Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-04-16, Page 9News. Flaws in Fr BY SHARON DIETZ The focus on the flaws of early French immersion and blaming the program for declining enrollment at some schools has combined to create a less than friendly climate in recent years, the national vice- president of Canadian Parents for French said in Goderich last week. "Canadian Parents for French must greet this attitude with confidence and determination," Kathryn Manzer toldathe Goderich CPF chapter at their annual meeting' April 14."French immersion is too successful and popular to be withdrawn. This swing of the pendulum could be expected." Manzer cited the case of the Wellington County board of education which has reviewed their immersion program. "It's a good example of people looking for the cause of declining enrollment but calling it a study of immersion," she said. She went on to point out that the attempt to split parents who support core French programs and parents who support, im- mersion programs has also been used to undermine immersion programs. In New Brunswick the ministry 4f educa- tion alternates betvveen economic reasons and accommodating more people when supporting its decision to cut immersion programs without public input. The New Brunswick ministry has switched to •a medium immersion program and there is -- no entry for three years in early immer- sion until the current entry catches up to grade 4. Manzer said a study team has also recommended to the Neilson Task Force nth immersion expected that French as a second language be separate from the MinistryOf Citizenship and Culture and that fundingbe phased out for French second language programs. They're not talking about the negative aspects of the child being educated in a se- cond language, said Manzer. They are talking about implementation problems. Gaeten Blanchette, suPerintendent of French tor the Huron -Perth Separate School board commented; that the im- plementation problems arit .being blown out of proportion and dual; track schools and availability of qualified immersion teachers are excuses beim used to con- demn the program. "The immersion program is soldily enough established and the Canadian Parents for French are solidly enough established that we can tape a hard look at the program," said Manzer. She said she has heard home incredibly different stories about the drop out rate at the secondary level and wonders if the language competency is us terrific as it should be. Reaching achievement levels requires quality teachers and quality programs, said Manzer. The end product of „the core French program is tourist level language skills. Itnagine the reaction if a student was described as having a tourist skill in math when he graduated.. she asked. Grade 8 students must stay at it to develon to the level where they will be employable as bilingual, commented Manzer. Tom Hanrahan of Brussels, the vice- president of the Goderich CPF chapter • said the drop out rate may be something parents of immersion students in Huron County will have to deal with and he wonders about secondary level program- ming. Manzer said that it has been her ex- perience that if you Want a secondary pro- gram in place, you start 10 years ahead of time. At present there- is only one immersion program being offered in Huron County. It is an early immersion program at St. Mary's Separate School in Goderich. There is no secondary level program. Manzer said it is important for parents of children in immersion programs to pro- vide activities in French for their children including French camps, puppets, plays and videos. It's a different kind of language, a colloquial spontaneous language for children not available in the classroom, she said. The child must have the opportunity to use and reuse the language. It should be used as a motiva- tion to learn. It is important for these in- centives to be encouraged out of school, she observed. French as a second language requires' day camps, Quebec exchange visits, essay and public speaking contests, bilingual diplomas, equality of access and transportation and remedial help in French because the children encounter learning disabilities just as others do and a reasonable set of expectations and objec- tives. Manzer stressed the value of a French immersion education including 'job oppor- tunities, Canadian unity, general enrich- ment and travel. Canada's two languages and two cultures are a unique national treasure, she said. Domtar will host rescue competition The fourth annual district Mine Rescue Competition will be held in Goderich April 19, hosted by the Domtar Goderich Mine. Rescue teams from the five underground area mines that are located in or near Caledonia, Drumbo, Goderich, .Hagersville and Windsor will participate. For. the past three years the victors have been the Canadian Rock Salt Company rescue team from Windsor. This year's win- ners will advance and represent the Southern Ontario District, one of eight On- tario Districts, at the Provincial finals which will be held in Sudbury this June. Mine Rescue teams are comprised of a group of six men and one Briefing Officer. All are