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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-12-08, Page 15Wednesday, December 8, 2004 Exeter Times -Advocate 15 Santa and his elves — also known as Taylor Marriage, Shannon Wilds and Danielle Meikle — made an appearance at the community dinner at the Hensall United Church Dev. 5. (photo/Mary Simmons) Parent group seeks French Immersion By Stew Slater SPECIAL TO THE TIMES -ADVOCATE SEAFORTH — Avon Maitland District School Board administrative staff has been directed to prepare a report about the potential for a French Immersion program in Huron County after a public delegation by the Ontario branch of Canadian Parents for French. Currently, both the Huron -Perth Catholic and Avon Maitland boards offer French Immersion in Stratford, but only the Catholic board has a similar program in Huron County. After a presentation by Ontario branch president Monika Ferenczy, vice -chairperson Randy Wagler of South Huron asked Avon Maitland administrative staff to look more closely into the possibility. "I think we want to gauge interest," Wagler said in making the request at the board's meeting Nov. 23. Ferenczy told trustees her organization had been in contact with between 20-25 Huron County parents expressing inter- est in starting a French Immersion pro- gram within the Avon Maitland board. She added that, although French Immersion is termed "optional" by the provincial government (the same term given to Junior Kindergarten), 55 out of 65 school boards provide it to some degree. She also highlighted a federal govern- ment goal of having 50 per cent of all Canadian high school graduates "func- tionally literate in French" by 2015. "Those students are now in Grade 4," the Canadian Parents for French repre- sentative said. Education director Geoff Williams cau- tioned those 20-25 parents could poten- tially represent no more than 20-25 stu- dents, spread from Kindergarten through high school age. More detailed facts, and most likely a higher level of confirmed interest, would be necessary for staff to recommend the development of a Huron program, he said. He added "it would be very difficult" to get those details and then get a program in place for September 2005. "But I think if the board wants to explore it, and there's an implementation plan for a year from next fall," a suffi- cient level of interest could lead to a deci- sion to implement French Immersion in Huron County by September 2006. Stratford trustee Doug Pratley, mean- while, cautioned one limiting factor may be the ability of the board to secure well- qualified French Immersion teachers. He says that's a common challenge faced by boards instigating new programs. Walk for Memories upcoming EXETER — Pledge sheets are now available for the Alzheimer Society of Huron County's 10th Annual Indoor Walk for Memories. The walk will be held Jan. 22 at South Huron District High School in Exeter, as well as in loca- tions in Clinton, Goderich, Seaforth and Wingham. There are new incentive prizes available for walk- ing as well as a corporate challenge. The Alzheimer Society invites you to con- sider entering your entire work place as you walk for this great cause. Call 482-1482 or 1-800- 561-5012 for a pledge sheet or for more infor- mation. To register or make a pledge online, go to www. walkformemo- ries. ca Lucan males arrested ARVA — On Dec. 2 at approximately 11:50 p.m., an officer noticed a vehicle northbound on Richmond Street in Arva travelling at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was stopped and the two male occupants identified themselves verbally to the OPP. Another officer arrived at the scene and recognized the passenger from the Lucan area and realized he had provided false identification. The driver's wallet was located in the van and he had also given a false name. Both males were arrested. A 20 -year-old Lucan man faces charges of failing to comply with bail conditions under the Criminal Code and permitting a motor vehicle to be operat- ed without insurance. A 19 -year-old Lucan man faces three counts of failing to comply, failure to provide a breath sample and public mischief under the Criminal Code, dri- ving a vehicle with no insurance or vali- dation and speeding over 50 km/h above the speed limit, under the Highway Traffic Act. White Gift Sunday in Granton By Muriel Lewis GRANTON CORRESPONDENT GRANTON — At the Granton -Wesley United Church Dec. 5, lay Pastor Val Hodgins entitled the message `Elizabeth and Mary'. The lessons were from Isaiah 11 and Luke 1. Meredith Dodds lit the Advent candle for peace. The choir sang, Lo, How a Rose. The chil- dren's time was about gifts and peace. Unit 1 hosted the muffin social before the service. Next Sunday, Dec. 12 is White Gift Sunday. Mon., Dec. 13, 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. is the commu- nity supper. UCW Granton -Wesley UCW Unit 1 met on Dec. 2 for a potluck lunch at noon at the home of president Doreen McRobert. Twenty baskets were prepared for the shut-ins and elderly. McRobert opened the meeting with a reading 'That which we have seen with our eyes'. Business discussion included the Dec. 13 community supper (beef on a bun) at 5:30 p.m. program and general UCW meeting to follow with Unit 3 in charge; Dec. 20 carol night at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Lucan, (Granton -Wesley to serve refresh - m e n t s) ; Christmas Eve service 7:30 p.m. Carols will be sung before the service each Sunday in Advent. Arrangements were made for the Jan. 6 meeting at Cathie Westman's home. At St. Paul's Anglican Church in Kirkton Dec. 5 (Advent 2) Rev. Dalice Sim celebrated the holy eucharist, assisted b y Christine Downey. The message was about repenting and following Christ's ways. Kate Henry lit the Advent can- dle for peace and Emma Blackler read the lessons. GRANTON NEWS .sr 4 w 2 4 NOW AVAILABLE! Deluxe Christmas Cake loaded with Nil and slowly baked to per f eelian •E Serve the Best! 3resh Baked Rolls, Breads, Cookies, Pies, 7arh Squares and More... •candies •snacks •baking ingredients CHEESE IRV Canadian and Imported 'fresh off the block' r also Cheese Trays & Gift Baskets Bakery & Cheese House GOSHEN ST., ZURICH 236-4912 . South uron PLUS Saturday ,Dec , 11th 411 Main Street , South Great Deals On... laptops PDA's Computers Home Theater Televisions Video Games Digital Cameras Video Cameras Tools Telephones DVD Players LCD Monitors Speakers And More!