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New policy expected to ease families' financial burden cost was $33. "This is a significant change in pracout diminishing schools ability to offer tice," said Joudrie. "It is very clear the Edthe enhancements and the extras that ucation Act does not allow us to charge make school fun," said Tuck Kutarna. course fees that currently exist in Halton "HDSB is to be commended for putting and likely across the province. I expect an extra $20 per elementary student, and the minister and ministry will be looking $35 per secondary student annually back at doing the same kinds of things we are into the classroom so that programs can doing in Halton straight across the provbe fully inclusive as well as ince." enriching. Our new policy Joudrie said in the case also ensures greater opporof Acton High School the tunities for communication, principal there ensured they parental input and transpar"weren't charging in most ency when it comes to askcases compared to some of ing families to contribute the other schools." financially to the activities "We were not chargand events at school." ing some of the fees other Board staff expects the schools were charging," said new policy will ease the fiActon High School vice-prinnancial burden on Halton cipal Mary Jane Farrish. "We families. were really well aligned with HDSB director of educathe philosophy of providing WAYNE tion Wayne Joudrie said in education for students with JOUDRIE secondary schools the isno cost." sue was many schools were Georgetown District High charging students related to courses they School principal Nick Varrichio said the were taking towards their graduation school will continue to "offer the wide diplomas. For example, fees were being variety of programs that we have in the charged at some schools to cover the costs past, and in fact we're offering more proof materials for family studies courses, grams moving into September with our fashion, drama, visual arts, photography, renovation and increased facilities." and some physical education classes. "Some of the course fees we used to Joudrie said he feared that, in some have in place, for example-- fees assocases where fees were being charged, ciated with workbooks in French-- kids some students were choosing not to take will no longer be required to pay those a course because they couldn't afford it. fees but that will not affect their program The goal of the elimination of the fees at all because the board is reallocating from a secondary perspective was so ev- money to offset some of the costs that ery student could take any class without were associated with those workbooks as cost, said Joudrie, adding the average just an example," said Varrichio. Continued from pg. 1 Heritage Decks Ltd. 905-873-0368 Heritage Decks specializes in the design and construction of custom cedar decks and built-in spas. Every Heritage deck is meticulously constructed with top quality material and totally original design. Call for a free cheerful estimate. Ask about our lifetime warranty! 'Shop Local' EST. 1984 See customer testimonials and pictures at www.heritagedecks.com 3 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, September 2, 2010 Deck of the Week Lifetime Warranty · Water Features · Garden Beds & Trees · Natural Stone Walkways · Interlock & Bradstone Walkways & Patios Call Today for Your NO OBLIGATION ESTIMATE 1-800-467-2079 905-873-7773 www.dunroven.ca Become a member of our vibrant club · Explore new interests & make new acquaintances · Connect with your community · Advance the status of women locally & internationally Not a graduate? Ask about our Associate memberships Season Opener ­ Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - 7:30 p.m. The Gallery at the Cultural Centre, (Geo Library) 9 Church St. - Refreshments served For information - contact Wendy, 905-877-3380 Rowe challenges for Catholic board seat It's now a two-person race for the Halton Hills Halton Catholic District School board trustee seat. Mark Rowe of Glen Williams filed his nomination papers Wednesday. He is running against incumbent Rosanna Palmieri. The deadline to file as a candidate in the October 25 municipal election is Sept. 10. To find out more information go to www.haltonhills.ca/elections. e-mail: hassellsauto@bellnet.ca www.hassellautomotive.com For young people going to school or starting a first job. All Under $6,000.00 CALL