Emotions were running high at the 50th Anniversary celebrations that took place at Clarendon Central Public School in Plevna on April 13. Over 200 past and present staff and students, along with friends and family gathered at the school to reunite, celebrate and share their feelings about their time spent at the small rural school, which has served the community for 50 years.

At noon, a special ceremony headed up by co-chairs of the 50th anniversary committee, Brenda Martin and Heather White, recognized the efforts of those who have helped to make the school a lively and loving educational institution over the past five decades.

Visitors were first addressed by the school’s current principal Dave Allison, North Frontenac Mayor Bud Clayton, and School Trustee Ann Goodfellow. A special anniversary message from former CCPS student Erin Gunsinger (Ibey), who graduated from the school 25 years ago in 1988, highlighted CCPS's important role in the community. She spoke of the rapid changes in the world since her graduation, that it has become a global village and said, “That is not such a bad thing.” In her words, “As annoying as the lack of privacy might be, when it comes down to it, small communities like Plevna still exist because the people here come through for one another.”

She spoke of her childhood growing up in Plevna and the wealth of outdoor opportunities she experienced. She spoke of the school and reminisced about her favorite memories: crazy carpeting, tubing and skiing in winter, walking the old log monkey bars in the playground, and huddling around the school’s cutting edge Commodore 64 computer. “I went to CCPS in the days when kids got to ring the bell, run the ditto machine and hoist the Canadian flag up the pole. We sang O Canada and recited the Lord's prayer every morning”, she recalled. She marveled at how the school has managed to thrive despite “enduring times of economic hardship and radical change. One of the foundations of this community is its school. It's something that we all have in common and it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of this unique remote rural village and the tough and resourceful, good-hearted people who live here.”

The ceremony continued with a rousing video of current students singing the old CCPS school song, and a plethora of special anniversary mugs and other mementos were presented to former staff and students.

Throughout the day, visitors reminisced about their time at CCPS while perusing the five specially designated “decades” classrooms, which were decorated with school nostalgia and memorabilia. Former student Jody Spingle, who graduated from CCPS in 1988 and who now works in construction and project management in Ottawa, is fondly remembered as a former tether ball champion at CCPS. She said, “It's great to reconnect with students and teachers that I haven't seen for 25 years. I have such fond memories especially of the teachers here and my school days here are one thing that I would never change.”

Gina Kellar (Gore), who graduated from CCPS in 1973 and still resides in Plevna, came to see her old teachers with her husband Rick, who received recognition as a graduate of the first class of 1963.

Brenda Martin said she was thrilled with the exceptional turn out and was pleased to see so many former students and staff. “Many of the teachers who taught here in the '60s and '70s didn't think that they would ever come back to the school, so for them and some of their former students the day has really meant a lot.”

Martin said that these anniversaries can tend to be so emotional because, “People have very formative memories from their school days and for me as a teacher and principal you get really attached to your students.” Kudos to all who made for a very special day that will long be remembered in years to come. Those interested in purchasing a commemorative year book of the 50th Anniversary celebrations and/or a DVD highlighting the day’s events, contact the school at 613-479-2264.

Two weeks ago students from NAEC competed in the Limestone District School Board Skills Competition. This year saw a different format with students competing at various high schools around the board over several days instead of the usual one day event at St. Lawrence College. Also new for North Addington, 25% of the NAEC competitors were in grade 9.

The first day of competition was at Sharbot Lake for team of Two, 2D Character Animation where students had to design then animate characters using Flash animation. Michael McEwen & Devon Salmond captured a bronze medal, while Devon Deruchie & Lucas Parks-Delyea took home the silver medal. “I really liked the animation,” said Lucas, “and having a chance to do it was very exciting.”

Natasha McIsaac and Courtney Johnson travelled to LCVI for the Digital photography competition, where they showed off their previously edited and mounted photographs as well as their PhotoShop editing skills to produce stunning images.  

Shane Taylor competed at Bayridge Secondary School for Prepared Speech. His speech, delivered in a narrative style, won him the bronze medal.

