HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1999-05-12, Page 8Wixhiegitay; May T.119941
Opinion&Porum
Remember when...
On June 30 to July 2, 2000,
South Huron District High
School will celebrate its 50th
Anniversary. The Exeter
Times Advocate would like to
fain in the celebrations by
sharing articles or pictures
which have appeared over the years.
YEARS 1950-1954 - HI HIGHLIGHTS
District High, Exeter Public
Schools reach all-time
high enrolments
Enrolment at both public and high schools in
Exeter jumped to an all-time high this year as the
juvenile population went back to its studies after
the Labour Day holiday.
The district high school welcomed some 340
pupils to the fold on Tuesday, compared with last
year's total of 308.
The new Exeter Public School boasted a record of
345 students as classes reached totals as high as
42.
Principal H.L. Sturgis of the high school, said 130
new pupils registered in grade nine, while 100 of
last year's first form returned to grade -10.
Two new teachers have been added to die high
school staff. They are Mrs. Jessie Stewart, of
London, who will head the English department,
and Miss Anne Kartushian, of Polar Field Manitoba,
home economics teacher.
The rest of the staff includes, besides the princi-
pal, E.D. Howey, J.B. Creech, Andrew Dixon, Ernest
Jones, G.C. Koch, John Mahon, Fred Meek, Glen.
Mickle, Albert Ness, Morley Sanders, C.F. Wilson
and Miss Lauretta Seigneur.
Mr. Sturgis said that circular difficulties were
being experienced with first year pupils who are
being promoted through departmental supervision.
"We're trying to have youngsters who know they
have difficulty with English and mathematics to
spend a greater amount of time on these subjects
by not taldng French"; he said.
He noted, however, that many of the parents
'wished their children to take the latter subject.
Another trend in the early grade, he said, was to,
try to have one teacher lecture on as many subjects
as possible since some students experienced diffi-
culty with a variety of teachers after being accus-
tomed to only one in public school.
Plan reversed
Public School Principal Claude Blowes said that
the Porter Plan for combining grades In one room
has been discontinued this year. "The classes," he
said, "are too large for a teacher to do the work
adequately." They range from 36 to 42.
The nine rooms, including kindergarten, at the
public school are all filled.
Centralia School opening delayed
Shortage of classroom supplies Will delay the
opening of the new 14 room public school at RCAF
Station Centralia.
Construction of the ultra -modern school has been
completed, but desks and ftirnishings have not'
been installed yet
Ten of the fourteen classrooms will be in use this
term.. It is expected,more will be occupied as hous-
es a are completed.
No official Cereinonies have been scheduled as yet '
but will be later.
• Principal of the school is John Butler. John
Witherspoon Is assistant. Teachers are Mrs.
Margaret Whitmore. Miss Clare Le Sage, Miss
Helen Fredrick, Miss Theresa Sullivan, Mrs,
Dorothy Insley, Miss Agnes Breen, Miss D. Adams
and Miss Mary Ann Erskine.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHDHS
"ALL.YI3ARS REUNION" CONTACT •
KENDRA ARTHUR 235-4006 (H) OR 235-4587 (W)
OR PAT IlowE 236-7167
WANTED... `\
Individual to.comordinate
memorabilia rooms.
Pleasephone KENDRA ARTHUR
235-4006 (H) OR 235-4587 (W)
OR PAT Rowe 236-7167 }
OPINIONS & LL1 jERS TO THE EDITOR
Be safe this summer
•Dear Editor: ,
Every year 8 million boaters take to Canadian water-
ways. For them, and for all Canadians, recreational
boatingshouldbeassafeasitlsfiin.
Unfortunately, some 200 deaths and 6,000 serious
accidents happen on our waterways each year. The
number of boaters using ever more powerful recreation-
al vessels is booming. In June 1998, the Government of
Canada announced changes to regulations concerning
operator age, vessel power, and requirements for user
proficiency. With the boating season now upon us, I felt
that it was important to ensure that all operators are
aware of their new responsibilities on the water.
Among the aforementioned changes, starting Arillst,
1999, boat power must match the ability and maturity of
operators: -
•
*Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to oper-
• ate a boat with engine power greater than 7.5 kW (10
hp) unless accompanied and supervised by a person
who is at least 16 years of age.
• *No person between the ages of 12 and 16 can operate
a boat with engine power greater than 30. kW (40 hp)
unless accompanied and supervised by another person
who is 16 years of age or older. •
*No child who is under the age of 16 may operate a
• personal watercraft, such as a jetski.
• Secondly, the Government of Canada intends to help
aid with the prevention of serious accidents on our
waterways. To do so, we must ensure that powerboat
operators have the necessary skiffs. As of September
15th, 1999, anyone under 16 who operates a motor boat
will need to carry proof of competence. By September
15th, 2002, this will apply to all operators of powerboats
under four metres long and all personal watercraft. By
September 15, 2009, proof of operator competence will
be required for all powerboat operators.
' Motor boat operators can obtain proof of competence
in three ways. The .first is by successfully completing a
written test administered by an accredited course
provider. Experienced boaters are unlikely to require
formal training to complete this test. This one-thne only
requirement is good for- life. The second is by showing
proof of having successfidly ccimpleted a boating safety
course before,April lst 1991rThe third, forthose who
do not have an operator's card but wish to rent a boat,
involves completing a safety checklist with the boat
rental agent. People who have already taken boating
safety courses can apply to have their course certificates
recognized.
