The Mission Record Friday, August 29, 2014 3
School start faces delay Carol Aun MISSION RECORD
The new school year is supposed to start next week, but whether teachers will be in the classroom is uncertain, as the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and the provincial government continue to try to negotiate a new contract. “Everybody is feeling the strike, some more than others,” said elementary school teacher Bonnie Peters, who was picketing outside Albert McMahon school this week. “My husband is working a lot of overtime to try to pay our bills.” There are some teachers who are single parents and who are the sole bread winners in their family, she added. Mission Teachers’ Union president Mark Bradshaw said he is disappointed a contract has not been negotiated after 18 months. “Teachers know unless they take a stand, things will not improve in B.C.,” said Bradshaw, who pointed to class sizes and funding per student as key issues. “We’re sorry for inconveniencing anybody. I’m sure some parents are upset, but others realize
of the Fraser Valley
what we’re fighting for.” Teachers began rotating strikes in May and stepped up to a full-scale strike in June. The province said demands from teachers on benefits, class sizes, and special needs support are unaffordable. Finance Minister Mike De Jong has said the government will not impose a settlement. “As an individual trustee, it’s disappointing for me they haven’t reached a point where at least a mediator can step in,” said Mission school board chair Edie Heinrichs, who is prepared to look after her nine-year-old granddaughter if a settlement is not reached. Parents Amelia Dempster and Donna Gibson have young kids scheduled to start kindergarten this year. The children are excited to begin school and the parents are eager establish a routine, but nobody is certain when schools will open. A decision on whether or not schools will be opened on Sept. 2 as planned is expected today (Aug. 29). More on this story at missioncityrecord.com
www.mentoringworks.ca.
Road not dangerous: Mayor FROM 1
occurred around 2:30 p.m. Police said they were told the blue 1988 Mazda RX7 convertible was travelling northbound when it appeared to hit a bump on the road and crash into the ditch. The vehicle then rolled over several times. “Speed is believed to be a factor,” said Mission RCMP Sgt. Shaun Wright, who noted wit-
nesses reported seeing the vehicle pass another car at a high speed prior to the crash. The driver, who was the only occupant in the vehicle, was determined to be deceased at the scene, added Wright. A coroner attended and the RCMP Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service assisted in the investigation. Police were not concerned about traffic
safety in the area prior to Saturday’s crash, according to Wright. “After any fatal collision, the police examine all factors which may have contributed to the incident, including road design and condition.” Mission Mayor Ted Adlem said the bumps and dips of the road are due to the terrain. He doesn’t believe the road is dangerous, but has asked staff to look into putting a four-way
stop at the intersection of Stave Lake Street and Ferndale Avenue. He’d also like to see police in the area enforcing the speed limit. A funeral service for Vukovic will be held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 32550 Seventh Avenue in Mission on Friday, Aug. 29 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that donations be made to Mission Minor Lacrosse.
STS’AILES COMMUNITY SCHOOL REGISTRATION
2014-2015 Families in the Chilliwack, Agassiz and Mission area are invited to register for the K4-12 program. The school offers full Ministry of BC Education programs as well as superior reading, math and technology based learning. Small class sizes, local cultural and historical education, athletics and sports teams, field trips, tremendous resources and individiual student support services provide students with an exceptional learning opportunity. All program supplies, transportation and lunches are provided. Secondary students are eligible to write provincial BC Dogwood Diploma exams. The school is open to all children who are funded through public education and the school program is not affected by the current dispute. For registration information, or to arrange a visit, please contact the school office at 604-796-2146 beginning August 20.
521 AURORA
Classes begin August 27 and classes may fill early
ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADET SQUADRON Registration Night for New and Returning cadets MISSION LEISURE CENTER THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4 6:00PM - 9:00PM Registration fee $150 New cadets require a care-card and birth certificate to register.
Parading Thursday nights 6:15pm - 9:15pm Sept - June Mission Secondary School For more information please call
• Gliding & Flying • First Aid Training • Hiking & Sports • Marksmanship • Leadership Training • Survival Camping • Effective Speaking • Summer Camps • High School Credits
Bring the family and take in a free flick on a gigantic screen! Movie starts at dusk. • Saturday, August 23 - Mission, Fraser River Heritage Park • Friday, September 5 - Mission, Fraser River Heritage Park Thank you:
In support of:
(For Youth Ages 12-18)
604-826-6694
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