A midsummernight’s nightmare4

Public educationconference 4

MAI—Localsspeak out 5

The value of learn-ing languages 6

Beginning teachers’conference:You are not alone 6

The death knell forcharter schools 7

AGM ’99 8

YNN: How grassroots beat deeppockets 9

First nations task force 9

The SurreyWellness Story 13

Program AgainstRacism praised,commemorated 16

CONTENTSPresident’s message 2Readers write 2Looking back 3Top 10 lesson aids 3Health and Safety 6Teachers retired 10Classified 14PD Calendar 15

TeacherNewsmagazineof theB.C. Teachers’FederationApril 1999VOLUME 11, NUMBER 6

INSIDE

While thousands oftheir colleaguesheaded off torelax and enjoy

spring break with family andfriends, teachers from everycorner of the provincedescended upon downtownVancouver for the BCTF’s 83rdAnnual General Meeting, thelast of the century. The meet-ing took place March 14–17,1999, at the Hyatt Regency,one of the few unionizedhotels with a ballroom largeenough to accommodate morethan 650 delegates.

For many teachers, the AGMis like an enormous gatheringof the clans: some are friendly,others are feuding, but all arethere because of a sharedsense of commitment tochildren and their right toquality public education. Asthe huge meeting hall filled,members of the extendedfamily of educators greetedone another with hugs andlaughter and launched intointense discussion about themany issues before them:bargaining, labour affairs,education finance, health andwelfare, constitution andbylaws, professional develop-ment, strikes and job actions,organization of the BCTF,school self-evaluation plans,professional ethics, rights, andstandards, and more.

The candidates for full-time-table-officer positions madetheir campaign speeches onthe first evening; members-at-large on the second. Votingtook place on the thirdmorning, after an intensecampaign that many charac-terized as a good, clean fight.

David Chudnovsky upsetincumbent Kit Krieger in therace for president. A formersecond vice-president of theFederation and formerpresident of the SurreyTeachers’ Association,Chudnovsky has long beeninvolved in internationalsolidarity work, particularly inSouth Africa. He currentlyteaches English at NorthSurrey Secondary School.

“This is the most democraticunion in B.C.,” Krieger saidafter the votes were tallied.“The members have made achoice and it is the rightchoice because they havespoken after hearing all sidesof the debate.” He bid farewellwith heartfelt thanks for theopportunity of a lifetime and“with no bitterness, no secondthoughts, just my deepaffection for the 44,000teachers of B.C. and the workyou do every day.”

Grace Wilson, of Nelson,defeated Barry Prong and BillFite in the running for firstvice-president, while Linda

Watson from North Vancouverwon over Kathryn Askew forsecond vice-president.Members-at-large elected areBarb Parrott, Jinny Sims,Linda Shuto, and Alice Rees.They will join continuingmembers Patricia Clough,Margaret Little, and NeilWorboys. As past president,Krieger will also remain onthe BCTF Executive Committeefor one year.

One of the most contentiousissues at this year’s AGMrelated to the role of teachersas advocates for social change.Some locals proposed continu-ing a distinct Status of WomenProgram, rather than have itswork woven into the SocialJustice Program. They lobbiedhard and held everyleadership candidate account-able for articulating a clearposition on the issue. However,when it came to the vote, dele-gates opted for the integratedprogram.

Speaking for the SocialJustice Advisory Committee,Susan Croll began with ananecdote about a Kamloopsdrama teacher who encour-aged her students to write andproduce a play about a teen-age girl coming to terms withthe fact she is a lesbian.Through the technique of“intervention theatre,” stu-dents as actors and audience

members could confrontdiscrimination and homo-phobia.

This is only one example ofthe way an integrated socialjustice model offers teachers,students, locals, and thecommunity a way to transformsociety, Croll said. “Socialjustice is not only about beingagainst oppression. It is aboutchanging the world, and itstarts in our very ownbackyards.”

She affirmed that the workof the Program AgainstRacism, the Status of WomenProgram, and the Children’sRights Committee will carry onthrough the new social justicemodel. “We want to encouragemore networking, have peopleshare ideas, find solutions,and break down isolation. Inother words, our intention isto give voice,” Croll said.

