The Times Advocate, 2007-08-29, Page 9Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Times—Advocate
9
Appreciating public education
By Jenny Versteeg
CHAIRPERSON, AVON MAITLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
HURON -PERTH —My youngest son has been putting
the final touches on his summer, mixing friends, week-
ends at the beach and learning how to scuba dive all
while working full time.
There's not much reflection on his part about the start
of another school year, outside of a comment about
needing new running shoes. For my part, I'm gladly tak-
ing some time to think about him going back to school,
because this year marks the last year I'll have a child in
our public education system.
Our oldest started school in 1985. Her first day was a
bit of an achievement on my part, mostly because her
little brother managed to be born before her second day
of school. Nevertheless, I can still remember what she
wore, her blue lunch box, and how little she was com-
pared to the steps on the school bus.
However, I remember far more vividly how hard it
was to make the decision that she would go to a public
school. Many of our friends were choosing private
schools at that time, and others were home schooling.
To say we agonized over the decision actually minimizes
the angst we felt as we considered our family's future.
For many years my husband and I continued to strug-
gle with our decision to keep our kids in the local school,
and even whether to go to various family gatherings
where our choice was usually a focus of conversation. I
don't remember that any concerns ever had to do with
things that were actually going on at the school, but the
soul searching seemed like it would
never end.
I'm not sure how long it took before
my husband and I stopped second
guessing ourselves, but we finally
made our peace with our decision
when we sat back and looked at how
our kids were turning out.
We liked what we were seeing. Not
that they had arrived, but they were
all becoming responsible citizens, well
fitted for their choice of either further
education or the workplace. They
maintained the family ideals that we
valued, had great friends and were
active members of our faith communi-
ty. This is what we wanted for them.
That said, my husband and I did suf-
fer a bit of a blow when we realized
that none of them wanted to take over
the family farm, but we've managed
to survive. Our oldest is a portfolio
analyst, our second is a teacher, our
third is in university and our fourth is
apparently considering underwater salvage as a career.
I wish I had understood public education better when
my kids were just starting school, and just how good it
is. I would have worried less and had more confidence
in schools. As it is, I am delighted that my somewhat
ambiguous first years in public edu-
cation are behind me. As chairperson
Back to school — Avon Maitland District School Board chairperson
JennyVersteeg, seen above with her son Josh and husband Art, is thankful
for the quality of education offered in the public system. (photo/submitted)
of the Avon Maitland District School Board I take much
pride in the many successes of our students. It is our
mission to unlock the potential in all of our learners, and
it will be good to be back at the job in September.
Time capsule found
By Liz Sangster
HENSALL CORRESPODNENT
HENSALL — At Hensall United
Church Mona Alderdice was the
greeter with Cecil Pepper and
Mona Alderdice receiving the offer-
ing. Judy Kyle looked after the
G.1.C.'s
510%
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young people. Rev Keith Lewis
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low-up to last week, showed a
piece of pottery he had recently
crafted. Rob Cameron was the
organist. Kathy Mann read the
scriptures. The service closed with
commissioning, benediction, and
choral amen.
One thousand and five hundred
dollars was raised from the recent
Hensall Fish Fry, proceeds for the
Habitat For Humanity (Hensall
Build).
While repairing the Hensall
Library steps last week, a time cap-
sule from 1984 containing the min-
utes of a council meeting and the
centennial program was found.
ENSALL
AUGUST 21
huffleboard
(5 GAMES)
CATHERINE
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REBECCA
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DONNA SMALE
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HARRY
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HANK DORSSERS
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BERT BACHERT
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GORD Ross
229
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MA Y T
• A ICS
• To the many volunteers who helped with this project -
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Congratulations to the Walker family, who will purchase the
latest Habitat house in Huron County.
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