On the last day of competition, Kayla Keller and Megan Cruickshank travelled to LaSalle to compete in the Graphic Design Presentation Competition. This involved producing a new 25th Anniversary logo for Skills Canada, an 11” x 17” poster and a brochure front, mounted very specifically. They then presented their portfolio containing their creative process and defended their designs to a panel of judges. Terry Murphy and Zack McQuigge, also at LaSalle, competed in Desktop Publishing, where they had to create a logo, print ad and business sign for a small business in a set time frame. Terry won the silver medal and Zack won the gold. Zack will go on to represent Team Limestone at RIM Park in Waterloo May 7th and 8th. Congratulations to all of Team NAEC, who showed excellent sportsmanship and talent at their respective competitions.

Mike Sewell, Program Leader Skills, Training and Technology for Limestone District had this to say, "NAEC students continue to demonstrate their proficiency and their leadership skills in the Digital Arts and Prepared Speech areas, sending 12 students to five separate events in this year's version of the Limestone Skills Competition. Even though they may be the smallest secondary school in the district, NAEC believes that 'success truly has no limits'".

Congratulations to all of Team NAEC, who showed excellent sportsmanship and talent at their respective competitions.

The septic system for the Granite Ridge Education Centre, currently under construction in Sharbot Lake, has been the subject of consultation between the Limestone District School Board and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for a year.

Because the school is located within 300 metres of the west basin of Shabot Lake, which has been identified as a Trout Sensitive Lake by the province, an environmental compliance approval from the ministry was needed before the septic system could be constructed.

On August 23, that approval was granted.

Sarah Dick, Senior Environmental Officer at the Kingston MoE office, said in an email: “On August 23, 2013, the Environmental Compliance Approval for the Granite Ridge Education Centre was issued. 
The approval permits the establishment of sewage works for the collection, transmission, treatment and subsurface disposal of domestic sewage, with a rated capacity of 17,000 litres per day. The new system is equipped with phosphorus treatment, which is a significant improvement to the previous system.”

The septic system will need to be constructed and approved before the new school will be able to receive an occupancy permit from the Central Frontenac building department.

The Limestone Board is aiming to have the building ready for students in early November.

Josh Goodfellow first came to Sharbot Lake High School as a student. He returned fully grown, and accepted a position as an Educational Assistant on a casual basis, and started work in the School to Community classroom. Josh has a strong commitment to the well-being of all students and to the school community. He has worked as an effective member of the school team in many capacities at the school; in the School to Community program, as an Educational Assistant in the school’s LitFit class, a new and unique

program for grade 9 boys with behavioral and academic struggles, as a member of a professional learning team with teachers, and as a member of the school’s coaching staff, to name a few. In each of these roles, Josh’s support for all students is genuine, invaluable and always goes above and beyond his formal role.

Josh takes a lead in the School to Community program in several areas. He was instrumental in planning for and fund-raising for the school’s Snoezelen room. He

single-handedly raised over $10,000 for it. Josh helps to coordinate the school recycling program, involving the students in a meaningful way at every stage, and he works alongside the students in the greenhouse and community garden, assisting them in learning to cultivate plants and vegetables. Through his work in the School to Community program, he has become familiar with, and works closely with, several community agencies that support the students and their families.

Last year, Josh welcomed the opportunity to work in the school’s LitFit class with a group of very challenging grade 9 boys. His work involved supporting their skill development in self-control, conflict mediation, literacy strategies, and healthy living habits. Josh thrived in this program and the classroom teacher found his input and

leadership with the students to be invaluable. Several of the boys now have a positive rapport with Josh and rely on him when situations become challenging. This has had a very positive impact on the tone in the school.

Josh attends staff meetings on a regular basis and participates in professional learning opportunities. This year he joined a learning team on differentiated instruction to enhance the strategies he uses when working with and supporting students. Josh also gets involved in the extra-curricular activities at the school, coaching or assisting the coach, in all sports. As a result of this involvement, there are many students who seek out Josh for support of social and emotional situations. He is empathetic, compassionate, very grounded, and professional in his creative and effective approach to students. Josh readily responds to medical emergencies as a member of the school’s First Aid team. As well, he competently steps in to support the Principal, Vice-Principal, and teacher-in charge during sensitive or high risk situations that can arise in a high school with students or parents. Any time that Josh has taken on this role, he does so professionally, appropriately, and always using sound judgment.

The Sharbot Lake family is very fortunate to have Josh in their midst, with his numerous contributions to the school community, his passion for helping students, and his warm and ready smile for everyone.

