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The Wingham Advance-Times, 1975-02-27, Page 12, ►ce-`Imes, Thursday, February WI, IVIS • it ,., en Circle experience.., an ex special ss on the -�. Classroom, no identi- !. mks.. The sounds coming Ine room are the normal, WOW* of children school. tItughter, conversation, lessons inProaees. And to all intents and !ll, the Golden Circle is just that: a normal classroom for sial" children. The students 'the Golden Circle are mentally retarded. "Retarded does not mean that * .child cannot learn," explains Mrs. Florence Reavie, principal of the Golden Circle school for North Huron. "As in music, so in life --retarded means slowed up. If we think about it, music needs the different tempos . , . each one adding to the beauty of the music—so . these children have their place in life and add some- thing special to our lives." That "something special" is soon apparent to any visitor lucky enough to spend some time with the Golden Circle students. There is Kelly Stephenson, a pert little girl with laughter in her eyes who chatters away happily as she works at her lessons or crafts. Her favorite expression, used in times of stress or frus- tration, is "Oh, pickle!"; and then she tries again at whatever evaded her, and usually suc- ceeds. Asked why "Oh, pickle" she answers logically—"I love pickles!" What more can anyone ask? Danny Vercruyssen is in the younger class and can't talk much yet, but he's quick with a smile and persistent in curiosity. "What's that?" he'll ask, point- ing any new object; Danny waits patiently for an answer. Then another smile, a warm hug in thanks for the answer, and he's off again ona new adventure learning. Learning is the core of the Golden Circle for the "develop- mentally handicapped". They learn social skills, self-care, the academics, living skills, economics and industrial arts. Teaching aids and individual attention are all-important tools, because no two of the children are alike in either learning poten- tial or temperament. Michael and Darrell Zimmer- man, two endearing brothers, are a casein point. Both boys are fast learners, despite their handicaps, but Darrell is more mechanically inclined and can easily under - If stand what makes a mace work or fix one that has step ped working. Michael likes machlues too, but he .is quicker in the ,acs- demic skills nd, with some luck and much skill: work, hopea.te gee into high ool. Each student at the Golden Circle is an individual, and' each fits within the major spectrum of the school. Mrs.. Reavie explains: "In all areas, we want the Chil- dren to find the joy of living .. . Our aim has always been to de- velop the child so he (or she) will be a good member, of the home, the school and the community .. . participate and contribute to the community." Participation in all phases is an important part of the Golden Circle experience. The Golden Circle was incorporated into the Wingham Public School just about two years ago, and Mrs. Reavie calls the integration "a very happy one. The elementary pupils have been just wonderful. Several of the classes have done something special for our kids. One class came and put on a puppet show ... another class got the names of our pupils and made individual books for them; a third asked our pupils to go with them when they went to see the police . .. And they all haire nice smiles and a cheery hello for each child." The reaction to the Golden Circle is, indeed, enthusiastic and friendly on the parts of both students and Staff, because not only do the Golden Circle chil- dren participate in school activi- ties, they "contribute". Principal John Mann writes in a 1974 school newsletter: "Look- ing back now it is difficult to remember when they did come because ... it seems like they have always been with us. The children have taken an active part in the program of the school since they arrived, and their par- ticipation in the activities at recess and during the play day and track and field meet helped to develop many friendships." The friendships formed are an important phase of the integra- tion process. The Golden Circle children receive the acceptance and respect they must have to CAKE BAKING is one of the "Living Skills" at the Golden Circle school as Mrs. Audrey Lewis supervises Jill, and Ruth looks on. NOBODY CAN BEAT Jill as she practises her typewriting at the Golden. Circle school. live full in the community. It requires a special measure of patience and understanding from the "normal" students, and an extra effort in cb-operation from the other teachers. But . aside from these; whether in the play- ground or just passing in the halls, the children are all alike. The program of the Golden Circle school is much like any other school curriculum as far as the basic academics are con • - cerned. Math, reading, speech, writing and social studies are integral to the program. But there are also many extras that fulfill a multiple purpose. Sports are both a fun activity and, a lesson in physical co-ordination. The 'Golden Circle students work out in the gym almost every day and include bowling and ice skat- ing in their sports activities. Woodworking and handicrafts develop imagination and con- centration. The library period trains in responsibility. Music lessons demand discipline and provide memory exercises. Some of the extras are de- signed to teach leisure time skills, Mrs. Reavie explains. "We go on field trips. Each year we participate in the Winter Special Olympics. We go to regional field meets and games days. We have participated in the bowling tournaments at Kitchener, Owen Sound and Guelph. One of the im- portant goals is to get the chil- dren out into the community." The Golden Circle students need specialized training for participation and this is provided through "Life Experience Train- ing". They are taught to use the telephone, the care of clothes, basic hygiene and manners, household tasks, how to shop and count money, road safety rules, how to fix broken objects and the "who does what" of various occupations. During a noralar' lesson period, Jill Swatridge can learn to bake a cake; Cheryl Mc- Kenzie, a cerebral palsy child, practises her typing; Steve Millen and Jiminy Cober can in- dulge their love for music by operating the record player and Nellie Veldhorst sets thetable for an afternoon snack: The "living skills" form an integral part of the Golden Circle experience. Children are always easy to love, but somehow the Golden Circle children are "special" even in that respect, perhaps be- cause they try so much harder to overcome their handicaps, asking only love, respect and acceptance in return. The Golden Circle is an experience in living not only for them, but also for the teachers, visitors and everyone concerned. MICHAEL DEMONSTRATES his skill at the sewing machine, at the Golden Circle "Living Skills" hour. CHERYL AND MRS. AUDREY LEWIS work together on reading lessons at the Golden Circle school. CUT-OUTS ARE FUN and teach co-ordination at the Golden Circle school. Diny cuts out pictures for an album during lessons. IT'S CRAFT HOUR at the Golden Circle, and Ruth, Jill, Nellie, Cheryl and Kelly concen- trate on their burlap hangings under the supervision of Mrs. Audrey Lewis, Miss Esther Merrill and Mrs. Gwen Ceasar. SALLY WORKS AT her drawing as Jackie strings beads at the Golden Circle school. DANNY AND ALAN show off their beadwork at the junior Golden Circle school. MRS. GWEN CEASAR supervises Kelly as she tried her hand at burlap -and -felt crafts at the Golden Circle school. NOTICE Town of Wingham 1975 Dog Tags are Due on or before February 28, 1975 WM. RENWICK TOWN CLERK JAMES H. WYLIE INSURANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Wesley R. Ball LIFE REPRESENTATIVE for THE DOMINION OF CANADA GENERAL Mr. Ball, married and residing in Gorrie comes well recommended with over four years Legal Experience. Wes Ball, successfully competed his Life Agency Exam and is well qualified and look- ing forward to the opportunity to serve you. HARRISTON Box 434 C+dRR1E 338-3847 335-3193 1 rt •