HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-10-18, Page 36As they look forward into 12months which could see significantchanges in schools in St. Marys,Goderich and Mitchell, trustees of
the Avon Maitland District School
Board are taking the opportunity to
celebrate a decade of unity.
“I don’t feel there’s any longer a
division between Huron and Perth.
We are the Avon Maitland board,”
said Perth South/West Perth
representative Carol Bennewies after
a regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 9.
At the meeting, Bennewies gave a
brief report about plans to celebrate
the board’s 10th anniversary. Ice
cream cake was handed out to those
in attendance, anniversary flags were
distributed to trustees, and trustees
were asked to take the flags back to
their jurisdictions and encourage
schools to join the celebration.
Plans for other official events areexpected to take shape during ameeting in late October.The Mike Harris-led provincialgovernment was the catalyst for theboard’s formation in 1998, thanks tothe forced amalgamation of the
former Huron and Perth County
boards of education. Early months
were marked by struggles over
where to establish a headquarters
and which staff members from each
board should receive top-level
positions.
From there, the board moved into
discussions of school closures and
declining funding, with the climax
coming as the board first failed and
then finally succeeded in closing the
former Seaforth District High
School.
Bennewies, now in her seventh
year with the board, was elected just
as some major school closure and
funding challenges were being
tackled. So, when she commentedafter the Oct. 9 meeting that “it’sgood at the Avon Maitland rightnow,” it’s easy to accept her point.Still, 2007-08 will see the boardreturn once again to the always-thorny accommodation review issue.
Committees have already been
struck in Goderich, Mitchell and St.
Marys to consider the potential
consolidation of elementary students
from two facilities into one, and the
potential relocation of Grades 7 and8 students into secondary schoolbuildings.Asked if trustees might stir updiscontent if they’re seen to becelebrating while such changes arebeing considered, Bennewies
responded that the board’s updated
approach to making such decisions
is actually one reason to celebrate.
“I think you have to learn to accept
change. And I think one of the big
successes of our board is we nowhave better communication with ourcommunities,” she said.“We have succeeded in gettingpeople in the communities tounderstand that we want to listen tothem … We’ve successfully
introduced a sharing of ideas.”
Over the next few weeks, a
calendar of 10th anniversary events
will be developed and shared with
schools.
Legendary
Ken Dryden, Canadian hockey legend, was in Wingham
last week to talk about his past glories as a well-decorated
goalie for the Montreal Canadiens and the Canadian
national team and his current occupation as a politician. He
also had time to sign some memorabilia and some mini-
sticks. The event cleared one pickup truck full of canned
goods as well as $250 from donations and mini-stick sales
to the foodshare. (Shawn Loughlin photo)
PAGE 36. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2007.Avon Maitland trustees celebrate decade of unity
Be a Seaforth Health Care Hero
in our community
October 20, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Call 519-357-1310 or 1-877-227-3486
or join us at the Seaforth Legion
Special Surprise Performances Throughout The Day.
8:45 a.m.:Brussels Legion Pipe Band
9:00 a.m.:Meet & Greet with M.C. Tom Melady. Join us for
morning coffee & muffin. CKNX live “Roving Reporter”
broadcast.
9:15 a.m.:CKNX UPDATE
9:30 a.m.:Local Talent
9:45 a.m.:CKNX UPDATE
10:00 a.m.:Local Talent
10:15 a.m.:CKNX UPDATE
10:30 a.m.:Local Talent
10:45 a.m.:CKNX UPDATE
11:00 a.m.:Local Talent
11:15 a.m.:CKNX UPDATE
12:00 p.m.:Join us for lunch. (FREE Pizza with donations)
12:15 p.m.:CKNX UPDATE
12:30 p.m.:Local Talent
12:45 p.m.:CKNX UPDATE
1:00 p.m.:Local Talent
1:15 p.m.:CKNX UPDATE
1:30 p.m.:Local Talent
1:45 p.m.:CKNX UPDATE
2:00 p.m.:Jam session - everyone welcome; bring your instruments!
2:15 p.m.:CKNX UPDATE
2:30 p.m.:Jam continues
2:45 p.m.CKNX UPDATE
3:00 p.m.:Jam continues
3:15 p.m.:CKNX UPDATE
3:30 p.m.:Jam continues
3:45 p.m.:CKNX UPDATE
4:00 p.m.:Variety Show: Featuring Sherry McCall’s Cloggers &
Steppers and special guests.
4:15 p.m.:CKNX UPDATE
4:30 p.m.:Variety Show: Featuring Sherry McCall’s Cloggers &
Steppers and special guests.
4:45 p.m.:CKNX UPDATE
5:00 p.m.:Wrap Up
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20th
Listen LIVE 9am to 5pm
Join us at the Seaforth Legion
9am to 5pm
14 Southwestern Ontario Hospital
Foundations join together for the
Congratulations
Erika Sturzenegger
Erika graduated from the
Massage Therapy program at
Fleming College in June and
completed registration in July 2007.
She is working at
The Athletic Club in London.
We wish you all the best!
Your family and Kyle.
By Stew SlaterSpecial to The Citizen