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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1996-10-30, Page 24COMMIINITY Graduate - Jason McElrea, son of Marion and Glen McEI- rea, graduated from the Geor- gian College September 21, 1996 with a diploma in the Business Administration - Au- tomotive Marketing Program. Jason is presently employed by Courtesy Lincoln-Mercury. Love and congratulations from Mom, Dad and Darryl Zurich Public School Student Council was recently caught just hanging around. Members include: Meghan Regier, president, Katie Fox, vice president, Kelsi Van Kruistum, treasurer, Melanie Culbert, secretary and class repre- sentatives Linsday Shaw -Young, Kraig Eckel, Adam Snell, Samuel Datars and Brian Ford. Graduate - Christopher An- drew Chanyi, son of Ron and M.J., recently graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts Specialized Honours Degree in Computing and ' Information Science. Christopher is employed with Oracle Corporation in Missis- sauga. Graduate - Larry and Joyce Black are proud to announce the graduation of their daugh- ter, Shari, from the University of Western Ontario with a Master's Degree in Clinical Audiology. Shari has accepted a full-time position as an Audi- ologist at London Health Sci- ences Centre - University Campus. Congratulations,' Mom, ,Dad, Shelly, Karl and John BRA to help recycle textiles HURON PARK - In partnership with Goodwill Industries of Lon- don, the Bluewater Recycling As- sociation is participating in a pilot project that will include the curb- side collection textiles from res- idents within member municpalities from Oct. 31 to Nov. 13. On regular collection day textiles should be placed in plastic bags with either a sock tied around the neck or clearly tabled 'Textiles Only.' Textiles should be free of mil- dew, thinners, grease or oils and should not smell musty, of moth- balls, or substances that could con- , taminate other textiles during col- lection and processing. Acceptable items include men's,. women's and children's clothing, outerwear, footwear, accessories, bedding, window coverings and lin- ens. From the principal "s de by Bill Ggrth Principal, SHDHS This is the first of what 1 hope will be a regular feature in the Times -Advocate. 1 in- tend to use this forum to make Exeter and district aware of the many fine things that arc happening at South Huron DHS and pro:- vide ro=vide in formation about deci- sions and directions that might influence the educa- tional experiences of our students. I'tl begin with an obvious point: these are challeng- ing times for education. The only constant seems to be that of change. The provincial government is adamant that virtually all aspects of the present school system will have a different look in the very near future. Thes' changes will impact on the broader structure that is the Huron County Board of Education, the type of program that a student will be required to take, ... and everyone and everything in between. Governance and student programs are two examples of areas that will he significantly changed. It is very probable that the Huron County Board of Education will no longer exist as a separate unit. What will take its place has yet to be announced but it is a sure bet that the trustees presently elected by the pub- lic to represent them will no longer have a role to play. Larger organizational units will be created -- rumors from the Ministry indicates that there will be Live re- gional super -boards -- to guide the direction of the ship that is education. It is possible that the local School Advisory Councils will have a greater role to play but, as with other issues, that has yet to he determined. The program offered to students will also change. At present the government is soliciting reactions and opinions from the public to a discussion document en- titled "Ontario Secondary Schools, 1998, A Detailed Discussion Document" that has been widely circulated (a copy was sent home with every 'student October 25). In this discussion paper a series of options, too complex to detail here, have been put forth. Consider- ing that these options directly impact on our kids the document is definitely worth a read. If you do not have a copy, call the school and we will see that you get one. It has also been made clear that many items are not up fbr discussion. These latter changes include a four year high school program, teacher advisors for every student, expanded Coop education and work experi- ence, a new student transcript that shows all attempts (including failures), 90 hour credits (rather than the present 120 hours) and recognition for prior learning. In summary, it would seem that the school day will have four 1 -hour periods (excluding lunch) and that students would require 37 credits to graduate. An argument could be made that many of these changes are 'for the good and that they are overdue. Nevertheless, add to these changes the financial reality that an additional 600 million to 1 billion dollars is likely to be taken out of education, (on top of the So- cial Contract cutbacks and the previous budget reduc- tions) and it is apparent that, for good or i11. the educa- tion sector will be hugely challenged for the next few years. Will it have an impact on your son or daughter? Clearly the answer is yes. It is yet to be determined if the impact is as positive or, in the case of the financial cutbacks, as benign as the Ministry and government suggests. Ultimately, it will be for you and your chil- dren to judge the quality of these changes. Thankfully,,for the students at South Huron, there is one constant in this maelstrom of change: the quality of the teaching and support staff that worts at our school. As I have said at every possible opportunity to anyone who will listen, I am very impressed with the .staff at South Huron and I think you should be also. I have not been in a school ,where the staff is more com- mitted