News
Cowichan Valley Citizen | Wednesday, September 25, 2013
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Officials crowing over $750,000 school restructuring success LEXI BAINAS CITIZEN
Paolo and Clara Aquilini, co-owners of the Canucks, founders of the Canucks Autism Network [SUBMITTED]
Autism camp focus of Mill Bay fundraiser LEXI BAINAS CITIZEN
It is essential for Leslie Smith of Mill Bay to always remember to lock the family’s doors. If she doesn’t there’s a danger that her 15-year-old son Gavin, who has autism, could wander into danger in an outside world he doesn’t understand. She said last week that there have been years that she and her husband Gordon couldn’t get away, couldn’t take a break. That’s what a special event this Saturday aims to change. On Sept. 28 from noon to 4 p.m., local volunteers with the support of the Canucks Autism Network will hold what they are calling “a major fundraiser” at the Mill Bay Marina. All proceeds will be used to create a new three-day camp for families living with autism in Cowichan Valley, Victoria and Nanaimo to be held in the summer of 2014. The prospect of a special camp is heartening for Smith. “How fantastic if there can be a program for children and their families living with autism — together,” she said. Seaspan is donating a 160 foot barge to house most of the action. Called Sip, Savour and Support – the Best of the Cowichan Valley, 10 restaurants are paired with 10 wineries offering samples of their finest food and drink to those who step up for the $100 tickets. There will be live entertainment with Juno nominated blues guitarist David Gogo and several celebrity guests, including Vancouver Canucks representatives plus silent and live auctions with Cam Drew as auctioneer. Ticket buyers are eligible for a $50 tax receipt. So, what’s the connection with the Canucks? Autism can affect any family. Just ask Paolo and Clara Aquilini, co-owners of the Vancouver Canucks and founders of the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) and parents of an autistic son. Autism now affects one out of every 88 children. The exact cause isn’t known, but Autism Spectrum Disorder is almost five times more likely to occur in boys than girls. Children living with autism often require roundthe-clock supervision: a significant financial and emotional burden for their families. CAN has done just that since 2008: provide yearround, innovative, recreational, social and employment-related programs for individuals and families living with autism. Now CAN is broadening its reach on Vancouver Island. Aquilini said last week that he is overwhelmed by the enthusiastic support coming from the Cowichan Valley. “This fundraising event in Mill Bay will be the catalyst for new programs offered by the Canucks Autism Network on Vancouver Island. Parents have told us that the CAN camps offer exciting new experiences for their children as well as opportunities to connect and support one another through challenging times. We are delighted to help,” he said in announcing the event.
The list is amazing. With a restructuring budget of about $750,000, staff at the Cowichan Valley school district have spent the summer running flat out. By the numbers, it’s impressive, says schools superintendent Joe Rhodes, who sent out a press release recently listing: “12,000 boxes packed, moved and unpacked; 27,000 library books reprocessed; 4,000 students registered for busing; 1,500 computers reconfigured; 500 computers moved, decommissioned or recycled; 14 elementary schools given upgraded firewalls; all school buildings with increased wireless capacity and ability to support portable devices (up to 1,800 in elementary schools and 7,500 in secondary schools); seven new or relocated playgrounds installed and two middle schools transformed into elementary schools.” But, the way humans have adapted to change is also pretty impressive, he said, pointing out that “about 200 teachers are teaching at a different schools this year, while approximately 60 clerical and custodial staff have moved locations and about 3,000 students are attending a different school or school configuration.” “We are so thankful for the dedication of staff who took on the workload and put in the time and effort to make this all possible. It was a challenge and our staff really rose to the occasion,” Rhodes said in his report. Official trustee Mike McKay agreed. “I appreciate all the effort that went into getting these schools ready to welcome their new communities. It is an exciting and positive step for the school district,” he said. Changing middle schools to elemen-
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Building elementary school style cubbies to replace the middle school lockers at Mt. Prevost and George Bonner is a big summer job for district employees. [SUBMITTED] tary schools was a huge process but it appears to be shaking out well, according to the principals involved. George Bonner Elementary has about 465 students and École Mount Prevost about 430, making them the two largest elementary schools within School District 79. Principals at both schools feel the transformations have been successful. Bonner’s Chris Clark said, “Parents have been blown away by the facility. They really like the beautiful school site, the impressive façade at the front of the school and features like the large gym. Students are enjoying the modern, clean and spacious building, especially the atrium and courtyard area. The new playground is also a big hit, even with the older students, and the state-of-the-
Rotary Club of South Cowichan
NO LIMIT TEXAS HOLD’EM POKER FUNDRAISERS in support of Scholarships, CV Hospital and CMS Fooback
SUNDAY 29, SEPT. 2013 COWICHAN BAY PUB - 1 P.M. $50 Buy in (80 seats) + $10 Meal & Beverage ( $60 per person) $CASH$ Prizes for Final Eight up to 25% (1000 max) of total entry fees $20 Meal only Deal (5 - 7 p.m. - $10 towards fundraiser)
For Tickets Contact Wendy Hiebert at pH: 250-888-8156 millbaypharmasave@shaw.ca BC Gaming Event License #54756 You must be 19+ to play “Know your Limit. Play within it” Sponsored by South Cowichan EyeCare
art athletic facilities will allow us to create so many sport opportunities.” Mount Prevost’s Pedro Mengual agrees, saying, “Students like the new space and enjoy the wide hallways and nice ambience. There also are dedicated music and art rooms to more fully support our successful programs. But more than building specifics, the students now feel more united as a school as we are all in one building. Even the process of moving engaged our school community and created a rich environment where we all pulled together. Parents, students and staff were here in the summer, before school started, working hard to get the school ready. It has been a great opportunity to enhance teamwork and the sense of community in our school.”
Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 2011 September2nd, 29, 2013 10:00am
Bring your cat, dog, horse, goat, pig, chicken, rabbit, snake, guinea pig, parrot, lizard, turtle, and any other pets.
Bring a picture or ashes of your deceased pet and we will giveathanks foror them. Bring picture ashes of deceased pet and we We will be doing a pet food will give for them. drive thanks for the SPCA For more information please phone: 250-746-6262
The Anglican Parish of St. Peter’s, Quamichan
5800 Church Road, Duncan BC V9L 5M3 www.stpeter-duncan.ca stpeterschurch@shaw.ca