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Times-Advocate, 1987-06-03, Page 2Pooe 'l ?...... ^,ci•:ocatc, Ju 3 1917 THE WHOLE FAMILY All members of the Chapman family were introduced during a dance and "roast" for retiring Exeter Public School principal Jim Chapman. Shown with Dorothy and lim are lim's mother Grace, daughter Cheryl and husband Murray Stewart, daughter Susan and husband Gary Blanchard and sons Paul and Chris. IN APPRECIATION — Connie Illman, president of the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters Association, presented retiring principal Jim Chapman with the collector's plate "David's Dilemma" in appreciation for all he has done for the organization. Looking on are Dorothy Chapman, board member Gary Hugill and vice- president Albert Van Dyken. Principal roasted, but also gets accolades Memories! Memories! Exeter Public School principal Jim Chapman will carry away a kaleidoscope of them when he walks out of his office for the- last time at the end of the school year. A kaleidoscope is defined as "a con- stantly changing collection of bright objects", and that aptly describes the parade of students who have crossed Chapman's path during his 35 years in the teaching profession. Hold that kaleidoscope up to the mind's eye and -a scene drops into ‘),tiew•: September. 1972. Chapman's first day at Exeter Public School. Sud- dlrnly the fire alarms shrills into' ac- tion. A precocious primary student with the budding instincts 'of a research scientist has pulled the CHILDHOOD MEMORIES — Children Cheryl (left), Susan, Paul and Chris recalled some incidents in their father's life during a farewell dance and "roast" for retiring Exeter Public •School principal Jim Chapman. PA ' ING GIFT — Dorothy Chapman watches as, husband Jim is prese ed with o gift by Bill Van Wieren representing the staff of Exeter Public School and others who made donations. Inside was an elegant attache case. Hall saysgarbage could bury people After noting that members had been asked by Mayor Bruce Shaw to bring matters of concern to meetings, Councillor Morley Hall broached one on Monday pertaining to garbage. "Instead of us burying garbage, it will bury us," he said after noting he was bothered by the many items he sees going to the local landfill site that could actually be recycled. He acknowledged that Exeter didn't have some of the immediate problems of other municipalities in the area, but said it would arise ifs• something -isn't done soon. . A change of thinking is required e concluded. Ile had no answers to the pro em when asked a question in that r Bard by Reeve Bill Mickle, but eputy- Reeve Lossy Fuller noted that recycl- ing had been studied by fortner coun- cil member Don Winter and nothing has been done since that matter was turned over to -another member. Winter, who was an observer at the meeting, was asked for some com- ments and noted that only paper in this community could be recycled because there was not enough quan- tity of glass and other items to make it feasible. However, he said 40 percent of the garbage now set out by homeowners could be recycled in their backyards and the total,amount jbat could be reduced goink to the dump would be around 50 percent. Winter said it is apparent that municipalities will be expected to police industrial garbage more close- . ly as well and will have to know what's in the garbage coming from some sources. Councillor Ben Hoogenboom' reopened•the subject later in the meeting, noting that perhaps the other levels of government could sub- sidize municipalities where the quan- tity of some items is insufficient to make it profitable for an yen- trepreneur to pick those items for recycling purposes. Winter said he had hoped to ap- proach a provincial ministry for a pilot project in Exeter, but didn't get that done before losing at the polls. It was finallly agreed, on the motion of Councillor Gaylan Josephson, that the entire subject be turned over to the public works committee for study.. Manynames, one on hand The names of 18 people facing a total of 30 charges appeared on Tues- day's court docket in Exeter, but on- ly one was disposed of. In that one, Glenn W. Rhode, RR 1 Woodham, was fined $250 by Judge Gary Hunter after pleading guilty to a charge of causing a disturbance at the Exeter Inn by being drunk on November 13. Evidence revealed that the accus- ed entered the facility around 9:30 p.m. and sat down with two people and an argument ensued about a previous incident between the accus- ed`and a brother of orte of Those with whom he was sitting. • Rohde struck one of the people in the fate with the back of his hand and a fight thQn,broke out. Police were called and Thid the charge. The court was told that the accus- ed has not had any alcohol since Christmas. He was given 14 days in which to pay the fine. alarm. The memory still triggers laughter "We had an .excellent exit, con- sidering we'd had no opportunity to establish a routine. To add to the con- fusion, both the vice-principal- and myself were new to the school and neither of us knew how to shut off the alarm or even find the control panel'", Chapman recalls. - More than 20 minutes passed before a grinning custodian came to the rescue with a screwdriver. Chapman has kept one of those handy in- struments close by ever since. Give the kaleidoscope a slight turn, and another memory takes shape. Chapman confesses he often used the boys' washroom. Invariably some student would answer nature's call at the same time. - "I remember the rather startled look on the face of one young lad who happened by. But that was nothing compared to the tone of utter amaze- ment in the boy's voice later when he was overheard passing on to a friend the earth -shaking news that "the prin- cipal goes just like we do" Chapman recounted with unrestrained glee. Chapman's earliest memories are of growing up on a farm northeast of Kippen. His parents. with limited finances and the miseries of the depression still not forgotten, en- couraged their son to seek a profes- sion with some security. As Chapman liked school, enjoyed studying, and was fond of children, teaching seem- ed