It's Grade 8 Parent Information Night next week at E.N.S.S. in Brighton.
On Tuesday, January 19, parents can attend the school in the evening to find out about the secondary school and programs it will be offering the incoming students in 2010.
For details, please contact the school at 613-475-0540.
Friday, 15 January 2010
Literacy forum comes to Colborne
The Northumberland Poverty Reduction Action Committee is hosting a workshop it hopes will help improve literacy levels in children and youth. The January 27 afternoon session will run at the Keeler Centre in Colborne from 1:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The afternoon will focus on promising practices:
A panel featuring representatives from the Public and Catholic Boards of Education, the local Learning Disabilities Association chapter, the YMCA Early Years program, and the local public library, will discuss what is presently offered to address literacy levels in children and youth, and identify any gaps in programming.
Parents, educators, service providers and interested community members are welcome to attend.
At 3:30 p.m. Lois Cromarty, Chair Northumberland Poverty Reduction Action Committee, will lead a call to action.
The afternoon will focus on promising practices:
A panel featuring representatives from the Public and Catholic Boards of Education, the local Learning Disabilities Association chapter, the YMCA Early Years program, and the local public library, will discuss what is presently offered to address literacy levels in children and youth, and identify any gaps in programming.
Parents, educators, service providers and interested community members are welcome to attend.
At 3:30 p.m. Lois Cromarty, Chair Northumberland Poverty Reduction Action Committee, will lead a call to action.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
There is help for caregivers
Caregivers don't need to feel they are alone. There is support available to those who care for their loved ones at home.
Natisha is the coordinator of the 18-month-old Northumberland Caregiver Support Services (NCSS). It's her job to find ways to ease the burden of those who look after family or friends at home.
A caregiver is defined as anyone who assists with personal care, or provides transportation, helps with daily activities, provides emotional support or helps take care of finances.
That was the message given to the Diners' Club by Natisha Debutte on Wednesday.
Natisha is the coordinator of the 18-month-old Northumberland Caregiver Support Services (NCSS). It's her job to find ways to ease the burden of those who look after family or friends at home.
A caregiver is defined as anyone who assists with personal care, or provides transportation, helps with daily activities, provides emotional support or helps take care of finances.NCSS was formed because there was a recognised gap in the care system. Caregivers were sometimes getting respite, but not necessarily the support they needed. NCSS provides financial resources and makes connections with agencies. It can be as simple as finding someone to cut the lawn or vacuum the house. Or perhaps they can fill an emergency need.
NCSS is also laying on free workshops and providing transportation to them. This month a speaker from Revenue Canada will give tips on how to access disability credits. Next month the speaker will discuss the law surrounding care situations.
The NCSS staff want the caregivers to know that others recognise the difficulty of their work and the importance. It's okay to say, "I need help." Caregivers need to take care of themselves. It is too easy to get burnt out.
Natisha can be contacted at 1-905-885-2626 ext.207
Castleton Library opens
With the turn of a key, the Castleton Branch of the Cramahe Library opened on January 13. Tom and Susan Brown were the first two to enter.
Within half an hour the two online computers had been tested and used by early patrons, and librarian Jennifer Taggett was busy signing out the first book - to her mother-in-law, Barb.
Watch for ice thickness - at all times
The following warning comes from the NOrthumberland Detachment of the OPP:
No Ice is Safe…
Despite What They May Say!
(Northumberland County, ON.) - “They say the ice is safe.” That’s the mysterious rumour often circulated at this time of year among the outdoor fraternity; no one knows who “they” are or where their misinformation started. But in the early weeks of every winter, a few outdoor enthusiasts take it as gospel and have close calls or pay with their lives, as occurred a on recent weekend in central Ontario. Consequently, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) reminds everyone yet again that no ice can be considered 100% safe for travel by any motorized recreational vehicles or trucks, even at this time of year.
To avoid ice risks, the OFSC recommends that snowmobilers ride open, land-based, OFSC trails whenever possible. OFSC clubs provide many trails that avoid water crossings altogether and also provide many bridges and culverts to pass over known water safely.
If you do make the personal choice to travel on ice by snowmobile, wait until a marked stake line is in place and cross only when you can follow it from shore to shore, without stopping on the ice. While ice crossing is never a sure thing, snowmobilers can also reduce their risk by:
Never travelling on ice because “they” say it is safe.
