Education
ARNPRIOR CHRONICLE-GUIDE - October 13 2011
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Jacob Berreault and St. Joseph’s student council representative Sarah Power participate in the Oct. 5 parent night in the school gymnasium.
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Almost a dozen school and community groups came together in a gymnasium last week to lend advice and share support systems with Arnprior parents. Held at St. Joseph’s School on Oct. 5, the evening culminated in a slideshow presentation by Phoenix Centre executive director Greg Lubimiv. He spoke on the stress endured by today’s parents and offered strategies to connect with more positive ways of coping. But before the talk, parents were encouraged to visit the various tables, beginning with the sandwiches and treats created by students in professional culinary uniforms from Arnprior District High School’s food and nutrition program. There was also an invitation to visit a classroom to learn about Smartboard. Similar to a projector screen, Smartboard links to the Internet, Wordperfect and other tools. Most importantly, it is interactive through touchscreen. Students use a special marker to produce answers and offer explanations to the class. Teachers say comprehension is way up. The technology allows teachers to cover much more material than in the past. It engages students in a way textbooks never could. And it fosters peer-to-peer learning. They even have a “ladybug” camera that takes a photo of a student’s work and places it on the projector so all can see how it was done. And there’s a Smartboard in almost every class - thanks to the efforts of the parent council. It was the parent council that organized the event, back in the gym, thanks to a grant it secured from the provincial government. The Early Years Centre was on hand, offering brochures and answering questions. “We were invited and thought it was a good way to advertise for the centre,” said Julie Johnson Burns. “We’re basically
here to bring awareness of our services.” Don Gougeon was there to share information on the many town youth recreation programs, including field trips to rock climbing, Mont Cascades, the Ottawa Fencing Club, ‘tween dances, cards and crafts, cooking lessons, and many more. “I like it (the event),” Gougeon said. “It gives everybody a chance to get out and show off their wares.” Community Policing had information on anti-bullying and bike safety, and more. Crime Stoppers offered fun “safety books” for children, and reminded parents there is a fingerprint process available. NeighbourLink offers supervised child play and a clothing exchange along with workshops. The Arnprior Fire Department asks every family to have a home escape plan. It would like to see everyone meet on the front yard, should the unthinkable occur. “We don’t want to start looking around in the backyard. One less step the better,” said firefighter Marc Lalande. “If you have to meet somewhere else, if you can’t meet in the front yard, when you hear us start yelling for help.” Al-Anon helps children deal with the fact they have an alcoholic parent. It assists them to understand and cope with it, and be a better person for it. Victim Services of Renfrew County offers practical support Mental Health of Renfrew County believes parenting is tough, but that you don’t have to do it alone. If you say to yourself ‘I can’t handle the stress anymore’, it’s time to contact them. An objective perspective is sometimes all that is needed. St. Joseph’s student council secured a prominent position in the gym. The students there said when they make a reasonable suggestion to parents and staff, it is acted on because the adults realize the student council speaks on behalf of many, many others. It was the first time the school held a parent information night.
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