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Times-Advocate, 1988-03-02, Page 9Times -Advocate, March 2, 1988 Page 9 Exchange teachers sample Canadian culture, winter By Adrian Marie Two of our area teachers have left their classrooms to participate in an exchange program with teachers south of the equator. McGillivray Central Public School's Drew Ro- bcrtson is in Australia and Zurich Public School's Karen Wallen will be in New Zealand until December. However, we have not lost two teachers but gained seven interest- ing visitors to south Huron Coun- ty. Living in Exeter is Russell Woo- dard, an Australian who is teaching at McGillivray Central, and in Cre- diton is the family of Robyn Rosie, the principal of a school in New Zealand, who is acting as librarian and school resource teacher. The Rosics, Robyn and husband Stuart with four daughters Liana, Fleur, Nicole and Monique, all ap- pear very comfortable in their new. setting. The shock of their first ex- posure to the Canadian winter has worn off, even though their home city of Gisborne never secs temper- atures below freezing. Gisborne prides- itself on bcing the world's first city to welcome the dawn because of its proximity to the international dateline. New Zealanders are determined . that they not be confused with. Aus- tralians, just as Canadians dislike being mistaken for Americans. The Rosies point out that their country of only 3.5 million people among 70 million sheep is 2,000 kilome- ters from Australia and that their speech is nothing alike. Ncw Zealand also has a large na- tive population of Maori, 40 per- cent of whom make up Rosie's school of 300 students. Maori is taught as a second language in schools much as French is encour- aged here. "Our standards of education are really good," says Rosie of New Zealand's schools, but notes that in certain fields, such as computer edu- cation, her country can learn much from Canada. "Wc can't keep turning a blind eye to the need," she says, especial- ly considering the uses of comput- ers for children with special needs. Rosie is enjoying her stay at Zu- rich Public School and says she finds little to set Canadian children apart from those in New Zealand. "I think kids arc the same the world over, she says and com- ments on the friendly atmosphere in her classroom. Rosie's husband Stuart runs a clothing business in New Zealand, so for him this exchange program is a year-long vacation. "I'm enjoying myself, being a househusband," he says, laughing. Ther four daughters all attend South Huron District High School, which they find quite different from Gisborne Girl's High School. That's right: girls only. South Hu- ron's co-ed population and lack of uniforms comes as something of a surprise. "It's a nice school," says Liana, "They're more open here. They say what they feel." The girls are getting used to our winterveryquickly during their dai- ly walks to the school bus. "We love snowmobiling," says Fleur. The entire family is in- volved in sports, but they are miss- ing the sports they have come to enjoy. Monique, for example, is a member of New Zealand's national trampoline team, but is unable to find coaching while here in Canada. She hopes to return to competition • next year. The girls will attempt to learn field hockey, basketball and soccer to replace the rugby and netball they normally play. Liana would be heading for col- lege in New Zealand right now, but will take advantage of Ontario's grade 13 to enjoy another year in high school instead. The family finds the Ontario diet docs not include the large amounts FROM NEW ZEALAND - The Rosie family will be in Canada for an entire year. At front left is Stuart with Robyn and four daughters, Liana (left), Fleur, Nicole and Monique. • of fresh fish New Zealanders enjoy, but there are other delicacies which help compensate. "One thing we love is the dough- nuts here," says Liana as the girls start a debate over which of Exeter's doughnut shops is best. New Zealand is not the tropical paradise many northerners believe it to be. Stuart points out some tour- ists are unprepared for its temperate climate. "It's a bit cooler than most people would think," he says, but they aren't subjected to extreme cold and they never have to drive op snow and ice. "It's jolly nervewracking," says Robyn of her drive to Zurich each day. The entire family has noticed a cheaper cost of living in Canada and a generally higher standard of living . for the average Canadian, but the Rosie's, like most New Zealanders, are very proud of their country's nu- clear -free status and strong environ- mental policy. Russell Woodard arrived from Australia on Christmas Day. He found our countryside very flat compared to his home city of Wol- longong in New South Wales. Wollongong, a coastal city, is flanked by a mountain range, and its temperature never falls below 10 degrees celsius. "I'm really enjoying the winter," Woodard says. The famous Canadi- an winter is the main reason Woo- dard chose Ontario for his exchange instead of England or Vancouver, but he still wasn't prepared for the barren aspect of the landscape. "It didn't dawn on me there wouldn't be any leaves on the trees," Woodard says, but agrees that everything looks better now with snow on the ground. He is still trying to overcome the difficul- ties of driving in snow. "The driving is a real worry," says Woodard, but he is getting used to it, along with the necessity of driving on the right-hand side of the road. He finds himself bombarded with observations and experiences that are drastically different from his home. For example, Australia has yet to discover cable TV. Woodard also finds Canadian transportation to be much more or- ganized than in Australia. He be- lieves Toronto and Sydney arc worlds apart. "For someone who doesn't know their way around Sydney, they .