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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2006-09-06, Page 9News The Huron Expositor • September 6, 2006. Poas 9 Education minister takes tractor for spin while launching new ag program for high. schools Cheryl Heath Ontario's Minister of Education took a test drive with a student as the instructor Friday at St. Anne's Catholic Secondary School in Clinton. Education Minister Sandra Pupatello took the steering column of the tractor- to highlight a recent- ly -unveiled provincial government initiative that will see new certifi- cate programs offered through 26 boardsof education, provincewide. That initiative includes an agri- culture -focussed program at St. Anne's school. During a nearly hourlong press conference which drew local digni- taries, program partners, business leaders and school board officials, Pupatello marked the official launch of the program, known as the Specialist High Skills Majors, alongside two St. Anne's students planning to enroll in the courses this fall. "We need to mold our agenda to fit the needs of the student," said Pupatello. Pupatello said the program is being offered as part of the Liberal government's strategy to ensure 85 per cent of students leave high school with a diploma since that fig- ure had dropped to 68 per cent under the Progressive Conservative government's stringent curriculum. Pupatello said many community partners, including the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program ( O Y A P ) , F.anshawe College, and numerous agri- culture business- es are making the program pos- sible. Huron -Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell said the agriculture - focussed courses are welcome additions to the curriculum as NUNUWNG Brian O'Reilly • Marriage • Personal Growth • Executive Coaching •Life Coaching wwwl►umnpocmtwplus.com 5111-522-1032 Brucefield youth must be drawn into the industry. to ensure there "enough people to work the land and produce high quality, safe food." "Programs like this are really the stepping stones to make change," she said. "We must maintain a very strong agricultural base and give it the tools it needs to move forward." Mitchell also thanked business leaders and the community for ral- lying behind the initiative. St. Anne's student Matt Van Osch, who was introduced by Pupatello as a youth with ,plans to become a fourth-generation farmer, lauded the program. "I know it's exactly what I was looking for," he said, noting he is "hopeful" that he will one day be able to operate his family's 200 -acre dairy farm — though he noted changes in the industry means that is "becoming harder to do." "I really appreciate the board bringing it to Huron County and St. Anne's," he added. St. Anne's student Kyle DeCourt, who also plans a career in the ag -business, said the new courses are a welcome addition to the curriculum, and will help build a foundation for his future career. Larry Langan, director of educa- tion for the Huron -Perth Catholic District school board, thanked both the minister and the youth. "I'm so proud of our students," he said. The Huron Perth Catholic District school board is piloting a primary Are you remembering to dial 10 -digits? October 14th deadline is fast approaching! As many of you have already encountered, 10 digit dialing has started. In the latter part of June, callers who dialed 7 digits may have heard an intercept message reminding them to dial 10 digits before placing the call. Please note, that starting October 14 any calls dialed as 7 digits WILL NOT be accepted and you will need to redial your call as 10 digits. '/'VCKWMITH COMMON CA*/ONs COOMaRAW i LTD. 519-263-2211 www.tcc.on.ca Huron -Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell watches as Education Minister Sandra Pupatello and St. Anne's student Matt Van Osch take a tractor for a spin. industry major that is focussed on the agriculture sector with an emphasis on equipment. The ministry noted the program is packaged with co-op placements to lead students to agricultural careers, apprenticeships or college. tech programs. Do YOU -MED- n IAMILY PNYSICI � N? If you or a family member does not have a family physician, then the Huron Family Health Team in Seaforth is for you. HOW WE. CAN HELP YOU... * Quality care - the Team is bringing together different health care providers - family physicians,nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dietitians and others * Access - the Team will ensure Health Care access for you and your family STEPS WE ARE TAKING FOR YOU... #1 Registering all those presently without a family physician. #2 Starting to form the team with a family physician, a nurse practitioner and a pharmacist. #3 Building a business plan to serve the Huron County under -serviced patient population #4 Appointments have begun to be scheduled. GET STARTED NOW... Register by phone: (519) 887-8886 or (519) 527-2431 or (519) 440-6020. Register by mail: Forms are available at the Seaforth and Brussels libraries or print from website www.huroneast.com. Information gathered will be kept confidential solely for the use of the Team.