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The Huron Expositor, 1995-02-08, Page 22 -TIMI HURON IJIXPO$IITOII, t:eWory 8, 1888 Education Will three -year-olds go to school? carefully planned process �. �•, BY GREGOR CAMPBELL Expositor Staff Change in Ontario's schools seems certain soon. And local trustees and educators appear cautiously supportive of most directions recommended by the recently released Royal Commission on Learning Report, For the Love of Learning. "In Seneral I would say the whole report is excellent," says Tuckersmith/Hensall Public School Trustee Allan Carter of Harpurhey. "Certainly there are a few areas in it that may not be acceptable to the rural community, sending three- year -olds to school may not be what we desire. But overall I think the basic principles are what we need in the system." The Royal Commission recommends the province immediately offer school readiness programs for all three -year-olds whose parents wish to enroll them. The Report states commissioners were "impressed by a substantial amount of research that suggests that if kids began school a year earlier - at three years, instead of junior kindergarten at four, and full- time instead of half-time - their future educational development would be positively affected", and later comments this might "minimize the consequences of poverty on learning and decrease the other emotional baggage that burdens so many of today's children." MERE DIAPER CHANGERS? Critics were quick to condemn the direction, raising safety concerns with bussing, and calling it potentially too costly and universal day care by another name. One editorial commented: "What next? Including a course for diaper changing in teacher's college?" "The Royal Commission feels young folks need to be in learning environments and getting together earlier in life," Trustee Carter says. "The most learning you do is in your earlier years. Now some people might say you learn a lot at home, which you do. I guess with the separations and troubled families and what not,. that's why I say it maybe relates more to the city environments than it does to rural Ontario, although we do have all those situations." The ltoyat Co'mrnissioti's conclusions on earlier education were influenced by European examples. "Children who come through a c full 1 ed process of early Paul Carroll HCBE Director education gain significantly in competence, coping skills, and (not the least important) in positive attitudes towards learning," its report states: "Excellent education enhances their understanding of the value of formal learning while it seems to expand teachers' expectations of children's capacities. Most observers agree that teachers' expectations of their students are very nearly a self- fulfilling prophecy, so anything that demonstrates to teachers that they can realistically hold high expectations for all their students is to be devoutly desired." A NEW MODEL Huron County Board of Education Director Paul Carroll of Seaforth done by people who are specially area four years ago. trained," Carroll says. "I believe Trustee Ryan says the numbers that although it will be werelow in JK's first year, but the controversial, it will lead to a much concept is now far more accepted• more affordable approach to "I would say the majority of education." FAYS3 people are now sending their The co-operationP of teachers will children to junior kindergarten," he be required in all of this, and there smosaysothly. "Busing has run very are major implications for smoothly. The buses are going up enrolment and the Board's physical wiel1d dbe filled tn the oc pacity. o they might as plant, although exact studies have "But keep in mind bussing is not been done- based on a grant we receive from "'The question that is going 1° be the government and that's picked Storemede Plain or Garlic SAUSAGE 2.391o. Bruce Packers 2.99 Ib. BACON Dell Sliced SchnNder$ JUMBO SUMMER SAUSAGE 5.991b. Winter hours: Monday - CLOSED, Tuesday - Friday 9-6, Saturday 9-5 the toughest one to answer is how up by the taxpayer basically," he is it paid for?" Carroll says. "Isitit adds. "So to say there is no added going to be paid for from cost to junior kindergarten bussing - existing support structure in the sure there is!" community and social service The Huron Public School system ministries?" introduced "beginning class" for Huron -Perth Roman Catholic' four -year-olds in January 1994, and Separate School Board Trustee JK last September. Gerry Ryan of Dublin also worries "In our case I don't recall having about the cost of three-year.olds in received in this office a single the system. He estimates complaint during the start-up period enrollments might increase 25 per about transportation problems," cent, with increased costs for Education director Carroll says. bussing and facilities. With a small He adds boards in far more tax base on a per pupil basis, the remote places in this province who local separate school system is far have had JK for 25-30 years, such more dependant upon grants than is as in the Parry Sound area, report the public, he says, and a move their bussing problems as minimal. towards earlier education would ..The reality is it is not an issue," require more equitable funding for the education director says. "There �• is also an assumption that we will The Royal Commission suggested in all cases provide transportation says it is important to underscore that doing away with OACs, what and that's not necessary. There are the Commission is recommending used to be called grade 13, might some boards where the entitlement the eventual elimination of junior help defray the cost of moving to JK is dependant on the parent's and senior kindergartens along with towards early childhood education commitment to get the child to and the voluntary admission of three- in the school system. from school. And if the parent can't year-olds, thereby "marrying" early Public Trustee Carter would like address that then the child can't childhood education with school to see more facts and figures here. enrol because there isn't a bus programs. "There is