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Private member's bill Law would give educators more power to deal with drug abuse • from YOUNG on page 15 seizure to principals and creates a duty for teachers and principals to report suspected substance abuse. "At the same time, they will receive protection from civil litigation as a result of carrying out their duty," explained Mr. Young, who represents southem rural Milton as part of his constituency. "Importantly, if passed, the bill will not preclude any other policy or action a school might choose to take." Students suspected on "reasonable and probable grounds" of drug or alcohol use, or found to be in pos- session of tobacco, alcohol or illegal substances on school property will be excluded from their regular classes and extra-curricular activities until they demonstrate "their commitment to not repeating the behaviour." Alternative education The student will be required to attend an alternative education program which would also include addic- tion counselling. But for disciplinary action and counselling to be effective, teens also need the understanding and sup- port of their parents. "Ultimately, a committed and involved parent or guardian is the key to ending a child's problem with substance abuse," Mr. Young concluded. "Through their support and encouragement through- out the counselling process we can prevent a behav- iour from developing into a serious addiction, or save a life that may already hang in the balance." Initially introduced as Bill 134 approximately a year ago, Mr. Young's proposaI had to be dropped when the legislature was recessed in December. In its previous format, the bill required that teachers report students suspected of being impaired to the principal, who would call a mandatory information meeting with the student and their parents. The idea, Mr. Young said at the time, was to deeat 'parental denial," and parents or students not showing up for the meeting could be subject to a $200 fine. At a second incidence of abuse the principal would be required to call police, and penalties could be imposed against teachers or principals who fail to report suspected abuse. Since that time, Mr. Young says, the bill has been remodeled with input from parents and educators. Dateline Dateline is a free listing of coming events only. The column is available to local community groups to assist in promoting their future events. Only charitable or non-profit community groups may use this service. We can only guarantee one issue of publicity closest to the date of the occur- rence although more insertions are possible if demand is low. Notices for Dateline should be handed in at the office of The Champion, 191 Main St. E., mailed to P.O. Box 248, Milton, Ont., L9T 4N9, or faxed to (905) 878-4943. The final deadline is noon Friday for Tuesday's edition and noon Wednesday for Friday's edition. Dateline items will not be accepted by telephone. Friday July 24 Individual self-employment information is avail- able by appointment at the Milton Resource Centre, 310 Main St. Special one-hour sessions can be arranged by calling the centre at 876-9828. Saturday July 25 A garage sale in support of Deborah's Home, a res- idence for disabled adults, takes place at the home of Christine Opsteen on No. 5 Sideroad. The white house is located on the north side, just east of Sixth Line and west of Hwy. 25. Donations can be dropped off any- time. Cal 878-3988. A fundraising barbecue for the Salvation Army food bank takes place outside Savemore grocery store on Bronte Street. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday July 26 - 31 A summer Art Show and Sale takes place at the Visual Arts Academy, 155 Thomas St. Sponsored by the Fine Arts Society of Milton, the show features original works in various media by 12 local artists. For more information, call 878-7397. Monday July 27 - July 31 The Milton Community Resource Centre hosts a summer day camp for children aged 6 to l1 years. The camp runs weekly from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This week's camp features a trip to the Farm Museum. To register, call 876-1244. Tuesday July 28 Free workshops on writing resumes and cover letters are offered at the Milton Resource Centre, 310 Main St. E. The weekly 'Create a Winning Resume' (9:30 a.m.) and 'Compose a Dynamic Introduction Letter' (I p.m.) workshops are about three hours in duration. For more information, call the centre at 876- 9828. Wednesday July 29 Free workshops on interview skills and the hid- den job market are offered at the Milton Resource Centre, 310 Main St. E. The weekly 'Learn How to Sell Your Skills' (9:30 a.m.) and 'Find Out Where Most of the Jobs Are' (I p.m.) workshops are about three hours in duration. For more information, call the centre at 876-9828. Name: Address: Phone: Fax: _ email: Officials Receipts Provided. Canadian Charitable Registration # 88-202-8699-RRO001 m-