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| of extending funding to RC schools will be additional costs to this board and that this legislation will do financial disservice to the public school ratepayers and public school students in Simcoe County. We realize, Mr. Chairman, that this committee does not yet have the benefit of the report of the commission studying educational finance. However, the current underfunding of education is a critical issue to school boards and we hope that the members of the committee will not underestimate' the impact of further limitations on the ability of boards to provide high quality education for students in their jurisdictions. We urge you to make _ the strongest possible recommendations to the government that financial protection will be afforded to public school boards and to public school ratepayers in Ontario. _ The political parties and the minister of education have made explicit their support for extended funding. Such enthusiasm should include a willingness to deal politically with the various boards involved without the intervention of a politically appointed commission designed to further government initiatives while keeping government at arm's length from the effects of its own policy. We can accept that administrative mechanisms ought to be available to the government to give effect to its policies, but feel strongly that the authority delegated in the legislation to the planning and implemenatation commission is excessive and inappropriate. We strongly recommend, therefore, that the committee review the role of the commission with the assistance of those who are expert in the field of legislative theory and practice. CONCLUSION As we stated earlier in our presentation, we have chosen to limit our comments to a few issues. This ought not to be construed as tacit agreement for the provisions of the proposed legislation for which we have provided no comment. Neither does this represent a lack of concern for the implications of affording in a pluralistic society such special status as is being accorded the adherents of Roman Catholicism. Indeed, we find it regretable that significant financial and human resources are being committed to institutionalizing division within our province, within our communities and within our schools. This is especially so when challenges to develop tolerance, harmony and co-operation exist in such rich abundance. The introduction of this legislation and the political process used to foist it on an unreceptive populace have everywhere strained relationship, diminished or dissipated co-operation and heightened issues of Backgrounder: religious differences which properly belong in the past. In the absence of judicial support for its legitimacy, we can only assume ___ that the proposed legislation to fully fund Roman Catholic secondary schools has precious little to do with education and a great deal to do with religion, politics and power, which is a_ sorry commentary on the exercise of governmental judgement in Ontario. Mr. Chairman, we are very proud of our school system, proud of the fine young people who attend our schools and our excellent professional support staff who are deeply committed to serving their schools. We hope that you will appreciate that we do not want our school system to suffer damage for any reason. We trust that the profession of so many in government to want to act in the best interest of public education will indeed generate effects to that end. French immersion study results During November, 1984, the parents of approximately 5,000 Grades 4 and 5 students received surveys to determine interest in an optional French immersion program to begin at the Grade 6 level. Approximately 50 percent of the survey forms were returned to SCBE. The results indicated that there was sufficient interest to establish between eight and 12 classes at the Grade 6 level for September, 1985. The survey also indicated _ sufficient interest from Grade 4 parents to continue the Toy run '85- BOB MURRAY Last Saturday's second annual Toy Run, sponsored by Concerned Motorcycle Riders of Huronia was an unqualified success. With IDEAL weather conditions _ prevailing, upwards of 200 participants and their invited '"'passengers" gathered at Mountainview Mall parking lot just after lunch for the afternoon run. To participate in the event, riders were required to attach a new toy to their motorcycles. Riders came through with a most impressive selection. From trucks and cars to Barbie dolls, stuffed bears, plush dogs, building blocks, clowns, the odd buffalo, Smurfs and one chopper was noted to have a wrapped gift stowed safely aboard. At 1 p.m., give or take a couple of minutes, the road captains gave the order to move out. This produced a totally awesome noise. Machines of almost every description from > ehopipie rs 7 |). to "dressers" and touring bikes, in any colour and lots of chrome thundered into motion for the three hour plus tour of the Tiny Township area. At the conclusion of the ride, at approximately 4:30 TINY TOWNSHIP HEAVY GARBAGE PICK-UP FOR DISCARDED FURNITURE etc. WILL BE THE WEEK OF OCT. 7th The day of your regular pick-up, place beside your regular garbage Moreau Enterprises a great effort p.m., the real reason for this event became evident. Upon arrival back at the mall, each rider entrusted his / her toy to the custody of members of the Midland Salvation Army, until Christmas, when they will be used to make things a little brighter for many less fortunate children in the area. program in September, 1986. The report of the French Immersion Feasibility Study was received by the Board at its regular meeting held Feb. 13, 1985. A motion to approve the development of a French immersion program to begin at Grade 6 anc to be phased in through to the end of Grade 12 was defeated. The increased cost to the Board was the major reason for the defeat of the motion. The Program Committee reviewed the French immersion proposal in June and authorized Charlie Shanks, superintendent of program, to bring forward a report on the issue at the Sept. 25, 1985 meeting of the Board in preparation for 1986 budget consideration. Future Planning Trustees have now given approval to administration to start planning for the possible introduction of an optional French immersion program in Grade 6 in September, 1986. The three key tasks which will be undertaken immediately are: determination of potential candidates for a -Grade 6 program through parent meetings and a preregistration procedure; Homeowner's Equity Loans $50,000 e Fully open 24 hours e 1 yr. term (Subject to change) e Life insured up to e 15 years to repay e Commitment within min the municipal Savings & loan corporation 248 King St. (Just South of Dominic") 526-4296 Mountainview Mall 526-2273 10% identification of Board teachers who are interested in teaching the program and development of plans for the required staff development; and identification of potential "'host" schools in each administrative area. The question of introducing the French immersion program needs to be resolved by the Board not later than Jan, 22, 1986 to enable Administration to prepare' projected enrolment and staffing information. Free cancer clinic for women Oct. 9 Teaching women to detect the initial signs of breast cancer, through D0 per self - examination, is a crucial role for Canadian Cancer Society workers. In 1982, breast cancer took the lives of 40 women in _ Simcoe County alone. But early diagnosis is greatly increasing the chances of successful treatment. The Canadian Cancer Society, Barrie Chapter, will make it easy for any woman to learn breast self-examination, with a free clinic at Royal Victoria Hospital, Wednesday, Oct. 9, between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. The hospital, located at 76 Ross St. in Barrie, has arranged two parking lots for the clinic: the Administration lot 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and the Wellington lot 3-9 p.m. EF o;r more information, contact Mrs. Shirley Busch at the Canadian Cancer Society, 726-8032. BARRIE HONDA INVITES YOU TO SEE OUR 1986 CARS ON OCT. Sra. 4th. & 5th. WHEN THE ALL NEW ACCORD WILL BE ON DISPLAY. '86 HONDA CIVICS PRELUDES ARE NOW IN STOCK. INCLUDING THE "PRELUDE SPECIAL EDITION". ORDER NOW FOR FAST DELIVERY. H/O|N|D/A BARRIE HONDA AUTO SALES 100 Bradford Street 726-6488 AND PR a eee Tuesday, October 1, 1985, Page 11