quite a difference alternative." "I believe the model really should between providing class space for Trustee Carter says there have be explored," Carroll says. "I know three -year-olds than 'there is been no unpleasant incidents at all there is controversy about the age providing class space for OACs, with JK bussing, , although a group but we're not talking about whether it be numbers or the parent's concern with his or her `sending' three -year-olds to school. handling of the children," he says. child's safety is understandable, and I think this option quite frankly is `"Tile little three -year-olds take a lot only human nature. better. I do not know what the of handling but with OACs you can "We try to put the busses in a Board thinks. The Board has not match a class and have one teacher. position that safetyis number one - discussed this and they may take "But you've got to realize this is hat has to be one," he says. another position. But from the point the '90s and there is going to be "Sometimes we do get into a of view of being a taxpayer I think change," the trustee adds. situation where a bus maybe it would be less expensive for us to "1 don't think the Royal doesn't run the same way in the deal with this that way." Commission ever though of using morning and night, so maybe you The education director says teachers in this area because it is have the JK students on the bus staffing such a model is a theme the unaffordable. If we have to put early in the morning and they will Royal Commission also raised, teachers into classes of 15 or 18 for be last off. It's not first on, first off these smaller age children - we in some situations because of safety can't afford that." issues. They want to make sure that BUSSING AND JK the bus is going the right way so Bussing did not prove to be as the child gets off the bus on the controversial an issue as some right side of the road and walks up critics would now make it during _ the ,laneway rather than having to the recent implementation of junior cross the highway." kindergarten for area boards. .One of a series. Next week: calling for a "new balance" between teachers and other educational technicians and specialists, for instance experts in early childhood education. "'Die-implicationsare really rather profound if you look at the total educational system and re -dividing the responsibilities so that teachers The Huron -Perth Roman Catholic Getting parents and public are teaching and all the other things Seperate School Board was the first involved , in the educational we're supposed to be doing are to have JK for four -year-olds in this process in Huron County. � YP� Town wants to avoid 'lame du continued from front page Will Seaforth have a 'lame duck' police force in the transition period between municipal and provincial police forces? The OPP was asked that question by the Town of Seaforth. The town was informed that if municipal service deteriorates leading up to the OPP acceptance, that can be addressed. The OPP costing ,proposal will likely be affected by revised costing within the provincial police force but the town's policing cost may actually go down. There is no guarantee that the current Seaforth police officers will stay in Seaforth when the town switches to OPP. They will be guaranteed for three years to stay in the Goderich detachment area. Most councilors and police ser- vices board members received very little public response to the switch to OPP. Only Police Services Board Chairperson Lin Steffler said she received three calls, all opposing the switch to OPP. One gentleman said, "The OPP don't know anything about Seaforth." Steffler asked if anyone had con- sulted with the current police officers to see what they thought Hospital Board has new appointees There were several appointments made t� the Seaforth Community Hospital Board. of Governors recently. Seaforth Mayor Irwin Johnston was named to the board as well as McKillop councillor Sharon McClure. Margaret Smale was elected to the board as Hospital Auxiliary representative. Howard Hackwell, from Grey Township, was re -appointed to the board as were Robert Norris (Hibbert), Eric Anderson (Hullett) and Leona McDonald (Morris). ••• Seaforth Community Hospital will have its next accreditation survey, in December of 1995. The review, by the Canadian Council on Health Facilities Associ- ation, may change in format from previous years. The hospital is nearing the end of the three-year accreditation it earned during the last review. ••• Seaforth Community Hospital received the final instalment of $11,000 from the Ministry of Health for the construction of its helicopter landing pad. The total cost of the heliport, which was funded by the province, was about $41,000. The cost included construction and studies. ••• Several fire departments in Huron County have been discussing the prospect of fire dispatching service from the 24-hour switchboard at Seaforth Community Hospital. The hospital services are already used by the Seaforth PUC and fire departments in Clinton and Seaforth. • • • Seaforth Community Hospital has a $24,000 surplus since April but that includes the use of a one-time surplus held over from last year. Without the use of the one-time reserve the hospital would have a deficit of $15,000 at the end of December. "We're holding our own," said Bill Thibert, Chief Executive Officer for the hospital. • • • • Seaforth Community Hospital complies with the new Tobacco Control Act, says the facility's administrator. There is one designated smoking room for patients and staff, said Bill Thibert, Chief Executive Officer. "We're going to be looking at our smoking policy within a year," he said. "There vire concern about what the cost might be to properly ventilate that room." ••• Seaforth Community Hospital may have to spend money to save money. After the completion of an energy conservation study the hospital will consider installing variable -speed fans in air handling units and replace some lighting. Although there would be some cost it could save money in the long run by reducing energy expenses. about the switch to