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6 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanvillc, Wednesday, December 1,1993 Section Two Education B.H.S. Valedictory Address AROUND THE SCHOOL BOARD By Bob Willsher, Ward III Trustee, N/N Board of Education By Dan Kooy - Bowmanvillc High, the final frontier. frontier. The Mission: to bring a group of rambunctionu s BHS students together, together, kick-start their minds on the road to success, and reveal the creative genius we know they possess. Now, tell me, did you think that was what these people had in mind when we arrived? Mr. Taylor, teachers, platform guests, parents, fellow-graduates and those who were unable to be with us this evening, evening, it is an honour honour and great pleasure to be speaking on behalf of the graduating class of 92/93. When we arrived in grade 9, we walked around the halls in awe at the size of the people and this place. Each one of us privately applauded Mr. Taylor for cancelling the Grade 9 initiation ritual. In a year when higher higher education was yet to be a priority, we remember the air band and spaghetti spaghetti eating contests that were decided decided by food fights, nerd days, the play "Grease" and Mr. Parker's dance marathon. Our teachers tried to remind remind us that we were there for an education education by introducing us to our first exams. I understand Mr, Sobil has some test results for us after graduation. graduation. Grade 10 presented an identity crisis. crisis. We weren't seniors yet, but.we no longer had to endure being the youngest. We .knew the ropes, but unfortunately unfortunately the 12's and OAC's often used those ropes to lie us up, We became became more mature and aware of our surroundings. We noticed we had a new VP, he wore fish ties and rode a "Harley". Mr. Rcmpcl taught us an appreciation of our past and his jokes of the day will go down in history.' Part of history that "would best be forgotten forgotten was the introduction of the 5- 10-15 system and the infamous cow patty contest. Education was assuming assuming an important role in our lives as witnessed by the many discussions of homework in cafeteria french-fry lines. Grade 11 saw us asking "What do Mrs. Ecoles, Mr. Kriez's Madonna impression, the Cure, getting your licence licence and long hair all have in common?" common?" They were all Grade 11 favourites. favourites. Does "Now, if you could take a piece of paper" ring a bell? Grade 11 saw an increase in homework homework and time spent in the cafeteria by students madly trying to complete their essays. Stress was relieved by participating in full contact musical chairs and attending BHS dances. Grade 12 presented as a year when the future still seemed far away, but definitely was something we had to think about. As we made the transition from juniors to seniors, Ms. Munro and Mrs. Woodcock presented presented us with the opportunity for increased increased responsibilities. We learned to help others, while learning about ourselves, in peer helping. Ms. McCaW, Mrs. McAleese and Mr. . Sorley co-ordinated a Co-op program that provided opportunities to explore future occupations while gaining practical experience. Mr. Parker and Mrs. Hills must be commended for guiding this graduate class through, numerous rehearsals cn route to gold and silver performances at the Kiwa- nis Music Festival and gold medal success in New Orleans. Grade 12 will always be remembered as the year that Dan Duran and CFNY came to BHS. On behalf of the community, I would like to thank Mr. Lindop. Ms. Lawrence, Mr. Sobil and my fellow graduates who, after weeks of sacrifice sacrifice and with tremendous talent, performed performed smashing successes such as Godspcll, Ladies of the Jury, West Side Story and Rumours. Our class is able to boast many fine teams and individuals. individuals. Our thanks to all the teachers teachers who gave their time instructing BHS athletes and teams. Our OAC year showed that we had undergone considerable growth and learning. Our education had extended extended far beyond that demanded by the curriculum. Discussions in class that seemed little more than conversation have turned oilt to be lessons that contained contained sound and valuable advice. It was the year of friendships, relationships, relationships, headaches and happiness. It was a year of dreams and disappointments. disappointments. It was one of our last years of childhood, as that door to the future finally opened. I look back with respect upon members of the Executive and General General Council, who made the time between between weekends very enjoyable. Thanks to Ms. Allan and the yearbook yearbook staff who captured on paper memories we will be able to cherish for years to come. And who will ever forget the patience, dedication and creativity of the graduates who made the 22nd of May "a night to remember." remember." There is another group, of course, who deserve our appreciation. Our parents have guided and supported us throughout the years. They have shared in our successes and failures and taught us how to deal with both. I would especially like to thank my Mom and Dad for going to Myrtle Beach last March break and allowing us to relieve our stress at my house...all week. . "Commencement" means beginning, beginning, and tonight signals the beginning beginning of the next stage of our lives. We move on to new challenges, equipped with many lessons we have learned. The friendships we have formed will remain an important part of our lives. We arc well prepared for the future - the final frontier! Violence in our society in general, and in our schools in particular, is causing increasing concern to students students and parents. I share that concern. concern. I wouldn't want to suggest that local local schools arc on the same level, in terms of the frequency and severity of violence, as those in Toronto or other large urban centres. But locally, there have been a number of disturbing disturbing incidents which should cause all of us concern. Clearly, there has been an increase in tension on the part of students. Some fear the daily trip to school. Teachers are more concerned than ever over their well being during the school day. This cannot go on and expect the level of learning our students students require to be maintained. What is the answer? The