professionaly trained ' and highly skilled in mine rescue and/or assistance in most underground situations. Teams train a minimum of ,six`' tines a year running 'through various disaster scenarios to ensure that any reallife mine rescues are second nature to them.. • The competition is subdivided into three parts as follows: ' WRITTEN EXAMINATION Questions based on the 1984 edition of the Mine Rescue Handbook, must be individual- ly answered during a preset time limit. Questions deal with acceptable levels of various gases, first aid treatment and the correct interpretation of given factual data. FRESH AIR BASE OPERATION Here the men. prepare • and complete a time limited field check of all their underground rescue equipment. A written report is issued to the Judge. FIELD PROBLEM The Briefing Officer (separated from his team) is given a list of events leading up the ' 'mock disaster. All his reasonable questions are answered. He is then giien instructions outlining what his team is to do with the pro- blem and presents this data to his rescue team. Again a question period occurs and then . all necessary equipment ' is readied. The team advances to the simulated mine (arena floor) attempting to solve the pro- blem and then return to their Briefing Of- ficer upon completing the prjblem task. The Briefing Officer and ,Teaxr Captain com- plete a written report at the end of this test including all events which, recurred during the rescue, and submit the report along with their' results to the Juges. JUDGING All possible errors expecbd are listed in advance on 'a sheet with 'demerit marks noted. Any serious error(s) lot listed would be discussed by the judges following each Introducing the new generationof Olivetti electronic typewriters Olivetti has revolutionized the typewriter through constant'innovation. Now, Olivetti introduces their most innovative typewriters ever. FREE SERVICE AND SUPPLIES FOR 1 YEAR!* See the new Olivetti electronics today and take advantage of these special limited time offers,* Book a demonstration of any Olivetti ET 112 or ET k16 and receive... • • A FREE Michelangelo poster • A chance to win a trip for two to Italy Buy an Olivetti ET 112 or ET 116 and receive... • FREE one year extended warranty • FREE bhp additional typestyle daisywheels • FREE one year supply of ribbon cartridges** ®'Vent When you want the best. *Offer expires May 31, 1986. **You will receive andditional one multi•strike and two fabric ribbons plus Six correction tape Ribbon consumption calculated at 3 million characters/year. orODERICH SIGNAL -ST 1 , WEDNIESD.lY, A.PRII.16,.1986—PAO team's performance. The team with the least number of total demerit points for the three events is declared the winner. SUMMARY Although there can only be one first place - team, everyone benefits from the "hands on" experience which they gain but hope never to use. A special comradeship bet- ween all teams has developed over the years with the days events being rehashed and trophies presented during a com- memorating dinner banquet and later even- ing dance. From its origin in 1928, mine rescue volunteers in Ontario have responded to the needs of the mining industry by continuing to 'modernize; upgrade and standardize mine rescue activities throughout the Pro- vince. An ongoing program of practice drills and 'training .ensures that mine rescue teams can effectively and efficiently res- pond to emergency situations at all times. The Domtar Goderich' Mine has three. Mine Rescue teams of which one will com- pete for the, „�f outhern.xOntari , D}strict Champiniiship: 'The " wax der oft' this event - goes on to compete in the, Provincial Mine i Rescue finals against. -winners from the other seven districts. Last year, the Turn to page'11 Bluewater OFFIJE EQUIPMENT"' 56 East Street, Goderich 524-9863 ® ?Alt 7'eS A "STEP OUT IN STYLE" FOR YOUR GRADUATIONS FORMAL. with Bud Gowan Formal Wear Rent your tuxedo for only $5500 Bud Gowan formal wear is offering a special rental price of $55.00 for a tuxedo rental. Bud Gowan's has London's largest range of styles and colours in stock. Rent from Bob Swartman for your formal to_ make that memorable evening complete. * Order early BOB fl)er)'s sI)oppe Main St. Exeter Suncoast Mall 235-0991 Goderich 524-4932 lime You Ever Dreamt 0t Lush, Green, Weed Free Lawn a THE WecnVVAalu CAN MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE! Our fertilizers have what it takes to make your Lawn a Carpet. And we back our Weed Control program with a "no-nonsense, no -argument, just phone and tell us" guarantee. RESULTS or we_RESPRAY,...NO CHARGE Our staff is ready and willing to give you our *FREE INSPECTION *FREE QUOTE *FREE ADVICE JUST THINK FOR A MOMENT,. •NO confusion owhat to buy .NO heavy slugging of bags from store to car to yard •NO guessing when to apply .NO guessing how much to apply •NO messy clean up of spreaders or sprayers .NO storage *NO valuable time wasted .NO worries •NO DISAPPOINTMENTS. BRING YOUR LAWN CARE PROBLEMS TO OUR BOOTH AT THE HOME & GARDEN SHOW •EXI;TER..,APRIL 18, 19, 20 `SEAFORTII...APRIL 25, 26, 27 SGODERICH...APRIL 25, 26, 27 _.. ..... ilk F l:•%d vF'1 r,} ,fir .., {