the obvious choice. Cttapinai began his teaching career_tht ;1952.' He can still picture himself, fresh out of Stratford Normal School, not yet old enought to vote, ap- pointed principal of SS r-'rn .er Hibbert. Pupils - 27. Stali one. Fac- ing him- was the awesome respon- sibility. of teaching all subjects in grades one to eight in a one -room schoolhouse. "I am sure at times I was quite in- adequate, but those students were a great groin \They helped each other, and the ones a a younger grades knew all the twtjos by the time they .got to the senior grades, because they had heard then( all before". Chapman said. Chapman rem bens his first Christmas concert a number six. The grand finale was to be Santa emerging from the fireplace in a flurry of action and enthusiasm. The fireplace was strategically located in from of the doorway to the basement stairs. Santa practiced his entry again and again during rehearsals. and had 11 perfected -by the night of the concert. From halfway down the stairs he waited and listened for the cue that signalled his entry. Unfortunately, no allowance was made for audience noise. When the great moment came, Santa missed his cue. Becoming rather flustered, and deciding to make up the lost lime. he responded to the prompter's anx- ious beckoning with unseemly haste. His entry was so fast he somersaulted right off the front of the stage and "ho -ho -hoed" his way into the laps of the people in the front row. Chapman also remembers his first yew's salary. It was $2,350, hardly enough to support that vivacious young nurse he had been courting ever since he met her in Stratford. In 1955 Chapman married Dorothy, and accepted a position in Brampton teaching science, geography and physical education to grades five to eight. Chapman was promoted to vice- principal in 1958, and appointed prin- cipal of the 20 -room school in 1963. • From 1966 until 1971 Chapman was Master at St. Catharine's Teachers' College, which was then part of the provincial department of education. His task here was two -fold: to instruct neophyte teachers in science, methodology, curriculum and audio- visual techniques, and work with the students at practice teaching, obser- ving their strengths and giving con- structive help where needed. Chapman looks back happily on that time, terming it a very broaden- ing experience. He visited many schools in many jurisdictions. He never knows where or when he will run into one of those former students. He still stops in to say hello to Jim Bradley ( now environment minister in the Peterson cabinet ) whenever he is conducting a tour of Exeter pupils through Queen's Park. He stayed on for another year when the college became part of Brock University, but wanted to return -to the elementary school system. Ile had also started to build a cottage on Lake Iluron south of Bayfield. When he heard in 1972 that the position of prin- cipal at the Exeter Public School was available, he talked the matter over with Dorothy, applied for the job, and was accepted. By this time Chapman had acquired his BA at the University of Western Ontario, his M.Ed. at the University of Toronto, and passed the difficult supervisory exam to qualify for the Elementary School Inspector's Certificate. Chapman's career spans the change from the one -room school to the modern centralized system. Although the personal touch that characterized the former has been lost, Chapman believes the current level of education is far superior to what is was 20 years ago. Today's students can read better. think more logically and verbalize more easily, he maintains. (ha man's philosophy has been to teach values and character by exam- ple • rather than by disciplinary measures like the out-moded strap. The principles of the recently in- troduced VIP (values, influences,. peers) program which give children a background for decision-making merely set down formally tenets that have been part of the education - system for years. Noting that many children now have problems they wouldn't have if their home situation were more stable, Chapman said his greatest - concern is that so many young people know all about their rights, but have not been taught their responsibilites: Included in this is a worry about students who are making important decisions too early. Deciding in elementary school not to take French or art because "who needs them''" may restrict a -child's future prospects. Over the last decade Chapman has also seen a more militant unionism in teachers' organizations. However, as a former executive member of the Ontario Public School Men Teachers' Federation, Chapman considers the usual harangues about tray and work- ing conditions part of the negotiation process. He credits the Huron board with providing strong support whenever the goals were mutual. Teaching has become a profession requiring a high degree of training. Education has finally become a fully recognized discipline at the universi- ty level. Whereas once all that was re- quired was a warm body, the modern expectation of a classroom teacher is now much higher. Chapman is con- vinced the majority of teachers are concerned , dedicated and hard- workingand trying to do the best job they can. As he• looks around his office, decorated with a colourful array of poster$ and projects from the various classrooms, Chapman reveals what has kept him going despite all the pressures and problems. It is having a former pupil drop in and say "Of all the principals and teachers I've had, you are the one who helped me most". That is any teacher's greatest and most precious reward. Chapman quickly turns away, his eyes suspiciously moist. When he turns back, he is ready to talk about his future. He doesn't plan to make any plans for the first year. He wants to finish the sunporch on the cottage, break in his crosscounty skis, de -vote more time to golf and curling and photography, and Chart the vagaries of the stock market. He also intends to make up for the 15 summers:he - gave _ up to either take or 'teach courses by travelling around North America. Chapman is retiring before he has to, but his years of teaching plus his age add up to the