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Schools, community celebrate the arts
Tuesday May 20 2008 Trustee's Notebook by Bob Borden My May contribution to this publication is a good news report, like our spring weather!
During the first full week of May, the students of Dufferin County schools had the opportunity to participate in the 11th annual Dufferin Youth Festival of the Arts. This wonderful event, organized by Wendy Carter, Marilyn Logan and Kathy Ayliffe, along with an army of volunteers, provides an exciting forum for our young artists (musical, visual and dramatic) to showcase their talents in a community-sponsored event. It is unique across the country and says so much about our collective commitment to the arts in this community.
On the two days that I was in attendance, I was moved by the sense of excitement and awe that was so evident on the faces of the young performers and the audience. In addition to thanking the organizers, I would like to thank the many staff and parent volunteers who donated countless hours to help these young artists prepare for this event. I’m well aware that for every hour on the stage, it takes about 10 to prepare. Thank you!
On June 17, the Upper Grand District School Board will hold its first Everyday Hero event. This is a recognition program, developed and supported by the trustees of the board, that endeavours to highlight and endorse the extraordinary efforts of staff, parents and community members that occur on a regular basis in and around our schools. We were thrilled to receive over 30 nominations (and then agonized over selecting the winners) from all roles and areas of our board. From our Dufferin County schools we received nominations from five schools. They are:
• Linda Bruner (head custodian at Credit Meadows elementary school), for her outstanding work ethic and her unwavering willingness to assist students, parents, teachers, administration staff, the school council and visitiors;
• Helen Winters (office coordinator at Hyland Heights elementary school), for amazing multi-tasking while being a friend, colleague, caregiver and grandmotherly type in a busy elementary school office;
• Janice McPherson (educational assistant at Princess Margaret public school), for her work with our special students and the creation of  the Hub Club, a space where they can be safe and willing to risk to learn;
• Sherry Harris (custodian at Primrose public school), an adored and respected staff member who cares for the students, parents and staff while creating a safe, warm and welcoming environment; and
• Leigh Suffern (a teacher at Centre Dufferin District high school), who willingly gave up his free time to help a student become successful despite struggling with personal, emotional and academic difficulties.
You, and indeed all who work for our students, are our heroes and win or lose your efforts are appreciated by those who count — the students.

You can contact Bob Borden, trustee for the Town of Orangeville at 519-940- 0279, 519-822-4420 ext. 735 or bob.borden @ugdsb.on.ca. You can also visit the board’s website at www.ugdsb.on.ca.

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