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Home My WebLink AboutThe Huron Expositor, 1995-09-13, Page 5• Harris blasted at forum attended by local women A women teachers' group has challenged the Ontario govern-. meat of Mike Harris on several issues including employment equity. Eight members of the Huron Women Teachers' Association attended the annual meeting the Federation of Women Teachers' Associations (FWTAO) held in Toronto in mid-August. More than 700 delegates from across Ontario debated professional issues including class size, employment equity, and violence against women and children. Since the government has ended employment equity, the delegates also questioned the government's commitment to ensuring that all the people in the province have equal oppor- tunity. Teachers asked how promised improvements to the Ontario Human Rights Com- mission could possibly replace strong employment equity legislation. The women teachers claimed that their own experience over many years of fighting for equality show that progress has only been made when equity programs are mandatory. The Federation also announced the production of a new video, - Someone Else's Nightmare, a case study of three : FWTAO members who were wrongly accused of assault by students. The video coaches teachers on avoiding charges, warns of the risk of making physical contact with students and gives advice on procedures to follow when charges are brought against a member. The Federation also takes a strong position on the need to protect children from abuse, and members are con- cerned about the chilling effect of a hands-off approach in the classroom where children often - need displays of _ love and acceptance to boost self-esteem and- validate their efforts. On Aug. 16, John Snobelen, the Minister of Education, addressed the Federation del- egates with the same 'Educa- tion as a Service Organization' speech he had used the night before to the Ontario Public School Teachers' Federation. He equated the students as clients, parents and taxpayers as customers and education as a service organization. He called teachers the "front-line service providers" who have to be more accountable to the clients and customers for results. He also plans to har- ness technology by tracking "clients" progress for testing and evaluation and supports an American-style outside testing agency to report to the public. While Snobelen endorses large scale use of technology, he had no indication of where the funds to support this would come from. He also would not commit his Government to continued funding for a volun- tary junior kindergarten (JK) program. Mandatory JK, put in place by the NDP government, is up for review. Within seconds of Snobelen completing his speech, del- egates were lined up at the microphones with questions and comments. Many urged Snobelen - a school drop-out - to come to their classrooms because, according to the group, he had no understanding of the realities faced by teachers and students. Several inner city teachers testified to many children's experiences of poverty, fear and insecurity - experiences which need to be overcome before Teaming can take place. Former FWTAO president Carol Dewey took great excep- tion to being called a service provider because "that dehu- manizes our teachers and dehu- manizes the relationships with our students and our parents." Incoming president Cheryl Hoshizaki also rejected the terminology used by the Minis- ter of Education. "Business language is not child-friendly...it is production- oriented...it is competitive and cut-throat." Hoshizaki carried out the minister's metaphor further by referring to children as an "investment" in the future. She stressed her belief that early childhood education, including. JK, is one of the best invest- ments government can make, and she urged Snobelen to accept the invitation of dozens of delegates on the. floor to visit schools and see the reality within, before committing "to any business -style initiatives. Canadian Teachers' Feder- ation president Maureen Morris claimed, "One of the primary myths we need to dispel is the 'education is a business' myth...children are individuals -- not little widgets that roll off a conveyor line." Snobelen managed to keep cool if somewhat hot under the collar - while on the Federation's hot seat and was able to deflect some tough questioning, remarking that "this is tougher than cabinet meetings." Farm safety group recommends extreme caution filling silos The farm Safety Association recommends that farmers take extreme care this fall when filling silos. Heavy rainfall, damage from hail during severe thunderstorms and wind damage,to crops in some areas of Ontario may have created a situation where silo gas may be more of a problem this year than others. Silo gas has been reported from several counties in Southwestern Ontario. Climatic conditions play a large role in the formation of deadly silo gas, and weather conditions this summer have caused some farm safety experts to issue warnings concerning the gas. Silo gas or nitrogen dioxide is produced as