£ ,. , u of , iR Long day for Stanley council Members of Stanley council met for only one regular meeting in February, but spent enough time for two. They convened at 10:00 a.m., took time out for lunch, broke again for dinner, and then met in the evening with Tucker - smith councillors and members of the Bruccfield fire department. The session began with a discus- sion with Ken Dunn from the en- gineering firm of B.M. Ross and Associates over replacing the bridge of the fourth concession north of County Road 3. Dunn showed designs and gave estimates for two 50 km/h and one 80 km/h bridges. The latter is considerably more expensive, but built to much higher standards than .the two 50 km/h structures. Dunn said the speed limit might have to be posted on a 50 km/h bridge to reduce the municipality's liability, and this could lead to the eventual requirement to post all bridges within the township. Council decided to wait until after the Ontario Good Roads conven- tion to make a decision. The proposed extension of the Highway 21 waterline was also, discussed with the engineer. Clerk Mel Graham was instructed to let the township's solicitors examine the water purchase agreements be - tore the next meeting. Council also established the fact their debt capacity allocation is morc than ad- equate to finance the. township's one-quarter share of the estimated $2.3 million cost. If the line is approved, the ministry of the envi- ronment will pick up the rest. Not all councillors were in agree- ment about a proposal to change the hours of access to the landfill site. A motion that the site remain open on Mondays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout the year under the supervision of the caretak- er, and on Saturdays ycar-round from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. was defeated in a recorded vote by Reeve Clarence Rau and Councillors Rich- ard Erb and Bill Dowson. A second motion stating the site will be available to the public each Monday throughout the winter months by contacting the caretaker and having him open the gate, and on Saturdays year-round from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m: under supervi- sion and on Mondays during the summer months from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m passed, with only the reeve voting against it. The new hours will not be imple- mented until approval is received from the ministry of the environ- ment. The five -to -10 -year needs of the Bruceficld fire department were dis- cussed. These included equipment purchases and the proposed purchase of land and construction of a new firc hall. A number of yearly grants were approved. These were: Huron County Farm and Safety Associa- tion, $100; Bayficld Agricultural Society, $100; Ontario march of Dimes, $100; Salvation Army, 5100; Children's Hospital of West - em Ontario, S100; Huron Country Playhouse, $125; Blyth Festival Centre for the Arts, $125; Town and Country Homemakers, S500; Huron County Federation of Agri- culture, $500; Hensen South Huron Agricultural Society, $75; Seaforth Agricultural Society, $75; Zurich Agricultural Society, $75 and Hu- ron County Plowmen's Associa- tion, $1.00. Other grants were also approved: Stanley's shareof the Clinton fire arca - $1,800; Zurich, Hcnsall, Bay- field and Clinton recreation associa- tions - $1,800 each, and $1,000 to Vanastra Sports and Recreation. Tenders will be called by March 18 for a custodian. Dutics and re- sponsibilities will include supervi- sion of the landfill site, cutting the .grass on the ball diamonds, around the cenotaph and the complex, maintaining the ball diamonds and the grounds, and cleaning the mu- nicipal offices, community centre and work centre. Seven tenders were received for the road management study. The prices ranged from $3,900 to $7,600. The contract will not be awarded until the tenders are checked over by MTC. In 1987 the township spent a lump sum of 57,134 for conven- tions and expenses pertaining to township business for the five members of council. In addition, Reeve Clarence Rau's stipend last year was $3,500 plus $200 for sign- ing cheques. The other councillors each received $3,100. PYJAMA DAY - The Sunshine Kids Nursery School in Exeter held a pyjama party and pancake breakfast last Thursday. Here Anna -Marie Bedard (left), Brianne Webber and Karen Passmore sample the cuisine. would find it really hard," Woodard explained, but added that he found little difficulty getting around To- ronto or Quebec City where he vis- ited the Winter Carnival with other exchange teachers. Being an Australian in Canada these days has its advantages. Be- cause of the recent exposure to Aus- tralian media, Woodard finds his grade seven and eight students at McGillivray Central Public School . "We use things like naught and they use zero," he observes. All in all, Woodard finds Zurich Public School very different from his home school, which is actually a private high school catering to the middle and upper income brackets. "Working in a rural school is quite different," he said, but he ex- plains that this is why he came to Ontario; that is, apart from the chance to do some skiing. - EXCHANGE TEACHER - Russell Woodard hails from Australia and will be teaching at McGillivray Central Public School until December. are fascinated with everything from "down under". "They love Australian animals," says Woodard, •who is constantly questioned about such things as kangaroos and koala -bears. Woodard finds his Zurich students are less reserved in the classroom than their Australian counterparts. "They're more vocal than Austra- lian kids, I think," he