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The Citizen, 1996-06-12, Page 8Fulfilling all duties • Not only was Ken Scott the principal at East Wawanosh Public School, but filled the role as school librarian as well. Scott, who retires this June, gathered with friends and family, June 9, to recall his days in education. Checking out books from Scott are, from left: Johnathon McDowell, Evelyn Home, Jessica Nethery and Kristen McArter. Glassier PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC REHABILITATION-and INJURY TREATMENT CENTRE Doctors referral not required 3 Patrick St. W. Box 338 Tel.: 519-357-1383 Wingham, Ont. NOG 2W0 Fax: 519-357-1263 We work on the pain so you stay in the game -- NIENS SHOP Father's Day , 25OFF all short sleeve knit tops Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, Britches, Mossimo, No Fear and many more. June 3rd to 16th All Jeans NO TAX everyday. 252 Josephine Street • Wingham 357-4221 PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1996 Ken Scott recalls 33 years in education By Janice Becker Thirty-three years have passed since Ken Scott first entered a classroom to teach the children of Huron County and in a few short days, he will leave East Wawanosh Public School for the last time, as its principal. Scott, who is retiring at the end of this school year, looks back fondly over the many changes he has witnessed or been a part of, in the education system of Huron. "The biggest change was the use of computers," he says. "Nine years ago, there were no computers in public school offices. I called Paul Carroll (now the director of educa- tion for the HCBE) in 1987 and spoke to him about the equipment. That year Brookside and East Wawanosh received computers with eight more coming in January 1988. The rest followed by the fall." In the early days, computers were used mostly for tracking attendance and students records, says Scott. "Huron County was on the cutting edge of technology." "Computerization makes the work quicker and easier, but there is also more paper work to be done these days. Report cards are now computerized, but we keep com- ments personalized." Computers are not the only inno- vation Scott has experienced. With the changing financial cli- mate in recent years, Scott says schools will have to alter the way they do things, offering the best programs they can with what they have to work with. "Class sizes may go up, there may be less money for books and supplies and class trips may have to be cut back, but I hope we can retain the good programs we have." Scott began his career in educa- tion in 1963, at Blyth Public School, teaching Grades 3-5, where he stayed for two years. Saving an opportunity to travel Europe with a friend for four months, he left teaching briefly. Upon his return at Christmas- time, he landed a teaching post for six months in Chesley. This was the only period during his long career when he taught outside Huron County. Returning to the area in 1966, Scott taught Grade 8 at Hullett Central Public School for one year before moving on to the role of principal in 1967 at Brussels Public School. It was during those years that the education system changed from local school boards to a central sys- tem. Scott says he saw little change with the new system except for more paper work. After an unusually long stay at that facility, 19 years, he moved to East Wawanosh Public School. "Students have not changed over the years," says Scott. "They are still conscientious, they want to do well and they see the need to stay in school to achieve that diploma at the end." However, he has seen a differ- ence in the parents. "Parents are much more involved with schools now. Parents volunteer and are in the school on a weekly basis." "I will miss the fine support of the parents and community, work- ing with the students and the fami- lies, and the friendships which have been formed," he says, "I do feel fortunate to have worked with dedi- cated and exceptional teachers, sec- retaries and support staff throughout my career." However enjoyable, Scott says, "I am looking forward to being able to do what I want, when I want." He plans to become more involved in farming, in which he has stayed active throughout his career. A few cattle, goats and maybe some cash crops will be added to his daily schedule of activities. With retirement, he will also have more time for his wood- working hobby. "When you start teaching the children of children you taught, it's time to retire," he smiles. To commemorate the retirement, staff, students, friends and cowork- ers gathered at the school, June 9, for reminiscing and entertainment. A group of retired principals amused the crowd with a musical rendition of highlights of Scott's life. Dianne Jerva, a parent, read a poem she had composed telling of Scott's time at East Wawanosh Public School. Staff member John Kerr read an address as well. Scott was presented with a patio set, two cement patio benches, a sundial, a clay bird feeder and a watering can. Scott thanked everyone for attending, for planning the celebra- tion during a busy time of year and for the many memories he will take with him. Attending the ceremony with Scott were his wife, Laura, a teach- er at Walton Public School, his son, B..J, and daughters, Christy and Shannon as well as his mother, Jean Scott and brother, Jim. Other relatives also attended. Brownies, Sparks visit zoo Shooters end season The Brownies and Sparks went on a bus trip to the Toronto Metro Zoo on Saturday, June 1. Highlights were the Koala bears and warthog babies. The children enjoyed going by the Toronto airport. They dined in Orangeville for supper on the way home. A good time was had by all the girls as well as the parents. On Thursday, June 6 the Brownies and Sparks enjoyed their year-end banquet. Leanne Elston received cyclist and preservation badge; Nicole Meier, cyclist, preservation and golden hand; Bridget Kellington, artist, athlete, cyclist, housekeeper and pet keeper badges, preservation and golden hand; Camerra Yuill, preservation badge; Ellen Procter, preservation badge and Janisa Cloakey, preservation badge. Two brownies, Bridget Kelling- ton and Nicole Meier are flying up to Guides. They each received their wings and certificates. People Continued from page 7 Procter. Maxine Zettler, Amanda and Alicia of RR 4, Walkerton visited last Tuesday evening with her mother, Beth. Last Saturday, Mrs. Larry Mayberry of Londesboro also visited with her mother, Beth. On Tues., June 4 Mrs. Phillip Stopforth of Oakville attended the funeral of Alice Procter and later visited with her mother, Beth. Ashley Irwin of Ashfield Twp. spent last weekend at her grandmother's Betty Irwin. Nicole Meier received a badge for friendliness, Bridget Kellington for generous, Leanne Elston for most courteous. Karin Marks was presented with a mug with the World's Greatest Junior leader on it and Lauren Walker received a Parish hosts social The Belgrave United Church Country Social will take place on Saturday, June 22 at the United Church and the Women's Institute Hall. It was previously known as the Belgrave Welsh Fayre. There will be a bake stall, penny auction, plants and produce, crafts and miscellaneous, children's corner and youth group activities. It commences at 4 p.m. with a cold meat and salad supper from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. carnation from the girls for helping out all year. There was only one Spark, Shauna Dawson, flying to Brownies. Leanne Swanson was presented with a potted plant. We're going back in time The Citizen is compil- ing a commemorative his- tory book for the Village of Brussels in conjunction with Homecoming '97. Anyone with old photos or information, please drop in to either of our offices, or call 887-9114 or 523-4792. Everyone who is, or was, part of the village is important and we want to hear your story. A shoot party was held at the Belgrave Community Centre with 15 tables in play. Winners were: high lady, Donna Craig; second high lady, Marie Merkley; most shoots, Nell Johnston; low lady, Agnes Gaunt; high man, Lloyd Appleby; second high man, Joe Courtney; most shoots, Bob Grasby; low man, Laura Johnston (playing as a man). This was the last shoot party until the fall.