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The Times Advocate, 2004-04-21, Page 44 Exeter Times–Advocate Wednesday,April 21, 2004 Lk-.)Clla =CNA TIMES ADVOCATE PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER 07511 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing casts. Jim Beckett Publisher and Editor Deb Lord Production Manager &Published by Metroland Printing, rt Publishing & Distributing Ltd. Metroland 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850 Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6 • (519) 235-1331 EDITORIALS Bullying can have tragic results Any bullies out there, or those who have suffered at the hands of bullies, should have been at a community forum at South Huron District High School last week. As reported elsewhere in the Times -Advocate, the forum featured a courageous presentation from Woodstock's Cindy Wesley, whose daughter Dawn -Marie tragically committed suicide in November 2000 after undergoing relentless bul- lying from schoolmates. While Wesley's voice sometimes broke with emotion, she showed immense strength last week telling her daughter's story and explaining the tragic results bullying can have. We've all heard the tales of children being bul- lied for how they look, for how much money their parents make or for where they came from. Absurdly enough, Wesley's daughter was bullied because the students didn't like the way she laughed. If this doesn't accentuate the mindless- ness and nonsensical nature of bullying, nothing does. Of the three girls implicated in Dawn - Marie's suicide, one was convicted of criminal harassment, one received probation and the third was acquitted. One of Wesley's messages is that anyone being bullied has to come forward and get help — tell a teacher, a principal, or parents. Dawn -Marie thought reporting the bullying she had been experiencing would only make things worse. The bullies told her they would kill her. Do the bullies take any lessons from Wesley's story? It's possible they are too self-absorbed, insecure and mean-spirited to care about the tragic results their bullying has, but hopefully Wesley's talks encourage some of them to treat people with the kindness and respect they deserve. While Wesley and her family were living in British Columbia when Dawn -Marie was being bullied, bullying takes place everywhere, even in friendly Huron County. Last week's forum at South Huron will be fol- lowed by more such meetings next year. They're a great way to get parents involved in their teens' lives and to gain a better understanding about what it's like to be a teen in the 21st century. About the Times -Advocate Editorial Opinion 2004 [Astr16utcd by Cnnndinn Artists $yndicote Inc_ Celebrating Earth Day around the world As most of you know, tomorrow is Earth Day. Around the world people will be taking the time to remember we are stewards of the environment and projects will contribute to making our earth a better place to live. Celebrated every April 22, Earth Day was first launched as an environmental aware- ness event in the United States in 1970 and is considered the birth of the environmen- tal movement. The first Earth Day, spearheaded by Gov. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin and Harvard University student Denis Hayes, involved 20 million participants in teach -ins that addressed decades of environmental pollu- tion. In 1990, Canada joined 141 nations in celebrating the first International Earth Day. In Canada, Earth Day has grown into Earth Week and even Earth Month to accommodate the profusion of events and projects. They range from large public events to the thousands of small, pri- vate events staged by schools, employee groups and community groups. Today, nearly every school child in Canada takes part in an Earth Day activity. I can remember as an elementary school student walking along the roadside picking up garbage people had thrown out the windows of their vehi- cles. We also went to parks with the same pur- pose in mind. Although picking up garbage is not the most pleasant of tasks, it served as a reminder of how littering can spoil the natural beauty of our parks and land- scapes. Those hours spent with class- mates is probably one of the reasons why I'm more conscious not to litter today. It doesn't take much effort to find a garbage pail to dispose of waste. The day also serves to remind us of the environmental consequences of our daily actions, which pollute and degrade the fragile environment humans and wildlife depend on to survive. Appropriately the event takes place in the spring when people in Canada are enjoying the warmer weather and looking for excuses to enjoy themselves outdoors and connect to the physical environment. It is also a time when farmers are starting to get back out to the land and gardeners are enjoying planning for another growing season. If we want to continue enjoying the land we inhabit, we have to take care of it. MARY SIMMONS PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS Address & Office Hours Times -Advocate, 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850, Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on Holidays. Contact Us By Phone or Fax Classified ad & subscription sales (519) 235-1331 24-hour automated attendant (519) 235-1336 Fax number for all departments (519) 235-0766 Subscription Rates One year rate for addresses in Canada: $37+GST Two year rate for addresses in Canada: $68+GST One year rate for addresses outside Canada: $104 Call (519) 235-1331 to order a subscription. Classified Rates Word ads: $10.00 for 20 words, 20c for each addition- al word+ GST. Notices (births, deaths, announcements, coming events, memoriams, cards of thanks): $15.00 + GST for up to 50 words, All ads must be pre -paid. The classified ad deadline is Monday at 10 a.m. Display Advertising To place a display ad, (519) 235-1331 weekdays 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. or evenings (519) 235-1336 (leave mes- sage) or toll-free at 1-888-270-1602. Deadline: Fri. 4 m. -mail Us Website: www.southhuron.com TA e-mail addresses consist of the person's first initial and last name followed by @southhuron.com. For example, Jim Beckett's e-mail address is <jbeck- ett@southhuron.com> Our general e-mail address is ads@southhuron.com. The Times -Advocate Team Publisher/Editor Jim Beckett ext. 109 Advertising Barb Consitt ext. 110 Reporters Scott Nixon ext. 105 Pat Bolen ext. 113 Mary Simmons ext. 107 Customer Service Sue Rollings ext. 101 Carol Powe ext. 102 Composition Department Manager Deb Lord ext. 114/103 Sharlene Young ext. 103 Jacky Westlake ext. 103 Accounting Staff Anita McDonald ext. 104 Ruth Slaght ext. 106 Carol Windsor ext. 111 Wednesday,April 21, 2004 Exeter Times—Advocate 5 Opinion Forum News ROSS HAUGH BACK IN TIME I OYEARS AGO April 20, 1994 - A Hensall South Huron Agriculture Society service diploma award has been presented to John Kinsman. At the Exeter Mohawks annual award presentation, winners were Joe Scherer, Craig Oster, Rick Pikul, Barry Baynham, Greg Murray, Jacques Beaulieu and executive of the year Joan Finkbeiner. The Hensall LCBO store located in a trailer just north of the village was hit by thieves early Tuesday morning. They got away with over $5,000 worth of booze. 20YEARS AGO April 22, 1984 - There were bouquets and brick- bats handed out as Exeter councillors set their 1984 tax rate. The words of praise were for their own efforts in holding the local portion of the budget to a negligible increase and for the first time in memory commendation for the boards of education in keep- ing their increases within guidelines. The criticism was saved for Huron county council whose 16.8 increase was termed "way out of line" by mayor Bruce Shaw. 25YEARS AGO April 20, 1979 - Lori Noyes, the 15 year-old daughter of George and Shirley Noyes of Lucan will spend a month this summer in Europe as soloist for the Ontario Youth Concert Band. Members of Zion Lutheran Church in Dashwood wasted little time in deciding to rebuild their place of worship recently destroyed by fire. Rev. Mayo Mellecke said Monday that all cleanup and demoli- tion would be handled by "our own members". 35YEARS AGO April 21, 1969 - The strike of two full-time employees of the Central Hotel in Lucan has moved into the second week. The second strike in a week hit the district Tuesday morning when 140 workers at Hensall Lamp at Centralia's Industrial Park refused to report for work. Workers in the walkout claimed company officials were stalling on contract negotia- tions and wages are too low. 45YEARS AGO April 20, 1959 - Ontario Health Minister Dr. M.B. Dymond inspected the Exeter hospital this week and found the hospital full with patients in the cor- ridors. Paula Boulianne of Crediton who heads the SHDHS paper staff this year has been chosen pos- ture queen of the school over 17 other competitors. Thieves stole cash and merchandise with a total value of $500 from Gascho Bros, Stade and Weido hardware store in Zurich Friday night. 55YEARS AGO April 20, 1949 - Mr. C. Jinks of Hensall who has been in the implement business for the past 30 years has sold out to his partner William Park. Principal H. L.Sturgis and teacher Andy Dixon of Exeter high school along with students Evelyn Desjardine and Charles Cowen attended the OEA convention in Toronto. 60YEARS AGO April 22, 1944 - The ladies of the Hensall Women's Institute and the War Service committee will send 50 boxes to the Hensall boys who are serving overseas. Hydro was installed in the Thames Road public school during Easter holidays. The purple martins have returned to town. 80YEARS AGO April 22, 1924 - Mr. F.C. Hooper has purchased a new Ford truck for his egg business. Mr. William Kernick entertained about 65 young- sters of Exeter to a maple taffy pull at his sugar bush on Concession 3 of Usborne township. The youngsters had all the taffy they could eat and needless to say they had a very jolly time. 85YEARS AGO April 22, 1919 - Exeter citizens recently pur- chased the bus of the late Thomas Creech and pre- sented it to John Gillespie, our