TUESDAY JANUARY 22, 2013
www.pqbnews.com
Official newspaper of the Save-On-Foods Oceanside Generals
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Silver 2011 General Excellence
NIGHT AT THE PALACE
KITE-BOARDING FOR GOOD CAUSE
A21
A3
Show so popular sale of tickets has to be first-come, first-served
Locals will ride their boards across the Georgia Strait for kids’ hospital
STUDENT TESTING
Teachers not happy
Association president says results of skills assessments are ‘misused’ LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
Students in grades 4 and 7 in this district will be taking the annual Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) until Feb. 22, but the local teachers association isn’t happy about what will be done with the results. “We’re fundamentally opposed to the FSA in terms of the way in which the results are misused and used in order to rank schools,” said Mount Arrowsmith Teacher Association president Deb Morran. Morran said the tests are simply a snapshot of where a student is in their reading, writing and math skills on any given day. But a much more complete assessment is always best provided by the classroom teachers, she said, who have a much more complex understanding of where a specific student is. She also said she has trouble with the fact that parents aren’t allowed to withdraw their students from the tests unless they present an application to the principal, who then “adjudicates” and gives a final decision. Morran said MATA stands behinds parents and their ability to know what’s best for their child. See USEFUL TOOL, page A5
Trade in woodstove and get $250 rebate There are quite a few people in the Regional District of Nanaimo who still rely on burning wood to heat their homes — but their neighbours may not appreciate breathing the byproducts of that warmth. The RDN, in partnership with the municipalities of Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville and Qualicum Beach, are launching a regionwide Woodstove Exchange and Outreach program. The funding allows the regional partners to offer residents a $250 rebate to replace an existing wood burning appliance with a new high-efficiency wood stove, insert, pellet stove or gas stove/fireplace purchased after the program start date of Jan. 18. See HIGH-EFFICIENCY, page A5
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NEWS FILE PHOTO
BRIDGE OPTIONS: Cyclist Gord Byers navigates his way across the French Creek bridge. A spokesperson for a local cycling association says the sidewalks are narrow and dangerous. Signs will be going up on the bridge this month to warn vehicle drivers that cyclists now have the option to use the bridge instead of the sidewalks. Please see story page A5.
TS FLU SHO ABLE STILL AVAIL
nt. Call for an appointme