HIKERS RESCUED Trek goes awry
PAGE 8
CANDIDATES SPEAK OUT
WALKING DEAD
Issues identified
Haunted attraction
PAGE 10
2012
CCNA
PAGE 24
85¢+ GST
Friday, October 24, 2014
SERVING MISSION SINCE 1908
Celebration of Light
Brightly costumed dancers, aromatic food, and fun brought tremendous crowds to the Clarke Theatre Tuesday evening for the annual Diwali Celebration of Light. Pictured above: Dashmesh Punjabi School girls dancers. BOB FRIESEN PHOTO
Trustee hopefuls talk education Carol Aun MISSION RECORD
All candidates running for trustee on the Mission school board support the move to a single high school and will work together, if elected, with parents, students, staff, and the community to develop a model in which students can find success. On Wednesday night at the Clarke Theatre, about 200 people attended an all-candidates meeting for school board trustees in Mission. All nine school board hopefuls took part in the forum, organized
by the District Parent Advisory Council. Rural school trustee candidate Earl Babich also participated, but incumbent Shelley Carter, who is away on vacation, was absent. Paul Loyla believes in giving back to the community as much as possible. “It’s critical for education to enhance the experience for everyone involved.” Many local students entering post-secondary schools have to upgrade courses to get into programs they want, said Kathleen MacKillop, who works as an education coordinator and
social development worker for Leq’a:mel Fist Nation. “I hope with the configuration, we will have courses students need … to get into post secondary and apply for scholarships.” Incumbents Jim Taylor and Edie Heinrichs talked about a plan to bring in academic and attendance standards to measure student achievement across the district. Heinrichs stated the standards also apply to students in trade. “We have to teach and test,” said Taylor, who was pleased to hear the changes made by the current
board were being supported. “We need honesty in reporting results to parents and students so they know where they can improve.” Philip Cooper, a builder who has taught classes in the past, is an “avid supporter” of developing the west side of Stave Lake. He shared his vision for an outdoor school in partnership with the District of Mission. “I want to focus on work experience for students,” said Cooper. “Everyone here wants to improve student achievement,” said Scott Young, who has served as DPAC chair for four years.
“We’re a little bit weak on community engagement. I want to bring that level up.” “It is my primary goal to improve communication between the board, parents, and the public,” said Tracy Loffler, a yoga instructor with two children attending schools in Mission. “We need to move to … push information out to parents. I have a positive attitude and fresh perspective.” “Engaging parents is about approachability,” offered Rick McKamey, a past trustee and presCONTINUED ON 3
33245 GLASGOW AVENUE, MISSION (Located next to commuter rail)
604.826.9119 We’ve Built our Reputation on 41 Years of Quality Service.
www.symonstire.com
CERTAIN CONDITIONS APPLY.
SEE US FOR A FULL SELECTION OF MICHELIN® WINTER TIRES