veteran busman. A few minor repairs are being made after which Mr. Gillespie will commence its use to serve the public as he has done faithfully for so many years. The order in council permitting the importation, manufacture and sale of oleomargarine expires with the official ending of the war. Legislation will be required to continue the permission. Seniors' Perspective By Jim Bearss ADULT ACTIVITIES CO-ORDINATOR Lucky MonthlyTicket Draw for Dining For Seniors: Every month a ticket is drawn by staff at the Municipality of South Huron. April's lucky winner is Marie Cade of R. R. # 6 St. Marys. Congratulations Marie! Upcoming Events: 2nd Annual Trade Fair & Information Expo: Mark your calendar for Wednesday June 2, 2004. In the coming weeks more details and information about activities and events will be announced. Many new vendors com- ing, good food, and entertainment to highlight your day! Bingo At Lucan: In Exeter or Huron Park you are picked up by bus every Wednesday evening. Bingo is held in the Lucan Arena and starts at 7:00 p.m. Good prizes and a good time for everyone. Call Murphy's Bus Lines at (519) 235-0450 for transportation details. Hike For Hospice/Palliative Care: Pick up your pledge sheet at the South Huron Municipal Office V.O.N. Palliative Care Volunteer Program is sponsoring this walk. Hike McNaughton Trail or McNaughton Park Exeter Ontario This walk takes place Sunday May 2, 2004. Registration at 1:45 p.m. Hospital Rummage Sale: Get a start at your spring-cleaning: For all your unwanted items, put them at the curb on Wednesday April 21 by 8:00 a.m. Get your bargains at the Rec. Centre Exeter. Sale hours are Wednesday April 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Thursday April 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Proceeds go to South Huron Hospital enhancement. Senior Games: Definition of a senior is: he/she must be 55 years old by December 31, 2004. Contact June Hodgson at (519) 235-2194 for details and times for the following games: Solo, Crokinole, Darts, Shuffleboard, Bid Euchre, 5/10 Pin Bowling, Contract Bridge, Duplicate Bridge, Pepper, Carpet Bowling, Snooker, Horse Shoes, Cribbage, Swimming, Lawn Bowling, Walking, Tennis, Golf, Bocci, and Triathlon. Grand Bend Activities: April 14th "Boating Operators License" April 24 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Cost $60.00 ages 12 and up. Call 238-1155. April 20th " Port Franks Eucreama" Port Franks Community Centre 10:00 a.m. sharp, A good time, prizes and lunch provided, Everyone welcome! Call 243-2297 for info. Smorgasbord: As much as you want to eat... Smorgasbord at Exeter United Church Thursday May 6, 2004. Hours from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. Takeouts available at the church or from UCW members Yard and Bake Sale: On Saturday May 15, 2004 Centralia United Church is hosting a Yard and Bake Sale. Hours are from 7:00 a.m. to Noon. Food and drinks are available. Harry Hardy Bus Tour May 5, 2004 Grand River is celebrating its tenth anniversary as a Canadian Heritage River. Travel through Mennonite Country and explore the historical com- munities of the Grand River Valley with a guided bus tour narrated by Warren Stauch on Wednesday, May 5, 2004. Highlights include Blair, the oldest inland settlement in Upper Canada, Chiefwoods past the home of poetess E. Pauline Johnson, and Paris, the Cobblestone Capital of Canada. Enjoy the scenery through York, the United Empire Loyalist Nelles Settlement, Ruthven Park, and Cayuga. Return along the west side of the river by ghost town, Mount Healey, Brant's Six Nations Reserve, and Brantford. Cost: $60.00 P.P. includes bus, guided tour, and noon meal. For further information contact Harry Hardy, P.O. Box 249, Lucan, ON NOM 2J0, 227-4887 Spring Work: Need help with odd jobs at your home! Painting, small outside jobs etc. please contact Bill Heather at (519) 235-4219. Note: Bill has acquired several small jobs and if anyone else is interested in doing the same, please let me know. Lucan Senior Games Pepperama: May 6, 2004 Come and enjoy yourself, playing "Pepper" on May 6, 2004 at the Lucan Community Centre 10:00 a.m. Please register by April 30, 2004. Jim Bearss For more information contact Ruth Hill (519) 227- 4869 or Norm Steeper at (519) 227-4864 LEGION PLEASED WITH GOVERNMENT DECISION ON VETERANS INDEPENDENCE PLAN BENEFIT FORWIDOWS: Ottawa — The Royal Canadian Legion is extremely pleased with the announcement made by Veteran Affairs Minister Rey Pagtakhan on Thursday, November 6 in regard to the extension of the Veterans Independence Program benefit to all wid- ows. "This benefit has now been extended to all widows who qualified and ends the controversy that has sur- rounded it since it was announced earlier that the extension would not be retroactive," says Legion Dominion President Allan Parks. "We are pleased that the efforts of Canada's veterans groups have been rewarded and we are most pleased for the wid- ows." The Legion's initial reaction to the story was one of guarded optimism. But the organization