She concluded with a quotefrom Frances Moore Lappé:“Honest hope derives from abelief that positive change ispossible in the world. And wewill only believe this if weexperience ourselves chang-ing. The key is risk, doing thatwhich we thought we couldnot do.”

Another key speaker at themeeting was Luis Abreu,secretary-general of the CubanTeachers’ Union, who spoke

See AGM page 8

AGM’99: The lastof the century

Erin Smeed, Westview Secondary School, Maple Ridge, attends the 1999 AGM, in Vancouver.

PETE

R O

WEN

S PH

OTO

Canada Post Corporation / Société canadienne des postes

Postage paid Port payé

Blk Nbre

PERMIT NO. 0038940499Vancouver

PRINTED IN CANADA BYMITCHELL PRESS LIMITED

utfe

CEPA

TeacherNewsmagazine of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation100–550 West 6th Avenue,Vancouver, BC V5Z 4P2871-2283, toll free 1-800-663-9163, F: 871-2289E-mail: newsmag@bctf.bc.caWeb site: www.bctf.bc.ca/ezine/

EditorPeter OwensEditorial assistantKathleen SmithDesign consultantBetty SommervilleCopyeditorDebby StaggProofreaderBev Humphries

1998–99 TeacherAdvisory Board:Jacquie BirchallChris BockingKathleen CherryVerena FoxxLois Johnstone

Staff writersJanet AmsdenDiana BroomeNancy KnickerbockerPeter OwensGeorge Taylor

1998–99 BCTF ExecutiveCommittee:David ChudnovskyPatricia CloughKit KriegerMargaret LittleBarbara ParrottAlice ReesRick TurnerWayne TurnerLinda WatsonGrace WilsonNeil Worboys

ISSN 0841-9574

Articles contained hereinreflect the view of the authorsand do not necessarily expressofficial policy of the B.C.Teachers’ Federation.

The B.C. Teachers’ Federationdoes not endorse or promote anyproducts or services presented inthe advertising sections of thenewsmagazine.

All advertisements will bereviewed and approved by theBCTF. They must reflect BCTFpolicy and be politically, environ-mentally, and professionallyappropriate.

Volume 12 Deadlines:September 1999 August 13October 1999 September 10Nov./Dec. 1999 October 15Jan./Feb. 2000 December 10March 2000 January 21April 2000 March 24May/June 2000 April 20

2 TEACHER April 1999

The 83rd BCTF AnnualGeneral Meeting willbe best rememberedfor the commitment

teachers made to address long-standing issues faced by abori-ginal students in B.C. schools.The interim report of the FirstNations Task Force, powerfullypresented by co-chairs FrankConnibear (Victoria) and DebbieJeffrey (Prince Rupert), chal-lenges teachers to acknowledgethat the B.C. public schoolshave not been welcomingplaces for the vast majority ofFirst Nations students.

Making schools better forAboriginal students will be atremendous challenge as wework to undo the legacies ofresidential schools, poverty,assimilation, and racism.When I consider the historyand the fact that only a third ofaboriginal students completeGrade 12, I am heartened thataboriginal communities stilllook to public schools as keyinstitutions for their children.With the acknowledgment bythe courts of the inherent rightof self-government, there areother options available ifpublic schools fail to respondto the challenges identified bythe task force.

In the months ahead, BCTFmembers will haveopportunities to consider manyof the issues raised by the taskforce. Your responses willinform the final report of thetask force, due to be presentedat next year’s AGM. The taskforce asks us to consider whatconstitutes success foraboriginal students. How mustcurriculum and the schoolenvironment be changed to bemore respectful of First Nationspeople? How committed areB.C. teachers to ensuringopportunities for First Nationsteachers? Are we willing toadopt affirmative action policiesthat take precedence over somecherished provisions of collec-tive agreements?

Those discussions and thedecisions that follow willultimately determine whetherour public schools can becomeas valuable in the lives ofaboriginal students as they arefor other youngsters in B.C.This is a historic opportunitythat must not be lost.

READERS WRITEDelgauukw a winfor First NationsThe article, “British Columbia

Treaty Process Awareness Test,”(Nov./Dec. 98) caused me seri-ous concern. The errors in thearticle require a response.

I was legal counsel for theGitksan at all levels of the courtin Delgamuukw.

