I SUPPORT
STRONG LOCAL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS WITH EXCELLENT RESOURCES AND DEDICATED TEACHERS TO MEET THE LEARNING NEEDS AND GOALS OF THEIR STUDENTS
Most children should be able to attend a local school in the program that meets their goals and learning needs. That means a school must have a viable student population to ensure it can continue to serve the local community, an attendance area that builds on its local community and is designed so that travel time on school buses is reasonable, a comprehensive program provided by teachers knowledgeable in the subject matter and knowledgeable in a variety of age-appropriate methods, special assistance for those who need it, and a range of extra curricular activities.
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS OR SCHOOLS FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE NEEDS, TALENTS OR ABILITIES BEYOND THE CAPACITY OF THE LOCAL SCHOOL TO MEET
But some children have very exceptional learning needs, a combination of needs, a particular learning style, or very exceptional academic or other talent, that cannot be fully met in their local school. These children deserve to have their needs met and this can mean bringing them together in sufficient numbers to make a responsive program viable. I support gifted classes for exceptional students who will be challenged at their academic level and provided with other supports they may need, I support Canterbury High School's arts concentration program for students who have exceptional talent in vocal music, instrumental music, literary arts, dance and drama, I support our vocational schools for students heading for the work force after graduation, I support the International Baccalaureate program at Colonel By Secondary School,and I support Crystal Bay and Clifford Bowey special education schools. All of these schools provide a focussed educational environment that meet the learning needs for children that are beyond the capacity of most local schools. Alternative schools can serve two purposes: to provide a student-centred, cooperative learning environment not offered in most local schools and to pilot innovations and creative methodologies. I support both purposes.
WORKING WITH PARENTS AND SCHOOL COUNCILS FOR BETTER SCHOOLS
As your school trustee I will work for you at three levels. The most important level is to represent your interests at the school board table. Two-way communication is crucial to ensure this happens. I will attend be in regular communication with school councils and attend some meetings, speak regularly with school council chairs, post information on my trustee page on the board's web site, and contribute a column to local community papers. I plan to have a "chat with Lorne" time in a local coffee shop, perhaps an hour monthly, where anyone can drop by and, well, chat. You will be able to contact me in person, on the phone or by e-mail, and I will respond promptly. I will also be transparent, attending to your input before making up my mind and explaining my position on issues. I will be flexible when new information or circumstances arise.
The second level is my work at the school board table and on board committees. I promise to engage in respectful, meaningful debate on the issues and will base my position on facts. I know how administration in school systems and government works and will work with our board adeministors to achieve the best results for our students. That is my guiding philosophy in all situations: consider the needs of our children first.
The third level is the provincial level. The provincial government sets the mill rate, determines the school board's revenue, sets the curriculum and most of the rules by which schools operate. I know the processes that are followed at the Mowat Block, home of the Ministry of Education, and will work as a member of the school board to achieve the best results for our schools, including fair funding.
SCHOOLS AS COMMUNITY HUBS
Where there is need in the community and space in schools, schools can be available for community use by groups and by social agencies. Schools can be used by community members for sports activities, cultural events, and club meetings. Schools can house toy lending libraries, parenting centres, and community services. Where economies and greater access can be achieved, there must be more cooperation among the school boards and the City in the use of facilities and in offering and delivering general interest and recreational programs.
GREENING OF THE ENVIRONMENT WOVEN THROUGHOUT THE CURRICULUM AND OPERATIONAL PRACTICES
I support the exceptional environmental programming offered by our two outdoor education centres, MacSkimming and Bill Mason. I support in-school environmental programs such as Earthcare which are integrated into the curriculum, provide leadership training and opportunities for students through age-appropriate projects, and have resulted in large expenditure savings through reduced use of energy.
