The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2007-07-11, Page 13The Huron Expositor • July 11, 2007 Page 13 News Triple -grade split has parent asking school board to change elementary catchment areas Stew Slater Plans for a rare triple -grade split classroom at Holmesville Public School have one parent calling for intervention from trustees of the Avon Maitland District School Board. Sue Ellen Lobb, whose child will be entering Grade 7 at the school in September, appeared before the board at its final regular meeting of the school year on Tuesday, June 26. "We need to stop thinking that triple -grade classes are okay," she told trustees during the public dele- gation portion of the meeting. Two -grade splits are almost uni- versal at small elementary schools in the district. Holmesville Public School has an enrolment this year of just over 160 students. But according to Lobb, plans for next year include a class with 11 Grade 5 students, eight Grade 7 students and the balance will be in Grade 6. "At times, there will be large gaps in interest level and maturity level. Bullying will almost certainly be a concern," she told trustees. She argued that some students who do well in school might not be challenged sufficiently, while some who don't do well in school may fall through the cracks. Speaking to reporters after her delegation, she added that, with what'•s known as the "balanced school day," the traditional hour- long lunch period and recess has been eliminated. This decreas- es the amount of unstructured time during Shoreline group approaches county over water quality concerns The Bluewater Shoreline Ratepayers' Association is seeking the county's input on its concerns with regard to water quality. Larry Adams, Chief Administrative Officer for the county, notes the letter is being sent to the Huron County Health Unit for review. Coun. Bill Dowson (Bluewater) asked for a copy of the report to be sent to the planning department for review. County Warden Deb Shewfelt also asked that it be sent to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. Access denied? Council learned the county's acces- sibility advisory committee continues to strive to find ways to draw public attention to the barriers faced by the physically challenged. The committee's recent In -Vehicle mail -out campaign, designed to draw gas stations into a program that will offer full service to the physically challenged at self -serve stations, attracted a 50 per cent response rate. Not their brand The county learned the province rejected its application for financial assistance in moving forward with a Huron County branding program, designed to increase name recogni- tion for the county, as well as to offer up a more cohesive marketing cam- paign. New grid After some debate, the county agreed to a new pay grid model for its nonunion employees. McTaggart Wettlaufer INSURANCE BROKERS INC. • AUTO • HOME • FARM • TRAVEL • COMMERCIAL • LIFE INSURANCE BROKERS Paul Wettlaufer • Amy Siemon Suzanne Zehr • Leigh Crawford Ken Hutchisoi • Bill Siemon 68'Ontario Rd. 348-9150 Mitchell 1-800-561-0183 The new system, according to Human Resources manager Darcy Michaud, will elim- inate some of the more contentious aspects of the present-day system, including its market - sensitive designation for unique positions, like Medical Officer of Health. Michaud adds it is also more clear cut as to what is required for an employee to move along the salary grid. The changes' budget impact is $146,000, effective January 2008. By Cheryl Heath Datil leaf &gee' WINNERS 1) John & Mary Melady, 50 William Street, Egmonville, $25 Gift Certificate from GT Mini Mart. 2) Herman & Christine Hoste, 69 West St. Seaforth. $25 Gift Certificate from Kelly Auto Service. 3) Thomas & Barb Shannon, 19 Side St., Seaforth $25 Gift Certificate from Anna's Dress Shoppe. Prizes can be picked up at the Huron Expositor. Congratulations to all of our winners & thanks to all of our sponsors for helping celebrate Canada Day 2007! THANKS TO ALL,PARTICIPANTS which children of the same age can socialize outside class. With the three -grade split, she said, her son will have very little time to spend with several of his Grade 7 counter- parts. Lobb called on the board to over- rule the school's current staffing plans and provide for another teacher. "We're stretching the teach- ers very thin," she said. She also urged trustees to exam- ine the catchment area boundaries for Holmesville and Huron Centennial Public School in Brucefield, which has about 450 students. The catchment areas meet near Bayfield, and Lobb suggested Bayfieldstudents could be switched from Huron Centennial to Holmesville to ease opposing enrol- ment pressures at each school. You are invited to attend these area churches St. Thomas Anglican Church AC paisfaidf Prid►dTtsWJyS 1 Jarvis St. Seaforth 519.527-1522 Rector. The Rev'd Sue Malpus. M. Dv Sunday, July 15 Worship at 9:30 am Children's Summer Program at 9:30 am NOTE: Perish office will be closed du July, Phan• messages will b. c regularly Bethel Bible Church An Associated Gospel Church 126 Main St. Seaforth 519-527-0982 Sunday Worship 10:00 am Pastor Mark Kennedy EVERYONE WELCOME NORTHSIDE UNITED CHURCH 54 Goderich St. W. Rev. John Gould CLOSED FOR VACATION July 8 -August 5 St. James Roman Catholic Church Welcomes you 14 Victoria Street, Seaforth 519-527-0142 Sunday Mass 11:00 am St. Patricks, Dublin Sat. Mass 5 pm - Sun. Mass 9 am Fr. Chris Gillespie Egmondville United Church Pastor Steve Hildebrand Sunday, July 15 Summer Hours 10:30 am Guest Speaker: Sand Morris First Presbyterian Church Goderich St. W., Seaforth Rev. Henry Huberts Sunday July 15 11:15 Service am Sunday School & Nursery Provided Everyone welcome