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-I- . + THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, JUNE 19,2002 PAGE A7 Courtice vice-principal Rob Andrews 'knows everybody's name' COURTICE from pageA6 bottom of a little scuffle, and finding a textbook and some work for a student, student, he is off to the gym to take in the displays students have set up regarding regarding their co-op placements. "One thing I have to make sure of is to visit all of the exhibits," Mr. Andrews says as he begins his rounds, as it is important to treat each student equally. As he walks around, each student is eager to share their job experiences experiences with him, and he is just as enthusiastic enthusiastic to hear about each one, asking questions and giving a bit of advice. Standing in front of her oncology co-op display, Danielle lugs, 18, Grade 12, says everybody likes Mr. Andrews. "I had a problem once and had to go and talk to him and he was very helpful," she says. "He even let me borrow a textbook to look at because I want to go to medical school." Chris Butterfield, an aspiring firefighter, is finishing his OAC, and says during his time at the school he's often talked to Mr. Andrews. "He's really into it; he knows everybody's name," says Mr. Butterfield. Butterfield. "He stays involved and is always always at student activities. He knows what's going on." In the gym, a student flags Mr. Andrews down, asking when she can talk to him, and he tells her to go ahead. After their talk, she seems re lieved. "There's an appointment I don't have to worry about now," Mr. Andrews Andrews says as he continues down the line of displays. If lie can help a student student on the spot lie will; it just makes things easier for everyone. After the co-op fair, Mr. Andrews makes his way back to his office to see more students and talk to a couple couple of concerned parents. "We're really big on feedback - we try to keep people informed as much as possible," he says. As lunch time approaches, Mr. Andrews smiles at the idea of taking a break. "Lunch is nol a down time," he says, as he is off to make rounds of the halls, cafeteria, and outside grounds. He saysiit is especially important important for administration to be seen during times such as the lunch hour when all of the students are out and about. He also stops by the detention room, to make a list of the no- shows, in case he comes across any of them in his travels. Just down the hall, he runs ink) one of the absent students, and rounds him up to finish finish off his detention time. "Aw, but I was just going for lunch," jokes the student in hopes of getting out of it, but he follows Mr. Andrews without attitude. Walking the rounds, Mr. Andrews explains he has been in education for 15 years,- and at Courtice Secondary Secondary as the VP for two years. Al though it is clear his job is non-stop, often including working evenings and weekends, he says he is happy to do it. "I knew what I was getting myself myself into," he laughs. "I really enjoy it - this is fun for me!" His pride in the school is clear, as he points out the various departments departments and classrooms, and says his students are strong in all areas, from technology to the arts. He credits their success to the team efforts of all the staff, especially the teachers. "There is some excellent, excellent excellent teaching going on here." He also says-Principal Ron Tans- ley has a great vision for the school. "He's full of ideas and is great to work with; we work closely together and he's been a real inspiration." As for what he does in his free time, Mr. Andrews laughs. "Free time? What's that?" He is conscious however, to strike a balance between work and family, and with his wife being a VP as well, he says it can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Trying to dig up something the students may find unusual or surprising surprising about him proves to be no easy task. After all, he's even performed at a school event in a chorus line with his co-workers, kicking his heart out in a gold sequined vest. "I think you have to bring yourself yourself to this job," he says. "What the students see is who I am." ANDREW IWANOWSKI/ Statesman photo Floating on air OSHAWA - The annual Fiesta Parade on Sunday kicked off a week long cultural celebration in Oshciwa. Members of the National Baton Corps entertained while marching in the parade. Cat hospital comes to the rescue OSHAWA - Felines are being given a ninth life at the King Street Cat Hospital. The hospital's hospital's Joey Fund, a nonprofit pro- -, gram, rescues': : stray cats and finds suitable homes for the animals, based on their age and personality. Each animal is vaccinated, mi- crochipped and treated for fleas at the hospital, where since 1997, more than 400 cats have been given new homes. "We're always always looking for people to take a cat," says the Cat Hospital's Hospital's Paula Brakel. And with more than 6,000 Ontario strays put to sleep in 2001 alone, she says the more people who know about the Joey Fund, the better. "We only make a drop in the pond," she says. To donate to the Joey Fund, or adopt a cat, call Ms. Brakel at 905-579- MEOW. The cat hospital is at 850 King St. W„ Oshawa. Seniors can tee off OSHAWA - Senior citizens looking for some help with their golf game can turn to Oshawa Oshawa Senior Citizens Centres. Centres. , OSCC is offering offering golf clinics clinics on the full swing and the short game. The cost of the 90- minute clinics is $17. For information information call 905- 576-6712.