The article states that theDelgamuukw decision was wonon technical grounds. Incorrect.The Supreme Court of Canada,on December 11, 1998, over-turned the assumptions madeby the trial judge as to how toaddress aboriginal title. InCanada, this case has far-reach-ing implications. The courtcould have limited its decisionto technical grounds.

The Supreme Court ofCanada, in Delgamuukw, ad-dressed a number of various is-sues, including the legal test toprove aboriginal title. The testadopted by the Supreme Courtof Canada was a test argued forby the Gitksan appellants. Thecourt rejected the trial judge’sfindings that the oral history ofaboriginal people could not berelied upon.

The Supreme Court ofCanada sent the matter backfor a new trial because theoriginal claim had beenbrought by individual housegroups, and the court deter-mined that aboriginal titlewould be held by a people,such as the Gitksan, together.This may be called a “techni-cal” pleading point.

In summary, the SupremeCourt of Canada decided, inDelgamuukw, that aboriginaltitle is alive and well in B.C. andestablished the criteria to proveaboriginal title, which wasmuch simpler than the test pro-posed by the trial judge.

In this sense, the conclusionthat Delgamuukw was a “winfor all First Nations” is correct.However, it is a serious error tosuggest that this was a “techni-cal win” as the case has far-reaching implications for bothaboriginal and non-aboriginalpeople in B.C. and acrossCanada.Peter GrantCounsel for the Gitksan inDelgamuukw

Democracy ischoice

We live in a kaleidoscopic so-ciety. Fragments of institutionalpolicies revolve randomly in at-tempts to blend a pattern ofdemocratic perfection. De-tached organizations vie to beproclaimed guardians of ourhighest ideals—their intransi-gence promoting intolerancefor dissent.

Thus do organizations under-mine the essence of our democ-racy—freedom for the individ-ual as expressed through his orher inviolable right to choice.

Choice in belief, Choice inspeech, Choice in association.And Choice to exclude from as-sociation those from whom heor she would prefer disassocia-tion.

Indeed, why belong to aunion of professionals if not, inpart, to exclude those who donot meet our criteria for inclu-sion?

With choice the foundationof individual rights within ourdemocracy, faith in humanitywould have us accept there isno one right way to its expres-sion. Therefore, as public schooleducators, when we see parentsmaking a choice of preferenceamong educational alternativesaway from our influence, thissame faith should regard theirdecision not as diminishing eq-uity, but as increasing freedom.

Parents will gladly supportthe public educational systemas superior when they perceiveit offers benefit to their chil-dren. So when they choose toseek other options, their deci-sion should not be a cry for usto retreat behind vacuousstatements of democratic prin-ciple, but an opportunity toopen dialogue, learn, and buildupon the point of confluencewhere principle and benefitmerge.

Either/or propositions thatwould have us believe equityand exclusivity are inverse rela-tionships are only counterpro-ductive to effective action. Ifthe public educational system istruly the one best way to incul-cate future adult citizens withdemocratic ideals, then weshould relish the challenge tobe its most articulate advo-cates.Ross ButchartVancouver

Everyone gets thesame menu

This is a response to “Wouldyou like fries with that? Thefolly of school choice”(Nov./Dec. 1998). A lighter lookat the issue. A parody that con-tains some relevance in its hu-mour. An old friend has arrivedat our house, and would like totake my wife and me out fordinner this evening. “Whatkind of food do you like?” sheasks.

“Oh, there is only one restau-rant in our town now,” I reply.“The city fathers decided thatour city should provide a menuof common foods to all patrons.We place such a high value onequity and access in public eat-ing only because we wish to as-sure a more equitable society ofequal opportunity.”

“Public eating places are sup-posed to be places where peo-ple share a common and com-munal eating experience thatgives them all an equal oppor-tunity to be happy, participat-ing, and satisfied citizens. It’spart of their education. To en-

sure a more democratic society,we cannot cater very far to par-ticular tastes or beliefs.”

“No more Christmas turkey,right? What about Greekfood? I like that. Or Chinesefood?”

“Only what is served in thepublic food mall. There is awide selection of foods. Every-one has the same choices. Butno ethnic foods in exclusive sur-roundings. We are endeavour-ing to be a democratic town.”