Understanding that ice conditions may vary from day to day, from hour to hour and from place to place.
Checking ice thickness before riding onto any frozen water. At least 15 centimetres (6 inches) of clear, hard ice is needed to support one snowmobile.
Never travelling on ice alone, at night or after consuming alcohol.
Avoiding slushy ice, untracked ice, or ice near moving water.
Staying off ice early or late in the season or after any sudden and pronounced melt, thaw or rain.
Wearing a buoyant snowmobile suit and carrying ice picks.
Remember, you always enter ice at your own risk; neither the OFSC nor its member clubs accept any responsibility or liability for ice crossings or variations in ice conditions.
The OFSC is committed to proactive leadership in promoting safe, responsible riding, on and off Ontario snowmobile trails, by building safer snowmobiling knowledge, attitudes and behaviours through rider education, safety legislation development and enforcement.
For further info, please visit www.ofsc.on.ca or contact: Leta Elsner (705) 739-7669.
No Ice is Safe…
Despite What They May Say!
(Northumberland County, ON.) - “They say the ice is safe.” That’s the mysterious rumour often circulated at this time of year among the outdoor fraternity; no one knows who “they” are or where their misinformation started. But in the early weeks of every winter, a few outdoor enthusiasts take it as gospel and have close calls or pay with their lives, as occurred a on recent weekend in central Ontario. Consequently, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) reminds everyone yet again that no ice can be considered 100% safe for travel by any motorized recreational vehicles or trucks, even at this time of year.
To avoid ice risks, the OFSC recommends that snowmobilers ride open, land-based, OFSC trails whenever possible. OFSC clubs provide many trails that avoid water crossings altogether and also provide many bridges and culverts to pass over known water safely.
If you do make the personal choice to travel on ice by snowmobile, wait until a marked stake line is in place and cross only when you can follow it from shore to shore, without stopping on the ice. While ice crossing is never a sure thing, snowmobilers can also reduce their risk by:
Never travelling on ice because “they” say it is safe.
Understanding that ice conditions may vary from day to day, from hour to hour and from place to place.
Checking ice thickness before riding onto any frozen water. At least 15 centimetres (6 inches) of clear, hard ice is needed to support one snowmobile.
Never travelling on ice alone, at night or after consuming alcohol.
Avoiding slushy ice, untracked ice, or ice near moving water.
Staying off ice early or late in the season or after any sudden and pronounced melt, thaw or rain.
Wearing a buoyant snowmobile suit and carrying ice picks.
Remember, you always enter ice at your own risk; neither the OFSC nor its member clubs accept any responsibility or liability for ice crossings or variations in ice conditions.
The OFSC is committed to proactive leadership in promoting safe, responsible riding, on and off Ontario snowmobile trails, by building safer snowmobiling knowledge, attitudes and behaviours through rider education, safety legislation development and enforcement.
For further info, please visit www.ofsc.on.ca or contact: Leta Elsner (705) 739-7669.
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Reader asks MP Norlock other questions
Dear Editor;
Perhaps Rick Norlock can answer some of our questions before his staged townhalls.
Through the Bank of Canada, Harper gave 200 billion taxpayer dollars to financiers in exchange for their toxic debt, accumulated through irresponsible trading in 'innovative' financial products.
Where has that money gone, exactly? Where are the public audits of financiers who received our money? Self-reports from those bailed out or their business colleagues, are insufficient.
The Harper government changed regulations in the Bank of Canada Act to reduce public reporting of exchanges with private financiers. It has allowed an increase in irresponsible, privacy-protected electronic trade in derivatives, hedge funds, and leveraged debt, promoting further boom and bust cycles while taxpayer dollars disappear into the void.
Nothing has changed since the economic crash. Obama's and the G20 proposed 'financial reform' actually entrenches irresponsible financial behaviour globally through the World Trade Organization. The trade rules guarantee financier privacy and rights to expand their destructive behaviour. Another crash is inevitable unless the trade context is changed.
Further, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Harper has been guaranteeing the shoddy loan practices of insurers like US-partnered AIG Canada, with tens of billions of taxpayer dollars. Presumably Harper knows that this hemorrhaging of our money will continue under 'free trade' rules. When will the backdoor bailouts and the trade giveaways stop?
