THURSDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2013
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TOURING THE TUNNELS
CELEBRATE SPRING WITH A BALL
A5
B2
Second year for Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach Sunrise event
Neil Horner gives you a rare look under the Legislature
SCHOOL BOARD DEBATES MARCH BREAK
One week more costly Cutting the current two-week break in half could add $200G LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
Whether students will have a one or two-week spring break next year was a hot topic at the school board meeting Tuesday. The debate started when a draft amended calendar was presented showing the previously slotted two week spring break reduced to one week. When asked by an audience member, secretary treasurer Erica Bailey confirmed if changed back to a one-week break, it would add about another $200,000 to the already $1.2 million budget shortfall for next year. See SUPERINTENDENT, page A4
OCEANSIDE HEALTH CENTRE
Over budget, maybe late JOHN HARDING
editor@pqbnews.com
The Oceanside Health Centre is over budget and may not be open by June. A Vancouver Island Health Authority spokesperson said this week “possible wrinkles” could push the opening of the $15.8 million facility past the date that has been promised to the residents of the Parksville Qualicum Beach region. VIHA’s Suzanne Germaine said Tuesday staff training and orientation requirements may not be met in time to deliver a June opening date. “When it opens, it needs to offer safe, high-quality services,” Germaine told The NEWS. “We are a little bit hesitant whether we can get it right by the end of June.” See MLA, page A4
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AUREN RUVINSKY PHOTO
PINK SHIRT DAY: Wichelsea Elementary students from Mrs. Austin and Mrs. Vega’s Kindergarten class — like those across School District 69 — gathered Wednesday to show off their pink shirts and bulletin-board project encouraging everyone to “respect the right to be different” for national Pink Shirt Day.