The Bulldog

National Post writes editorial searing the OSSTF

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The National Post has published an editorial searing the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation The newspaper seizes on a common complaint among parents — that  they have no idea what the union is on strike about. The Post also makes it clear that  the negotiations  and the so called strategic strikes called so far are absolutely about money despite claims to the contrary. It recounts the sad recent history of Dalton McGuinty’s effort to regain control of education in the province and the current Liberal government’s sell-out to the OSSTF before the election last year. Like all huge unions the OSSTF is interested in the size of its membership. With members comes power. The Post writes:”Is there a single parent or student in all of Ontario who would value seniority over quality in a teacher? What sort of professional would even want to be judged on that basis? Schools are not assembly lines, churning out widgets; they are educating children. It’s hard work. Passion, ingenuity and creativity are key.”  Problems of nepotism and unfair hiring is no reason to choose teachers in such a foolishly simplistic way.

 

CGS public speaking puts children on road to leadership

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This is the fourth in a series of stories about Leaside’s Children’s Garden School published by The South Bayview Bulldog  All stories

Public Speaking is an integral part of the curriculum at Children’s Garden School. From morning announcements and monthly assemblies to the Public Speaking Contest in the Spring, students are given many opportunities to develop their public speaking skills throughout the school year. Public speaking can be a challenging and frightening experience at any age and CGS staff is there to guide, support and challenge children as their skills grow. Over time, students gain the confidence needed to become relaxed speakers, able to communicate with humour and feeling.

The Public Speaking Contest for the Grade 2s and 3s at the end of April is a chance for CGS students to truly consolidate their public speaking skills. Children craft their own speeches and then present them to their classmates, classroom teacher and Principal. Finalists are then chosen to present their speeches to a panel of four judges. The judges come from a variety of professional backgrounds that rely heavily on public speaking skills (i.e. lawyers, actors, musical directors and educators).
Speakers are evaluated (out of five) on the criteria below:
 
Content (research,understanding of topic, familiarity with material)

Voice (intonation, expression, projection, speed, fluency)

Captivation of Audience (attention-getting, interesting)

Eye Contact (looking up at audience)

Posture (standing tall, standing still)

Memory (how much of the speech is presented from memory?)

Once the tallies are taken into account and the winners have been chosen (one per grade), the judges have an opportunity to share their feedback with each contestant. Comments are always positive, with a few suggestions for improvement. Common comments include slowing down and using a louder voice. Contestants are reminded that it is ok to share their passion and humour, and to remember that the most compelling speeches include a balance of facts and personal feeling. Congratulations to this year’s winners, Peter in Grade 2 and Carmen in Grade 3. (Pictured below with the Principal.) We see contestants Isabella and Charlotte speaking (inset) and the judge listening carefully. All are well on their way to a life time of successful public speaking.

One parent said the CGS public speaking program had provided his son, at a very young age, with ample opportunity to get up on stage in front of others and speak at monthly assemblies.  “What has been great is that the program does it in a way where he feels very proud of this responsibility and prepared for the task at hand.  This has made it a very rewarding and confidence boosting experience for him to build from – he has asked when he can speak in assembly next”‘

The Director of Admission is Kelly Scott who may be contacted at kscott@cgsschool.com and (416) 423-5017 x 43.  The CGS website is here.

William and Kate’s princess is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana

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charlotte

She is officially Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge but you can call her Charlotte. The names cover a few bases by acknowledging Her Majesty and her grandmother, Diana. But the name of honour, the one to be used in conversational reference, is Charlotte. Charlotte is the middle name of Aunt Pippa, Kate’s sister. BBC

OSSTF strikes: Cabinet tells teachers there is just no money

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Peel Region high schools are closed Monday morning in the face-off over money between the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) and the Ontario government. It’s money the province does not have. As the Globe and Mail says this morning: “Premier Kathleen Wynne and Education Minister Liz Sandals have both acknowledged that this will be a difficult round of bargaining, with the Liberal government having told all public-sector workers that wage increases will only be possible if they and their employers manage to find the money within their existing budgets.” Globe and Mail

It was Canada’s wartime honour to help the loyal Dutch

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Laureen Harper spoke at the Canadian war cemetery at Groesbeeck in Holland to commemorate Victory in Europe 70 years ago. There were 7,200 Canadian army deaths during the final campaign to free Holland. Much is said and correctly so about the long and friendly memory of the Netherlands people. For Canada’s part, it becomes clearer with each year that it was our honour to be able to help the loyal Dutch.

Smokedown: Local food, beer and music for a great cause

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leaside-smokedown1The days are counting down to the Leaside Smokedown. Those who love food, beer, good music and a great cause should check it out right now. It happens Thursday May 28 at Amsterdam Brewery on Esandar Drive and there are still tickets for this night of food (Grilltime) beer (Amsterdam) and music from an array of exciting local bands. Count them: Tim Magwood & the Drifters and friends, Duncan Coutts of Our Lady Peace, Elise LeGrow and Kevin McGroarty.

Most importantly, the proceeds will go Lake Scugog Camps, the well-known character-building experience for boys. Leaside Smokedown is the creation of public-spirited Leaside residents Andy Elder of Grilltime on Laird Drive, Cathy Hawkins of Amsterdam Brewing Company, Tim Magwood, Bennington Heights businessman and musician, plus many others. Mr. Magwood is a director of Lake Scugog Camps, a series of recreational sites where kids are offered life-altering chances to learn and grow up.

The camps have been in business since 1931 and have cared for thousands with a special personal attention that sets the camp apart. The cook and caterer to Leaside is Elder, always eager to get his hands of a giant smoker barbecue trailer, which in this case, is owned by Councillor Jon Burnside, another collaborator. Tickets are $100 per person and there are many wonderful prizes like “Beer for a Year”. There will also be a silent auction and other contributor-sponsors like Patrick Rocca, to help swell the final cheque to Lake Scugog Camp. The tickets are selling well so if you like the idea, best to buy a couple or four now.