a by-product of the fermentation process that takes place once plant material is put into a silo. A variety of climatic stresses on the plant material during the growing season can dramatically increase the possibility of toxic gases forming. To avoid silo gas, farmers are advised not to harvest crops immediately after a rainfall. Conversely, crops damaged by hail or frost should be harvested as quickly as possible to avoid build-up of excess . nitrate in the plant material. If weather or other factors have increased the possibility of nitrate build-up, plant material should be cut higher than normal, as excess nitrates are stored in the lower portion of corn stalks. Silo gas may be visible within a few hours after silo filling and may be recognized by a bleach -like odour and may be visible as a yellowish -brown haze. Dead flies or birds at the base of the silo may also be an indicator of the gas. Once a silo is filled, it should be sealed and declared off- limits for at least a three week period. Levelling of silage should be done immediately after the last load is put in with the blowers running. If gas is suspected, do not enter. During this period of time the silo should not be entered unless all rules for confined space entry are closely followed and a self-contained breathing apparatus is used. Ladies' Auxiliary hosts successful Sunday dinner at Legion Branch The recent Sunday dinner held by the Ladies Auxiliary was again a success and the committee would like to thank everyone who helped to make it a success. This Sunday, Branch 156 will be holding a dedication service for the new sign which was presented by the Ladies Auxiliary in commemoration of the anniversay of the end of World War II. September 17 is also the start of 'Legion Week' across Canada. All legion members and the public are cordially invited. to attend this special event. Chairman Jean Ross has informed me that the seniors cards on Mondays will start on 1 J Seaforth Legion b Barbara Scott Sept. . opes to see you all there. The new Provincial Service Officer has been appointed and will be at the Branch on Oct. 25 at 9 a.m. If you require an appointment with Mr. R. Groundwater please contact Cleave Coombs at 527-1155 for an appointmnent. The September Executive meeting will be held on Thurs. Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember item. THE HURON EXPOSITOR, $.ptemb•• 13, 1119S-5 The 1995-96 BEARS BOOSTER CARDS ARE HERE!! The Seaforth District High School is selling the Bears Booster Card in an effort to raise money for our Student Council. This card offers many discounts at local stores and costs only $1a°°. Anna' s Dress Shoppe 15% o re. g priced items only Hildebrand Paint and Paper 20% off book orders of wallcoverings not already on sale. Seaforth Bike Shop p 10% off all accessories Sark 's p y 5% discount on • all food products Archie's Service Centre $S.00o off oil change g The Hobby Shop 5% off collectors plates Seaforth Co -Op Do -It Centre 20% off all reg. priced pet food and supplies Studio 75 10% off hair cuts Becker's 10% off purchases over $5.00 *some restrictionsapply Huron Expositor One free classified ad; 25 words or less, $4.50 value. One Time Deal. SDHS Cafeteria $1.00 off Wednesday Special Tasty -Nu Bakery 10% off cheese that is not on sale. Cardno's Men's Wear 10% o re g price only Huron Sports Outfitters 10% off fishing accessories SDHS Store 10% off reg. priced items in store TMP $5.00 off oil change - pay no GST on all service appointments The Computer Planning Centre 10% off accessories, non -sale items Janet's Country Donut Cafe 10% discount on purchases Seaforth Golf and Count Club Country 15% off clothing - no discount on items already on sale. Tremeers Commercial Printers 10% off All Non -sale Items Egmondville Store 10% off all gift baskets Keatings .Pharmacy 10% off reg. priced cosmetics and perfumes Seaforth Grocery Double Coupon Quantity Vincent Farm Equipment No taxes on Westward Tools - LIFETIME GUARANTEED Elza's Hair Design 10% off retail only. J' Main St.Video 3 for 2 movie rentals,.Mon.- Thurs., excluding holidays. Buy 2 books get 1 free. $1.00 off purchases of a movie or C.D. Seaforth Jewellers 10% off purchases over $20.00 - in stock reg. priced items only Winthrop General Store Rent 2 movies and get 3rd Free Flower Magic by Jean 15% discount on cash and carry New Orleans Pizza Free pop with a slice of pizza or a sub between 11 - 2 { Seaforth Sewing Centre 10% off reg. price in -stock merchandise Wong's Grill Tues. - Thurs. - 5% off all meals (EAT -IN) excluding specials Future's Hair Design 15% of fall retail . Products - hair care, nailcare,and tanning lotions included. Pete's Paper Clip 10% off reg. pricecT merchandise ($10.00 min. purchase) Sharon Medd at Mclntee Free House Evaluation - One Time Deal Wood You Like To Paint 10% off all reg. priced unfinished wood pieces Hildebrand Flowers 10% off cash and carry purchases over $30.00 Seaforth Automotive 10% off light truck and car batteries Sills Home Hardware Carpet Cleaner Rental - 112 price - One Time Only. Wuerth's Shoes 10% off all new reg. priced shoes