Letters: July 4/13

Jul 04, 2013

Kudos to Prince Charles

Prince Charles Public School in Verona is where my children attend school. I took my eldest child for a tour prior to his school year starting three years ago and I was greeted with a big smile and positive energy from all of the staff. At the time of my short visit and a kindergarten open house I felt a warm welcome from all. I only know a handful of teachers personally, but I wanted to let all the staff know how much their hard efforts are valued.

We have come in contact with some of the most passionate, caring, enthusiastic and devoted teachers I have ever crossed paths with. For example, our kindergarten teacher is the most gentle, caring teacher I have known and her characteristics suit the perfect kindergarten teacher profile. I feel as though I have provided my children an extraordinary opportunity to be taught by such a sweet, intelligent, gentle soul. I feel that having her as their first school teacher has set the tone for how amazing and exciting school can be and in three years neither one of my children have asked to stay home from school. In my eyes, she has excelled at stamping a good first impression in their minds and their hearts.

Our grade one teacher has brought a wonderful attitude and soft spoken approach to her teachings. She has always been willing to assist in any way that she can in regards to academics and my son’s social atmosphere, she has been very communicative with me about progress reports and has taken time in several occasions for personal phone calls, and the topics were mostly just positive updates. My little boyish son has developed a new passion for his love of drawing and art; he claims that it is because “my teacher is really good at it”. So, the fact that my son found an inner interest for a subject that he was already familiar with amazes me. To find a hidden interest in a child is a talent on its own.

It’s a school that is filled with artwork and smiles when you walk through the door, the children are respectful enough to say hello, and if it’s not silent with kids working hard then giggles can be heard from both staff and students. I know that there are plenty of staff members, teachers included that send their children to this school so evidently they feel that this school is the best option for them as well.

Personally, I feel that education is a community effort where teachers, staff, students, parents and even volunteers need to unite to be a joint force for a successful learning atmosphere; the teachers and staff that I have encountered have gone above and beyond my expectations of an elementary school.

Our family has been thrilled with this little country school where the staff appears to enjoy their work, the community is helpful and the kids are smiling. Respect, pride, happiness, safety and education are words that I hear in a positive context on a regular basis. I encourage all families to visit to establish your own individual experience and impression of the school that so many people love.

Sincerely, PCPS Panther Pride Parent
Reshelle Leonard-Thomas

Act of kindness

It was so wonderful to experience a random act of kindness in Sharbot Lake Village ON June 27. I had stopped to pop into the pharmacy and grocery store and before I could open my car door a couple came up to me and said they didn't want to be rude but did I know I had a flat tire? I was flabbergasted! I had just driven from Kingston, including a brief time on the 401 and I had heard this strange noise that I thought was under the hood. Since I was scheduled for a maintenance visit on Tuesday I thought, oh well, I'll have it looked at on Tuesday. The man, Jeremy Davies, changed the tire for me and just smiled when I thanked him. Luckily I got his name from his partner Marianne Wilson who spent the time chatting with me while my tire got changed. What a wonderful area to live in - I'll never forget this kindness. THANK YOU!

Carol Coupland

Draft beaver bylaw

In the June 13 edition there is an article about a draft By-Law proposed by Central Frontenac concerning the control of beavers, and the responsibility of property owners. While not a lawyer, I believe this by-law to be ‘ultra vires’ or “beyond the powers” as I believe it to be offensive to provincial regulation and the determination that beaver dams are “Naturally-occurring blockages in natural watercourses” (see Ontario Ministry of Ag and Food-Drainage Conflict-Natural Watercourses).

I am sympathetic with the problem as a beaver dam on our property west of Hwy #41 gave way about 25 years ago, and took out a section of this road, which took about 3 days to repair, causing rerouting to Bancroft by northern AH residents trying to get south.  My position with MNR at the time was that: we owned the land before Hwy #41 went through (denying our ability to put any structures on the Mazinaw Lake side of the Hwy, resulting in the property being left unimproved since purchase 90 years ago), the pond was there before this construction in 1933-36, as were, undoubtedly, the beavers.

I had the local trapper monitor the pond for beavers for the last 25 years (and trap sustainably) until he retired this year.  I tried to hire another area trapper to monitor but was turned down. I have advised AH and NF senior representatives of this fact, and that if a dam bursts, so be it.  I have acted beyond reasonable expectations.  Of course, if any level of government person notices a dam problem and, a danger to the traveling public-feel free to go get ‘em, with my blessing,  but I believe case law is on my side about any liability to me.

Jim Oborne

Canada Day kindness from some southern neighbours

Thank you to the American family who brought bags full of glow necklaces, bracelets and wands to the Canada Day celebrations in Sharbot Lake, which they gave out free to everyone. The family was staying at Tumblehome Lodge, where they come every year, and they wanted to help us Canadians celebrate our national holiday. Thanks to their generosity, the beach was transformed into a light show as all the kids had so much fun with the glow sticks and other things they gave away. What a great thing to do.

Jule Koch