Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall
Photo of the day
Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgamig hosted a FREE community screening of the film ‘We Are Still Here’ on Wednesday night in the school’s gymnasium.
The 40-minute documentary tells the dark history of Canada’s residential schools through the voices of three survivors from Aamjiwnaang and Walpole Island First Nations.
Here is what the school posted on social media following the screening:
“Our beautiful SUPERSTARS! Chimiigwech to Susie Jones, Sylvia Deleary, Geraldine Robertson for being apart of the documentary “We Are Still Here” and attending our community screening. Miigwech to director Dwayne Cloes for creating such an honest and true film about a truly dark time of our history. Not only did we learn more about the strength and resiliency of ancestors and the possibility and need for healing.“
Study space at CKPL
Students are welcomed to Chatham-Kent Public Library’s study space during the spring exam period. CKPL aims to support students in all aspects of their learning and education. Students can use CKPL’s wifi access, study in groups, access our print and electronic resources, and ask their trained staff for assistance.
Students interested in using the space need only drop in and find a spot in any of our 11 library locations.
To find out about other programs and services that CKPL offers, visit www.ckpl.ca.
Blood donor clinic next week in Wallaceburg
A blood donor clinic will be held in Wallaceburg on Thursday, May 25, from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will be held at the UAW Local 251 Hall, 88 Elm Drive South, in Wallaceburg. For more information or to book an appointment phone the Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-236-6283 or go blood.ca.
School consolidation in Chatham
At the May 9 Board Meeting, Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) Senior Administration presented the Addendum to the Final Staff Report for the Consolidation of the John N. Given Public School Kindergarten to Grade 8 English Language Program at Tecumseh Public School and the Relocation of the John N. Given Public School Grade 7 and 8 French Immersion Program to McNaughton Avenue Public School.
After carefully considering the recommendations by Senior Administration and the information gathered during the community consultations, Trustees of the LKDSB approved the following motions:
“That the Board approve the consolidation of the John N. Given Public School Kindergarten to Grade 8 English Language Program at Tecumseh Public School for September 1, 2018; the Relocation of the John N. Given Public School Grade 7 and 8 French Immersion Program to McNaughton Avenue Public School in September 1, 2017 and approve the closure of John N. Given Public School as of July 1, 2018.”
“That the Board approve the establishment of an Ad Hoc Naming Committee to recommend to the Board a name for the consolidated Tecumseh Public School and John N. Given Public School and appoint two Trustees to serve on the Committee.”
“The pupil accommodation process can be challenging. However, with valuable input and support from the Chatham community, Trustees approved the consolidation of John N. Given Public School’s English Language Program a Tecumseh Public School and the relocation of the French Immersion Program to McNaughton Avenue Public School. This will allow the LKDSB to offer concentrated program supports in enhanced facilities, while also creating efficiencies for the system,” said Director Jim Costello.
The LKDSB will apply to the Ministry of Education for capital funds for a reconfiguration of existing classrooms for additional and renovated Full Day Kindergarten classrooms at Tecumseh Public School. Additional changes are necessary to reconfigure the parking lot to mitigate pedestrian traffic safety concerns. If the LKDSB is not successful in the Ministry grant process, it will use LKDSB capital funding to undertake the work.
The principals of the schools involved will be working with Senior Administration to form the Transition Committee to oversee all of the “on the ground” details of consolidating the Kindergarten to Grade 8 English Language students and staff at Tecumseh Public School for September 1, 2018, as well as forming a Naming Committee. Community members interested in serving on the Naming Committee are asked to contact the principals.
Transition activities will be arranged for consolidating the John N. Given Public School French Immersion students and staff at McNaughton Avenue Public School for September 1, 2017.
If you have a suggestion, story idea, column idea, or if you want to say hello… drop me an e-mail at aaron@sydenhamcurrent.ca.
Weather forecast for Thursday, May 11, 2017
Today – Mainly cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers this morning. Clearing this afternoon. Wind northeast 20 km/h gusting to 40. High 16. UV index 7 or high.
Tonight – A few clouds. Wind northeast 20 km/h gusting to 40 becoming light this evening. Low 6.
World news
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The Washington Post clarifies Spicer’s exact location near the bushes
These snot-dwelling sea creatures help filter oceans
Officials may expand laptop ban to all European flights to the United States
Second far-right German soldier arrested in assassination plot
Report: Comey requested more money for Russia investigation before his firing
