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Catholic board approves GSA clubs in spirit onlyBy Tim Whitnelldents, who wish to do so, to can become involved with theMetroland West Media Groupgather to address this dimension committee. He has not yetThere has been muchof bullying.heard back.discussion recently surroundingThey wont be called Gay-Straight Guided by our faith, a com-During Tuesdays boardone dimension of this issue,Alliances (GSA) by name, but Catholic high mittee that includes students, meeting, Marai asked if any-bullying related to sexual schools in Ontario, including Halton, will parents, trustees, educators, body on the new committeeorientation. As an enhancement be able to form groups for students who clergy and other members of was gay.of the existing resources toseek support in dealing with issues around our school community, working I dont know the composi-homophobia and same-sex orientation.support all students, we with the Institute for Catholic tion of the committee nor doThe Halton Catholic District School Education (ICE), will establish a I know the colour of theirencourage Catholic school Board passed its new equity and inclusivity framework for these groups, skin, said Education Directorboards in Ontario to provide policy in third and final reading by a 6-3 including a common name, to Michael Pautler.the opportunity for students,margin at its Tuesday board meeting, mean-Oakville Trustee assist Catholic school boards During debate on thewho wish to do so, to gatherPaul Maraiing the framework for the entire policy is with this anti-bullying initia-equity and inclusivity policy,to address this dimension of now in place.tive.Oakville trustee AnthonyHoweverbullying., an ongoing sub-story to the An accompanying question-and-answerDanko requested the vote on passing theseries of Halton Catholic trustee policy memo states: The primary goal of thesepolicy be deferred until mid-September.committee and full school board discus-Letter fromn Archbishop Thomas groups is to combat bullying related to sex-If we pass it tonight, we cant incorpo-sions about the policy since the start of the Collins, president of the Assembly of ual orientation.rate what they (new provincial committee)new year has been whether Gay-Straight Catholic Bishops of Ontario, and The newly-formed provincial committeeare doing. Feedback from both sides (of ANancy Kirby, president of the Ontario lliances would be allowed in its schools.has only met once so far.the GSA issue) is they want a clear, defini-Catholic School Trustees' AssociationThe drive to incorporate GSAs in the The enrichment of existing school-basedtive policy, said Danko, who voted againstschools, where requested by students, has opportunities for students to gather inpassing the overall equity and inclusivitybeen spearheaded by new Oakville trustee groups to address bullying against studentspolicy, along with dissenters Marai andPaul Marai, who is gay.with same-sex orientation will be availableBurlington trustee Jane Michael.The letter states: There has been much At Tuesday nights board meeting, a let-before the beginning of the next schoolBoard Chair Alice Ann LeMay countereddiscussion recently surrounding one dimen-ter from Archbishop Thomas Collins, presi-year, stated the accompanying memo fromby saying the bishop's letter would notsion of this issue, bullying related to sexual dent of the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Kirby and Archbishop Collins.affect Haltons overall policy. orientation. As an enhancement of the Ontario, and Nancy Kirby, president of the After Tuesdays Halton Catholic boardPautler supported the notion saying it isexisting resources to support all students, Ontario Catholic School Trustees meeting Marai said he has e-mailed OCSTA the role of the boards senior administrativewe encourage Catholic school boards in Association (OCSTA), was discussed publicly president Kirby and the executive directorstaff to develop procedures from establishedOntario to provide the opportunity for stu-by trustees.of the OCSTA, Kevin Kobus, enquiring if hepolicy. ROHDE MEPHISTO BIRKENSTOCK RIEKER ARA SALAMANDER ?Ingeborg Shoes Warehouse StoreFamous European Brand NamesAll Under One Roof$25.00 OFF any Mephisto or Allrounder*minimum purchase of $100.00 (before taxes) One coupon per purchase.Expires May 15, 2011INGEBORGSWAREHOUSE1681 FINFAR COURT, MISSISSAUGAINGEBORGS WAREHOUSELOOK FOR US ON 1681 FINFAR COURT, MISSISSAUGAHours: Mon.-Fri. 9 to 5 - Sat. 10-5 - Sun. 11 to 4(905) 823-7415www.insideHALTON.com OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, May 6, 2011 8 ROHDE MEPHISTO BIRKENSTOCK RIEKER ARA SALAMANDER ? ROHDE MEPHISTO BIRKENSTOCK RIEKER ARA SALAMANDER ?