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SRST "A Family Tradition for 128 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, February 8,1994 - 5 Lack of communication French programs face cuts From page 1 Kelly called the obvious mis- communication between the board and the parents "unfortu- nate." The decision to change the entry level into the program allows children to spend one year (two when the Junior Kin- dergarten programisimplemet- ed) in the regular English lan- guage program where their potential for success in the French Immersion program can be assessed. The boards' feeling is basic English reading and writing dif- ficulties can be diagnosed in kindergarten and not in later grades. Mrs. Kelly told the parents she is under the impression "there are more children in this Traffic lights for 7A plaza get delayed The installation of signal lights at a busy plaza in Port Perry has been delayed until the spring. According to Mayor Howard Hall, traffic signals will be in- stalled at the entrance to Port Perry Plaza on Highway 7A in April. The Ministry of Transporta- tion, responsible for the instal- lation, had originally planned to put the project to tender late last year, with the installation completed in January. But Mayor Hall received noti- 'fication last week that the ten- der process was delayed and the lights would not be installed un- til April. . Save up to 60% on all our ladies Nightwe category than anyone would like to believe." The parents, however, stead- fastly disagreed with this state- ment, arguing not one of them has seen problems with any children throughout their in- volvement with the pro- gram. But for now the group is focus- ing on the busing issue, which is currently on the table, and put- ting all their energy into saving it, Mrs. Bowers said. The parents agreed that all French Immersion parents need to speak out over the bus- ing issue, not only the ones who use the service to get to school every day. Both Mrs. Bowers and Carol Blea, who is the representative of R.H. Cornish on the Canadi- an Parents For French Commit- tee, said all parents of French Immersion students, whether bused to school or not, must fight the cuts to ensure the pro- gram exists in years to come. R. H. Cornish principal Rick Dedong said 73 per cent of the estimated 250-300 students en- rolled in the program are bused to the school. "If we lose busing to 73 per cent of the students in this pro- gram, the whole French Immer- sion program is in jeopardy," Mrs. Bowers said. "French Immersion parents whose children are not bused need to know it is their conern as well for saving the whole pro- gram," she added, Mrs. Kelly reassured the group that in her mind busing is safe. "I am 100 per cent behind the transportation and feel busing to French Immersion is safe. There are 20 trustees and I think they are all 100 per cent behind it. I will not only vote to keep the French Immersion busing, but she said she would lobby any trustee who isn't for it." : Mrs. Kelly defended the board's need to make cutbacks, saying something has to be done. "We are in big trouble, we must cut the budget. Something has te give, and we cannot cut the basic reading, writing and arithmetic courses," Mrs. Kelly said. "French Immersion, music and busing are not frills to us, but to the government they are." Mrs. Kelly stated, emphati- cally, that the board is not try- ing to dispose of the French Im- mersion program. "We are sold on the French Immersion program. In no way are we trying to get rid of it." 'Bob er Gwen Grieveson 25th Wedding Anniversary Your loving family, Cheryl & Keith, Rick. er Sherrie, Steve & Lindha, Grandchildren Brittany, Linzi, Geoff, Justin & Nicholas Congratulations to on their on February 14. Z) ar & Robes Buy any Men's Valentine > JOE BOXER underwear or ¢ Nightshirt and receive a free gift! Service, Quality & Style since 1881 0 o 0 0 o 0 eo 0 o Valentine's GIFT SALE ~~ Limited Edition Prints by WALTER CAMPBELL framed ® reg. $300. 'Be My Valentine" § J Q "Valentine's Roses of Love" $2 4 JSframed o reg. $400. + # op Farbbig i Ede gat JSramed eo reg. $340. "FRAMER'S GALLERY 237 QUEEN ST. » PORT PERRY 985-2543 'Valentine's treasure" $ 2