To minimize the impact on the tourism industry, visi-
tors to Canada using their own boats will have a 45 -day
grace period. In addition, visitors to Canada will be
allowed to bring their, own approved personal potation -
devices:
In conclusion, boating safety is everyone's responsibili-
ty. I would encourage all boaters to familiarize them-
selves with the new regulations, for their own safety and
the safety of all those who sh'are ourwaterways.
If your readers have any questions or if they require
further written material, please contact my office at 1-
800-468-1726.
• Safe boating, PAUL STECKLE, MP
Exeter'sWebsite • stands up
Dear Editor:
The‘tovvn of Exeter has a website through the EXeter
and District Chamber of Commerce that we. a can be
proud of. The Exeter Town website was borne in the
summer of 1997, initially developed - by a very talented
student, Jeff De Biock, financed by C.A Pt (ComMunity
Access Progrtn), I worked In an historical advisory
capacity On..11*, development The website paSsed on
ttOugh, Continuing C.A.P. with a .sterling student,
Matthew Seabrook, who did excellent Work in designing
and•,shaPing_it into a dynamic force for the, Exeter and
District 'ChaMber,of. Commerce..,Recently It has been
transferred- Under my auspices 'as Communications
Committee --Chairman to Shawn Moody, a professional
website designer, par excellenie...W0,refer to him as a
Hivitard. of tvebsites". It Wffi 'continue to develop as a
thultitficetek:colourftil, Informative and comprehensive
• data base,for all businesses juid industries in Exeter and
area. With ,our Mistiorgi and floals..for the -Exeter and
District Chamber of ComMerce, typified by Or motto,
"working. together for. a stronger arid better caninutni,.
ty." Visit our website www.huroncap.org/eXetOWn,
indeed,. one we are all proud Of; being forged with "digi-
tal links .0ntegr:Ity", giving our town of Exeter and area
a positive 'present* on the world wide web.
Ityour business or industry is interested in .appearing
• on our .VVebsite, please call me, Tom Burke, "flettveen
the Maples," 235-2742.
Sincerely, Timm BumcE, EXecutiVe Metter and Bee. of
1.11e Exeter and Pistrieta10141lier'Oc4ifirce•
Panther Profile
Panther Pride Day was a suc-
cess! Events filled the day and
many smiling faces were seen
around the school showing that
Panther Spirit. Congratulations to
the teachers, who won the stu-
dent -teacher baseball game, and
to the rest of the events that ran
very well. Hopefully, a similar day lausTIN
will be held in following years.
h BROOKS
On Wed., May 12, there will 5rvi, pANTHER
two presentations for all students moritE
going to post secondary school. A
CIBC representative will be at South
Huron in the afternoon to discuss bank loan and
budgeting, and in the evening, a representative of
Georgian College will discuss OSAP and the respon-
sibilities of student loans. Parents, are strongly
encouraged to attend the evening presentation as
well. For further information please contact the
Student Services Office.
Music students will be heading off to the
Musicfest Nationals on Tues., May 18. This compe-
tition takes place at York University in Toronto.
The students will be competingagainst some great
Canadian bands, so good luck South Huron! The
students are expected to arrive back at the school
on Fri, May 12, at 3 p.m.
'Science Quest' is an event run annually by sci-
ence students. Surrounding public schools are
invited to see science projects and hands-on pre-
sentations. This year, Science Quest is being run
on Thurs., May 13. Good luck and thanks to all stu-
dents hwolved. •
Every year an important presentation is held at
the school by MADD: Mothers Against Drunk
Driving. This year, the video, "The Truth about
Alcohol" will be showing in the large gym from
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It is important to remem-
ber, especially as. the summer comes closer, to
never let yoursf31f, a friend ora relative step behind ,
the wheel alter having a few drinks.
Upcoming Events
Tues., May 11- Track and Field to G.D.C.I.;
Wed., May 12- CLN class field trip to Medieval
Theatreti Toronto, "Stop smoking" display in main
foyer.at lunch, OSAP presentation at 7 p.m., CIBC
presentation at 1 p.m., Birth Control clinic from
1130 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Room 214, boys' soccer
at S.H.D.H.S.;
• Thurs., May 13- "Science Quest", girls'. soccer at
S.H.D.H.S.;
Fri., My 14- MADD Video:, "The Truth about
Alcohol" from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in large
gym;
Mon., May .17- boys' soccer at Huron Playoffs,
rugby to Walkerton; •
Tues., May 18- Musicfest at York University until
Friday at 3 p.m., girls' soccer at Huron Playoffe;
Wed., May 19- boys' soccer at Huron -Perth
Finals. •
Proposed gym and
family centre
-41ir
Dear Editor:
Even before all the recent events involving children,
a group of concerned people recognized a need to do
something positive to give the' younger .generation
more local access to things that interest them. People
of all ages have been expressing the need for a gym
here in town, as Exeter serves upward of 20,000 and
a lot of these are travelling, to Stratford, Ltifidon and
-other locales to work out. We have. decided- US try to
• get something started. , • • ,
' Hopeffillyit could be a conuntudtY,project, becaUse It
• will be available to all ages, we would like to find 'out.,
just what interest there is Out there. We are asking
anyone who is interested in having a gyrn in town to
'contact us by phonefax or ezp8IL More .and more
people are seeing the need to be -fit. Please contact us
as soon as possible so we can do a feasibility study,In
light of the concern worldwide, our problems.seem
minor. Let's .try and Make it 'even better to live. in
Httron.County by, providinctilacs to go. - • ' • •
ANN RAYNER •
* • •• . , Exeter °Maria
• ,•