has now seen the complete text of the announcement and believes it is extremely fair to all. Congratulations Vera Armstrong: Vera Armstrong, a member of Branch 167 Exeter Ontario since 1970, was awarded the "Metitorius Service Award (M.S.M.) in a ceremony at the Exeter Legion in front of family and fellow Legion members. This prestigious award is approved by the Ritual and Awards Committee, which considers several factors when granting M.S.M. The criteria includes length of service of the mem- ber, what has set the member apart from others in the Legion at the recommending level and whether the member has made a personal sacrifice, which has brought great credit to the Legion. Vera has always been willing to help the Legion with other projects and committees. Vera has also helped in the community with many other activities, including Legion Ladies Auxiliary, South Huron Hospital Auxiliary, Girl Guide Parent Association, Member of Exeter United Church and U.C.W. and other volun- teer organizations. A member receiving the M.S.N. may also be award- ed a Palm Leaf for continued outstanding service. The Palm Leaf is affixed to the M.S.N. On behalf of the South Huron Seniors Group, we also offer our Congratulations! Info from Exeter Times Advocate. Lest We Forget: Isaac Laverne Harness Isaac was born February 1904 in Exeter Ontario. He received his education in Exeter before joining the army. He earned his living by delivering bread around the town of Exeter. He delivered his bakery products by a horse pulling a specially designed wagon, meant for that job. Pte. Isaac Laverne Harness was the son of John and Elizabeth Harness. His wife was Irene (Johnson) Harness of Goderich, two daughters were Shirley and Jane. His brothers were Elmore of Exeter, Albert and Walter of London. Both brothers were involved in the 1st World War of 1914 — 1918 and were wounded. A brother Czar was from Sarnia. His Sisters were Mrs. Thomas Brogan of Windsor, Mrs. Lloyd Bayham of Stratford and Mrs. Ed. Maguire from Windsor Ontario. Mr. harness decided to enlist in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps at the start of the 2nd World War, in September of 1939. He was posted and arrived in England shortly before Christmas of that same year. Upon arriving in England and 2 1/2 years later, he was admitted to the hospital and, for the last 2 months of his life, he was very sick with cancer of the stomach, and he passed away on June 15th 1943. Laverne never did get involved in any wartime action, which was yet to come. Pte. Isaac Laverne Harness is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery Brookwood, which is 30 miles from London England. A memorial service was held in the Trivitt Memorial Church in Exeter Ontario. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion headed by the Exeter Brass Band paraded to the church. They were seated on one side of the church, while family members were seated on the other. Rev. M.A. Hunt conducted the service. Next week: John Gordon Hogarth A man went to the police station wishing to speak to the burglar who had broken into his house the night before. "You'll get your chance in court," said the desk sergeant. "NO!" said the man. "I want to know how he got into the house without waking my wife. I've been try- ing to do that for years!" See PERSPECTIVE page 6 6 Exeter Times -Advocate Wednesday,April 21, 2004 Opinion Forum News Seniors' perspective Possible closure of Continued from page 5 A Priest, a rabbi, a doctor and a lawyer are gath- ered at a mutual friend's graveside to mourn his passing. The priest says to the others, "I think our good friend would have liked to take something with him to his next life." He pulls out a $100 bill from his wallet and drops it on the casket. The rabbi agrees, "That's a fine idea," and drops his own $100 bill on the casket. The doctor not to be out done does the same. The lawyer murmurs, "What a wonderful thought," as he gazes down at their friend's grave. Whipping out his pen, he quickly writes a cheque for $400, drops it into grave and takes the three $100 as change. Farmer Joe was suing a trucking company for injuries sustained in an accident. In court, the com- pany's fancy lawyer was questioning Farmer Joe. "Didn't you say, at the scene of the accident, 'I'm fine'?" asked the lawyer. Farmer Joe responded, "Well, I'll tell you what hap- pened. I had just loaded my favourite mule, Bessie, into the ... " "I didn't ask for any details," the lawyer interrupt- ed. "Just answer the question. Did you not say, at the scene of the accident, 'I'm fine'?" Farmer Joe continued, "Well, I had just got Bessie into the trailer and I was driving down the road ..." The lawyer interrupted again and said, "Judge, I am trying to establish the fact that, at the scene of the accident, this man told the Highway Patrolman that he was just fine. Now, several months after the acci- dent, he is suing my client. I believe he is a fraud. Please tell him to simply answer the question." But the judge was interested in Farmer Joe's story and said