“Hmmm, I see. Okay, no pri-vate eating places. Like schools.Now what’s our choice?”Cy HemusRetired teacher, Revelstoke

$60 UnjustI was surprised at having “dis-

mayed” Judith Giles by refer-ring to the Van der Zalm im-posed College of Teachers as a“ploy” to “money grab” retiredteachers’ hard-earned wages(Jan./Feb. 1999). If the collegewere as responsible as thecouncillor claims, it wouldsurely reduce or abolish retiredteachers’ membership fees thusdemonstrating compassion andfairness. The Socred govern-ment in no way benefitted meas a professional by creating aCollege of Teachers; it intro-duced another bureaucraticbody demanding a handout.The BCTF was more than ade-quate to the needs of theteachers before the introduc-tion of the college.

As for being able to afford tolive in the most expensive city inCanada, I can only concludethat she is financially well-off orearning good money in herfield of employment. By theway, the membership fee hasnow risen from $45 to $60 perannum while my pension hasincreased by a whopping $6 permonth.Audrey LucyszynDawson Creek

Parents havelegitimate rightsThis is in response to “A

teacher’s perspective on theSurrey book ban” (March 1999).

On the one hand, McMurtyclaims his right as a parent tocensor material he decides isunsuitable for his children. Thisis his job as a parent, and he isentitled to it.

On the other hand, he ap-pears to support the school sys-tem’s right to override the sen-sibilities of the communities itserves. I suggest that educatorsdo not have a mandate to un-necessarily offend significantnumbers of parents, howeverpolitically incorrect they may(or may not) be.

While it is all very well towrap oneself in the cloak ofthinkers like Northrop Frye, itmust be remembered that par-ents have a legitimate right toquestion, challenge, and object

to whatever stuff is beingspooned into their children’sheads that runs counter todeeply held beliefs (howeverwrong those beliefs may be, ac-cording to others).

My guess is McMurtywouldn’t like it if some teachertook it upon himself/herself tomake Southpark a part of ele-mentary school viewing. Hewould be quite right toprotest.

I believe that when educatorsset themselves up as expertswhose attitudes and knowl-edge are above and beyondthat of the communities inwhich they operate, they areasking for trouble that is de-structive and unnecessary.M. Lang ColluraCampbell River

The best in a big city

After reading “The best in asmall community” (March1999), I was moved to write mypraise of Vancouver’s schoolcommunity.

As an area counsellor, I amprivileged to offer compassion-ate support to the people inseveral big city schools. Everyday I have the opportunity tolisten, to care, to empathize,and to journey with others.

But the caring comes back infull. Like the Ritchies’ son, myson also lived for three weeks atChildren’s Hospital. He had de-veloped osteomyelitis in his leftleg at the age of two months.We also experienced the out-pouring of the community. Wereceived flowers, cards, visits,and prayers from MacCorkin-dale, Cavell, Renfrew, andNootka elementary schools andthe circle of area counsellors. Ithelped me to stay hopeful byphoning and updating theschools, who really cared.

People say that a city is a coldand isolating place. We haveexperienced Vancouver as a cityof warmth…and I’ll tell my sonall about you as he approacheshis first birthday.

Thank you, Vancouverschools.Marilyn YeeVancouver

déjà vuat the AGM

Having just attended theAGM after an absence of sev-eral years, I was struck by howstrong a feeling of déjà vu Ihad.

Once again, I saw delegatesand candidates for office fo-cussed strongly on repeatingthe patterns of internal divisionand infighting that have be-come so ingrained in the inter-nal politics of our organization.The two parties, Teachers for aUnited Federation (TUF) andTeachers’ Viewpoint (newlynamed the Coalition forChange) demonstrated yet

President’smessage

Kit Krieger

TEACHER April 1999 3

1A Quality Approach toPrimary PE: A Resource Guide

for Teachers—Game Activities.Published by the VancouverSchool Board. 90p. 1993. Thissecond edition document containslessons and suggested resourcesfor teaching game activities toprimary students in physicaleducation. Recommended by theB.C. Ministry of Education. K–3.LA 8320—$16

