had by all. A service for "YOU AND YOUR FAMILY" Metropolitan Life's new ser- vice called "You and your Family" shows how you can combine your life insurance, government social insurance benefits and other assets to provide the funds your family will need to meet their day to day living expenses when you're not around. Call me today and find out all about it. !Larry R. Brocklebank, C.L.U. Sales Representative Brussels Ph. 827-6384 827-6334 0 Metropolitan Life Where the future is now Phil Knight, the student council president at South Huron District Secondary School in Exeter, also supported the books he is studying. "Parents should trust their sons and daughters. We have your views and our views on life and through these books we see another view." Have to cope Mr. Knight explained to the board that taking these books off the course would rob students of reality they have to learn about to cope with society today and robs teachers of their years of training. Blake Palmer, a grade 13 'student from South Huron, said that the students are not being corrupted. "As a society we have to look for more than four-letter words and sex in books." He explained the use of the books, "We delve into theme and character. We learn about ourselves and learn to come le grips with ourselves." Board trustee Dorothy Wallace supported the books. She sail "Im upset that one of my favourite books, "Of Mice ad Men" is considered immoral. Itir very moral, man helping a felloa man is very moral. I remember this book. Trust, maturity, and intelligence were stressed 11 each teacher and student who spoke. Each felt that if e book contribuled constructivelylo the theme of a course either through time, setting, plot, characters, action or language then it's a valid book to study, Every week more and more people discover what mighty jobs' are accomplished by low cost post Want Ads. Dial Brussels 887-6641. English department heads, students and principals of Huron County's five secondary schools spoke in support of their present English courses at a special meeting of the Huron countyBoard of Education on April 26. They defended before the more than 200 people, who crowded into the board office, the use of such books as John. Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" and "Grapes of Wrath",.. Salinger's "Catcher in the Rye" and Margaret Laurence's "The Diviners". The representatives from the county's high schools spoke on the methods they use and the importance of teaching such modern literature to senior students. All agreed that there was nothing immoral or offensive about the books and which if taken in proper context can be a valuable learning device for the students. Calvin Caldwell, English head at Seaforth District High 'School explained that modern books are needed because they're modern. He went on to say that' classics like Shakespeare are often difficult to understand and through modern' literature, the ideas of writers like Shakespeare can be understood easier. Mr. Caldwell said all the books in4uestion are not taught at SD but that he wouldn't hesitate to have them on the course of study here. It's good to see so much interest in what is taught in high schools, he told the crowd, but "I'm sorry that it took this to bring people out. It's hard to bring the public kicking and screaming with coffee and donuts to a night at the school." Students agree Two Seaforth students in the audience , Don Melady and Margaret Shortreed, agreed with the English department head's comments. Has the public read these books, Miss Shortreed asked, suggesting that p erhaps they'd Van Egmond house hosts flea market The Most Important Day of Your Life Engaged couples are invited to visit the Arbor Gift Shop. We offer assistance in planning your wedding - plus a Bridal & Shower Registry. The Arbor has everything for your wedding from invitations to the bridal bouquet. Each bride-to-be receives a Gift Certificate and all the personal assistance to take the worry out of the most important day of your life — Your Wedding. HOURS Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 10:00-5:30 Closed Wednesday Friday 10:00-8:30 SEAFORTH RECORD SHOPPE 35 Main St. South Seaforth 527-1335 8 TRACK TAPES — L P RECORDS — 45RPMS ACCESSORIES — T SHIRTS — POSTERS — NOVELTIES Come in and Browse "If we don't have it — we'll get it for you" d ti S is tl