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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1972-10-21, Page 11PAGE 12 ZURICH CITIZENS NEWS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1972 Newspupers play (by Shirley J. Keller) The role of the community newspapers in Huron County seems to be one of the most important links in improved communications between the Huron County Board of Educatior and its staff of teachers. That fact came to light dur- ing Monday afternoon's meeting of the board when the first of a group of sub -committees was called in to discuss educational matters in Huron with board members. This sub -committee which studied Improving Communic- ations within the County system, was chaired by Bill Black, principal of Colborne Central School, and had as its members Ed Beard of F. E. Madill Second- ary School; Mrs. Mary Carroll of Holmesville Public School; Larry Plumsteel, Principal of Seaforth District High School; and J. Jamieson, Hullett Cent- ral Public School. Also serving on the sub -com- mittee was Superintendent Don Kerswell of the Huron County Board of Education and John Taylor, trustee. Four distinct areas of study were involved; board -staff communication; elementary - secondary school communicat- ion; communication within the schools; and communications, school with the public. In all, 26 recommendations were made to the board by the sub -committee to improve communications in the county school system. Only one rec- ommendation was passed by the board of education in their regular meeting which follow- ed the afternoon session althougl- the remaining 25 are being fully studied and a complete report will be forthcoming to the board of education for decision. The recommendation which was approved was that an adm- inistrative council be establish- ed to meet once monthly. This council will ; include the chairman of each of the two advisory councils of principals (elementary and secondary), the two representatives of each of the three federations; the superintendent of education; and the director of education. This council will discuss matters of educational concern, to formulate requests and prop- ose solutions and to present important role same to the board. Three members of the administrative council should attend board meetings, the sub -committee felt, and should report decisions and reason for these to their respective areas. "Policies could be put through channel before making it rule, " the sub -committee said. It was disclosed in the dis- cussions that the teachers felt that up until this time, the county newspapers had been their best source of information about what was going on in education throughout Huron County. Newspapers were commended for their willingness to print news from the schools in their areas whenever possible. Flow - ever, there were indications that not all schools seize this opportunity to gain public att- ention by using newspaper space to an advantage. There was also a complaint that "news items originating from board meetings sometimes do not reflect the full intent of the decision reached." One recommendation stated that a synopsis of decisions reached by board should be sent to press, staffs and trustees shortly after meeting. " "Some teachers feel that they just don't know what board pol- icies are, " one beef stated. "The paper seems to be the only place they find out information about the board." Another area of communic- ation breakdown, the teachers agreed, was in the area of teacher retirements after leng- thy service with the board. It was generally agreed that such service should be recognized in the local press and that the board should endeavor to foster this improved communication. Other recommendations which were of particular inter- est were: wherever possible the board should have the benefit of staff opinion before making policies affecting the staff; consideration be given to the establishment of a sub -commit- tee on the kindergarten to Grade 13 concept in Huron County; each school staff should have a staff representative to pass on information and to make sure communication which is directed to the school is distrib- uted to all staff members; OLDCyON ti• EVERY MAWS FREE TO CHOOSE MS OWNFORN OFGOVERNMENT BLONDE.., BRUNETTE OR RED-/1E4D" DOME • C General ontracting BUILDING and REMODELLING WE ILL BUILD YOUR AGE • BARN • GARAGE One contract will take are of your complete protect, including PLUMBING • H ATING • ELECTRICAL WORK 2 Baekhoes Available for Prompt Service Aluminum Doors and Windows STANDARD STOCK SIZE DOORS Completely Installed Only $38 Richard Bedard ZURICH. budget requirements and final budget decisions should be dis- cussed between principal and staff; parents should be advised that when they have matters to discuss with the teachers, they should make appointments with the teachers through the proper channels; that principals should strive to inform the news media of programs and activit- ies in his school; and that the community should make use of the school facilities after school hours whenever possible. Chairman 13111 Black noted that communication is a "terrific job, " and the normal difficulties are compounded in Huron by "geography." IIe said that since working on the sub- committee he has learned of new problems which exist and he is more aware now of prob- lems which may arise in his own school. Trustee Jim Taylor, Hensall, wanted to know why the teach- ers in Huron County felt they had to know the "ifs and ands" about board decisions. "They're hired to teach, not to make board decisions, " said Taylor. "They may not agree but at least they will understand why, " stated Elliott. "Whys are perhaps just as important as whats, " added Black. It was also pointed out during discussion that the teachers don't realize that they have the right to go to one of the superintendents of education in the county system in a case where their principals are not in accord with a new idea the teacher may have for teaching, perhaps. "It has always been that if the principal says no, that's if for the teacher, " said Director of Education D.J. Cochrane. "But with the county system, you can apply for a transfer to another school." "Teachers should be made advised they can bypass a principal, " said Mrs. Carroll. "I really don't think teachers are aware that they have that privilege." "Will the principals point this out?" asked Black. "Isn't there something wrong if the principal receives infor- mation and doesn't pass it on to the staff?" asked Mrs. Kunder, Seaforth, Black explained that in some instances, principals are so fam- iliar with information themselves they are sometimes guilty of "taking for granted" that the staff knows as well. Director of education Coch- rane suggested that more staff meetings in the schools could be a possible solution to some of the communication problems. DICK and DAVE'S PLUMBING and ELECTRICAL Dick Rau Dave Durand 236.4607 5655281 "Service that Satisfies" It was also felt that if a staff representative was appointed, and communications affecting the staff were sent to him or to her as well as to the principal, the principals would be remind- ed to bring these matters to the attention of the staff. "I would think that monthly staff meetings are a must, " said Garnet Hicks, Exeter. "Maybe oftener. " The subject of budgeting was discussed brefly and it was pointed out that if teachers understood why their requests for equipment etc. were not granted, they would be more contented. It was shown that teachers could be useful at budget time since considerable savings could be affected if text books could be pooled and equipment shared. As it stands now, the teachers suggested, it was every teacher for himself or herself when co- operation between classes and' schools could probably be ach- ieved without much problem. "A communication gap can be bridged only by building from both sides towards the centre, " obsl;rved Black in closing, "the supports being truth, common knowlege and complete trust." Figure Skating REGISTRATION at the ZURICH ARENA Friday, Oct. 22 7 to 8 P.M. Huron County Trotting Pony Club Dance &Smorgasbord SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 ZURICH COMMUNITY CENTRE Everyone Welcome 9P.M,. Music by "The Twylites" $2. 50 per person R efreshments Served . Join the switch to FORD BLUE See these big valuesl in reconditioned tractors and implements at EXETER FORD Equipment Sales Ltd. 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