The Limestone District School Board is proud to honour Josh Goodfellow with an Outstanding Service Award.

NAEC’s students presented a sea of pink on April 10, the International Day of Pink. It is estimated that at least 90% of the students wore some form of pink, be it a pink shirt, pink shoes, or other pink items. This is the biggest turn-out of pink people at the school since the first NAEC Day of Pink in 2011.

The students gathered together for a Whole School Photo, and a short assembly. Ms. Salmond reminded the students about the background of the Day of Pink. A student at a Nova Scotia school was bullied because he was wearing a pink shirt. A group of students went and bought pink shirts and wore them to school as an anti-bullying gesture. The International Day of Pink is specifically designed to combat homophobic and gender-based bullying.

Mrs. Fuller’s Grade 1/2 class, Ms. Buck’s Grade 5/6 class and Ms. Cuthill’s Grade 6/7 class all made displays regarding the Day of Pink. These were (and are) displayed in the front foyer, for students, staff and visitors to consider. Other classes viewed videos, made posters, or had discussions about being sensitive, kind and accepting of everyone.

Jeremy Dias, who started DayofPink.org, will be visiting NAEC on April 17, to continue the conversation. Jeremy was, himself, a victim of homophobic bullying and started “Jer’s Vision”, a non-profit group dedicated to ending bullying and educating people about acceptance. Principal Angela Salmond commented, “We are very pleased to have Jeremy come and talk to us. We tried to schedule him last year, but had no luck. This year, Ms. Gaffney and Mr. Kerr, along with the Limestone District School Board, have managed to arrange a visit.”

Township to Reopen Negotiations with Limestone Board

In 2008, the Limestone School Board contributed a lump sum of $695,000 to the Township as their share of the cost of providing municipal water services to the two schools and greenhouse located in Sydenham.

Since this initial decision, circumstances have changed: the water plant has undergone a significant upgrade, the high school is building “a significant addition,” and as part of this building program, the Board has demolished some former rental properties which had water hook-ups.

Recognizing these changed circumstances, Council has directed staff to reopen funding negotiations with the Limestone Board.

Highway 38: A Road by Any Other Name?

The City of Kingston has proposed renaming that portion of Road 38 which runs from 401 to the boundary of South Frontenac, and has asked the Township for its comments. Township Planning & Roads department recommends the road name remain as it is, and would like to discuss the matter with City staff before making a formal comment. Council agreed, and passed a motion to ask the City to defer their decision until Township and City staff can meet.

Truck to be Replaced through Insurance

Public Works Manager Segsworth reported on an adjustment to the 2013 vehicle replacement program. A township truck which was budgeted to be replaced next year was recently destroyed by fire. The Township’s insurance policy covers the full replacement value, so the truck can be replaced with a current model for the cost of the $10,000 deductible. Councillor Vandewal expressed concern that this might affect the overall insurance premiums.

The High Cost of Protecting Our Lakes

Planner Lindsay MiIls reported to last week’s Committee of the Whole that over the past five years, staff have had to deal with five serious infractions of site plan agreements. All cases have involved the illegal clearing away of natural vegetation near the shoreline, and disturbance of natural soil cover. Some have also involved illegal construction of buildings and retaining walls. Rectifying these infractions has cost staff considerable time and expense.

Several council members suggested charging a much more substantial deposit, which would be returned once the property is developed, unless there are infractions to the site plan agreement. There was agreement that Council supported their staff in enforcing protection of township lakes.

Cemetery Board Amalgamation

In late 2012, following input from all three cemetery boards, Council made it clear that it wanted the Township to have one amalgamated cemetery board, one set of by-laws, and new rates that would be the same across the township, and more nearly cover the cost of operation. The service components were to be separated into three parts: administration, grounds and excavation.

Further to Council’s direction, CAO Orr met with representatives from the three township cemetery boards to outline Council’s direction and the next steps for implementation.

Orr reported back to Council on April 2: “The tone of the meeting was very angry and bitter… members felt they had not been heard or valued for their knowledge and experience.”

The lengthy meeting ended with no agreement on a process for establishing the new amalgamated board, or the details of a new by-law. All did agree that Orr should write to each member of the present Boards asking them if they wished to continue their involvement with the Cemetery Board.