answer is simple and complex. complex. Firstly, we must deal with acts of violence with a clear and decisive course of action. Violence will not be tolerated, in or out of school. Secondly, Secondly, we must deal with the root causes of violence. Often the violence we sec is a manifestation of many different different problems that a student may bring to school. The solution must involve all of the partners in our society. Parents, teachers, Boards of Education, the police and social agencies must participate participate in developing and implementing implementing a plan. It is not within the mandate or resources of the school to deal with the problem alone, The Minister of Education, David Cooke, has taken an important first step in announcing that all Boards of Education must develop a clear policy policy to deal with violence in schools. The policy will be reasonably uniform uniform across Ontario. And student offenders offenders will not be able to run for cover by simply transferring to another another school. In dealing with the problem of violence, violence, we must ensure that those involved involved arc treated in a fair manner. The process must provide an opportunity opportunity for the facts to be presented. The consequences must assure victims that they will be able to resume their lives without fear of retaliation. And parents must be willing to become become involved in providing a long term solution. In the coming months our board will be dealing with the issue. issue. Your input is essential. At the last board meeting the meeting dales for the board's budget process were approved. The dales are: January 18, February 2, February 16, February 23, March 9 and .March 22. The current timetable suggests the board's budget will be approved at the March 24 meeting. This will be another difficult year. The social contract contract has created a challenge for the board. "Doing more with less" will become a frequently heard phrase. The board welcomes your suggestions. suggestions. If you are not able to attend one of the budget meetings, please give'me a call and I'll carry your ide as to the discussions for you. On Friday, October 29, and Saturday, Saturday, October 30, the board met to set the goals for our school system for the next two years. These were approved approved at the last board meeting. The input from all areas of the system were important to the trustees. We hope you find the final document reflects reflects that input. There is much to be done over the next few years. The goals include: safe schools policy; student behavior, school advisory committees; program restructuring; communication with parents; shared resources; and providing providing a cost effective service. It represents represents a major opportunity for significant significant change and improvement. On Saturday, April ib, i994, Clarke High School will be hosting the Canadian Academic Dccathalon. The Dccathalon is a nation-wide tournament tournament designed to promote and reward reward academic endeavours. The event is being coordinated by Jon Gale of Clarke High School. Teams will be coming to our community from various parts of Canada. It promises to be a highlight of the school year for the students at Clarke. There will be assistance required required from all parts of the local area. Please say yes if you arc asked.! Try to visit your school in the next few weeks. You'll find a lot of learning learning going on. Schools arc foundation of our society...you can help in many ways. Yearbook Theme Focuses on "Our World, Our Responsibility" Christmas Concert and Food Drive at D.C.H.S. On Thursday, December 16, 1993 the Durham Christian High School (DCHS) Music Department will be presenting their Annual Christmas Concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. The school's choir will be joined by alumni as they present selections from Handel's Messiah, this should prove to be an outstanding musical presentation! Also performing will be the school's Senior Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. Tickets for this musical celebration are available at THE NEW 1994 DODGE ORDER NOW ~ IN STOCK & ON DISPLAY AT MACINTOSH CHRYSLER PLYMOUTH LTD. 331 PARK RD S , OSHAWA <C I NORTH OF 401 yjC/ SOUTH OF GIBB O 728-4638 no charge from any student in the DCHS Music Department or by calling calling the school at (905) 623-5940. Everyone is asked to donate a non- perishable food item as part of their admission. The food that is received will be donated to the Salvation Army Food Bank. The Music Department Department at DCHS is directed by Mrs. Glenda Hull (Choir) and Mr. Dennis R. Ullman (Instrumental). Durham Christian High School provides quality education for students students from Northumberland, Peterborough, Peterborough, and Victoria Counties and throughout the Durham Region. St. Stephen's High School Yearbook Team this year includes (back row, 1-r) Miss Harrison, Kim Mongrain, Angela Collagiacomo, Peter Szperling, Michelle Uy, Alison Lywak, Jay Sweet, Yvette De, Verteuil, (front row, 1-r) Tina Basta (Editor) Chelsea Caldwell, Stacey Lalonde, Rachana Gupta, Debbie Vissers and Julie Ivany. This year's yearbook theme is "Our World, Our Responsibility." It will include eight oases of full color. Be sure to order your copy soon. 1 x S?i 11 1 1 U 1 1 1 1 1 aL ! 1 location ^ MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON PUBLIC NOTICE . All interested persons are invited to attend a public meeting of the '.Newcastle Community Hall Board to be held on December 20,1993 at 7:00 p.m., in the Newcastle Community Hall for the purpose of ■electing one male to the Board for a term expiring May 1995. /7\. MUNICIPALITY OF y\lminqton ONTARIO Patti L. Barrie, A.M.C.T. Town Clerk Municipality of Clarington 40 Temperance Street Bowmanville, Ontario L1C3A6 ; Date of Publication: November 27,1993 December 4,1993 Ind. 3011 PATRICK G. DEEGAN Denture Therapy Clinic A Complete Denture Service Relines • Repairs • New Dentures Soft Liners FREE CONSULTATION 5 George Street Bowmanville 6234473 FOOD • FASHION • SERVICES • HOME DECOR AND MUCH MORE! THE ^MAKING OF A MALL • YOU'VE GOT A PART IN IT! OSHAWA 180 stores Including Sears, Eaton's Zellers, The Bay and Loblaws. 419 King St. West. Phone 728-6231. Buses stop at the entrance. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I