Meanwhile, the Harper government has continued to cut critical public services funding. He has cut funding for women's shelters, those with disabilities, even church groups doing justice work. Harper has refused to return money taken from workers through the Employment Insurance fund. Child poverty and the gap between rich and poor have increased astronomically. Full-time jobs with benefits have gone through the basement, replaced with part-time,low-pay, and instability.
Harper has increased privatization of health care, education, water, telecommunications, and energy, and continues to give-away public assets. The generations-long investments of residents in their public services are given to wealthy financiers, who then fritter the proceeds away in the financial casino. How much longer can the assault on the people of this country continue?
Harper continues to subsidize tar sands profiteers, sending our energy south, destroying the climate and our own reserves while refusing instead to invest in public clean energy for truly sustainable jobs.
Harper has, once again shown his contempt for Parliament by closing it. Democratic debate across the country cannot be replaced by corralled town halls focussed on narrow questions.
How do members of the Harper government explain their assumption that residents are blind to hypocrisy? Have these tactics been suggested by the Bush-era public relations consultants which Harper continues to hire?
I'm looking forward to Rick's responses to these questions, particularly the text of public audits on financier transactions in the past two years.
Sincerely,
Leigh Thomson
Perhaps Rick Norlock can answer some of our questions before his staged townhalls.
Through the Bank of Canada, Harper gave 200 billion taxpayer dollars to financiers in exchange for their toxic debt, accumulated through irresponsible trading in 'innovative' financial products.
Where has that money gone, exactly? Where are the public audits of financiers who received our money? Self-reports from those bailed out or their business colleagues, are insufficient.
The Harper government changed regulations in the Bank of Canada Act to reduce public reporting of exchanges with private financiers. It has allowed an increase in irresponsible, privacy-protected electronic trade in derivatives, hedge funds, and leveraged debt, promoting further boom and bust cycles while taxpayer dollars disappear into the void.
Nothing has changed since the economic crash. Obama's and the G20 proposed 'financial reform' actually entrenches irresponsible financial behaviour globally through the World Trade Organization. The trade rules guarantee financier privacy and rights to expand their destructive behaviour. Another crash is inevitable unless the trade context is changed.
Further, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Harper has been guaranteeing the shoddy loan practices of insurers like US-partnered AIG Canada, with tens of billions of taxpayer dollars. Presumably Harper knows that this hemorrhaging of our money will continue under 'free trade' rules. When will the backdoor bailouts and the trade giveaways stop?
Meanwhile, the Harper government has continued to cut critical public services funding. He has cut funding for women's shelters, those with disabilities, even church groups doing justice work. Harper has refused to return money taken from workers through the Employment Insurance fund. Child poverty and the gap between rich and poor have increased astronomically. Full-time jobs with benefits have gone through the basement, replaced with part-time,low-pay, and instability.
Harper has increased privatization of health care, education, water, telecommunications, and energy, and continues to give-away public assets. The generations-long investments of residents in their public services are given to wealthy financiers, who then fritter the proceeds away in the financial casino. How much longer can the assault on the people of this country continue?
Harper continues to subsidize tar sands profiteers, sending our energy south, destroying the climate and our own reserves while refusing instead to invest in public clean energy for truly sustainable jobs.
Harper has, once again shown his contempt for Parliament by closing it. Democratic debate across the country cannot be replaced by corralled town halls focussed on narrow questions.
How do members of the Harper government explain their assumption that residents are blind to hypocrisy? Have these tactics been suggested by the Bush-era public relations consultants which Harper continues to hire?
I'm looking forward to Rick's responses to these questions, particularly the text of public audits on financier transactions in the past two years.
Sincerely,
Leigh Thomson
Cobourg contest honours Suzanne Kernaghan
A Cobourg Library writing contest is honouring two local teachers who died in a car crash on January 13, 2009.
Cramahe Township resident and greade 2 teacher, Suzanne Kernaghan, and co-worker, Michelle Broomfield died returning from a conference they were attending.
The Cobourg Public Library's sixth annual 'Share Your Stories' writing contest will honour the two dedicated teachers.
The Broomfield-Kernaghan Award will go to a Grade 1 to 3 student who shows great passion and creativity.
"It's for best personal effort, to encourage students who may be finding their introduction to reading and writing especially challenging," said Rhonda Perry, youth services coordinator for the library.
Ms. Kernaghan was frequently in the Cobourg library with her two young children.
