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The Clarington/Courtice Independent, Bowmanville, Saturday, November 30, 1996 19 The school year is now into full swing. November 18 to 22 was national Geography Awareness Week. And all the B.H.S. teams, clubs and activities activities ar;e running as usual. The majority of the school population is getting along quite well. However, as a senior senior student of B.H.S; walking around the school I have noticed noticed some growing problems; school violence and racism. . Increase in school violence In the last calendar year I have noticed more graffiti around the halls and outside. We all suffer from this. The tax payers pay for this destmc- tive behaviour and the money used to repair damaged school property is taken from funds that could be used to better school programs. School violence is also on the rise. During the last week of October I noticed that violence violence was at an all time high. For six days at the end of October October large masses of students gathered to watch fights. In my five years at B.H.S. I have never never seen such violence at school. An assembly was held and the problem was finally addressed. Crime Stoppers has helped and the number of fights at school has diminished since then. However, fights still happen. The difference is, now when a fight breaks out it is held in a different location, away from the school, so that students involved involved cannot be suspended. It seems that some students would rather turn to violence to solve problems and the others others who encircle them view the fight as entertainment. There is always an element in society who will try to solve problems through violence but in the past our school was different. The short term effects of a fight do not concern me as much as the long term effects of another problem at B.H.S.: the increase in racism. Increase in racism A problem at B.H.S. is the population of skin heads. It seems that some younger students students have adopted the fashions fashions and philosophies of the white supremacy organizations. organizations. Sometimes I put myself in the places of the visible minorities minorities at our school and I feel scared. I think about how they must feel walking down the halls during lunch hour. Groups of students sometimes stand against lockers across from one another in a display of power; they think they are /V7/// Jane Marie McAvoy (right), of the Visual Arts Centre in Bowmanville, shows a couple of art lovers one of the unique fabric creations for sale at the recent Yuletide at the Mill event. Other attention grabbers at the annual show and sale included pottery pieces, sculpture, jewellery and 100 small paintings. Save 20% on Any Purchases . (excluding Linda Lundstrom LaParka's) „ . . during Moonlight Magic. ' rttfhl Friday, Dec. 6th ; 7:00 p.m. until 12 midnight (I 21 King St. W., Bowmanville Telephone 697-1963 ©j.p. superior, even though we are all equal. To have to walk in the centre of this group would be terrifying. I sometimes wonder if these people are simply going through a phase; if this is the case I hope they will outgrow it. A new group has been formed to try to deal with the problem. The anti-racism committee promotes awareness of diversity diversity in people and celebrates differences. differences. This committee, organized organized by Miss Ross, is attempting to help skinheads by educating them. This is a nice thought. I hope some will come to realize that their feelings feelings about visible minorities are wrong. But I fear that most of them cannot be changed. We" can try to teach them that hatred is wrong, but I wonder if they will accept our views. It is difficult to help those who do not want to help themselves. themselves. However, we must try. Parents must help We must attempt to stop this problem from growing be fore the roots are buried too deep. This responsibility cannot cannot be given solely to the edu- - cational system; we all must help teach that racism is. wrong. Parents must help. I realize realize that most students are capable capable of making rational decisions decisions but parents must guide their children and teach what is right. If you believe your son or daughter is involved with a white supremacy organization, or its beliefs, address the problem. problem. Don't ignore it or think it will go away. If you care about your children, by all means, please don't accept what they are becoming; try to help them. Everyone makes choices and we must aid those who have made the wrong ones. -- by B.R.T. Ret Rics with OF Saint Mick What's that sound? Is it the faint jingle of sleigh bells and the whisper of "Ho Ho Ho"? Yes it's true! Santa Claus is coming to The Oshawa and District Humane Society for their 4th Annual "Pet Pics With 01' Saint Nick" event. Santa will be at the Oshawa and District Humane Society shelter, located at 199 Waterloo Waterloo St., Unit #2 (just off of Rit- son Rd. S. in Oshawa) on November November 30, December 1st, 7th, 8th and 15th, 1996 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All pets are welcome! welcome! The cost of each photo is $5.00 and this includes a photo frame from Polaroid. The Humane Society will also be holding a bake sale and a raffle for tons of great prizes! Tickets for the raffle are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. So drop by and create some joyous Christmas Christmas memories with your animal animal friends! Hooper's Jewellers Moonlight Magic Specials tj** Storewide Savings We'll Pay The G.S.T. & P.S.T. All Day Friday (We'll deduct 15% off your purchase) We are open until 12 midnight Diamond Bracelets from $ 99.y[ y / * EXCLUDES SALE ITEMS QUARTZ Fashion Watches from $13.95 14 KARAT Diamond Stud Earrings many sizes available. from .00 MANY SPECIALS Throughout The Store PRECIOUS MOMENTS Figurines SAVE 25% Complimentary Gift Wrapping ooper's Jewellers Ltd. "Your Family Jeweller For Over 50 Years 39 King St. W. 623-5747 Bowmanville Watchmaker and Goldsmith on premises ©jr