The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-05-05, Page 15Wednesday, May 5, 2004 Exeter Times -Advocate 15 Tech programs often operate on shoestring By Stew Slater SPECIAL TO THE T -A SEAFORTH — Almost $113,000 in provincial government funding, announced a year ago to enhance existing support for the Avon Maitland District School Board's technical education pro- grams, has been what education superinten- dent Marjatta Longston describes as "consumed by the consumables." And though Longston admits the government might not be happy to find out the money was spent for such things as replacing saw blades and refilling welding tanks — instead of creating new technical programs or turning existing class- rooms into specialized The Exeter Lioness Club recently made several donations to area groups totalling $2,940. Projects receiving donations included the fishing derby, Children's Health Foundation, the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Exeter Agricultural Society, a new fence forVictoria Park, the Exeter Library reading program, Exeter Public School, Master Gardeners, the Lions Foundation of Canada and the Huron -Perth Children's Aid Camp. Pictured from left are Ted Jones of the Exeter Lions, Exeter Library branch supervisor Helen Hodgins, Exeter Lioness service chairperson Liz Stephens, Norma Cockwill of the Exeter Agricultural Society and Joan Van den broeck of Children's Aid. (photo/Scott Nixon) technical learning spaces — she says that's just an indication of how finan- cially stretched the board's technical pro- grams are. Speaking to trustees at a regular meeting April 27, Longston outlined what happened to the board's share of the 2003 instalment of the government's $90 mil- lion, four-year Technical Education Renewal Initiative (TERI) funding. "I think, at the time, we all got excited about the $90 million but, in reali- ty, this was just the first year, and we are just one school board in Ontario," the superinten- dent said. Under TERI, $112,788 was divided among the board's nine secondary schools, based on the number of technical credits being taken in each school. That trans- lated into as much as $18,114 for Stratford Northwestern Secondary School, and as little as $7,615 for Stratford Central Secondary Musical Mother's Day planned HENSALL - Queensway's first Family Council meeting was held Thurs., April 29 facilitated by Maggie Deveau, social work- er. Deveau expressed her appre- ciation to those present for their interest and participation. Family members and friends are welcome to join the council at any time and can call Queensway for further informa- tion. Deveau can be reached at Queenway each Thursday. The Lakeview Conservative Mennonite Singers visited Tuesday night to sing Gospel music for residents. All those in attendance stated they enjoyed the music and especially the participation of all the small children. Following the program refreshments and visiting took place. Paula Townsend and her Maltese therapy dog, Popcorn were welcomed back from Florida on Wednesday morning by enthusiastic residents who have missed them throughout the long winter. Popcorn's wag- ging tail and loving personality make him a popular visitor. The Rev. Marilyn Carter of Thames Road, Elimville Churches led worship Tuesday afternoon with Belva Fuss as volunteer pianist, and Marg Cole and Pastor Elly Van Bergen assisting residents. Thursday afternoon, baking group met and decided to mix up a batch of fresh raisin scones to be served at the Family Council meeting. The scones were taste tested warm from the oven with butter and pro- nounced good enough for the meeting. Friday morning the Residents' Council met to discuss the many upcoming events in May espe- cially Queensway's participation in the Hensall Community Yard Sale on Sat., May 29. Queensway plans to have a bar- becued -food booth again this year and hopes to have many good -quality items at the yard sale tables. So, plan to visit Queensway at the corner of Queen and Nelson. Coming events Sun., May 9 at 2 p.m. Mother's Day Tea and the Al DeHann Singers. Wed., May 12 at 7 p.m. The Exeter Community Choir. Thurs., May 13 at 6 p.m. Senior Diners. Zurich Public School play May 5 and 6 By Carmel Sweeney ZURICH CORRESPONDENT ZURICH - Hope to see you at the 140th Agricultural Anniversary Dinner, Sat., May 8 being held at the Blue Water Community Centre in Zurich with social hour at 5:30 p.m. and meal at 6:30 p.m., followed by an evening of entertainment. The Zurich Public School play Gone With The Breeze will be held Wednesday and Thursday, May 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. Cost is $5 at the door for adults. The local Optimist Club held a MuchMusic Video Spring Dance at the Recreation Center in Exeter on April 30, with students from the two schools in Zurich attend- ing, ages up to 15 years. Beth Sweeney -Boyle and two boys along with Meagan and Carmel Sweeney spent a great weekend at the home of Tim and Marie Reinman in Grosse Pointe, Michigan along with other family members on the Boyle side. Sat., May 1 was the First Communion celebration for Connor Reinman fol- lowed by a family get- together afterwards held at the home of his god- mother. On Sunday everyone enjoyed going to see a play called The Will Rogers Follies in which both Tim and Marie had main parts. Dianne Tucker and Martha Mungar attended the Catholic Women's League Convention held in Woodstock on April 26 and 27 as delegates from St. Peter's Parish, St. ZURICH Joseph. Girls from the bowling league enjoyed the annual pizza party recently at the new sports bar at the Dominion Hotel in Zurich followed by a social evening at the home of Arlene Seyler. Happy 40th birthday wishes to Cynthia Strickland on April 29. She was surprised with balloons and signs around the house put up by the neighbours. A get-togeth- er with friends and neigh- bours was held at the Pizza and Sports Bar that evening. Tracy Campbell and her sister, Eileen Haskett of Centralia recently spent a week in Puerto Plata. The Golden Agers meet- ing is Mon., May 10, 7:30 p.m. at the Township Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend. NEWS A scrap -booking week- end was held at the Dashwood Community Centre. Girls coming from far and near worked on photo albums and had a good time together. The event was arranged by Lisa Giffin Wendy Nye and two boys of California recently spent a week in Zurich visiting with her mother Doreen Oesch. A well -attended Volunteer Appreciation Night was held at the Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall on April 28. Patti Groot from the Blue Water Rest Home arranged this event. Speakers were Martha Mungar, administrator and Pastor Phil Wagler followed by a musical program by a family from Clinton. Everyone enjoyed refreshments following the program. School. "The intent of the ini- tiative is to refurbish and update equipment, sup- port school boards in developing partnerships with employers, and pro- vide teachers with focussed training," states a report provided by Longston to trustees. However, Longston said, much of the money was taken up by efforts to replace, fix or main- tain existing equipment. "What it speaks to is the lack of stable funding for technical programs," she said in an interview after the meeting. In response to Longston's report, North Huron trustee Colleen Schenk proposed send- ing a letter to the gov- ernment, requesting a commitment to continue the TERI program and also extend its support for technical education. "We need a lot of money to get technical programs back into the classrooms," said Schenk, who received support for the letter. Longston wasn't entire- ly negative about the TERI program. In the Avon Maitland board, she explained, it has spurred the creation of a technical education steering committee, which met a couple of times earlier this year to facilitate the creation of five-year plans for each secondary school's tech- nical programs. This has assisted in getting each school community think- ing about what types of courses are best suited for each facility, and what improvements could be made. "With the five-year plans, maybe a school will look at what poten- tial partnerships there are with businesses in the community, and what types of courses those partners might benefit from," Longston explained. LIFETIME INTRODUCES... *NEW PRODUCT !!!* www.everglowlighting.ca Permanently installed lights to enhance your home. Highlights your Roof -Line • Hidden By Day • Long Lasting • Energy Efficient • Easy to Install CALL NOW FOR YOUR NO -CHARGE QUOTATION and LOW INTRODUCTORY PRICING 235-0699 1-800-529-9292 LIFETIME HOME PRODUCTS EXETER 213 Carling St. Exeter, ON NOM 1S2 www.Iifetimehomeproducts.com Mark Heimrich