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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2006-09-06, Page 4Page 4 September 6, 2006 • The Huron Expositor g. recil cargo inside Opinion Proprietor and Publisher, Bowes Publishers Limited, 11 Main St., Seaforth, ON, NOK 1WO They're big and painted bright yellow, but given the precious cargo they carry, there can't be too many precautions when it comes to school buses. With classes resuming this week, it's important that motorists be aware of children whether they are boarding or leaving buses, walking to school or are in school zones. Despite flashing school bus lights, requiring dri- vings to stop in both directions, some drivers sim- ply don't comply Such violations call for fines up to $2,000 and as of last year, it became much easier to prosecute such cases. Steve Howe, manager of communications for the Avon Maitland District School Board, says the vehicle owner is now responsible, whether he or she was driving or not. No longer do police have to prove who was driving the vehicle during the offence, which was . often difficult. There are two improvements in school bus equip- ment being phased in to enhance safety. As of Jan. 1 of last year, all new buses are required to be fit- ted with an arm that extends forward of the bus, forcing students to walk around it, ensuring they are in view of the driver. Without it, young children, walking directly in front of the bus's front bumper might not be visible to the driver. Until all older buses not equipped with arms are retired, pupils are being trained to cross well in front of the bus. The other equipment enhancement being phased in is a switch from four flashing lights to eight, four on each of the front and back of the bus. Eight school boards in the region are also in the third year of a TV advertising campaign, reminding motorists to stop for flashing lights and reminding parents to meet young children at the bus. Response has been so positive several boards throughout Canada are paying the eight boards to use it in their areas, which helps keep the program going. There is also a French version. As classes resume, all drivers should obey speed limits in' school zones and be prepared to stop sud- denly, because children sometimes dart into traffic. Remember that the yellow on the school bus means caution. London Free Press Parents should take their own advice about sleep and diet How many times were you reminded throughout your childhood to "Eat your breakfast, it's the most important meal of the day" or "Go to bed early, you have a big day tomorrow." For the most part, it was our parents who were there continuously nagging us, telling us what they thought were the appropriate steps to take to ensure we lived a healthy lifestyle. And as it turns out, they weren't just mak- ing it all up. Studies show that in fact, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Ina recent email I received from the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA), it states, "Foods that `break the fast' provide optimal levels of energy and endurance, aid in concentration and fuel the brain which improves attitude and overall performance." When it comes "to getting a good night's sleep, you've heard d many different numbers thrown around. Some studies say eight hours is the mini- mum required, while others will say even more, or maybe less. However, I tend to agree with the definition given at getsomesleep.com, which is operated by a research -based pharmaceutical company, 1-1111111111111 By Jeff 1Ip the that says different people have different sleep needs. "If you wake up feeling refreshed, then you received the correct amount of sleep," the web- site says. As to the benefits of a good night's sleep, the web- site states, that "research shows the body restores itself during sleep, tissue grows and repairs itself and the immune system is strengthened." "In fact, researchers also believe the brain performs actions vital to learning and memo- ry during sleep. Sleep can also affect the lev- els of hormones and other important chemi- cals circulating in your body," it adds. All sounds good, right? Why wouldn't every- one, young and old, eat breakfast every morn- ing and get a good night's sleep? We can all see how children would benefit from feeling, refreshed and ready to learn. Adults have been well aware of this for many years. However, many of those same adults will prepare a proper breakfast for their kids in the morning, only to grab an apple and coffee as they run out the door, or tuck their kids into bed at an appropriate time, only to sit in front of the TV into the early hours of the morning. See LATE, Page 5 on & Dave And now...David will tell us how he sent his summer. I spent the summer lobbying members of the school board to abolish the school system. /-kicr The educational system does nothing to address the spiritual and social needs of society but exists solely for t e purpose of feeding the corporate - industrial complex with a pool of cheap and obedient labour to ebrich the lives of the ruling elite. r And yet Were you are.... in school. by oavid Lacey Apparently the, school board was more concerned with protecting their cushy jobs. Your Community Newspaper Since 1860 E-mail us at seaforth@bowesnet.com Visit our home page at www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com OUE e�[�/�`/-�s yam. Canada OCL:/A ;norm ei. `We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs.' SUBSCRIPTION RATES: LOCAL - 36.18 a year, in advance, plus G.S.T. SENIORS; - 34.17 a year, in advance, plus G.S.T. 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Box 69, Seaforth, ON., NOK 1 WO Avanoloalty Menem a» Comm j, Nowallopabirrrog=tbn Tom Williscraft Susan Hundertmark Publisher Editor Jeff Heuchert Reporter Bernie Dianne McGrath Marcie Riegling Advertising / ce Front office Composing Editorial and Business Offices - 11 Main Street.,Seaforth Telephone (519) 527-0240 Fax (519) 527-2858 Mailing Address - P.O. Box 69, Seaforth, Ontario, NOK MO