2 Believe It or Not: A WorldReligion Resource Package.

Frank McCormick. 30p. ©1996.This resource package is intendedto give students a deeper under-standing of the world’s majorreligions. It rests upon the as-sumption that learning about thebeliefs and philosophies of otherswill lead to increased tolerance, toa more conscious awareness ofthe learner’s own position and toa keener curiosity about furtherstudy. Three different types ofmaterials are presented: intro-ductory activities; templates onBuddhism, Confucianism, andTaoism, and a bibliography withsuggested resources for the studyof religion. Grades 8–12. LA 2028—$4

3 Kids Create: Art and CraftExperiences. Laurie Carlson.

160p. ©1990. Paper and paste,clay and dough, print making,and seasonal projects make this awonderful resource book forprimary students. A pioneer logcabin, a dinosaur bone, makingyour own fossil or a robin’s nestwith eggs—more than 100activities to incorporate into yourlessons. Ages 3–9. LA 8608—$23

4 What Would You Do? AKid’s Guide to Tricky and

Sticky Situations. LindaSchwartz. 184p. ©1990. Thisbook is written to help kids andtheir parents discuss and decidein advance how they will handlepeer pressure, strangers, fearsand feelings, cuts, bites andstings, fires and leaks, and

natural disasters. Ages 9–16. LA2319—$14.95

5 Salmon Alphabet Poster.Produced by the Department of

Fisheries and Oceans Canada,48cm x 80cm colour poster©1992. This full size, full colourposter provides a salmon-relateddrawing and word for every letterof the alphabet. K–7. S 60—$10

6 Career and PersonalPlanning. Published by the

Vancouver School Board. 197p.©1995. Integrated withcurriculum and combined withwork experience, this resourceprovides a guide for developingprograms for all intermediate andsecondary general students andstudents with special needs. Thethree broad topics dealt withinclude self-awareness, personalmanagement, and career develop-ment. An extensive resource listaugments the text. This valuableresource book is filled with repro-ducible worksheets for studentuse. Grades 6–12. LA 2207—$26

7 Exploring Literacy: HowTeachers and Parents Can

Collaborate to Support EarlyLiteracy. Produced by the BCTF.193p. ©1999. This resource book,produced by a team of fourteachers and three parent part-ners, contains a wealth of ideas onhow schools can work with par-ents of different ethnic back-grounds to help them improvetheir children’s literacy skills. Theteam explored the concept ofliteracy in its broadest sense andrecognized that home and schoolliteracies can differ. The explora-tion resulted in practical sugges-tions for teaching parents to teachtheir children to love to read. LA 8096—$15

8 Reading Instruction ThatMakes Sense. Mary Tarasoff.

224p. 1993. A teacher’s guide toeffective literature-based, learner-focussed reading programs. In-cludes: how to create an environ-

Top 10 BCTF lesson aidsment for all students and providesactivities and resources for indivi-dual learners; assessment usingclassroom materials; outlines for20 beginning reading lessons;word recognition, fluency, compre-hension and responding strategies;resources for beginning andreluctant readers; overviews of 25strategies; and blackline mastersfor reading responses. Recom-mended by the B.C. Ministry ofEducation. Ages 5–11. LA 8015—$29.95

9 Blackline Masters. MaryTarasoff. 80p. 1993. Designed

to accompany LA 8015, thiscollection presents a variety ofways students can respond toreading. Suitable for studentswith a wide range of abilities andneeds. Ages 5–11. LA 8016—$19.95

10 Soil Secrets: An IntegratedIntermediate Science

Resource. Dr. Gladys Stansburyand Cathy Ready. 150p. ©1995.Resource book includes 11lessons that explore differentconcepts basic to the study ofsoils. Students learn about landforms, geology, biology, and thephysical process of weathering,sedimentation, and capillarity ofsoil. Integrated activities aresuggested to extend the unitacross the curriculum and 13integrated activities are included.LA 9510—$21.95

For a complete listing of over 900BCTF Lesson Aids, consult thecatalogue in your school library orthe Lesson Aids online catalogue,www.bctf.bc.ca/LessonAids

To order any of the above lessonaids, enclose a cheque payable tothe BCTF or authorized purchaseorder to BCTF Lesson Aids Service,100-550 West 6th Avenue,Vancouver, BC V5Z 4P2. GST andpostage/handling are included inthe prices. Orders are sent byreturn mail.

again how capable they are atfighting the seemingly endlessinternal battle over who hasthe monopoly on truth and, byextension, the better policiesand candidates for office.

