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PAGE 8THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, SEPTEMBER 26,2001 Photo by SHAUN A PATTERSON Just along for the ride BOWMANVILLE - Kyle Ranch, JO, enjoys an autumn ride on his motorbike, under the supervision of his father, on Ontario Street in liowmanville. Education ministry outlines measures to protect students from abuse Policies are already in place at public board: chairman BY JENNIFER STONE Staff Writer CLARINGTON - New Provincial legislation to be introduced this fall will, if passed, clearly define what constitutes teacher-to-student sexual abuse, and make it illegal not to report report such an allegation to the Province's College of Teachers, says an education ministry spokesman. And while much of the proposed legislation doesn't dramatically differ differ from the process that boards had previously followed," one local educate»* educate»* Is hoping the new law will provide provide a little clarity. "We hope it clearly designates what constitutes sexual abuse," says Deirdre Thomas, superintendent with the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District District School Board. "Our hope is that the measures will define exactly what constitutes sexual abuse so there will be clarity." The proposed legislation, announced announced by Education Minister Janet Ecker, responds to a report by the Honourable Sydney L. Robins, which reviewed the events leading to the 1996 conviction of a Sault Ste. Marie teacher. The report, released in April 2000, set out 101 recommendations. recommendations. "We know that most teachers have earned the respect of parents and students. students. But we must do everything we can to make the safety of our students the top priority," said Ms. Ecker in announcing the proposed legislation. Under the proposal, allegations of sexual abuse by a teacher must be reported reported to the Ontario College of Teachers, and the employer must also notify the College if the charges are withdrawn, overturned or stayed. Information Information on such convictions would also be passed on to potential new employers, says Education Ministry spokesman Tanya Cholakov. Failure by the employer to report such an accusation accusation would become a Provincial offence, punishable by fine, she adds. The definition of sexual abuse is expected to parallel the definition currently found in the Health Professions Professions Act, says Ms. Cholakov. The proposed legislation "reinforces" "reinforces" practices already in place by organizations like the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, says its chairman Bob Willsher. "As long as I've been a trustee, any issue of sexual abuse of a child or any professional misconduct of a teacher has been dealt with in a very forthright manner,", he says, noting, in the case of such an allegation, the teacher is removed from the class room, and either re-assigned to nonclassroom nonclassroom duties or suspended with pay, while an investigation takes place. "In any case where a teacher has been found guilty ... the board always advises the College of Teachers," says Mr. Willsher. Norm Tompsctt, president of the local unit of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, says such new rules are unnecessary, since they are largely already in place. "Not only does it already exist, but the implication is that, in some way, there's a whole bunch of this going on," says Mr. Tompselt. "Obviously what they're (the government government is) trying to do is to take people's minds educationally off the insane class crowding" and other classroonvrelated matters, he says. But Ms. Thomas says the board welcomes legislation meant to make for a safer school environment. "We're very committed to ensuring ensuring our students are safe and that our community is free from sexual abuse so our students are free to focus on learning," she says. Dr. John Balenko 6)623-7412 Dr. Karl Vermeulen 6)623-7100 GENERAL, FAMILY DENTISTRY EMERGENCY CARE AVAILABLE 0 Sedation 0 Children's Dentistry Q Peridontist 0 Orthodontics I-siserJjfntistryJ) 60 LIBERTY ST. SOUTH BOWMANVILLE ir; "Till. I.Killl IOUCH" . Well water meeting Learn the basics of owning and operating a private well system system this fall. The Durham Region Health Department hosts a public information information session Thursday, Oct. 4 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Latcham Centre, 121 Queen St., Port Perry. Public health inspectors will be available to answer answer a variety of questions about wells and provide participants with resource materials materials for use at home. There will also be a short slide presentation on the proper operation operation and maintenance maintenance of a private private water system system and displays for additional information. information. For more information, information, call the health department's department's environmental environmental help line at 905-723-8521 or 1-800-841- 2729, ext. 2188. Introducing our new Chicken McGrill sandwich. We've taken a seasoned whole chicken breast and added crisp lettuce and fresh tomato. It's a healthy alternative and it's an all new taste that you're going to love! McDonald's Family Restaurants of Whitby, Oshawa and Clarington ® 2001 McDonald ;. Rualaurimls ol Canada Limilod. Al pmliclpallny McDonald's Roslaimwls. Fur llm oxdusivo uso ol McDonald's Floslnuranls ol Canada Limilod and Ils Irnnchlsoos. TRUNK SALE Thurs, Sept 27th until Sat.Sept 29th Easier NARROW 6-12 MEDIUM 4-12 WIDE 5-12 WIDE/WIDE 5-12 OFF Comfort Shoes MEDIUM 6-15 WIDE 6-15 WIDE/WIDE 6-15 Men's or women's regular priced SAS SHOES Thurs. Sept. 27 The SAS representative will be in the store and would be happy to assist in your selection Thank You for Nominating us Best Shoe Store Siesta KAMEKA FOOTWEAR ^^615DundasS^WhitbyMall 728-4197 Capitol Children's Series Presents MORGAN'S JOURNEY An Award-Winning play about Morgan the Clown, as he discovers the world around him with the help of his friend Fred, a trickster sock puppet, who teaches him the meaning of love & friendship. FRIENDS OF Sponsored by M|§C Sunday, September 30th at 2pm Single Tickets $10 each or Subscribe to 4 Children's Shows for Just $30! Box Office 20 Queen st. Port Hope 1-800-434-5092 WWW.CAPITOLTHEATRE.COM Just Like Magic!! Learn howto make food your friend, Not Your ENEMY!!! Stop yo-yo dieting. Take the step to be healthy once and for all! Call now for your FREE consultation! 905-697-9484 243 King St. E. in the Bowmanville Mall Wci;;hi Mnmigcmcnt nnd Nutrition Centres www.hcrbalmaglcsystems.com Patients First Lakeridge Health Bowmanville EYE CENTRE Open House Thursday, September 27 2:00 p.m,-4:00 p.m. Come have a look at our new state-of-the art surgical suite for people who require cataract surgery. Meet in the hospital's Main Lobby for guided tours anytime between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. 47 Liberty Street South, Bowmanville