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1 i To the Editor: In response to Mr. Kemp's let- ter (Hall shouldn't be used as a school - March 13). The St. Ber- nadette Parents Committee, at a meeting on March 8, answered most of Mr. Kemp's complaints. Whether he got, or wishes to get, his concerns answered is another matter. Under the present Ministry of Education, beginning a new school is a complicated matter. First interest must be shown among parents in a certain area. That interest must then translate into a commitment that sufficient numbers of children are present for a new school and that they cannot easily be accomodated in existing schools. Inevitably, beginning a new school means that you start with temporary facilities because the Ministry will only build a school for the number of children already being taught. You cannot build for a future estimated number. It had been our proposal to rent the bottom level of the Nestleton Community Centre which is most- ly unfinished, and the use of the washrooms, to begin during the week to start a school. The por- tables would be on other non-park land beside the hall. This depend- ed upon a number of factors; the agreement of the Hall board, the suitability of the facilities depen- ding on a study by the site com- mittee of the Durham Separate Board and lastly a sufficient number of children. Since the families of these children are local people who use the hall, they would not, and our proposal did not, deny anyone the use of the hall at any time. In fact - as was directly, plainly and clear- ly pointed out, the school proposal would use the part of the facilities in daytime hours, that are rarely used at all without using the 'hall' or general meeting area. It would not interfere with dances or night, weekend or summer activities at all. The rare daytime activities upstairs could easily be ac- comodated if it were needed to use part of the downstairs. The same is true for parking. This would not "deny residents the use of the hall" but rather broaden it. The rest of Mr. Kemp's points show little regard for children, tolerance, or facts. Since the hall basement is un- finished, it would require upgrading. Until interest has been shown on the part of the hall board, it would be senseless on the part of the Separate Board to finance a study. GUARANTEED INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES -- ANNUAL RATES -- Mr. Kemp seems fixated upon using a now empty school in Raglan. He seems unaware of the hassle of busing young children long distances to a school in another area. [ am sure there are other empty schools that are so because of population shifts and the changing balance of public and separate systems. Perhaps Mr. Kemp should have asked why nct bus Port Perry Public School children out to Raglan instead of building a new public school? They would even have been closer. The busing idea is not always a good one. Since concerns were addressed about how long the school would be using the hall site, I stated quite openly that it would be un- til the new St. Bernadette church would be built. Of course there would be rent paid whether to the hall, parish, or whatever. That is fiscal respon- sibility. It is also done right across the province where schools rent temporary facilities of all kinds, public, church and private. The single area I agree upon with Mr. Kemp is our fervent wish to build a new school right away without temporary or too distant facilities. Too bad the Ministry of Education doesn't agree. The only reason for a Catholic school is to allow parents to exer- cise their constitutional and legal rights to craft the education and formation of their children - sure- ly a laudable and necessary thing. To fantasize that one would go to all the hassle and trouble of set- ting up a school to get its rent is ridiculous and the utterance of it smacks of intolerance. One last reference - Mr. Kemp constantly harped upon financial responsibility and seemed to im- ply that the Durham Separate Board finances are not audited and open. They are, and anyone may avail themselves of this at any time. I'find it odd that a request to use a currently under-utilized facility would engender such irrelevant comments as raised by Mr. Kemp, whatever his civic con- cern, but perhaps this happens when people try to rationalize pre- formed ideas. Yours sincerely, Father Thomas Lynch St. Bernadette Parish ; Nestleton Editor's Note: On March 18, the Nestleton Community Hall Board turned down the request for use of the hall for the proposed new school. (see news story). "PHONE Rates Subject to Change Without Notice SCUGOG FINANCIAL SERVICES A DIVISION OF CRESSBROOK FINANCIAL PLANNING LTD. 250 QUEEN STREET -- PORT PERRY for Over 15 Years" 985-3832 All Members of Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Relief information meeting Whether you need informa- tion about caregiving, want to become a volunteer, or just want information, Community Care wants to hear from you. Community Care, and Care- giver Relief held a information session last Thursday at Port Perry Community Hospital. "We want to create a united image," said Susan Haines, pro- gram manager of Caregiver Re- lief. These services as well as "Cope" are available to every- one in Durham Region. The Caregiver Relief pro- gram is developed by the Dur- ham Region Community Care to Provide planned, temporary, in home time-out to caregivers of frail elderly and disabled adults. The main focus is the pri- mary caregiver, to help relieve some stress that results from constant caregiving. Cope is a program estab- lished to assist people under emotional stress. e Home Support Service is a non-profit Organiestion of volunteers pro- viding services to senior citi- zens, and those in special need where services are not other- wise available within the com- munity. The volunteers can provide transportation, cleaning, home help, grass cutting, minor home repairs, errands etc, for a nomi- nal fee that is paid directly to the volunteer. "We want to make people aware of what we do, and that the services are available," said Elizabeth Fulford, administra- tor of Scugog Community Care. The Cope program is of no cost to clients, while the Care- giver Relief program is partial- ly subsidized for those who qualify. Beginning April 1, the service will cost $5.25 an hour. Community Care is always PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, March 20, 1990 -- 11 Letters io the editor Community Care and Care Father Lynch explains need for use of hall Elizabeth Fulford, administrator of Scugog Community ~ --i i ann Care, and Susan Haines, program manager of Caregiver Re- lief were on hand at the hospital on Thursday to inform any Interested people on the services Community Care offers to the community. See story for more details. looking for volunteers, and are always ready to help families who wish information on care- givingetc. Information Scugog is also a part of Community Care, and offers information on a variety of events free of charge to all callers. Anyone who was not able to attend the information session, or would like more information is to call 985-8641, to learn more about the Home Support, and Cope programs. Anyone in- terested in the Caregiver Relief program is encouraged to call collect 427-2315. Any students or anyone wish- ing tobe a volunteer are also en- couraged to call Scugog Com- munity Care, if interested in helping in the Home Support am. Caregiver Relief is located in Ajax, but has caregivers throughout Durham Region, and want to attract more cli- entsin the area. "Don't hesitate to call, we are here to help," said Mrs. Ful- ord. 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