Standard The Hope
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012
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ARTS COUNCIL JOINS FORCES WITH GALLERY Recent amalgamation aims to broaden local volunteer base
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MARIJUANA A HOT TOPIC AT UBCM Municipalities call on federal government to decriminalize drug
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Outdoor learning HOPE GRAD LANDS NEW RINK JOB Former minor hockey player hired as head trainer in Abbotsford
INSIDE
Outdoor educator Stephanie Hooker shows Grade 4 students from Coquihalla Elementary the egg-laying tube on a female dragonfly, called an “ovipositor,” during a visit to Thacker Marsh last week. Large models help to explain the amazing physical adaptations used by insects to hunt, hide, and survive. The outdoor education program was created by the Hope Mountain Centre, in partnership with Nestle Waters Canada, Fraser-Casade school district, and Fraser Valley Regional District parks.
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BARRY STEWART / THE STANDARD
School district enrolment drops Changing community demographics a major factor
Kerrie-Ann Schoenit Hope Standard
Fewer elementary school students are entering local classrooms this year. The latest headcount shows overall enrolment in the Fraser-Cascade school district has declined four per cent from 2011, with the majority of registered students in Grades 8-12. “We still have bigger classes in high schools than what we’re enrolling in kindergarten,” said secretary
treasurer Natalie Lowe-Zucchet. “The drop is a little more severe than I thought it would be, but it has been an ongoing trend. We had forecast this several years back, and anticipate this is going to continue for the next few years and start leveling out in about 2016.” The preliminary enrolment figures released on Monday show 1,822 students are registered this year, down 75 from the same time last year. Lowe-Zucchet attributes this change to families moving out
of communities in the district. “Obviously it’s been an ongoing challenge for the board,” she said. “Their concern of course is still providing quality education and making sure that we have the resources we need. They’ve done their advocacy in terms of making sure that some of the funding is maintained.” This year’s budget is projected at $21.6 million. Lowe-Zucchet said government funding was reduced by about $300,000 this year, but was
“easily absorbed” by the significant decline in enrolment. “Right now I think everybody feels a little bit like we’re underresourced or underfunded, but it’s not like we can’t make it happen,” she added. “Over the years we have cut back a little bit on programs and services, but we’ve tried to maintain levels. I’m hoping parents won’t see a change in the classroom this year.” Final enrolment numbers will be released in mid-October.
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