or hardworking. These people care about their students and they show this on a daily basis. Kudos to: The Midget Girls and Junior Boys cross-country teams for their Huron -Perth conference champion- ships. We are also very proud of the Field Hockey team for their defence of their WOSSA title. They are off to St. Catherines for the Ontario championships. We wish them well but we know they will make us proud. The 150 students who make up our music pro- gram put on a wonderful afternoon of music last Sun- day for a 500 member audience. Since the students had sold so many tickets, Mr. Robilliard had his locks shorn off. Does that mean he will be weak until his hair grows back? Tidbits: Come one... come all.. and join us for "Panther Fun - fest" on November 9. There is a community breakfast and an indoor garage sale beginning at 7 a.m., a road hockey tournament, an all comers volleyball tourna- ment, and a community dance for adults in the eve- ning. We are hoping to raise some funds but mostly we just want to have fun. For those of you that have questions regarding the proposed changes in education, there is Forum on Edu- cation planned for Wednesday, November 6 at 7 p.m. at the school. Representatives of the teaching staff, school administration, and teaching union will provide information on these proposed changes. If you are con- cerned or uncertain about the impact of the changes you are encouraged to attend. Bring you questions. Mr. Webster, a mathematics teacher at the school, has organized AWESOME (A Weekly Enlightening Series of Mathematical Experiences) for regional ele- mentary students. These challenges are now being placed on the Internet for all to access. • South Huron now hits its own Home page, courtesy of softie of our computer science **dents. dents, o n the World Wide Web. You can visit us there at http:// www/huroned/edu.on.ce, Thanks to our Student's Council and to Gently Rowe for the new cafeteria furniture. We are considering adding a true Internet course for the upcoming school year. As you can see, there is a great deal happening in our school thew days. South Huron is a busy, busy place. As always, if you need information, or if you think you can Help,give us n call. South Huron is your school tool! Times -Advocate, October 30, 1996 Page 23 Stopping to have a look Sandra Strang, left, admires the items for sale by Amy Shapton and Janna Weber, far right. The two youngsters prepared chocolate carmel popcom, broom dolls and flower pot angels for the Agricultural Society's Craft Show at the Legion on Sunday. Your Views Letters to the editor Rave reviews "We were impressed by all the bands and choirs..." Dear Editor: Congratulations to the South Huron District High School Music Department. We had the pleasure to attend your Pops Concert Sunday, October 27. We were impressed by all the bands and choirs, directed by Mr. Robilliard and Mrs. Claessens. Their dedication is obviously very rewarding after Sunday's concert. We also stayed afterwards to watch Mr. Robilli- ard have his head shaved by the students. Our granddaughter Julie had the first clip. The High School needs help to raise money for projects with the school. On Saturday, November 9 Panther Funfest '96 will be held - a garage and bake sale, a community breakfast, volleyball and road hockey tournaments, and a community dance and si- lent auction, . , We ask you all to help support South Huron High School in their fund-raising projects. We have four grandchildren attending now, and have seven more to go. Barb and Ed Hearn P.S. If you have a chance to hear any of the groups from the concert, don't say we didn't warn you - they are good! Teachers deserve credit "The time these two dedicated teachers spend with the kids... is enormous..." Dear Editor: Witk; t bi aboost*he ed a on.sy$jepp, and its fiuiir*they onexr§'tefit o . ot, we often''' lose sight of the positives in our school system. On Sunday, October 27 at South Huron High School, 600 people witnessed one of the more posi- tive experiences this year. Approximately 200 kids involved in four bands and three choirs entertained all assembled with a blend of old and new music. The students performed professionally and it was obvious that they had a lot of fun doing it. But credit has to be given to two teachers, Mrs. Claessens and Mr. Robilliard for their efforts above and beyond the call of duty. The time these two ded- icated teachers spend with the kids before, after and during school hours is enormous - and not enough people realize this. It is also apparent that these are o'qQelas hers who love their jobs, music and really like'ilekidsl For those of you who missed this con- cert, I suggest that you Watch for the next one. It will be fabulous! Mark December 8 on your calen- dar - admission is a donation to the Food Bank or Christmas Bureau - pretty cheap admission for an hour or so of wonderful music! Thanks from two very impressed parents and their guests... Wendi and John Schwindt A concert to remember. The South Huron District High School music department held a Pops Concert on Sunday featuring the Red and Black Jazz Bands and the combined talent of the Community Choir and the South Huron Concert Choir. After the concert, music teacher, Mr. Robilliard allowed his hair to be cut by music students after losing a well publicized bet. He put his long flowing locks on the line betting the students they 'couldn't sell 600 tickets to the condert. Approximately 650 people purchased tickets and all were In attendance to witness the shearing. Above, grade five student Mitch Homuth keeps the beat during a jazz number. Below, Community Choir members Joined the students earlier in the concert. Inset, music students Jamie Reabum, left, and Marilou Hem show-off their teacher's new look. Robilliard, who still Insists only 599 tickets were sold, Is taking his jos . In good humor saying the walk to work In the morning seems a little cooler.