At a time when we have theear of government and a fairlysupportive Ministry of Educa-tion, perhaps these fights areonly a relatively harmless formof theatre that can be fun toplay. What I fear, though, iswhat will happen to our poli-cies and our programs to sup-port members when we face aless sympathetic governmentand ministry, one that will listenmore to the Fraser Institute, thePrincipals’ and Vice-Principals’Association, and the religiousconservatives, who will bringagendas for more corporate in-volvement, management con-trol, and censorship in the pub-lic schools.

Sadly, I saw little at the AGMto convince me that the twoparties, consumed as they areby their internecine warfare,can unite to counter theseforces waiting in the wings. It ismy wish, as it is of many mem-bers I have talked to at theAGM and in the field, that themonies we submit to financethe Federation be spent onmore constructive activities,and less on activities that haveas their focus the jockeying forcontrol of its offices.Wayne WiensNorth Vancouver

Cuba worth a visitJacqui Birchall’s sympathetic

account, “Cuba” (March 1999),reminded me of my stay there is1997.

Staying at Varadero’s resorthotels gives a different perspec-tive of the possibilities. Thou-sands of well-heeled touristsfrom Canada, Western Europe,and South American countriesland in Cuba to enjoy the sun,sand, ocean, good food, andnight clubs. Despite the U.S.embargo, a few thousandAmericans every year manageto fly into Cuba from Canadaand Mexico. Cubans welcomeAmerican dollars and peoplewith open arms.

Air-conditioned Volvo busesbuilt in Brazil take tourists toHavana, Trinidad, and othercities. The tour guides, most ofwhom are ex-teachers, speakimpeccable English, French,German, or Italian as needed.Waiters in the five-star hotelsmake more than professionals.

Communism is good at uni-versal education and healthcare. No other South Americancountry can match Cuba’s 100%literacy and health care. How-ever, communism is inefficient,and it cannot create wealth;hence the difficulties of Cuba,which used to be subsidized bythe Soviets. The extreme deca-dence of capitalism under thedictator Batista made commu-nism and the charismatic Castroinevitable.

Canadian involvement inmining, tourism, and other in-dustries in Cuba is commend-able. After Castro departs, theinroads made by capitalism willbecome wider. Canadiansshould continue to visit Cuba inlarge numbers before it be-comes indistinguishable fromother South American coun-tries.B.A. KamathVancouver

A social justiceunion—What does

that mean?We are now a social-justice

union. Who would argueagainst belonging to a unionthat supports social justice?Without any dialogue with thesix locals that brought the mo-tion forward or the FeministCaucus formed to save the SWProgram, the members of the SJCommittee were lined up tospeak against the SW resolu-tion. They argued that the So-cial Justice Committee neededmore time to establish a pro-gram. If the SJ Program was nota success they would personallybring motions to reinstate thecommittees.

The mover of the motion,Greer Kaiser, from Terrace, andmember of the Provincial Statusof Women Committee, hadmade it clear that supporting adiscrete Status of Women Pro-gram did not mean that femi-nists did not support a SocialJustice Program. She simplystated that Status of Womenwork needed the SW Commit-tee and networks to efficientlycontinue the work of eliminat-ing sexism in our schools andpromoting the interests of fe-male teachers. Individual pro-jects and special grants will notsupport the core of a programto eliminate sexism.

The vote was very close. TheStatus of Women resolutionwas defeated 311 to 341. Laterin the AGM, the resolution tocontinue the CommitteeAgainst Racism was also de-feated. I watched delegates ofboth genders cheer when thevotes were announced. We arenow a union divided in halfover the delivery of social jus-tice. I cannot fathom why any-one would cheer loudly aboutthat.

I always thought that theBCTF was a social-justice union.I was very proud of the workthat was done by the Commit-tee Against Racism, the Chil-dren’s Rights Committee, andthe Status of Women Commit-tee. We did not need to giveourselves a title to show whatwe stood for because we hadactive committees and net-works doing important SJ work.It was obvious that BCTF mem-bers were truly working for so-cial justice.

