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:' Q'.',',',,",',': the creation of more " ureaucratic structures and "mean greater control bythe "-grrvernment in order to carry . such testing trut. .'.. Presently a teacher seeking certification remains on 'oroloation status tor two years _ during which evaluations are , made as to that person's ability -‘3to qualify in the teaching profession. This initial "screening process seems to work well as people not meeting _ minimum qualifications are weeded out. When a teacher moves to a higher elassrieat'on 1'level or it problems are detected , in performance, evaluations are again carried out. However, it V does not appear that systematic _ evaluatiors pt performance are "-made regularly on an annual basis If we want to preserve "yqustlity, performance evaluation ';'may be the more logical course '. 'to follow rather than a five year 'certification process. Such evaluations carried out by one's supervisor .compiled _with With the above figures in hand, the Jackson Commission goes on to so that teachers should be t"e'sl'lhJl"y' five years "do determine if they still qualify to do their jobs. This should swarmedly be done to insure qua ity of education in a period of declining enrolment. A chorus of "yays" and "nays" to this proposal is heard from sources stationed on opgosite aides of the fence. An any ‘value which may have been lound in discussing such a recommendation is lost. '.' Yes, there is declining i-enrolment in our educational 'system and probably a certain I‘mmber of teachers will be ' declared surplus over the next "ew years and released from their positions. If some teachers Care let go,how do we emure that 'vthe best ones remain in the Tsystem. Five year certification "seems like the dreamer's am swer to reality, Instead of "maintaining quality of I‘education,Lit may in fact only hacker? aria "iriur"saia syslem, the main responsibility Criticisms are often heard about the incompetency of some teachers. Butitshouldbe realized that the inadequate emogloyee is only one side at the pr fern; If poorly qualifies) pailmiic visits by a helm GGi inspector would certainly keep teachers on their um. _ - -e _-........-.. a... v, 1990, there will be 1.6‘million children incur schools. This is a 16 per cent drop from, the present enrolment of 1.9 million. Mr. Jackson also says that more than 6.500 teaching its will be lost. The Commission on Declining Enrolment in Ontario, chaired by Robert Jackson, a former director of the Ontario Institute for studies in education, predicts that student enrolment in our school systems will decline drastically over the next few years,th is estimated that by mm ' “A -'" L, - _ .... Board Report -.ro, Kt _ " pubic on on Luanion lhmrr WNW.” Hm mm. "ma- It 'appears that actions relating to declining enrolment, whether release of teachers or closing of sehools,be handled in a cautious end national fashion. In this process, all parties in the educational partnership should be involved: the administrator, the trustee, the teacher and the taxpayer. Even though some winding down of the educational system may be necessary over the next few years, we better be sure thatwhat is done away with is truly not needed. Dr. Blossom T. Wigdor, a member of the Science Council of Canada, made the following comments in his recent paper entitled Implications of the Demographic' Changes in the Canadian Population over the next 25 years (1WiF2003 A.DO. "Although the next 25 years may not see drastic changes in the demand for elementary education there are some im dieations of increases in adult education demands both because of rapid technological change which may require more frequent updating of skills, and possibly more leisure with a demand (or learning facilities. Premature (and excessive) cutting of education budgets may create serious dislocations and eventual shortages, and what is needed is more careful analysis of what levels of funding for education would be necessary to maintain reasonable volume, composition and quality." - we dismantle our educational systems, this factor plus research in alternative uses of school facilities should be suf- iit1ertu.t.expmred, _ ,,_,____ m-..» Everyone nowadays speaks of declining enrolment. Though this may appear to be the reality, now we must carefully weigh any long distance predictions. Declining enrolment over the next 30 or 40 years assumes that birth, death, and immigration patterns will remain constant. This cannot be assured. It is doubtful that we shall again see in our lifetimes the "baby boom" that occurred in the mid forties, but increases in birthrates could again take place over the next several_ decades. Before Declining Enrolment and Demographic Ota.nge _ _ performance can be set down by the Ministry of Education with local boards, ensuring that qualitative levels are main. tained, Proper and regular performance evaluations will mean that when teachers have to go because of a surplus situation, the best qualified will remain regardless of seniori y, lies with the Board ot Education. It is the school board that should take the initiative and begin a dialogue with the teachers' federations to develop an equitable and fair system of performance evaluation if the present one is not all it should Gyidelines for, standards of Horticulture Club _ held awards night Mr. Maurice Smith gave a program which was a decided contrast to the weather outside. She showed slides of a' garden an the small island of Franada in the Caribbean, showing its development from the construction of the house overlooking the ocean to its present, beauty seven years later with many closeups ofsome of the tropical blossoms. He was thanked by Gordon Smith for giving us such an eajoyable experience. The meeting ended with a special Christmas lunch served by Cara Reed and her group-sandwiches, delicious cook- ies, jellies and Christmas cake. Néxt meeting in January takes the form of a put luck dinner. Hope to see you all there. Gift certificates for high points went to George Gummer and Cecil Reed (from Simpson Sears). Gordon Smith from Cruiekshanks; Elizabeth Rutherford from McCunnels and Amy Gresham from Sheridan Nurseries. With prize money from George Haas, Russell Rowe, Blair Heeney and 825.00 fram Port Hope Society in appreciation of George Summer's services as Judge, many exhibitors received a bonus in addition to their prize money. Mr. Tink called all the officers to the from, presented them to the audience and congratulated each one. He wished the Society members a happy Christmas and successful New Year. He also announced that a judging school will be held in this district for two days in April, May and June. After a proposed slate of officers was presented by Cecil Reed, past president, Mr. Tink conducted the election of officers. Past President, Cecil Reed; President, Gordon Smith; Ist Vice President, H. C. Linstead; 2nd Vice President, Harry Mayne; Secretary, Amy Gresham; Treasurer, Lyn Mitchell; One Year Directors, Cicely Scruggs, Garden Munro, Helen Ease, Cora Reed, and Marjorie Rutherford; Two Year Directurs are Harold Black, Mrs. Harry Mayne, Mrs.Wayne Rusk, Mrs. Robert Griffith and Mrs. M. Tozek. The minutes were read, treausurer's report given and after a brief discussion it was decided to pay $25.00 towards a float in the Santa Claus Parade to be prepared by the Kinsmen. . he door prize damned by Hazel Roberts, was won by Mrs. Ida Mills. Mrs. George Gummer led the list of point winners for the year winning the Rutherford Trophy (a Canada goose from Hoselton Studios). Isabel Gummow won the Bank of Commerce Rose Bowl and Gordon Smith, the Harnden Rose Bowl for the best African Violet. The meeting opened with Mrs. Kay Island at the piano for the singing of O'Canada. President Gordon Smith welcomed everyone and a special welcome to our guests, Clarence Tink, District Four Director, and Mrs. Tink," Mr. and Mrs. Murray McFiggin of Cobnurg and Mrs. Pallance, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Mayne who is visiting from England. The annual awards night was held at Trinity Parish Hall on Monday, November 27, and due to the stormy cunditians the turnout was not as big as usual.