"She was really passionate about making sure her class participated in the writing contest. We decided this would be a fitting tribute, sort of a legacy for those two teachers who gave so much," said Ms. Perry. "I'm excited by it... I'd rather Suzanne walked through the doors of the library, but it's a fitting tribute."
The Share Your Stories contest has evolved into a writing contest for local students, judged by well-known local authors. This year Shane Peacock and Ted Staunton are doing the evaluating.
The local authors have been visiting schools, talking to teachers and distributing flyers to promote the contest.
"It's a way to promote writing and promote literacy. We've been very fortunate. A number of teachers have taken it on as a class project," said Ms. Perry.
Students are invited to submit an original unpublished hand-written or printed story by Saturday, Jan. 23, at 5 p.m. The grade 1 to 3 students are asked for stories of 100 words or more. Stories by the kids in grades 4 to 6, can be 400 words or more. Stories from the Grades 7 and 8's, should be 500 words or longer.
High school students must submit stories that are 750 words or longer.
Three entries in each category will win Share Your Stories Prizes of movie passes, books and cash.
A public awards presentation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 10 a.m.
Students wishing to enter the contest must submit their stories with their name, phone number and grade attached to their entry on a separate page. Stories can be dropped off at main branch of the Cobourg Public Library, faxed to 905-372-4538, emailed to rperry@cobourg.library.on.ca or mailed to Share Your Stories Contest, c/o Rhonda Perry, 200 Ontario St., Cobourg, ON, K9A 5P4.
For more information, call the library at 905-372-9271 ext. 6130 or visit www.cobourg.library.on.ca
Cramahe Township resident and greade 2 teacher, Suzanne Kernaghan, and co-worker, Michelle Broomfield died returning from a conference they were attending.
The Cobourg Public Library's sixth annual 'Share Your Stories' writing contest will honour the two dedicated teachers.
The Broomfield-Kernaghan Award will go to a Grade 1 to 3 student who shows great passion and creativity.
"It's for best personal effort, to encourage students who may be finding their introduction to reading and writing especially challenging," said Rhonda Perry, youth services coordinator for the library.
Ms. Kernaghan was frequently in the Cobourg library with her two young children.
"She was really passionate about making sure her class participated in the writing contest. We decided this would be a fitting tribute, sort of a legacy for those two teachers who gave so much," said Ms. Perry. "I'm excited by it... I'd rather Suzanne walked through the doors of the library, but it's a fitting tribute."
The Share Your Stories contest has evolved into a writing contest for local students, judged by well-known local authors. This year Shane Peacock and Ted Staunton are doing the evaluating.
The local authors have been visiting schools, talking to teachers and distributing flyers to promote the contest.
"It's a way to promote writing and promote literacy. We've been very fortunate. A number of teachers have taken it on as a class project," said Ms. Perry.
Students are invited to submit an original unpublished hand-written or printed story by Saturday, Jan. 23, at 5 p.m. The grade 1 to 3 students are asked for stories of 100 words or more. Stories by the kids in grades 4 to 6, can be 400 words or more. Stories from the Grades 7 and 8's, should be 500 words or longer.
High school students must submit stories that are 750 words or longer.
Three entries in each category will win Share Your Stories Prizes of movie passes, books and cash.
A public awards presentation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 10 a.m.
Students wishing to enter the contest must submit their stories with their name, phone number and grade attached to their entry on a separate page. Stories can be dropped off at main branch of the Cobourg Public Library, faxed to 905-372-4538, emailed to rperry@cobourg.library.on.ca or mailed to Share Your Stories Contest, c/o Rhonda Perry, 200 Ontario St., Cobourg, ON, K9A 5P4.
For more information, call the library at 905-372-9271 ext. 6130 or visit www.cobourg.library.on.ca
Rural leadership course available
Leading Edge: First Steps is coming to Northumberland County!
The following press release was received from the organisers of Leading Edge, a rural leadership program.
The group is working with a local committee which includes Trissia McAllister, the Agricultural and Creative Services Coordinator for Northumberland County, Erica Meekes, executive assistant to Northumberland-Quinte West MP, Rick Norlock, Jamie Simmons from the Community Futures Development Corporation and Barinder Gill from the Northumberland Youth Council.
Cobourg, Roseneath and Campbellford, February 20, 27 and March 6, 2010:
Building Strong Individuals to Build Strong Rural Communities is the focus of a leadership skills training program now being offered in Northumberland County. Leading Edge: First Steps is a three day, six-session skills-based rural leadership training program for people of all ages. “Whether people have leadership experience in the community already, or they are new to town, Leading Edge: First Steps will show that individuals who are interested in leadership development can do something great right here at home,” says Kelly Robinson, Local Program Coordinator.
