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The Citizen, 1994-10-12, Page 8Accomplished youth Local students earned several of the awards presented at F.E. Madill commencement ceremonies on Oct. 7. From left: Krista Bird, Belgrave, earned the Westcast Industries award; Christine Carr, Brussels, Wingham Optimists Award and Angie Yoon, proficiency in Biology and Chemistry. Absent local winners were: Shane Pegg, Bluevale, Louise Patton Memorial Award; Heather Somers, Brussels, Stephanie Lea Henry Memorial Merit Award and Todcj Machan, Bluevale, F.E. Madill Secondary School Teaching Staff Award. HCBE briefs Bd. supports Literacy Fest. Educators, business form Links Council With the great success of the 1994 Family Literacy Festival, plans are underway for the 1995 event. Pat Senn, a co-ordinator for the program, told the Huron County Board of Education at the Oct. 3 meeting that last year's festival drew 4,000 students, 500 adults and many participants from the commu­ nity including those involved in home schooling programs. "With the support of the board (as in the past), it is hoped that this year's festival, set for June 6-9, will be just as successful," she says. The board approved a motion to support the festival and to seek grants for the program. ***** "The adult continuation summer school courses were very success­ ful again this year," says Bruce Eccles, in his report to the board. There were 126 students enrolled in 59 different subjects, an increase from 55 students in 1992. The regular day school program saw a dramatic decrease in enrol­ ment, 38 per cent, mostly in the Grade 9 courses. Mr. Eccles says, "Some of this may be due to destreaming. Grade 9 courses are no longer for credits and the students may not see the need for remediation. We must show them the benefit of summer school." "The Ministry of Education appears pleased with the program in Huron County," he says. ***** A draft Food and Nutrition Poli­ cy was approved by the board. The policy outlines objectives for the schools in an effort to encour­ age healthy ideas about eating. The policy covers: the education of the students, foods which arc sold in the schools, nutrition guide­ lines and recommendations for action, guidelines for meals and snacks, safe food handling for schools, formula food, safe food and managing food allergies. "By showing support for this pol­ icy, the board is confirming its commitment to the health and wel­ fare of the students," says County Nutritionist Beth Wilck. ***** The secondary school program and directions review forum will investigate the feasibility of a pilot project for 1995-96, to offer cours­ es by video conferencing. The purpose of the group is to discuss concerns and issues which may affect secondary school pro­ grams and to make recommenda­ tions to the appropriate committee. ***** The HCBE will share expenses for the 10th annual Excellence in Education activities which will take place on April 26. ***** The board agreed to proceed with the establishment of an education foundation. The foundation will: have the ability to issue tax receipts; manage education trusts and trust funds; solicit grants, donations and bequests; establish partnerships with the private sector; create self­ funded projects to support thereby enhancing and extending programs of the board and generally support marketing and public relations undertakings. Director of Education Paul Car­ roll says, "The foundation will not request seed money from the board and will be self-sustaining." ***** The Ministry of Education informed the board that funding will be available for the improving and updating of schools. The Ministry requested informa­ tion detailing the percentage of gross area of schools which was older than 20 years. Huron County schools had a percentage of 90.8. Director of Business Janet Baird- Jackson said she hoped this would benefit the county in attaining its share of funding. ***** Superintendent of Program Ralph Wareham informed the board that the The Huron-Perth Centre for Children and Youth, in co-opera- lion with parent groups wished to improve the availability and acces­ sibility of speech and language ser­ vices to students. The board supported the motion to have a speech pathologist avail­ able at the Huron Centre. ***** Norm Pickell, trustee for Goderich was nominated to repre­ sent the board at the municipal addressing meetings. Mr. Carroll says it is important to have the board represented because the schools house up.to 1,000 peo­ ple, under one roof, during the school day and should be consid­ ered in emergency planning. ***** Area secondary school principals discussed the timing of commence­ ment ceremonies at the September meeting and reported to Superin­ tendent of Schools Chuck Rowland that the fall dates were preferred. Some of the reasons given included: allowing students to attain diploma credits during the summer, time to gather marks and determine award winners and time for donors to prepare bursaries and scholarships. ***** Do you know one? To nominate an individual or'a group of young people for the Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award, please contact this newspaper or the OCNA at 905-844- 0184. Nominations for this year’s awards will be accepted until October 31, 1994. Every nominee will receive a certificate and up to 12 individuals and one group will be the recipients of a plaque presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, an Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year lapel pin, $200 and a family portrait with the Lieutenant Governor. NOMINATION FORMS - are available by contacting this community newspaper or OCNA at 905-844-0184 Do you know a young person, aged 6 to 18 years, who is involved in worthwhile community service or a special person who is contributing, while living with a physical or psychological limitation? Do you know a youth who has performed an act of heroism? The Ontario Community Newspapers Association, with Bell Canada as the patron, is looking to recognize these “good, kids"; the young people of our province who. show a commitment to making life better for others. V^^tZontario > “^JUNIOR CITIZEN r/ OF THE YEARVAWARDS Ontario community newspapers association A Community Links Council has been created to promote communication between the various businesses and community organizations and educators (F.E. Madill Secondary School) in North Huron County. Educators want to receive input on current issues that affect programs at the high school. They wish to have recommendations about technology that would keep their programs relevant. They want recommendations that will improve the quality of education through course revision and professional development. Educators want to assist the community and develop the skills in students that are necessary for success in life. In the past, students have assisted the community in many ways. Business students have written simple programs for differ­ ent organizations, set up display windows for businesses, and typed information for various community organizations (Wingham Home- coming committee and Kinsmen Auction committee). Art students have assisted in advertising (logos, displays). The Tech department has produced promotional videos (using their state-of-the-art video equipment) in their communications technology classes. Current technology (computers, computerized milling machines, video cameras, etc.) is available to assist businesses and community groups if help is not available in the local area. Businesses and community groups are encouraged to contact F.E. Madill Secondary School if they have situations where students (under teacher supervision) may be of assistance. Any assistance, such as guest speakers, videos, printed materials, g--*..O NTA RIO WJUNIOR CITIZENS discarded software or hardware, etc.) that businesses and community groups can provide to F.E. Madill Secondary School for the students would be greatly appreciated. Members from businesses and community organizations are encouraged to be a part of the council. It is in the beginning stage and ideas to promote community - education communications are most welcome. The council will meet two or three times a year. Contact the Community Links Council through R. Gavreluk at F.E. Madill Secondary School (phone 357-1800 or fax 357-4137). HPRCSSB amends school plans The plans for the new Catholic secondary school in Clinton were amended at the Sept. 26 meeting of the Huron-Perth County Roman Catholic Separate School Board. Some of the changes included converting the proposed roadway from Princess Street to a walkway and moving the school building back to increase the buffer zone between the residents and the school and improve the appearance of the school. The board authorized the admin­ istration to approach the Clinton council as well as Hullett Twp. council regarding the recommend­ ed changes. An application will be sent to the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Fund, in the amount of $500,000, for an addition to St. Columban School. The permanent contract of Stella Farwell was increased and Jennifer Judd was hired as a probationary teacher.