I strongly question how thisimportant work can really con-tinue with fewer people, nonetworks, and fewer dollarscommitted to support it. Karen KilbrideSurrey

BCPVPA presidentresponds

Kit Krieger criticized the B.C.Principals’ and Vice-principals’Association (BCPVPA) report onthe impact of the Agreement inCommittee and accused princi-pals and vice-principals of notbeing supportive of teachersand students (Teacher, March1999).

I reject his arguments totallyand would like to share my re-sponse with your readers.

At the beginning of thisschool year the public was bom-barded by advertising cam-paigns from the governmentand the BCTF extolling thevirtues of the Agreement inCommittee. The campaign fo-cussed on positive elementssuch as the reduction in size of

primary classes and the hiringof many new teachers.

Our study identified issues ofconcern. We feel it is our pro-fessional duty to bring theseforward for public discussion.Our purpose is not to attack thecollective agreement but toshow how it is flawed and that,with some adjustments, its pos-itive objectives could beachieved in a cost-effective waywith no negative impact onkids.

Our study indicated that atleast 750 children have been re-fused admission to their neigh-bourhood school “because ofthe class-size requirements ofthe AIC.” This represents0.125% of all students in B.C.,not 0.0018% as Krieger states.He says this is not a significantproblem. I wonder if 0.125% ofBCTF members (50 teachers)were summarily transferred inSeptember to new schools,would he consider it insignifi-cant?

We have never criticized theconcept of reducing primaryclass size as a strategy to giveour youngest students a betterstart to their educational ca-reer. On the contrary; we havesuggested ways to make it workto achieve the minister’s statedobjectives in a more cost-effec-tive way. We argue for flexibil-ity. We argue that teachers andprincipals in individual schoolsare better qualified to deploystaffing resources in the mosteffective way possible. Teachersare just as frustrated by ele-ments of this agreement as weare.

Free and open debate ofpublic education issues ishealthy. All perspectives de-serve to be heard. I am not sur-prised that Krieger disagreeswith us, but I am disappointedthat he has reacted so nega-tively to our contribution tothis particular debate. How-ever, I will continue to present

strongly the perspectives ofprincipals and vice-principalson these and other issues,which have a direct impact onthe quality of education weprovide for our students.John RizzutiPresident, BCPVPA

70 years…“In the Middle Ages, each cit-

izen had his place—as in theguild—wherein he fitted.Today when unemploymentdirely stalks all unskilled labour,the opposite is painfully true.”

The B.C. Teacher, May 1929

50 years…“That education should have

as its primary motive the turn-ing out of young ladies andyoung gentlemen practiced inthe social graces, interestinglyconversant, considerate, andopen-minded there can be lit-tle doubt. But against this bat-tles the materialism of the out-side, the cold, hard facts of life,the necessity of earning a liv-ing, the increasing demands ofmaterial comfort, the technicalbackground necessary for pro-fessional ends.”

The B.C. Teacher, December 1948

30 years…“The differences in perspec-

tives of the generations isbeautifully illustrated in TheGraduate, a film in which themain character is a little wor-ried about his future. When heis angrily asked by his father,What did I send you to collegefor? the graduate replies, ‘Yougot me, Dad.’ I am told whenthis scene is viewed by studentaudiences they break out intowild cheers.”

The B.C. Teacher, January 1969

10 years…“Sadly and even dangerously

misinformed about the realiti-ies of the working world, manyteenaged girls across the coun-try are repeating their mothers’mistake, a mistake that haspropelled the majority of Cana-dian working women into low-paying dead-end jobs. In highschool, they are dropping outof science and math.”

Teacher, January 1989

LOOKINGBACK

4 TEACHER April 1999

A MidsummerNight’sNightmareby Constance Rulka

When I wrote, someyears ago, inpraise of ourschool librarians,

I said that Shakespeare hadcreated their prototype inProspero. The erstwhile dukeof Milan took his books withhim into exile on his strangeisland, and in them, he foundsufficient company for himselfand enough material to teachMiranda. The books broughtthe whole world to their fewacres of rock.

