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aa 18 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, December 14,1993 ag Bk ss FR hg ig After eight years as principal at Port Perry High School, Ted Morrison is looking forward to the new challenges that await him at R. S. McLaughlin Collegiate and Vocational Institute in Oshawa. See story for detalls. ate Friday, December 17th -AND- By Julia Dempsey Port Perry Star "It's time to move on," says Port Perry High School princi- pal Ted Morrison, who will bid farewell to staff and students on Friday, Dec. 17. After eight years as the school's principal, Mr. Morrison is being transferred to R. S. Sgclanghiin Collegiate and Vo- cational Institute in Oshawa, effective January 1, 1994. "I'm sad to be leaving this school," he said. "This is a great place. I've really enjoyed being here." | Mr. Morrison said he was for- tunate to have been with the school for eight years because the Durham Board of Education doesn't usually leave a principal in the same school for more than six years. "We've had a lot of different things (initiatives) going on here," Mr. Morrison said, add- ing that may have played a part in the length of his tenure. Some of the initiatives included changing the school to a semes- tered system, promoting a Stay in School program, and creating a mission statement. "The mission statement real- ly tells what our philosophy is," Mr. Morrison said. The statement reads "In part- nership with the community, Port Perry High School is com- mitted to the creation of lifelong learners who will enjoy every opportunity to reach their po- tential academically, physical- ly, emotionally and socially. The school endeavors to create an at- mosphere of co-operation and harmony in which students are encouraged to expect a stan- dard of excellence, to meet the challenge of learning with confi- dence, and to feel just pride in their achievements." "We feel it is very important that the kids explore as many opportunities as they can," Mr. Morrison said. The inclusion of "in partner- ship with the community" is also very important, he said. "We consider ourselves a com- munity school. The students do a lot of things within and for the community, such as raising Forgiven! | So... We'll Stay Open For You! 11: A Chemong Road at Towerhill, Peterborough With close to 100 merchants to choose from you'll find that special gift that says... ...nothing compares! 401 Kent St., West. Lindsay PENS principal to bid farewell to school money for the hospital," Mr. Morrison said. : Calling it a two-way partner- ship, he added that the commu- nity has repaid the school through' donations for special events and through support "The community has been verygood tous," hesaid. Although he said he is sad to be leaving, Mr. Morrison is also looking forward to the new chal- lenges thatawaithim. = ~~ The transfer to R. 8S. McLaughlin Collegiate and Vo- cational Institute will be sort of ahomecomingforhim. He attended McLaughlin as a student when the school first opened in 1962. : The school had a parliamen- tary system and Mr. Morrison was its first Prime Minister. A picture of him as a student planting a tree with Sam McLaughlin, the school's name- sake, during the grand opening ceremonies still hangs in a hall- way at the school. . After graduating from uni- versity in 1968, Mr. Morrison spent the first four years of his _ career teaching at the school. His wife and children are also alumni of the school. } "It's like going home," he said, adding that if the Durham Board of Education allows him to stay at McLaughlin for the same amount of time he was at PPHS, he could finish his career at the school. He admits McLaughlin has changed significantly over the years but it is still a neighbor- hood school. - In comparison, the two schools are virtually the same . size. Both employ 80 teachers and have about 1,170 students. Mr. Morrison gives full marks to the staff and students at PPHS. . "Educating teenagers in the 1990s is not an easy joy," he said. "Our teachers are very dedicated to the job. The secre- taries in our front office are the most professional I have ever come across. And our students are agreat." Taking over the principal's position will be Sandra Riches, a former vice-principal at PPHS. Les Dow and Tom Drum- melsmith will continue as vice- principals. T. BYERS SEPTIC & HOLDING TANK PUMPING REASONABLE RATES 985-3048 Laser Copier. Bring in your favourite photo! Makes a great gift! Available at the Port Perry Star an Office Centre