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January 16, 2010

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Written by GardeningAngel · Filed Under Top Box 

THE ARC NEEDS YOUR HELP

January 16, 2010

Hullo Neighbours, Happy New Year!! I am keenly aware that each of our school representatives have invested a great deal of time and effort to fully comprehend the issues we must face – declining enrollment – quality public education and budget restrictions. I can honestly say that your neighbours have applied their considerable brain power and a great deal of heart in examining these complex and difficult issues. They are about to gather together to share their solutions. Let’s, first of all, understand the limitations of what it is this group of people can do. As I understand it, this Accomodation Review Committee has to determine which schools should close and how do we address the needs of all of our students and our communties. I also understand that Arc is very limited as to what happens afterwards.Should there be closure(s), we are only allowed to make recommendations as to the fate of the buildings, the sites and what happens to specialized programming? After we make our recommendations a report is issued on our work from the board and then the board votes on whether or not to implement any or all of our recommendations. Having said that there are Committee members who have traveled to neighbouring cities to see the results of various Accomodation Review Committees. Many of these solutions appear to have been implemented successfully to the benefit of students and their communities. At the public meeting to be held on January 21 ( see below for details) they will be presenting the options that have come forward and will be leading discussion groups comprised of attendees. No doubt there will be some lively debate, but only if we have fair representation from all stake holders. Therefore I urge you to tell your neighbours about these meetings. Please enlist the participation of local business owners and people who do not have school aged children at present. Changes to and /or closing schools has a profound effect on the surrounding neighbourhoods. We know we need to address tough issues but we need the help of community input – especially from Arlington, J.R. Wilcox and Rawlinson neighbourhoods. Translaters and Child care is A road trip… The Arlington Representative Kevin Ghiglione and I visited the highly acclaimed silver Leed certified jk – 8 public school, Thomas L. Wells P.S.. Photos available What we found…Built in one year, the school opened in 2006, using state of the art building materials and techniques, it is airy, bright and beautifully functional. One grade four boy described his experience at this school by saying, “I feel free here”. The upcoming meetings will be held Oakwood Collegiate Institute, 991 St. Clair Ave. West, in the auditorium from 7 -9pm · Thursday January 21 · Tuesday February 16· Thursday March 11· Final meeting is on Thursday April 1 I f you would like to send a comment, concern or query email to me at gahorticulture (at) bell (dot) net. This is written out without symbols to prevent a certain amount of monkey spam. Insert usual symbols without any spaces. Claire

Written by GardeningAngel · Filed Under Top Box