to the lawyer, I'd like to hear what he has to say about his mule, Bessie. Joe thanked the judge and proceeded. "Well, as I was saying, I had just loaded Bessie, my favorite mule, into the trailer and was driving her down the highway when this huge semi -truck and trailer ran the stop sign and smacked my truck right in the side. "I was thrown into one ditch and Bessie was thrown into the other. I was hurting real bad and didn't want to move. However, I could hear ole Bessie moaning and groaning. I knew she was in terrible shape just by her groans. "Shortly after the accident, a highway patrolman came on the scene. He could hear Bessie moaning and groaning so he went over to her. After he looked at her, he took out his gun and shot her between the eyes. Then the patrolman came across the road with his gun in his hand and looked at me. "He said, 'Your mule was in such bad shape I had to shoot her. How are you feeling?'" What Scouting Has Taught Me.... To borrow a phrase - Everything I need to know I learned in Scouting. From "Sharing, Sharing, Sharing" to "Be Prepared", these are mottos that we could all learn to live by and this is what Scouting has taught dozens of youth and adults in this area. 1st Exeter Scouts has been and is a strong and visi- ble youth development group in our community. These are youth who are learning by example to help build a better world. This is only one part of a larger program in which leaders work to pass on skills through meeting nights, camps and outdoor activities. The adventure of Scouting is one of the main reasons youth are drawn to it. Our challenge comes in finding adults to provide this leadership for our programs. We are in immedi- ate need for community volunteers who can help with the Group Committee which administers the activities of the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers sections. How can we inspire you to be a part of this move- ment? We all realize time is a valuable commodity: are you willing to share some of your time for this valuable youth program? If you are, your decision may result in young people being offered opportunities that can last a lifetime. For information on how to become involved please write us at exeterscouts@hotmail.com or call 235- 2811 and ask for Bob. PETER DARBISHIRE, Treasurer First Exeter Scouts Group Committee Granton Motocross Dear Editor: In regards to your story you had on page 3 last week about the Granton Motocross raceway: An appeal had been made to the Ontario Municipal Board on the temporary zoning bylaw for the Granton motorcross. The appeal had been launched by eight neighbouring households. The first race of the season was to be held at this racetrack on April 18 but because of the petition of eight neighbours, the race and maybe many more will be cancelled. Races are held approximately a couple of Sundays each month at this track and I realize that noise is probably a factor in these complaints but the races are completed before nightfall. If these neighbours want something to complain about, how about having a newly -built pig barn near your residence. Yes— there's nothing like the fragrant aroma of pig manure 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I myself would gladly give up the pig -manure smell for the noise that dirt -bikes make. Our 15 -year-old son is one of these dirt -bike racers who for the second year will be racing with the Thames Valley Racers. He loves the sport and looks forward to racing as soon as spring arrives. I'm sure alot of parents agree that they'd rather have their sons and daughters into motorcross racing rather than their energies dispensed into something violent and illegal. I'm also sure that our police forces, our courts, our detention centers, etc., etc., etc., also are glad of this. I hope the eight neighbours will recon - The Stanley Cup band wagon It seems that at this time of the year nearly everyone in Canada is a hockey fan. I myself admit to now watching the occasional playoff game, even though I doubt I spent more than five minutes watching during the regular season. Of course, for the most part this sudden rise in the interest of hockey has to do with national pride, and the hopes that maybe, just maybe, one of Canada's cities will take home the cup. I'll say it right now, I'm not a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, never have been, and probably never will be. I am a band wagon playoff spectator, but when it comes to support for the TML's during playoffs, everyone else seems to jump on that band wagon, and I have to be dif- ferent somewhere. There's no way you'd hear as many people say "Go Leafs Go" during a regular season. But that's okay, I tend to have bad luck in my pickings for teams, so if they're lucky maybe Toronto might actually take home the cup this year. Stranger things have happened I'm sure. I caught the third period of last Thursday night's Montreal vs. Boston. You would think that with Boston having home ice advantage that their fans would be in the stands cheering them on despite their