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"WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 2000 - Elementary school teachers ratify deal with Durham board By Rik Davie Weekend Star This area"s 2,400 pub- lic elementary teachers have ratified a one year contract with the Durham District School Board. .. The agreement, which allows for a 2 per cent salary increase retroac- tive to Sept. 1, 2000, was reached after six days of negotiations. The con- tract was taken back to the membership on Aug. 29 for ratification. Rachel Second Vice President of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario Durham Local, said the agreement has some added relief for primary "teachers. "There will be a reduc- tion of class sizes in split classes (classes that have two grades in one room) that will give teachers more time with stu- dents," said Ms Gencey. Also in the agreement is what Ms Gencey called "a bit more preparation Gencey, time for teachers." Those issues have been among those at the top of teachers' list of concerns over the past few years. The agreement is only the third in the province between ele- mentary teachers and their boards. Ms Gencey said no extracurricular activities have been affected by the contract talks, and all programs have continued in Durham public ele- mentary schools. Craig Burch, Superintendent for Human Resources at the board, said he is "pleased to have reached an agreement." Contracts talks with the region's 1,300 sec- ondary teachers continue this week under a media blackout. After several bargaining sessions, nei- ther side has given any indication a solution is near, and high school teachers are now in a strike position. SOURCE Meghan Le Dez RM.T Relaxation & Therapeutic Treatments Pre & Post Natal Massage 76 Water Street, Port Perry (905) 985-8591 COMMUNICATION e EDUCATION PREVENTION "Harvest Festival c oature 1ay 5 Sunday, ¢ September 24, 2000 10:00 am to 5:30 pm Grape Stomp Challenge 1:00 & 3:00 --- Vineyard, Orchard & Winery Tours, Wagon Rides, Sampling, Entertainment NO CHARGE ADMISSION! , epte Jitle 23, 2000 Both a Artists assemble at Native Focus TE &O A trio of artists were on hand at the Native Focus store in downtown Port Perry last week- end when the local business celebrated its sec- ond anniversary. Taking part in the celebration 80th Birthday Celebration Helen Irene Bradburn of Blackstock will soon be celebrating her 80th birthday. A reception will be held for her at the Christian Education Centre, Blackstock United Church, 3483 Church Street East, from 1:30 until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 1 to welcome all her many friends and family who wish to celebrate this milestone with her. Please, best wishes only. Julie Corden and Mike Shepley Wish to announce their forthcoming marriage on Saturday, October 28, 2000 at St. John's Anglican Church, Blackstock. "---- Dana Lee who graduated from the Faculty of Education at Queens University with a Bachelor of Education (Concurrent) degree. Dana previously graduated from Trent University on the Dean's Honours list with an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree. Dana has accepted a teaching position with Durham Board of Education at H. W. Knight Public School, Cannington. We are very proud of you Mom and Dad, 17 and Jeff. Brett RS RN CHRIS HALUWEEKEND STAR last Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 16-17) were Alderville First Nations artist Rick Beaver, Maxine Noel of Stratford, and Scugog Island's Donald Chase. Pn? Fs Tn SRS Fn C