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6 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday,December 20, 2011 OPINION Poor example In the wake of the recent abrupt transfer of a beloved music teacher at Georgetown District High School last week, one thing was apparently clear in a story that was anything but. The students, for the most part, were the ones who behaved the most admirably. Stunned by the movement of their teacher, Eleanor Wallace, to another school just days before the annual Christmas concert, the students launched a Facebook page (Return Eleanor Wallace to GDHS) which, in only a matter of hours, had several hundred members. For the most part the students' comments were well-thought out and articulate. They then went out and put on what was, by most accounts, a great concert. They acted like `adults'-- no calls for unruly behaviour or over the top pronouncements. They were simply upset at the relocation of their teacher, voiced their displeasure with the proper authorities, but never lost focus when it came to their annual show. Sadly, in situations like this, it is often the adults and their rules which complicate matters and make the situation worse. Parents sending an anonymous letter filled with innuendo to this newspaper does not help clear the air. School board officials-- including superintendent Mark Zonneveld and Halton Hills Trustee Gillian Tuck Kutarna-- not returning phone calls on this issue does not help the matter. We understand when such incidents involve personnel matters, especially union personnel, why board officials, union officials and GDHS principal Nick Varrichio, are quick to duck behind the "employee-employer confidentiality" curtain, but that obfuscation does nothing but churn the rumour mill and breed contempt for those in charge. Those responsible for educating these young adults and setting a good example have, in this instance, failed miserably. 905-873-0301 Publisher: Ken Nugent General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@theifp.ca) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@theifp.ca) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@theifp.ca) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@theifp.ca) Classifieds Kristie Pells (classified@theifp.ca) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@theifp.ca) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@theifp.ca) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@theifp.ca) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@theifp.ca) Letters policy Letters must include an address and daytime phone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publication is not guaranteed. Email: jmcghie@theifp.ca Steve Nease Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Letters to the editor Teacher's transfer a loss for GDHS Dear editor, I know that I express the disappointment of my many neighbours and friends who are parents of students at GDHS. We were very upset to hear the rumour (now confirmed) that GDHS has lost a real quality teacher, champion for students, mentor and friend in Eleanor Wallace. She was vanquished by the political infighting and strife, which many of us know, has plagued GDHS for several years. She has been unceremoniously and ignominiously transferred to the south. How many principals have we had in the last seven or eight years? However, Ms. Wallace has been one of the fresh and constant bright lights at GDHS throughout. She taught at GDHS her whole career. She enriched almost every student she came in contact with. Looking at the various social media you can see the shock our students are experiencing. Ms. Wallace has given us fantastic concerts and music nights showcasing our children and instilling pride in themselves. GDHS won unprecedented awards in provincial and national competitions with Ms. Wallace conducting. It is a real loss to GDHS--- much worse, an unnecessary loss. It seems all too foolish that there is such an assault on music at GDHS as a result of some penny ante posturing. The Halton District School Board, which initiated this move, really missed the mark this time, but it is we, not them, who experience the loss. Good luck Eleanor, you are already missed. P. J. McArthur, Georgetown son's neighbour about an impending change showed poor judgment both by the Town and Robson. Good property owners inform their neighbours about upcoming changes to their property that might impact upon the neighbours as well. It appears that Councillor Robson needs to work on her communications skills, or was she hoping to fix her problem without anyone noticing the Town's involvement? Did Joan Robson approach the Town on this matter as propertyowner Robson or Councillor Robson? It's hard to believe that property owner Robson quietly submitted a concern that somehow was deemed more important than other requests and was acted upon accordingly. It seems much more likely that seasoned Councillor Robson can find her way around Town hall and use her inside working knowledge to expedite a solution to her personal property problem. It's not enough for councillors to avoid unethical behaviour but it is also important that they avoid the appearance of unethical behaviour. And by this standard the Town and Councillor Robson should have done better. Ian McKay, Georgetown WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.independentfreepress.com) For the fourth year in a row Maclean's magazine rated Halton as the safest region in Canada. Do you believe Halton is a safe place to live? · Yes (79%) · No (21%) Poor judgment used Dear editor, Re: Installation of traffic mirror angers councillor's neighbour (Dec. 1). Even if Councillor Joan Robson's home had the most pressing need for the first traffic mirror deployed in Halton Hills it is still surprising that Robson's property was first to receive one. The fact that neither the Town or Councillor Robson talked with Rob- The Independent & Free Press The Independent & Free Press is published Tuesday and Thursday and is one of several Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.