magic number 90 that entitles him to a full pension. "1 want to avoid the danger of stay- ing too long in one occupation. The on- ly difference between a rut and the grave is, the depth". he asserts. Chapman was the recipient of three first-time awards at a dinner hosted by Huron District - of the Ontario Public School Teachers Association at the White Carnation. Ile is the -first to receivethe new gold pin in the shape of Iluron County that was designed and minted for presentation to.retir- ing teachers by the Huron District of the OPSTF. - - Chapman was also the first to be given an honorary life membership in the same organization. In addition he was the first recibient of an award set Up recently by the provincial office of the-OPSTF for presentation to can- didates_of their choice in recognition of outstanding service. Tribute was paid to the retiring principal at a concert starring cur- rent and former pupils held at SHDHS on Saturday afternoon, and at a farewell dance in the rec centre that evening. At the latter, Chapman first had -to endure a roast by MC Bruce Shaw, Arnold Mathers from board headquarters, Chapman's successor Al Taylor. and policeman Kevin Short. When the fun was over. Shaw turn- ed serious. He referred to Chapman as a decent, gentle, caring man with a dry sense of humor, a tremendous fondness for kids, and a sincere in-' terest .in wanting to serve his community. Chapman was given an attache '- case from the school staff and other donations, and a collector's plate, David's Dilemna, from the I3ig Brothers/Big Sisters organization. Usborne principal Al Taylor has been appointed to succeed Chapman. `"" l motif' ALL IN FUN - Jim Chapman talks with those taking pert in,a friendly "roost" of the retiring principal at the rec centre. Surrounding the recent victim ore Sgt. Kevin Short of the Exeter police (left), MC Bruce Shaw, superintendent Arnold Mothers and Chapman's successor, Usborne principal Al Taylor. Planning items cause debates Exeter's solicitor has reponded to a letter from Iluron administrator Bill Haply to clarify a response made by the latter in acknowledgment of the town's plan to retain the services of an independent planning firm at the start of next year. j In his letter, Hanly indicated the county was approving the proposal for Exeter "supplementing" their planhing and development service. The county communication said the county planning and development staff will continue to be made available to Exeter, but the matter of any reduction to the county requisi- tion in 1988 will be referred to the county solicitor and the planning find development director for response. Stratford lawyer Mike Mitchell, after talking with local officials, sent another letter on May 26 in which he explained the town "has no intention of supplementing said service by the use of any planning and development services provided through the plann- ing and development department of the County of Huron". He also asked for confirmation that the town would' not receive any re- quisition in 1968 for any costs for plan- ning and development services in Huron. "If said county dequisition does include any planning and development costs, our client will no doubt appeal under the provisions of the Municipal Act in that regard," the F` Stratford lawyer explained in asking Hanly for a reply. At Monday's council session, Coun- cillor Ben Hoogenboom asked for an estimate on Exeter's share of the an- nual costs paid to the county for plan- ning and development services. Reeve Bill Mickle responded that the figure was between $22,000 and $24,000. However, later in the meeting coun- cil learned that there can be problems in dropping county services as they were advised that there would be no provincial funds this year for a pro- posed commercial trade area study in town. The Exeter project was not men- tioned when the Huron plannirieg and development department were asked to provide a list of potential projects for which the con'tmunity planning ad- visory branch could consider pro- viding financial assistance. Clerk Liz Bell said that the manager of the London regional of- fice, Gary McAlister, told local of- ficials he was unaware that some municipalities did some studies on their own. There was talk about inviting McAlister to town to explain the situa- tion to him, but Mrs. Bell said she and chief building inspector Brian Johnston had already provided him with details. When Councillor Ben Hoogenboom suggested writing to county planning director Gary Davidson to get a list of Huron projects that did receive fun- ding, Mickle explained that he and beputy-Reeve Lossy Fuller could get that information. "I wouldn't want to see us left out in the dark again," the latter commented. • • Initially. the county department had been asked to assist in the local study, but that idea had been dropped and local officials had hoped to pro- ceed on their own. Town gets • Town of Exeter residents recently found out that they own a new lot at the eastern end of Gidley St. E. That came to light when plans were undertaken to reconstruct the street, but council agreed this week not to make any hasty decisions in putting the lot on the market for a possible new home site. One Of the problems is that part of the SHDHS track runs across the -lot and Councillor Ben Hoogenboom ex- plained it would be wrong to make zany rash decisions. He recommended that the matter be turned over to the executive com- mittee for study and recommendation. A note on the agenda indicated the surprise town may advise the Iluron board of education that the lot may be on the market for sale. Works superintendent Glenn Kells said the reconstruction was planned for next week when the work on Baldwin is completed, but agreed the works department could undertake work on Riverside Drive instead and leave the matter in abeyance until a decision is made There is also a question of how far the reconstruction will move at the eastern end of the street as it now stops adjacent to the residence of Wally Burton. The latter also owns a vacant lot to the east of the house and will probably be consulted before the project is undertaken.