Times Advocate, 1997-10-08, Page 26Page 26
Tin:es-Advocate, October 8, 1997
otirWr Wilhemerstas... LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
A mistake
"...we advised the coaching staff
of this team that we did not sup-
port their decision."
Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Huron -Perth 'AAA' Lakers
Minor Hockey Association, I would like to respond
to the letter written by Mrs. Zinn which appeared in
the editorial section of the newspaper, regarding
treatment given to her son, Evan.
Her recounting of the situation which occurred
recently at the Major Atom level is accurate. Her son
was signed to a player card and within a few days
released. However, her assumption that this action
had Board approval isincorrect. The matter was
brought to the attention of the Executive, a meeting
was arranged, and we advised the coaching staff of
this team that we did not support their decision. We
felt a commitment had been made to the player for a
place on the team. Unfortunately the cards had not
been submitted for approval and as a second -year
organization, no policy was in place to veto the deci-
sion, as this situation had.never occurred before. We
have since taken action to make it mandatory for
teams to obtain Board approval before releasing any
signed player, before or after Alliance approval.
The Board of Directors of the Huron -Perth Lakers
would like to extend our apologies to both Mrs. Zinn
and especially Evan for this situation. We gave the
responsibility of fielding a competitive team to our
coaching staff, and they felt they were carrying out
their duty to their team. However, as an Association,
our responsibility is the development of "AAA"
hockey players and creating confidence in young,
talented people. We failed to do that for Evan this
season, but we will endeavor to prevent this kind of
disappointment again.
Our inaugural year was filled with many success-
es, but also some growing pains. "AAA" hockey is a
fast -paced, competitive and fun sport. Those who
participate, for the majority, find the experience a
positive one. We will do our best, as an Executive,
to keep it that way.
Sincerely,
Cindy Larivee, Secretary
Huron -Perth "AAA" Lakers'
A show of sportsmanship
"I congratulate Brett and Mark for
being good Samaritans...",
Dear Editor:
In today's media, we often hear of the "not so
nice" stories of our youth of today. I would like to
share an event of this past week that proves the
"goodness" of today's youth.
My ten year old son Travis was running in the
cro ()urit? final at Stephen Public,School this past
W _dne...ay. He was running in fourth position and
about the half -way point, he passed out (he's not
sure why). Mark Seip (son of Tom and Cathy) and
Brett Hackett (son of Jamie and Pat) stopped to help
Travis. They revived him and then walked him to the
finish line. Neither Brett nor Mark thought about
their positioning in the race but instead helped a
friend. They were one of the last runners to cross the
finish line.
1 congratulate Brett and Mark for being good
Samaritans and for their act of sportsmanship. Travis
is proud to have you both as friends. We are very
proud of you as we know your parents, school and
community are as well!
Sincerely.
Brad and Corlette Elder'
•
School in need of computer systems
If you or your business would still
like to get involved, it's not too
Dear Editor; late...
As active members of our student body we see
first hand and realize the importance that computers
have in our education today.
Recently members of our business community
have come together to participate in our Lease a PC
Computer campaign. This is a fabulous program
that enhances students' growth through the use of
computers in our school today. Businesses in;our
community have generously donated money to-
wards new computers which are placed in the li
brary for easy access to all our students. So far we
have been able to purchae 15 new computer units
for our recently renovated library.
However, our school is still in need ofimore com-
puter systems. If you or your business would still
like to get involved, it's not too late.
Please contact the school office anytime at 235-
0880'.
We would like to take this time to thank the ,ease
a PC committee, S.A.C. and our communities' busi-
nesses for participating in thist beneficial program.
We are grateful to all those who have participated.
and contributed in our effort to increase our educa-
tion.
With sincere thanks,
Sunny Dinney and Terry Hamather
Members of the Student Body at S.H.D.H.S.
Lowering the flags
after all the mother of a future king of England and
presumably Canada. This fact alone deserves recog-
nition of her passing.
If somebody wants to lower flags to honor Mother
Theresa, or anybody else, there is no reason why
they shouldn't. My only concern obviously, is where
my interests lie.
It is regrettable that the Legion weren't able to
lower their flags. If they wish to start a project to
correct this, I would be pleased to make a contribu-
tion.
• "If somebody wants to lower flags
to honor Mother Theresa,or any-
body
nybody else, there is no reason why
they shouldn't.''
Dear Editor:
I don't wish to bore your readers, so this is the last
letter 1 shall write on this subject.
