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6 Clergy Insight THE NEW TANNER Respect for all living things By REV. BOB MATTON Trinity United Church Last time I focused on the' importance of teaching a re- spect for all living things that inhabit God's creation, con- tending that in teaching about the importance of co- existence and according a higher regard to those crea- tures weaker and smaller than ourselves we might more effectively counteract the negative influences that too often lead to anti-social behaviour and criminal ac- tivity. It is a tragic and yet, I be- lieve, telling coincidence that on the very same day of my article a troubled teenager in Springfield, Oregon who grew up maliciously killing animals went on a shooting rampage in a high school cafeteria. Was Kip Kinkel's murderous spree attributable simply to the "gun culture" that exists south of the bor- der, or can it be traced more broadly to a fundamental lack of respect that unchecked, might render the uncon- scionable act commonplace? There is, without a doubt, a waning of respect in our society in our interpersonal relations. In the workplace and in our schools, in our homes and neighbourhoods Lali ACTON DENTURE CLINIC 16 Mill St. E., Acton & Precast Stones to suit any garden, lawn or walkway and on the streets, in regard to our once-honoured insti- tutions and amplified by the media, it would seem in- creasingly displaced by a general disregard for the rights of others if not a bla- tant violation of their personhood. Indeed, the many forms of judgment and discrimination convey disre- spect upon another that can easily escalate to the level of hate crimes. Similarly, the various forms of harassment may be said to represent one's lack of respect for another person that can escalate to incidents of abuse and assault, and ul- timately murder. While many would argue for tougher laws in order to punish the offender, such an approach is too late for the victims. Rather than merely appeasing the gut-level reac- tion that angrily cries out for retribution, the advancement of justice would be far better served in the long run if we focused more on getting to the root of the problem. Employing the analogy of a tree, much as a mature tree's misshapen trunk or otherwise poor health is of- ten an end result of less than favourable growing condi- tions during its early years as a sapling. = DENTURE SPECIALIST rder Slabs cton Precast Concrete Limited Quality Concrete Products Since 1963 So I would also contend that the incidence and con- sequences of anti-social be- haviour and criminal activ- ity may be traced in large measure to negative lessons learned at an early age dur- ing one's formative years. Just as little can be done for an unhealthy mature tree, our best efforts to correct the ways of a wayward adoles- cent or adult more than of- ten come to naught. Much like our staking and caring for a young sapling, our timely intervention in ad- dressing early on incidents such as childhood taunting and schoolyard bullying that convey disrespect are worth every effort. Further, we as adults have much responsibility in teach- ing our children by our ex- ample the meaning of respect that extends to all relation- ships and all people, begin- ning first and foremost with the respect we accord to them. Above all else, much of what is learned about appro- priate and respectful behav- iour will be a reflection of what they witness in us. Let us therefore carefully con- sider our role in moulding and shaping our children as to learn the lessons of re- spect. 1 ' 2 £ EH. JUREVICIUS D.D. Construction & Fittings of New Dentures * Same Day Repairs & Relines * Free Consultations ¢ Seniors Discount * Specializing in Problem Lower Dentures 853-0079 THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1998 os FOND FAREWELLS. Acton High school will lose five of its staff to retirement at the end of the month. Those leaving include seated left to right, Geoff Sansom, Principal Joyce Bradley and Bonnie Vaivods. Standing Ruth Wilson and Helen Grebenc. -- Frances Niblock photo Fond farewells at Acton High By FRANCES NIBLOCK The New Tanner Acton High school will lose five of its staff to retire- ment this year, including Principal Joyce Bradley who has been at the school for five years. Bradley, of Campbellville, ends her 33-year career with few regrets and fond memo- ries of events like the Acton Achievers breakfast, held last week to honour students who have been good, all-round citizens. "J think that a well-bal- anced program is something that this school is able to of- fer to kids. We have very tal- ented staff who are willing to cross a lot of boundaries with their varied skills," Bradley said. "One mom was just say- ing that we make time at Acton High to encourage kids to go out for things like the musical or jazz band or sports. We recognize that each student is important," Bradley said, adding that her only regret is not having enough time. "Td loved to have been at every team game and every practice but I have to pick and choose because I also have a job to do and that's BOYES PLUMBING Water Softener Rentals ~ Water Pump Service 855-4232 Appointments Available Now managing this school. I would have loved to have seen more of our kids do the things that make them spe- cial," Bradley said. Bradley's retirement plans include singing with an award-winning barber- shop quartet, and in Janu- ary, as a volunteer, Bradley will bring anew Smart Risk injury prevention program to Acton High. Unlike many, Bradley said her retirement plans don't include any travel. "T want to have time to stay home. I want to find my house, see my friends and figure out where the bank is!" Teacher Geoff Sansom is retiring after 29 years at Acton High school, most of that time spent teaching English, theatre arts, his- tory and media studies. When asked what his fond memories of the school are Samson said he wasn't sure if what stands out in his mind about his career at Acton High is a fond memory. "In the past couple of years things have certainly changed. When I got into teaching I felt it was a very exciting profession to be in where almost anything was possible," Sansom ex- plained recently. "I think what I see now seems to be very concerned with bu- reaucratic, political issues so the fond memories that I have are the good old days." Sansom's retirement plans include expanding a counselling practice he now operates and "waiting for more rejection slips from publishers" for two books he has written. Library and computer teacher Donna Grebenc will also retire at the end of the month after having spent just one semester at Acton All decks stripped & refinished to new, latest technology, all wood, surfaces quality workmanship 4 restored to new, finest SS High. "My fond memories are short and sweet but I really liked ending my career at Acton High," Grebenc said. "There isn't a lot of move- ment with library staff.so it was nice change for me to come to Acton to replace Ken Ellis who retired earlier this year," Grebenc said, adding she plans to do more cloth- ing design when she'retires. Bonnie Vaivoids spent 13 of his 32 year teaching career Acton High, teaching Eng- lish. "My best memory is the people that I taught and worked with. They give me energy and they give me life and hope," Vaivoids said. Asked about his retire- ment plans Vaivoids said he wants to spend more time with his family and friends and at his cottage. "I will need to get my bearings once the school year is finished and my future plans are really tentative at this point," Vaivoids said. Family studies teacher Ruth Wilson will miss "the people -- the students, my colleagues" when she retires this month, after spending 22 years at Acton High. Wilson's first year of teaching coincided with the opening of the new high school in 1976. "That was a pretty excit- ing time and it was nice to have been here from the be- ginning," Wilson said, add- ing that she plans to expand her Guelph document editing business when she retires. THE Taditier Hometown news that people read! The Brickman | Complete Brick Restoration |# Experienced Stone Mason (35 yrs.) Walls, Chimneys, Fireplaces} Built & Repaired as New