Leading Edge: First Steps is focused on building basic personal leadership skills and knowledge that will help participants to be more effective in their local organizations, while developing local networking opportunities. Participants will develop a greater understanding of the value of leadership in this region, enabling them to build teams that work together more effectively.
Leading Edge: First Steps is part of Steps to Leadership, a continuum of leadership development opportunities designed to build leadership capacity in rural Ontario. The program is a collaborative initiative of The Centre for Rural Leadership, 4-H Ontario, The Ontario Rural Council and Foundation for Rural Living, managed by The Centre for Rural Leadership in Guelph, and is funded in part by the Agricultural Adaptation Council and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
“We see leadership as a key component of capacity building in rural Ontario: the greatest potential for success is in reaching the next generation of leaders” says Alicia Evans, Project Manager for Steps to Leadership. “The program brings participants in contact with existing leaders, and fosters them through a continuum of leadership learning opportunities.”
Leading Edge: First Steps is coming to Northumberland County!
The first two sessions in the Leading Edge: First Steps program will be held at the County of Northumberland Administration Building, located at 555 Courthouse Rd, Cobourg on Saturday February 20, 2010 from 9am – 3:30pm. Following sessions will be held on Saturday February 27, 2010 from 9am-3:30pm at the Alnwick Community Centre in Roseneath and Saturday March 6, 2010 from 9am-3:30pm at the Campbellford Community Centre. The cost to participants to attend the Leading Edge: First Steps program is only $120 and financial assistance is available. All interested participants can apply to attend the program by contacting Kelly Robinson at (905)377-8976 or at kkrobinson6@hotmail.com or by visiting the Steps to Leadership website at http://www.stepstoleadership.ca/
About The Centre for Rural Leadership:
The Centre for Rural Leadership, incorporated in 2002, is an Ontario organization designed to offer agricultural and rural leadership programming, ensuring the delivery of leadership development programming to suit the many needs of today’s current and emerging leaders.
For further information, please contact The Centre for Rural Leadership at (519) 826-4204, info@stepstoleadership, or visit www.stepstoleadership.ca.
The following press release was received from the organisers of Leading Edge, a rural leadership program.
The group is working with a local committee which includes Trissia McAllister, the Agricultural and Creative Services Coordinator for Northumberland County, Erica Meekes, executive assistant to Northumberland-Quinte West MP, Rick Norlock, Jamie Simmons from the Community Futures Development Corporation and Barinder Gill from the Northumberland Youth Council.
Cobourg, Roseneath and Campbellford, February 20, 27 and March 6, 2010:
Building Strong Individuals to Build Strong Rural Communities is the focus of a leadership skills training program now being offered in Northumberland County. Leading Edge: First Steps is a three day, six-session skills-based rural leadership training program for people of all ages. “Whether people have leadership experience in the community already, or they are new to town, Leading Edge: First Steps will show that individuals who are interested in leadership development can do something great right here at home,” says Kelly Robinson, Local Program Coordinator.
Leading Edge: First Steps is focused on building basic personal leadership skills and knowledge that will help participants to be more effective in their local organizations, while developing local networking opportunities. Participants will develop a greater understanding of the value of leadership in this region, enabling them to build teams that work together more effectively.
Leading Edge: First Steps is part of Steps to Leadership, a continuum of leadership development opportunities designed to build leadership capacity in rural Ontario. The program is a collaborative initiative of The Centre for Rural Leadership, 4-H Ontario, The Ontario Rural Council and Foundation for Rural Living, managed by The Centre for Rural Leadership in Guelph, and is funded in part by the Agricultural Adaptation Council and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
“We see leadership as a key component of capacity building in rural Ontario: the greatest potential for success is in reaching the next generation of leaders” says Alicia Evans, Project Manager for Steps to Leadership. “The program brings participants in contact with existing leaders, and fosters them through a continuum of leadership learning opportunities.”
Leading Edge: First Steps is coming to Northumberland County!