Princess Diana should not be compared to "other
deserving citizens of the world", inventors or foreign
presidents. It doesn't matter that she was no longer
"HRH". apart from other considerations, she was
Yours sincerely,
John Sanderson
The boiling pot
This writer does not like to see a
teacher walkout
Dear Editor;
An old saying maintains that any pot with fluid
contents given enough heat will come to a boil and
possibly overflow. 1t is safe to say that the more vol-
atile the contents, the more dangerous and wide-
spread will he the effects of their eruption. The pot
in this case is the whole kettle of the educational
potage, the contents are the ingredients curriculum
and operations, and the heat is supplied by the high-
ly incendiary qualities of the pages of Bill 160.
The teachers of the schools of Ontario are putting
up a show of united strength against those terms in
the bill which would be disadvantageous to students
and their most effective operation by teachers and
administrators. They are joined in the defence of
principles vital to most effective teaching and opera-
tion rather than in holding out for options favorable
mainly to themselves.
The writer has been following with interest,
changes, both rumored and imposed on school and
teachers by the present administration. Changes in
curricula, teaching methods and administration are
not new to education as teacher, principal, county
inspector and teacher educator, I survived a goodly
number of changes. The most drastic and sweeping
came in 1937-38 when our public system of educa-
tion changed from a rigid curriculum -centred to a
pupil - oriented philosophy, with a program of stud-
ies containing choices in subject matter with more
stress to be given to regional interests and individual
aptitudes among pupils. I recall no change at all ma-
jor in nature that was not preceded by study top-
ranking educators of the province and explained and
discussed with Teachers' Institutes all over Ontario.
in 1937 Dr. Thornton Mustard headed such an infor-
mation - giving and opinion -gathering committee. 1
have heard of no expert study -and -opinion -
gathering committee in connection with any recent
or proposed major changes in the teaching and oper-
ational areas of education. What was sound demo-
cratic practice 60 years ago would still be wise pro-
cedure today. One is almost forced to conclude that
changes made or proposed are politically expedient
first and foremost.
This writer does not like to see a teacher walkout,
although they should be entitled to that right, after
hope for a more peaceful and fair settlement has
been exhausted, but there comes a point for drastic
action in defence of a worthy cause and this may be
it. Let us hope that our heads of state do not confuse
their duty roles with their political roles. They
should be the same. Even a snowblower would get
into trouble if it envisioned its role as synonymous
with that of a stream roller.
Gerry Dobrindt
Exeter
Teachers need support
"If (Mike Harris) sees a lot of chil-
dren out with the teachers, maybe
. he would change his mind."
Dear Editor:
I am in grade four at Exeter Public School. I am
nine years old.,I was very upset Friday when I didn't
see any kids out supporting the teachers as they ral-
lied.
I would like to say that I do not want them to go
on strike because I will fall behind in my grade, and
worse than that, I will have to go to school during
summer holidays:
If the man they were yelling about (Mike Harris)
sees a lot of children out with the teachers, maybe he
would change his mind. I'm sure I'm not the only
kid who feels this way.
So Mr. Harris, if you read this letter, please
remember that there are still children in -this world
who want to learn.
Thank you.
Kourtney MacDonald
Lots of planning goes into tour
"Thank you all for your time and
talent."
Dear, Editor:
The Huron Farm Hiker Tour committee thanks
everyone who made our farm tour sosuccessful:
those who donated cash, the hosts, the volunteers
who mapped the route, those who staked it, the reg-
istration team and the 620 adults and children who
toured the eight stops.
We collected eight big boxes of food as well as
$94.00 of cash donations for the two food banks in
South Huron. Thanks to the Crediton W.I., the
Hensall,Co-op, the Huron County Bean Board, and
Ferguson Apiaries for the quiz prizes, to Suntastic,
Hensall Co-op and the pork producers for food dona-
tions. Prize winners for the tour quiz. were Barb
, Westlake -Power, Steve Corbett, Pete Armstrong,
Mary VandenHengel, Shirley Martene, Carolyn
Johns, Kristyn Darling. Don Bray, Fred Uhler,
Gerrie Stodie, L. and M. Hern, Beth Ronson, P. and
D. Erb and the Cartwright and Young -families.
Thank you to the groups who set up exhibits in the
hall and to the Exeter Agricultural Society for sup-
per. It made a great ending to an enjoyable day.
Thank you all for your time and talent.
Pat Down, Chair
Good things happening in our schools
"I enjoy working with and for the
betterment of my students.'"
Dear Editor: •
As a teacher I put the learning and welfare of my
students first and find it a personal insult to be told I
cannot he trusted with the education of my students!