remarks, "You can get a discussion going any time at all." Woodard also comments on the obvious differenc- es in colloquial phrases and expres- sions wh.ch can cause classroom confusion. AUTHOR - Lay minister and author Eugene Fox, Zurich, has written a book which is available on cassette tape. Zurich author puts book on audio tape "Prepared For His Coming" is the title of a new book written and published by Eugene Fox, Presi- dent of Rayma Christian Mini- stries in Zurich, Ontario. Fox, who is 53 and a lay minister, re- ceived his theological training at Central Baptist Seminary in To- ronto. He explains that he did his basic preparation for the book by studying 114 passages of the New Testament having to do with the return of Christ. Fox is also active in business. His company, Rayma Foods Ltd., markets his biblically -based spe- cialty food product, Ezekiel Flour, in both Canada and the United States. • "Prepared For His Coming" is in an unusual format fora full-length book. Rather than being printed on paper and bound between covers, Fox has narrated the manuscript and published it as an album of six casseue tapes. He explains this is a much more economical approach. As well, the cassettes are conven- ient, since they can be listened to. while people work, drive: in their. 'cars or relax. The book claims to take a fresh approach to the return of Jesus. As Fox explains, many books have been written on the return of Christ, but it is' usual for them to deal almost entirely with the rather controversial matters invol$►inp the various end -times events associated with his coming. Although not avoiding those things entirely, the major thrust Of Fox's book is quite different. Picking 'tp the emphasis he found in the Scriptures, the book focuses on the practical - how to live responsibly and thus be personally prepared for Christ's coming. Fox says his biblical research further led him to the conclusion that the return of Christ is the cen- terpiece of all human history, that it will usher in the Kingdom of God. That means, he points out, no one can have a clear grasp of re- • ality or the meaning and purpose of life until he or she has an ade- quate knowledge of the Bible's teaching about the return of the Lord. ,fox feels this is best stated by the Bible itself - in Titus 2:H-14: "The grace of God that. brings sal- vation has appeared to all men. It . teaches is to say "No" to ungodli- ness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled,upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that arc his very own, eager to do what is good." • The chapter titles of the book are: Transformed People With -A Fabu- lous Future/ Laudable Leaders/ Whose Values, Ours or God's/ Up- sets, Reversals and Victory/ Christ in Control/ Suffering Now, -Glory Later/ Wake Up!/ Pressing On to Maturity/ Blameless On that Day/ Timing Abd Readiness/ Judgement/ 'The End Times Plan/ The Meaning In It All. • With 13 chapters, the book lends itself nicely to group study, with one chapter being dis- cussed each week for a quarter of a year. The tapes are available from Ray - ma Christian Ministries, Box 376, Zurich, Ontario NOM 2T0. • - "For me it was the only way I could live overseas that I could af- ford," he says. He is full of praise for the exchange program and de- scribes it as an "excellent scheme" for teachers interested in immersing themselves in other cultures. One of Woodard's more interest- ing observations is that he finds' Canadians more polite and reserved than Australians. - . That's fascinating because the Ro- sic family sees Canadians from 'a different perspective. "Ncw Zealanders. arc a lot morc reserved," says Robyn. The readers write February 23;1988 The Editor Exeter Times Advocate Exctcr, Ontario NOM ISO Dca r Sir: This itcm of correspondence has been sent to Mr. Brian Mulroney, Prime Minister of Canada, and My. David Peterson, Premier of Onta- rio, respectively. A copy is now provided for your information. Sincerely, William Eckert, Director of Education Dear Sirs: Our Catholic Christian Philoso- phy and the values we teach in our schools emphasize the value of hu- man life from the moment of con- ception. Our guidclincs,for Family Life Education states that "human life created in God's image and likeness remains a gift from God, and from conception to death de- mands the utmost respect as the most basic value in society." The fact that. the Supreme Court in its recent decision has removed what little protection there was for - the lives of unborn children makes it imperative that the Federal and Provincial Governments enact laws to protect the unborn. The right of an unborn child to life needs to be guaranteed in law. • We respectfully request that ac- tion be taken immediately to ac- cord to the unborn in law, rights that arc now enjoyed by all other persons. Sincerely, Mr. Ernest Vandcrschot, Chairman of the Board SHABHA The South Huron All Breed Horse Association (SNABIiA) held its first meeting of the year at the Va- nastra Recreational Center on Feb- ruary 27. The evening started with a swim and then the pot luck supper. After supper the meeting' was opened. by welcoming the new members.. On April 2 we will hold an Eng- lish Jumping Clinic at which there will be a draw for an caster Basket full of goodies. Tickets arc $1.00 each. A draw will also-bc made -for a horse cooler (51.00 tach also). New rules and Ycgulations were discusscdand an invitation was is- • sued for a trail ride at the Ipperwafih beach on April 17. Fairs this year arc at Bayficld, Ex- eter and Parkhill (tentative). With about 45 people in attendance, it looks to be a promising year. If in- terested in buying a ticket or attend- ing the clinic contact Adriaan Brand at 234-6238