The first two sessions in the Leading Edge: First Steps program will be held at the County of Northumberland Administration Building, located at 555 Courthouse Rd, Cobourg on Saturday February 20, 2010 from 9am – 3:30pm. Following sessions will be held on Saturday February 27, 2010 from 9am-3:30pm at the Alnwick Community Centre in Roseneath and Saturday March 6, 2010 from 9am-3:30pm at the Campbellford Community Centre. The cost to participants to attend the Leading Edge: First Steps program is only $120 and financial assistance is available. All interested participants can apply to attend the program by contacting Kelly Robinson at (905)377-8976 or at kkrobinson6@hotmail.com or by visiting the Steps to Leadership website at http://www.stepstoleadership.ca/
About The Centre for Rural Leadership:
The Centre for Rural Leadership, incorporated in 2002, is an Ontario organization designed to offer agricultural and rural leadership programming, ensuring the delivery of leadership development programming to suit the many needs of today’s current and emerging leaders.
For further information, please contact The Centre for Rural Leadership at (519) 826-4204, info@stepstoleadership, or visit www.stepstoleadership.ca.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
All Cramahe gets all-day kindergarten
The Province of Ontario released its list of about 580 schools which will get all-day every-day kindergarten in 2010 - and both Cramahe Township schools are on the list. Colborne Public School and the new Northumberland Hills Public School were granted the new program.
Kawartha Pine Ridge District Board of Education has 77 elementary schools. Only 10 schools got the program which the provincial government is phasing in over the next six years. Five schools in he Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Catholic District School Board which oversees St. Mary's Separate School in Grafton will get the program. St Mary's is not one of them.
The provincial website states "Full-day learning is a key part of the government's plan to strengthen education in Ontario and create an even better-educated workforce. It will give our youngest students an integrated day of learning, provide a stronger start for kids and make life easier for busy parents.
This is the government's next step in its education plan, which has reduced class sizes, raised the graduation rate by nine percentage points and added about 100,000 students in universities and colleges."
It is not known why Cramahe came out the big winner in the kindergarten sweepstakes, but it did. It is unlikely that any other community in the province can claim to have all its students in full-time kindergarten next September.
Boards submitted lists of eligible schools to the ministry last month and the government said priority would be given to low-income neighbourhoods, as well as those that have available space.
In his January 12 press release, Northumberland-Quinte West MPP, Loou Rinaldi advised parents who are interested in registration for full-day learning classes, including the before and after-school program, to contact their local school or school board.
He stated, "In full-day learning classrooms, teachers and registered early childhood educators will work together to help children learn and develop emotional, social and academic skills that are crucial for healthy development. Schools will also offer extended day programs led by early childhood educators. Parents can enrol their child in these integrated programs for a reasonable fee, giving children even more opportunities to learn, play and grow."
Contacted after the announcement, Michele Adams, principal of South Cramahea and Castleton Public Schools was pleased with the news. Details of the new programs have yet to be worked out.
According to a CBC report, parents will pay extra if they want to enrol their child in an extended-day plan that provides before- and after-school programming for what the government says will be a "reasonable" fee.
Kawartha Pine Ridge District Board of Education has 77 elementary schools. Only 10 schools got the program which the provincial government is phasing in over the next six years. Five schools in he Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Catholic District School Board which oversees St. Mary's Separate School in Grafton will get the program. St Mary's is not one of them.
The provincial website states "Full-day learning is a key part of the government's plan to strengthen education in Ontario and create an even better-educated workforce. It will give our youngest students an integrated day of learning, provide a stronger start for kids and make life easier for busy parents.
This is the government's next step in its education plan, which has reduced class sizes, raised the graduation rate by nine percentage points and added about 100,000 students in universities and colleges."
It is not known why Cramahe came out the big winner in the kindergarten sweepstakes, but it did. It is unlikely that any other community in the province can claim to have all its students in full-time kindergarten next September.
Boards submitted lists of eligible schools to the ministry last month and the government said priority would be given to low-income neighbourhoods, as well as those that have available space.
In his January 12 press release, Northumberland-Quinte West MPP, Loou Rinaldi advised parents who are interested in registration for full-day learning classes, including the before and after-school program, to contact their local school or school board.
He stated, "In full-day learning classrooms, teachers and registered early childhood educators will work together to help children learn and develop emotional, social and academic skills that are crucial for healthy development. Schools will also offer extended day programs led by early childhood educators. Parents can enrol their child in these integrated programs for a reasonable fee, giving children even more opportunities to learn, play and grow."
