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Whitby Free Press, Wednesday, November 30, 1994 ,Page 33 BELLWOOD Public School Grade 4 student Ashley Duttman puts up her hand to claim her prize in a school fundraising draw. Photo by Mark Reesor, Whitby Fee Press COMMUNITY VISIONS The parent assembly forum By Alexis Guthrie Teresa Mead Get iivolved, you, too, can make a difference. In the beginning we were parents complaining about how our tax dollars were being spent on education and our community -- but we weren't aware of how or why these decisions were made. A decision had been made by the school board that would affect our children and we were unsure of its impact on them. As two fuli-time working mothers with children already in the school system and one about to enter, we went looking for information. In our quest for knowledge we heard/read about the parent assembly forum. Information from the forum was then put forth at a Community Visions meeting which in turn solved or tried to solve some of the parents immediate concerns. Consequently, we spoke to other parents at our school PSCA meeting about how important it is to act as a collective group to solve problems. We feel we have contributed to some of the changes that have already been implemented in our children's school and others. The parent assembly is an extension of Community Visions, with meetings held four times a year. It is a forum in which parents can discuss among themselves their interests and concerns regarding community and education. All meetings are open to the public. Meeting times and locations are announced through your school bulletin and published in the Whitby Free Press. We may not have all the answers, but at least now we feel we have the right to compliment or complain about situations regarding education and our community as a whole, or how it relates directly or indirectly to our children, because we are trying to get informed and get involved. We may not always be happy with some decisions that will be made, but at least now we feel that we have a support network that can help us adapt to the changing school systems and community. Community Visions is a group of parents, school administrators and trustees working together as equals, sharing information and ideas regarding education and community with one common goal in mind: to improve the quality of education for youth. College programs start in January Durham College is offering January Intake diploma programs in business administration, office administration - secretarial, general arts and science and industrial marketing. Students begin first year in January and finish in time to enter second year in September. Business administration offers a common first year. During semester one students are exposed to a wide of business subjects. In semester two, they begin to specialize, choosing two option subjects. Beginning in third semester, students narrow their field of specialization to one option. Students in all business options are eligible to graduate upon successful completion of either a two or three year program. Business options include accounting, business general, human resources management, marketing, information systems and operations management. Students of the office administration-secretarial program can graduate with a one-year certificate or continue for a two-year diploma with the opion of specializing in executive, legal, medical or word processing. In the general arts and science diploma program, students explore career options to make effective occupational and education decisions through a general, post-secondary education. Subjects include sociology, psychology, computers, Canadian studies, human relations, mathematics, writing and more. After the completion of first year, students are eligible for a certificate. It is a program suitable for mature students returning to school. The industrial marketing program is for those interested in careers in both domestic and international industrial sales and requires a degree or diploma, or experience in business or industry. The program is offered in short course modules for thos who want to enhance their skills either part time or full time. Durham College also offers direct entry into second semester of first year of some diploma programs to qualified individuals with related Ontario Academic Credits (OACs), college or university credits. There are also opening in the carpentry apprenticeship program beginning in January. Streaker at school A teacher at Marguerite D'Youville Catholic School encountered a partially naked man in the hall late Thursday afternoon. Police say the teacher saw the man, who was wearing only a shirt and a surgical mask, in the hall around 5:50 p.m. after walk- ing out of her classroom. She ran to get help from a janitor and police were called but the man had disappeared. Police say doors had been propped open to allow easy access to the building. Janis Leering ANDERSON The snow and freezing cold weather has now made the Christmas season "official," and Christmas is the time to think about bringing joy to others. Anderson's food, toy and clothing drive is set to begin Dec. 6 and each homeroom will be given a family in need. Teachers have been asked to give $5 for ornaments on the tree. The Salvation Army will be picking up all donations on Dec. 16. Tickets are still on sale for our musical, 'Brigadoon,' which has three performance nights left, this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Also, 'Handcuffs' tickets are available in the front foyer every lunch hour. The drama, about the Donnelleys' plays in January. Handcuffs Trivia Night was held yesterday, with a great turnout of all those who dared to compete. The world issues classes held their "begging day" last week. I had never realized how sneaky my peers were when it comes to "mooching" for change. These tough students also starved themselves from Tuesday to Thursday to help hungry people in other countries. Anderson intramurals have been holding three-on-three basketball games at lunch hours. Menace II Society has clinched first place, with Overkill right behind them. Also, Big Brothers' Bowl for Millions permission forms are now available. This will take place Feb. 6, but sponsorship forms are required, so get started now. Anyone is welcome to help out. Did you miss the T-shirt and hat sales from ASAA? Mr. Dobos is still selling these items in the gym office. T-shirts are $13 and shorts $17. Congratulations to the senior girls' basketball team for defeating Pine Ridge in the LOSSA final. They have qualified for the provincial OFSAA playoffs, starting tomorrow in Hamilton. Thanks to all students who showed up to support our team. The junior girls' teamu lost in the semi-finals against Eastdale, but they had an excellent season as well. The basketball tryouts for boys and volleyball tryouts for girls were held last week. Good luck to all the teams starting their seasons. The hockey season is in full swing. There was a tournament on the weekend, but unfortunately our team lost. The Spirit Day limbo contest, which was supposed to be last week, has been rescheduled for a future date, so stay limbered up. Student exchange opportunities availabl Qualified high school students have an opportunity to spend an academic year or summer holiday in Spain, Mexico, France, Germany or Sweden as part of the World Heritage student exchange program. Students aged 15 to 18 qualify on the basis of academic performance, character references and a desire to experience life abroad with a volunteer host family. Summer exchange students live with families abroad who usually speak some English. Students receive language and cultural instructure as part of the World Heritage program. World Heritage students attend regular high school classes. World Heritage also provides international opportunities for families to host students from abroad. Students or families interested in more information can contact Ethlyn Murphy at 905-987-3027 or call 1-800-888-9040. 1 1 1 < - 1 . 1 1 --- - - , .