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Huron Expositor, 2006-08-30, Page 9News The Huron Expositor • August 30, 2006 Page 9 St. Anne's pre -apprentice program chosen as model for new provincial pilot project .Stew Slater While students were enjoying a summer outside classes, administrators of an innovative co-operative edu- cation program run by the Huron -Perth Catholic District School Board were hunkered down at their desks. They were "writing and re -writing" the program so it could be transformed irito what the provincial Education Ministry hopes will become a better way for leading young people into careers in agriculture: At a regular meeting. Monday, Aug. 28, Huron - Perth trustees learned the agriculture -based "pre- apprentice program" at St. Anne's Catholic Secondary School in Clinton .- which was developed in partner- ship with Fanshawe College in London - had been chosen as a model for one of 27 pilot projects for the province's new "Specialist High -Skills Major." The SHSM was part of an announcement in December, 2005, aimed at broadening the types of training activi- ties which could be used towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. "It recognizes that, for stu- dents who might be proceed- ing into the world of work, some of the best strategies for setting them on their way will be by allowing them to try out different career paths," explained' Huron -Perth education superintendent Dan Parr. Not too long after that announcement - in March, 2006 the awarding of a "Rural_ High Schools Lighthouse" grant showed the Education Ministry had become aware of the rela- tively new pre -apprentice program at Huron -Perth Catholic's two secondary schools, which the board's Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program director Tim Martens dubbed "Direct Connect Your Future." The program offered career -specific, on-site train- ing through partnerships with various area employ- ers, as well as preferred entry into Fanshawe's tech- nology departments. According to Parr's report, "the ministry has since asked our board to continue to develop this innovative program into a provincial pilot. It is their intent, and ours, that we will be able to provide an operating, suc- cessful example of SHSM in the area of Agricultural Technology." , "We're learning, slowly, that individual courses aren't really what students and parents are looking for as a way to prepare them- selves. They don't offer enough of a glimpse of the future," Parr said in an interview. "But if it's something that's wrapped around an ongoing program that leads into post -secondary activi- ties, then it's something they can grab hold of." Parr provided a break- down of requirements for all students hoping to earn the new agriculture -based SHSM high school diploma. Students will need a simi- lar number of credits as any other successful graduate, with the first two years of their studies looking quite similar to their counter- parts. But there are required credits in nine areas of study over the final two years of high school. Required credits include Transportation Technology and Agricultural Technology, as well as English and Math. And some participation in .co-operative education (workplace study) is required. . Parr's report included a long list of possible career or post -secondary education paths which might be open for graduates of the agricul- ture -based SHSM program. They include such things as apprentice- ships on farms or machinery dealerships, studies in commerce or engineering, or work in various Former mayor nominated by son as next tohave street named after him Susan Hundertmark The late Senator William H. Golding was nominated to Huron East council by his son Frank A. Golding as the next person to have a street named after him in Huron East. A letter to council's Aug. 22 meeting from Frank Golding outlined his father's history as a machinist at Robert Bell Engine and Thresher Works, a for- mer Seaforth council member from 1916 to 1921 and South Huron MP from 1932 to 1949. He was appointed to the Senate in 1949 and died in 1961. "During his time as mayor he saw the com- pletion of the cenotaph in Victoria Park and in 1929, the conversion of the Scott residence to the first real hospital in Seaforth (now the Manor)," said the let- ter. "He was always held in high regard by his peers and that fact was attested in that he was never defeated when he ran for public office," it said. "We'll keep that on file and can consider it at the time if a renam- ing of a street becomes necessary," said Clerk - Administrator Jack McLachlan. fields related to agriculture. "It's very exciting for all the -communities in Huron County, in that the agricul- tural support sector of our economy is alive and well," Parr commented. Major employer partners in the program include Huron Tractor and Vincent Farm Equipment, among others. ARATIIGA AW{ ILL SUPPLIERS OF KILN DRIED HARDWOODS & WHITE PINE FLOORING. TRIMS SEASONED HARD MAPLE SLABS SEASONED HARDWOOD BODY WOOD Delivered • Hardwood Flooring • Pine Lumber • Custom Kiln Drying • Buyers of Hardwood Bush • Free tree marking & estimates • Fully Certified Crews Annual Lumber Auction October 14, 2006 37368 Dungannon Road - Phone & Fax R.R. #2, Auburn, Ontario NOM 1E0 519-529-3138 1 It's Back to School September 5 School Year Calendar 2006 - 2007 School Holidays Thanksgiving - October 9, 2006 Christmas Break - December 25, 2006 - January 5, 2007 March Break - March 9 - 16, 2007 Good Friday - April 6, 2007 Easter Monday - April 9, 2007 Victoria Day - May 21, 2007 Last Day of Classes June 28, 2007 - Elementary Schools June 21, 2007 - Secondary Schools Professional Activity Days (P.A. Days) September 29, 2006, November 1, 2006, December 8, 2006, February 1, 2007, April 23, 2007, June 29, 2007 Secondary Exam Days January 25 — January 31, 2007 June 21 — 28, 2007 Clip & Sage Kindergarten Children are eligible to attend school if they are 4 years of age by December 31, 2006. Parents wishing to register their child(ren) In junior or senior kindergarten should contact their local school for Information. Kindergarten registration for the 2007 - 200 school year will be held November 2 - 30, 2006. Our Mission: To unlock the potential within all of our learners Geoff Williams For moreifon.atlos Flat. costate es at: Meg WesdeY Director of Education T.Is 1-1100-592-S437 (.hart .-.act: r•%Ak.an4ts.a webi www.yourschools.ca ammenear-- Imo ago eonors som on imp Imo -- coo soaoaamaaameooni