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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2006-02-01, Page 6411. Page 6 February 1, 2006 • The Huron Expositor First interview an interesting experience From Page 4 `Hello'. That first interview was an interesting expe- rience. As a reporter I not only learned about the art of belly dancing at the Vanastra Rec Centre, but I was also privileged with the opportunity of partici- pating in a class. Although I never got paid in money during my time working here, the experience that I received was tremen- dous. It has helped me to determine a path for my future and given me good insight into what to expect from future jobs, whether in the newspa- per industry or not. And even if my near - future jobs do not involve writing, I know I - will always write because it's such an inspiring and enjoyable aspect of my life. Before my co-op expe- rience, I only knew about the structures of essays and my own writ- ing style. 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MONSTER CABLE Sales and Service Since 1835 10 Huron St., Clinton www.grovestv.com 482-9414 News Huron -Perth school boards surveying students on bullying Stew Slater On their own initiative and with the encouragement of the provincial government, the two publicly -funded school boards in Huron and Perth Counties are aiming to improve the social environment in their schools by countering bullying and by pro- moting positive character attributes. Together, the Huron -Perth Catholic District School Board and the Avon Maitland District School Board have acted on Education Minister Gerard Kennedy's announcement of a Bullying Prevention Strategy by launching a new survey of all students from Grade 6-12. The anonymous survey will be adminis- tered in February, with the expectation that results and analysis will be reported back to trustees in June. Meanwhile, the Avon Maitland board's Citizenship Working Group continues to progress, with the approval of 10 character attributes the board hopes to promote through various means. The list -- respect, responsibility, integrity, empathy, honesty, compassion, perseverance, fairness, optimism and courage -- was derived through consultation with community leaders from various socio-economic sectors, who par- ticipated in two well -attended forums last fall. "This campaign will show that these aren't the only important things in the world, but this is a very good starting point," said execu- tive officer Ted Doherty, while explaining the list of attributes to trustees on Tuesday, Jan. 24. The plan isn't to create specific activities about the list, 'but rather .to develop staff training resources which would assist teach- ers and principals in promoting these attrib- utes while carrying out their existing duties. Promoting such attributes could definitely ION CLEANSING A new way to cleanse the body of toxins in an easy and effortless way. Gift Certificates Available For more information or to book an appointment Please call Ruth Feeney at 522-0896 decrease bullying, and that's the same goal as the new surveys. "We look forward to working with parents and community partners to use this survey as another means of maintaining safe and order- ly environments for all students," states a news release from the Catholic . board about the project. It's all part of the two boards' Bullying Prevention Plan, for which funding was first announced by the provincial government in the fall of 2004. Other parts of that announcement included funding for the installation of security and video monitoring devices, and a toll-free tele- phone hotline for concerns about bullying. Details of the Bullying Prevention Plans were provided last week to trustees of both boards, during regular meetings. Elements include links to resources on the board websites, participation -- along with other community stakeholders -- on the Huron County Bullying Prevention Committee, analysis of all board procedures to ensure bullying is not condoned or promot- ed, and planning for the creation of safety and bullying -related committees in each school. The main component is the survey, howev- er, on which the boards worked together. It contains about 75 statements, and stu- dents will be asked the degree to which they_. agree with the statements. Statements are grouped into various themes, ranging from location of bullying to type of bullying to dealing with bullying and student perception. No names are attached. According to Avon Maitland principal Mike Ash, who presented a report about that board's plan to trustees, it's possible another survey will be conducted in another three years or so, to see what changes have taken place. Seaforth joining Communities in Bloom with partner Petrolia Deputy -Clerk Brad Knight presented to council Jan. 24 Seaforth's Communities in Bloom committee's first decision for 2006. The committee SEAFORTH INSURANCE Ai° BROKER LTD./HIMG • Home • Commercial *Auto • Farm • Out of Province Travel Insurance 41 Main St. S. Seaforth 527-1610 Ken Cardno, Joanne Williamson, Christa O'Neil and Barb Watt decided that their dominant colours will be red and white, with an accent of yellow, fuchsia and lime green. Knight said a group of eager citi- zens will be putting together a pre- sentation for the Horticultural Society's annual meeting in March. Seaforth is partnering with Petrolia to take part in the national program Communities in Blooms. Seaforth will be mentored by Petrolia, which participated in the program last year. By JefHeuchert