Contacted after the announcement, Michele Adams, principal of South Cramahea and Castleton Public Schools was pleased with the news. Details of the new programs have yet to be worked out.
According to a CBC report, parents will pay extra if they want to enrol their child in an extended-day plan that provides before- and after-school programming for what the government says will be a "reasonable" fee.
Castleton Library opens
The Castleton Branch of the Cramahe Library will open Wedesday from 4-8 p.m.
The branch has been closed for well over a year as the township completed renovations to the building and discussions were held over the future of the branch. When it closed in 2008 there was some feeling that the branch might be closed permanently due to low usage. But local protests put an end to the idea before it was given any lengthy consideration.
The new Cramahe Library Board Chief Executive Officer, Mary Norton announced on January 11 that the branch will be open 12 hours a week to start. Hours will be dependant on usage.
It will be open:
Tuesdays - 10.00am - 2.00pm
Wednesdays - 4.00pm - 8.00pm
Saturdays - 10.00am - 2.00pm
The link to the library open house held last November is posted below.
Castleton Library Open House
The branch has been closed for well over a year as the township completed renovations to the building and discussions were held over the future of the branch. When it closed in 2008 there was some feeling that the branch might be closed permanently due to low usage. But local protests put an end to the idea before it was given any lengthy consideration.
The new Cramahe Library Board Chief Executive Officer, Mary Norton announced on January 11 that the branch will be open 12 hours a week to start. Hours will be dependant on usage.
It will be open:
Tuesdays - 10.00am - 2.00pm
Wednesdays - 4.00pm - 8.00pm
Saturdays - 10.00am - 2.00pm
The link to the library open house held last November is posted below.
Castleton Library Open House
Vet's emergency advice a "must read"
Northumberland Veterinary Professional Corp. veterinarian Michelle Chiunti is a regular contributor to Cramahe Now. Her latest submission is a "must read" article for pet owners, a definitive answer to the question, "What do I do if my pet needs medical assistance?" Print it and post it on your fridge. One day you may need it.
By: Michelle Chiunti, D.V.M.
Emergencies happen in life – despite the many safeguards we put in place to prevent them. And trust me, after 22 years in practice, just when you thought you have heard them all, one will still come along to stump you. The question with animals are – who and when do you call in regards to an emergency; what is considered an emergency; what can you do before leaving to see a veterinarian; and how do you safely transport your valued four-legged family member.
Unlike urban centers, small communities do not have 24-hour emergency veterinary facilities. Before you have an emergency, you should question your normal veterinarian in regards to their availability of emergency services. It is mandated by law in Ontario that all veterinarians must have arrangements for emergency veterinary care. In recent years, the “James Herriot” country vet is becoming extinct. Many veterinarians attempt to have a more normal life by sharing on-call with neighbouring practitioners. Still others choose to forward their clients to emergency care facilities such as in Whitby and Kingston, Ontario. Our practice has resisted this change by employing enough veterinarians in the practice to share the on-call, and cover emergencies for our regular clients. However, in a time of stress when you have an emergency with your pet, you should have your veterinarian’s phone number handy and know what emergency care procedures they have in place.
What is considered an emergency with your pet?
To find out and learn what you should do click on the full story below:
Emergency Pet Care
By: Michelle Chiunti, D.V.M.
Emergencies happen in life – despite the many safeguards we put in place to prevent them. And trust me, after 22 years in practice, just when you thought you have heard them all, one will still come along to stump you. The question with animals are – who and when do you call in regards to an emergency; what is considered an emergency; what can you do before leaving to see a veterinarian; and how do you safely transport your valued four-legged family member.
Unlike urban centers, small communities do not have 24-hour emergency veterinary facilities. Before you have an emergency, you should question your normal veterinarian in regards to their availability of emergency services. It is mandated by law in Ontario that all veterinarians must have arrangements for emergency veterinary care. In recent years, the “James Herriot” country vet is becoming extinct. Many veterinarians attempt to have a more normal life by sharing on-call with neighbouring practitioners. Still others choose to forward their clients to emergency care facilities such as in Whitby and Kingston, Ontario. Our practice has resisted this change by employing enough veterinarians in the practice to share the on-call, and cover emergencies for our regular clients. However, in a time of stress when you have an emergency with your pet, you should have your veterinarian’s phone number handy and know what emergency care procedures they have in place.
What is considered an emergency with your pet?
To find out and learn what you should do click on the full story below:
Emergency Pet Care
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