Sixth council’s first budget deliberations begin

Are high school graduates ready for the next step?

The principals and teachers at Seaway District High School are doing everything they can to ensure the answer to that question is a resounding “yes!”

Seaway is just one of many schools taking part in the new Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program introduced by the Ontario government. Each student graduating from the program will get an SHSM seal on their diploma.

According to Principal Terry Gardiner, SHSM “engages students and gives them a purpose.”

He went on to say, “I feel it’s my job to set  people up to meet their potential and have something meaningful after their high school experience.”

The SHSM program allows students to focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests. At the same time, they’re able to meet the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Students who take part in the SHSM program gain important skills on the job. They also earn industry certifications like standard first aid and CPR.

The SHSM program consists of specialized sectors. Most schools choose one sector of specialty. They are: arts and culture; aviation and aerospace; business; construction; energy; environment; forestry; health and wellness; horticulture and landscaping; hospitality and tourism; information and communications technology; justice, community safety, and emergency services; manufacturing; mining; non-profit; sports; and transportation.

Seaway’s specialized sector is agriculture. There are career options for students choosing a path to apprenticeship; to college; to university; or, straight to the workplace. Regardless of the path chosen, there are many possibilities for a rewarding career.

According to Gardiner, Seaway has “eight students on track to graduate with the seal this year.”

In addition, in September he said there were 18 grade 11 students signing up. He pointed out that the program begins in the 11th grade for those who are interested.

With the SHSM program, students are  “allowed to be part of experiential learning.”

“They do better in school,” he continued. Also, “students with learning disabilities do better.”

Gardiner credits the success of the SHSM program to the fact that students can see the relevance of what they’re doing. They’re engaged and can see a purpose for their hard work.

[…]

During budget deliberations, South Dundas council learned that this year, 2012, marks the completion of a pledge commitment to the Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH).

The final pledge installment of $70,000 will be paid to WDMH this year, thus ending 10 years of payments. With this year’s payment, South Dundas will have fulfilled its pledge of $700,000.

Treasurer Shannon Geraghty confirmed that 2012 is also the final year of a four year agreement with three doctors who have been practicing in South Dundas.

“The Township offered an incentive to new doctors coming to South Dundas in the form of $10,000 per year for four years with a return of service agreement between the doctor and the township.”

“Council reviews the need for the program on an annual basis as part of budget discussions,” he added.

[…]

This year’s Flash A Stache fundraising campaign culminates this Friday, November 29, with a special event at the Winchester Arena.

The evening starts with an Ottawa Senators Alumni vs. Winchester Hawks Alumni hockey game starting at 8 p.m. 

Following the game, there will be a reception upstairs for moustache judging. There the top fund raisers will be recognized.

As of press time, just over $26,000 has been raised for the 2013 edition of Dare to Flash A ‘Stache. 

Funds from this year’s event will be divided between the WDMH Foundation and the Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s support for Dr. Anthony Bella’s Men’s Health Research Project.

Dr. Bella himself will be participating in the hockey game with the Ottawa Senators Alumni.

The Ottawa Senator Alumni Team is also expected to include: Fred Barrett (Minnesota North Stars), John Barrett (Detroit Red Wings), Kevin Kemp (Toronto Maple Leafs), Jean Payette (Quebec Nordiques), Larry Skinner (Colorado Rockies), Shawn Rivers (Tampa Bay Lightning), Chris Valentine (Washington Capitals), Dan Frawley (Pittsburgh Penguins), Moe Robinson (Nova Scotia Voyageurs (AHL), Montreal Canadiens) Mark Cavallin-G (Canadian National Team), Mark Reed (Assistant Coach Senators), Jason Smith (Ottawa Senators).

The final roster and numbers for the Hawks are as follows: Coaches – Bill Hogaboam and Al VanBridger, Kevin Baldwin, Terry Carkner, Dolton Henry, Clinton Holmes, Travis Rowe, Marty Little, Terry Barkley, Todd Marcellus, Nik Paas, Robyn Sadler, Rob Raistrick, Shawn Smail, Colin Bowie, Warren Holmes, Dereck Holmes and Dave Summers.

[…]