OPP. "The only negative aspect I see is losing control of our costs," said Coun. John Ball. Seaforth Coun. Brian Ferguson said once the town opts for OPP there is no going back. "'There is no possibility of return," said Ferguson. It will be very hard for council to find the extra funds to pay for the increasing costs of policing, said Ferguson, one of only two council- lors to vote against OPP policing. "We're going to have to find that additional money somewhere." Police board member Bob Dinsmore noted the town will lose two parking spots on Main Street ck' force ou asked us: uestion: Is there such a thing as a safe tan? ,[ 1 nswer: Although the jury is still out on the true effects of sun exposure, the science of heliotherapy indicates that the sun plays an important role in our health and well being. Dr. Micheal Holick at Boston University School of Medicine has released studies indicating that from October to April sunlight levels are too low for Vitamin D production. Tanning beds may be acceptable substitutes for sun exposures and can be used to stimulate Vitamin D production. Significant seasonal bone loss due to a lack of Vitamin D is prominent in areas with reduced winter sunlight and can lead to osteoporosis. Over exposure and burning can lead to skin cancer in some cases. However, with balance we can benefit from the sun's gifts. Vitamin D is necessary for proper calcium and magnesium absorption. 30% to 40% ,of elderly men and women with hip fractures are Vitamin D deficient. V r r Meet our Staff Hairstylists: Elsie Willems, Karen Ryan, Heidi Soudant and Barb Forrest Esthetician: Bonnie Johnson Thurs. 5-9 Fn. 9-3 - Sat. 9-1 Our Fibre Action perms are on Special till Sat. Feb. 25th, for 25.95 reg. 32 00 Long hair is extra, and cut is 59.00. Bonnie will be attending a problem skin seminar in April. Matrix Nourrisa-- Eve treatments for mature skin is on Special for 1h.95 - reg. 20.00 %Ve have Gift Baskets and Gift Certificates available tor your "Special Valentine" that suits any budget. Happy Valentine's MAIN , 11$tg1eS I1 527-0780 SEAFORTH which must be reserved for the OPP. He also said there could be an extra cost for enforcing bylaws. The OPP has said it will enforce traffic and safety bylaws but not such bylaws as animal control legislation. Seaforth Coun. Heather Robinet, who also voted against the OPP proposal, said Seaforth people may lose familiar small-town services and face a slower response time from OPP. Some new police officers may be brought into Seaforth when the town switches to Ontario Provincial Police service. Seaforth's civilian Special Con- stable will not be taken on by the OPP and could be laid off. 1876 NOTICE OF 1995 ANNUAL MEETING The 119th Annual Meeting of the Members will be held in the OFFICE BUILDING of Established 1876 McKILLOP MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 91 Main Street South, Seaforth, Ontario on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1995 at 1:30 p.m. - to receive and dispose of the 1993 Financial and Auditor's Reports, - to appoint Auditors, - to elect 3 directors. The retiring directors are John Tebbutt, Walter Mcllwain, Matt Haney. All are eligible for re-election. - to transact any other business that may properly come before the meeting. - Any person wishing to seek election or re-election as a Director must file his intention to stand for election in writing with the Secretary of the Company at least seven days in advance of the Annual Meeting. (By-law #21 (d). JAMES CARDIFF Secretary -Treasurer -Manager THE HURON -PERTH COUNTY ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPARATE SCHOOL BOARD. KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION will be held For... .junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten on Wednesday, February 15, 1995 , 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In order to register for Kindergarten, children must be four (4) years of age on or before December 31, 1995. Parents are required to bring the Baptismal Certificate, Birth Certificate and Immunization Record Card of the child you intend to register. Parents should contact the school in which you intend to register your child for an appointment prior to the registration dote to obtain registration information/material that should be completed at home and brought to the registration meeting. The location for Kindergarten classes will be as follows St. Joseph's School (KINGSBRIDGE) Mike Boniface, Principal RR3 GODERICH 529-7646 St. Columban School Ed Cappelli, Principal RR 2 DUBLIN 345-2086 Our body of Mount Carmel School Dave Sharpe, Principal RR 3 DASHWOOD 237-3337 St. Joseph's School Dennis Mackey, Principal 169 Beech Street CLINTON 482 7035 Precious Blood School Sandy McQuillan, Principal. Sanders Street, West, EXETER 235-1691 St. Mary's School Fran Craig, Principal 70 Bennett Street, E, GODERICH 524-9901 St. James School Jim McDade, Principal Chalk Street, SEAFORTH 527-0321 Jeanne Souve School Don Farwell, Principol 8 Grunge Street, STRATFORD 273-3396 St. Boniface School Laurie Kraftcheck, Principal Mary Street ZURICH 236-4335 Sacred Heart School Jim Stefller, Principal Cornyn Street WINGHAM 357-1090 St. Mary's School (HESSON) Adrian Pontsioen, Principal RR 4 USTOWEL 595-8929 St. Ambrose School Gary Birmingham, Principal 181 Louise Street STRATFORD 271-7544 St. Joseph's School Mike Dewan, Principal 363 St Vincent St, STRATFORD 271.3574 St. Aloysius School Mike Dewan, Principal 228 Avondale Ave STRATFORD 271-3636 Holy Name of Mary School Joe MacDonald, Principal 161 Peel Street ST MARYS 284 2170 St. Patrick's School, Kinkora Paul Nickel, Principal RR1 SEBRINGVILLE 393-5580 Parents who expect shot their child will enrol in the optional French Immersion Program in Grade 1, in future years, hove the option of enrolment for Junior/Senior Kindergarten at either their local Catholic School or the French Immersion Centre (St. Mary's School, Goderich or Jeanne Sauve School, Stratford) at which they expect to enrol their child for French Immersion program. L Morten J S Brown, M A, Ed D, Chairperson of the Board Director of Education aeolP