eventu- al 5-1 loss to the Canadiens. However, even with several minutes left in the game you could clearly see that the stands were nearly empty. It's like an unwritten law here in Canada that states it's illegal to leave a hockey game early, whether you're team is winning or not. A lot can happen in only a few short minutes left in play — that was seen in game four of the Montreal/Boston series when Montreal was in the lead until a few bad moves in the final moments allowed Boston to tie it up and then take the win in overtime. I believe that playing infront of large crowds that show a lot of energy really has a lot of effect on both the home and away teams. As a home team player, there's nothing like making a crowd cheer at the top of their lungs when you take the lead. Likewise, as an away team player it's always amusing to see and hear the reactions of the home crowd when you're ahead. Either way, whether you're the fan who eats, sleeps, and breathes the sport of hockey all year long, or a playoff bandwagon spectator such as myself, let's show the Americans, with whatever team you're cheering for, that you're there to show you're support for your team, not that the team is there to make sure you get your time or money's worth. DEBRA TOONK sider and not have the Granton track closed down. Many families participate in this growing, popular sport and it would be such a disappointment to the kids to have it end. P. WEBBER. Education Matters Randy Wagler,Trustee, Huron Area 4 - South AVON MAITLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD Are students safe in our schools? I have asked myself this question a number of times this past week. I attended a community forum at South Huron District High School enti- tled "Teens under the influence", where experts spoke on a variety of influences on our young people including drugs and alcohol, peers, sexu- al activity, and bullying. As I listened to Cindy Wesley, whose daughter committed suicide after being bullied by her peers, I reflected on what we are doing and what more we could do to ensure that schools are safe places for our stu- dents. In terms of what we are doing at the Board level, the Avon Maitland District School Board has in place a Code of Conduct that is described in a booklet entitled "Together for Safe Schools" which is distributed annually to every student in our district. The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to help all members of the school community understand what are appropriate behaviours as well as the consequences for inappropriate behaviours. The Code of Conduct is rooted in the belief that "all students, parents/guardians, teachers and staff have the right to be safe, and to feel safe, in their school community", and that "school learning environments must be safe, orderly, positive and respect- ful." The Code of Conduct indi cates that respect, civility, and responsible citizenship are to be demonstrated by all mem- bers of the school community, including students, staff, par- ents and volunteers, and numerous examples of this behaviour are given. In addition to the Code of Conduct, one the Board's four goals is: "To promote the devel- opment of positive citizenship qualities in our students", which further empha- sizes the importance placed on ensuring that our schools are safe places for our students. At the school level, numerous activities take place to ensure that our students are safe. From a physical standpoint, health and safety issues are dealt with in a timely manner, and our schools are maintained to a high standard. From an emotional and social standpoint, schools have various anti -bullying programs, peer counseling and mentoring programs, and programs that teach the importance of positive citizenship qualities among our students. Teachers and staff also work to make schools safer by treating students and each other with respect, and encouraging students to speak out when they feel threatened, bullied, or otherwise unsafe. Finally, each of us has a responsibility to ensure that students feel safe in our schools. As parents and guardians, we need to have open dialogues with our children about the impor- tance of sharing when they feel unsafe or threatened. We need to model respect and tol- erance to our children through our attitudes and actions toward them and other members of our community. As community members, we also need to model the same kind of respect and tol- erance toward others that we expect of our stu- dents. I believe that our schools are safe, but there is more we can do. Community forums like the one held last week at South Huron District High School are important so we understand that this is an issue for which we all must take responsi- bility. All of us as partners in education need to continue to work together to maintain and encourage a positive, safe environment where our students can achieve to their highest poten- tial. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at 235-4445, or email me at rwagler@fc. amdsb. c a. RANDY WAGLER EDUCATION MATTERS