WDMH exceeds national standards

A ten year Community Strategic Plan received in principle approval at the September 18 South Dundas council meeting.

The plan, based on much public consultation and input, including that of local high school students, sets out seven guiding principles for the municipality and its decision-makers.

South Dundas’ Seven Community Directions are as follows:

-encourage and facilitate waterfront development;

-develop our municipal identity to celebrate South Dundas’ rich history and culture;

-create recreational programs, opportunities and facilities that will attract and retain families, children and youth;

-strengthen resident and visitor’s connections to South Dundas’ agricultural sector through awareness building and increased availability of products/produce;

-support business expansion and job creation;

-sustain South Dundas’ small town lifestyle through appropriate development;

-implement beautification projects to strengthen our sense of pride and community.

The plan includes an implementation strategy that sets out what actions need to be taken to fulfil the guidelines of the plan, when these should take place and which department of the municipal government should be responsible for those actions.

Late 2012 the expected actions include:

– advertising the availability of land/business space through the municipality’s website and through billboards adjacent to Highway 401 and County Road 31;

– promoting community clean up days in the township newsletter; and

– implementing a sign bylaw.

[…]

Census results are in from Statistics Canada.

Population in South Dundas has grown 2.5 per cent between 2006 and 2011. In 2006, South Dundas reported having 10,535 people and in 2011 there were 10,794.

On February 10th, South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds said his initial reaction to the news “is it makes you feel good. There’s some apparent growth in South Dundas.”

As for where in South Dundas the growth has occurred, Byvelds said, “from what I see of the situation, we’ve had some nice growth in Morrisburg and Iroquois and there’s been some growth in rural areas.”

Surrounding municipalities  also saw some changes, some were dramatic and some were not.

North Dundas increased its population by 1.2 per cent, with a 2011 total of 11,225. 

Both North Stormont and South Stormont increased by less than one percentage. North Stormont went up by only 0.1 per cent with a 2011 total of 6,775 and South Stormont went up by 0.8 per cent with a population total of 12,617 in 2011.

North Glengarry’s population decreased substantially by 3.6 per cent going from 10,635 people in 2006 to only 10,251 in 2011.

South Glengarry’s population change was closest to that of South Dundas in that it increased by 2.2 per cent with a total population of 13,162 in 2011.

Overall, SD&G’s population increased by 0.7 per cent between 2006 and 2011. According to the census profile provided by Statistics Canada 2012, SD&G’s 2011 population is 111,164.

[…]

 

Seaway’s new vice principal, Ann Blackburn, is already impressed.

“Everyone has been very warm, very friendly,” she said. “Seaway has a very welcoming staff, dedicated and professional, but also very welcoming.”

While she has not yet had the opportunity to meet many Seaway students, she is definitely looking forward to it. “I plan to attend the grade seven orientation event, and hopefully, I may even get to meet some parents and members of the school council. So far, I have gained a great impression of this school.”

Ann Blackburn has assumed the role of vice principal in the administration of Seaway, but she will also be doing some classroom teaching. Her extensive educational background in the classroom, in administration and in board related assignments, gives her a unique perspective on all levels of education.

Blackburn, who grew up in Ottawa, is no stranger to the Upper Canada Board. When she began her career in education in 1989, her first jobs were with the old SD&G board. A graduate of Queen’s University with a B.A., and a B.Ed. from the University of Ottawa, she served a year in Cornwall, then was two years at Stampville School and five years at Dixon’s Corners. Her field was special education.

“When I first began, we used to have more self-contained special education classes than is common now,” Blackburn explained. “When I came to Seaway, I was delighted to find that Nicole Hummel, who was my first EA at Dixon’s, is now an Educational Assistant at Seaway. It was great to see a familiar, welcome face at my new school.”

Following her time at Dixon’s, Blackburn accepted a position at the board as a Special Education Resource teacher. Her job was to go to all schools, providing support in programming and assessment for teachers, as well as professional development.

“I worked with autistic, and learning difference students, anyone with special needs,” Blackburn explained. “Since this was my job for six years, I feel that I gained much practical training, and gained a wider perspective ahout how schools were coping and working with these students.”

She further increased her experience in special education when she returned to teaching, this time in a Section 23 school. 

Section 23 schools, which are operated in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Services, are designed for students with strong behavioural needs. Their emotional issues, sometimes coupled with learning problems, make it impossible for these children to function in traditional classrooms. Again, Blackburn views the experience as broadening, an opportunity to learn about often challenging children. 

She spent time at Winchester Public School as an LRC (Learning Resource Coach), a consultant to other educators. This was followed by a position as vice principal at Morewood, twinned with Chesterville Public School. In 2010-11, Blackburn served as VP at South Grenville High School, and from January to June in 2012, became principal of all five Section 23 programs. 

“Now I’m at Seaway,” Blackburn said, laughing. “You could say I have been around, bouncing to many places. However, I enjoy the challenges, and not being stuck in an educational rut. Mixing it up, for me, really works.”

The mother of a 16-year-old daughter and a 19-year-old son  ensures, Blackburn said, that “you really stay current with the teenage world.”

While she will take some time to immerse herself in Seaway’s culture, Blackburn does have some projects in mind.

“My background in Special Education keeps me interested in programs in that field. I also have a deep interest in visual arts, and I hope we might get some new murals here at Seaway, art that is both a source of beauty and pride, but also serves an educational purpose. I must let Heather Lauder, the art teacher, know about that one,” she added, laughing.

Also interested in environmental issues, the new vice principal was impressed with the greenhouse at Seaway, and looks forward to the next school “Farm Day.”

“With my background, I truly believe all students need the opportunity to become successful. Success can assume many forms, but we need to create the ideal conditions for learning to occur,” said Seaway’s new vice principal, Ann Blackburn.

“We have to start by building a positive relationship with our students. When we know them well, we can better meet their needs. It is also critical to involve families and the community to build the future of our students.”

[…]