I have 'dedicated time, effort and finances toward .
university and Department of Education courses to
better'equip myself as a caring and concerned educa-
tor. I enjoy working with and for the betterment of
my students. '
Our government proposes further cuts to an
already strained educational system, replacing dedi-
dated educational professionals with untrained staff.
and further changes to a system reeling due to their'
uninformed proposals. if they really want to see edu-
cation working in our province I suggest. they _visit
and spend time in schools to see the good that is tak-
ing place in spite of their constant attacks, before ,
they destroy a system that is working!
Yours truly.
Ruth ann Eagleson
Prep time justified
"Reduction of preparation time
will also mean fewer classroom
teachers and increased 'class.
size..."
Dear Editor:
As a group of concerned teachers, parents and tax-
payers, we want to express our discontent with the
proposed legislation (Bill 160) which, if implement-
ed, will have serious ramifications for the education
of our children.
One of many issues with which we are concerned
is loss of preparation time. Losing preparation time
will negatively affect the quality of education pre-
sented to our students. Just as a lawyer spends hours
in preparation for his day in court, teachers spend
hours preparing each day for the next day, week,
month, and year.
Teachers use this time to: plan and organize units
of study, plant trips, meet %% ith parents and other
teachers such as principals, special education teach-
ers and same division teachers, write individual edu-
cation' plans, copy materials needed to present les-
sons and units, tutor students individually and in
small groups and last but not least, grade, student
work and projects. We also prepare before and after
the school day as well as at home.
Reduction of preparation time will also mean few
er classroom teachers and increased class size, con-
trary to what we've been told by the Harris govern-
ment.' Please be aware that teachers' working
conditions impact the learning environment of our
children.
Please call, write or fax your local M.P.P. and
John Snobelen, if you arc concerned about our chil-
dren's education.
Our Lady' of Mt. Carmel School Teaching Staff.
RR # Dashwood
Teacher responds to letter
As a teacher rl don't feel particu-
larly "pressed to defend this ridic-
Dear Editor; ulous perk"....
i am responding to a letter -to -the -editor that was
recently submitted to your paper from Mr: Richard
Clarke of R.R. #2 Goderich who attacks teachers'
retirement gratuity plans.
Little do I know about Mr. Clarke other than he
identifies himself " as the owner of a Canadian cor-
poration". He does seem to have more than one
chip on his shoulder; and more than one axe to
grind. He also has false notions about this employ-
ment benefit.
As a teacher, I don't feel particularly "pressed to
defend this ridiculous perk" as he describes it, nor
do i wish to "Say stupid things" especially in print. i
do however offer some facts.
A retirement gratuity is a legally negotiated bene-
fit within the collective agreement. The gratuity usu-
ally represents credit of accumulated sick days not
used during a teacher's career. In many agreements,
the gratuity is based on years of service.
In accordance to current legislation and in accor-
dance to our current collective agreement an ele-
mentary teacher in Huron Public Education is "enti-
tled to receive salary for a total of 20 school days in
any one school year in respect to absence from duty
on account of the teachers' sickness." Any unused
sick leave may be accumulated to maximum of 200
days.
School boards negotiated retirement gratuities in
recognition that such a benefit encouraged mini-
mum use of sick leave on the part of teachers. Fewer
sick leave days translates into lower replacement oc-
casional teacher costs. The current dollar value of
this sick leave benefit is 20 x $134.24 = $2684.80.
The full use' value of this benefit for a teacher over a
35 year teaching career would be approximately .
$94,000.00.
The service gratuity serves as an incentive for
teachers to remain with a particular hoard and has
contributed to employee stability. To he eligible for
this service gratuity an elementary teacher in Huron
must have at least 12 consecutive years of service in
Huron County Schools. A teacher's gratuity is pay-
able upon retirement. The amount payable is calcu-
lated on a scale based on years of service, but in no
case amounts to more than 50 per cent of the salary
of the last year of teaching employment.
Yes the retirement gratuity for a retiring teacher at
maximum salary levels is around $30,000.00. This
incentive is certainly a much less costly benefit over
a career than the usage of the sick leave benefit.... in
fact less than one-third the cost. And indeed, the re-
tiring and experienced teacher is sometimes not re-
placed or replaced with a younger teacher at less
cost.
And Mr. Clarke, you are just plain wrong when
you say "We are also paying for a full benefit plan
for teachers which has a loss of wage clause cover-
ing both short and long term illness." A long term
disability plan (LTD) is a personal option that a
teacher may purchase at the teacher's full personal
cost usually through an independent insurance bro-
ker.
Severance provisions of some sort arc common in
many occupations; for teachers, it is the retirement
gratuity.
Paul Dyck.
President, OPSTF-Huron