This seemed to me to bewhat the teacher-librarianswere doing in the schools:bringing all areas of learningwithin reach of students andshowing them how to admire,reject, or absorb what was tobe found there, giving them acritical judgment and set ofstandards.

Ariel, I was whimsicalenough to think, with hisability to circle the globe andextend the scope of Prospero’sguiding wisdom, symbolizedall the technological aids thathave come into the schools.

I was wrong. I had my playsmixed. We are not dealingwith the pure spirit of Ariel,carrying out Prospero’s ordersto achieve harmony and adistinct goal. Something hasgone awry. The ill-naturedRobin Goodfellow has replacedhim. With no well-thought-outplan, this mischief-maker hasgone about in the dark,indiscriminately sprinkling alotion on our eyes. We haveopened them to fall in lovewith the first object seen—even if it bears an ass’s head.

Only a midsummer night’smadness could explain whatwe have done during the lastfew years. Pleading lack offunds, we cut back librarians’time and consigned their wideexperience and ability toconnect children with books,to some area where they couldact as silent supervisors. Then,having exercised sucheconomy, we turned aroundand poured out hundreds ofthousands of dollars forrewiring schools to becomeadequate temples of a newidol, the computer.

We all jumped on a trainwith flashing lights as itrushed through a narrowtunnel to an unspecified

destination. Parents helped usto get on board, because theyhoped their children might betaken to some future wherethey would arrive well-equipped for some as yetunknown job market. Fearwas driving us, as well as thetrain.

No wonder RobinGoodfellow shook his head andsaid, “Lord, what fools thesemortals be!”

Funds were raised to putcomputers into the schools,with a hopeless goal of one perstudent. Unfortunately, it wasnot a one-time investment.Computers became obsolete,in no time at all, as more andmore changes were made intechnology, and differentmodels (at ever higher prices)were constantly in demand.Worst of all, the delicatemachines would break down;they needed highly skilledmaintenance and repair.Parents and boards, havingperformed superhuman featsof fund-raising to get thewhole thing started, foundthemselves back at square oneevery two or three years.

Robin Goodfellow couldsometimes be the will-o’-the-wisp that lured travellersthrough bogs and brambles,pretending to show a lightahead, to mark a destinationthat never materialized. Now,we are mired in the needlesscosts of our magical technol-ogy and torn by the ever-increasing pressure to movethis way or that in a hurry—before we are left behind.

Nobody seems to bemeasuring the effect on thechildren (especially in theearlier grades) of weaningthem from librarians andplugging them into machines.Fond grandparents watch asthe seven-year-oldsmanipulate the mouse andcontrol the keyboard—willingthemselves to believe that the

future is now secure. Thosechildren have been given thekey, and the world is nowtheirs. Moral standards, socialskills, and all that we mean byhumanity seem no longer tocount.

Fear forces us on, becauseother countries are rushing inthe same direction. We maynot know where we are going,but we dare not stop. We maynot know what we mean bycomputer literate, but wedespise those who are not. Wesee those who question ourobsession with the machine asclods who would have sus-pected Copernicus because ofhis Polish accent and con-demned Galileo for litteringthe streets of Pisa.

We think back, though, toAda Lovelace (Byron’sdaughter), after whom thehigh-level universal computerprogramming language ADAwas named. Her “Sketch of theAnalytical Engine,” in 1843,made clear the work ofCharles Babbage, the com-puter pioneer. She foresawthat the machine could someday be used to write music.However, she lost her moneyon using the machine to helpher calculate the winners inhorse-races. At least she knewwhere she was going and whatshe wanted the machine for.

There is a vast differencebetween that kind of controland our loosing adolescentsonto the Internet (or viceversa) and telling them that allthe information is theirs. Allthey have to do is use theirdiscrimination, as they decidewhat to do with it.

Like the people lost in thewoods in Shakespeare’s play, Iwish we could wake up, shakeoff the bad dream, and gohome to Athens.

Constance Rulka, a retiredteacher, is a school trustee inthe Howe Sound School District.

BCTF PublicEducationConference

Technology,teaching, and

learningby Janet Amsden

“What must wedo to ensurethat all stu-dents derive

the full educational benefit ofnew technologies?” was oneof the questions that DeputyMinister of Education CharlesUngerleider took away fromthe Public EducationConference: Technology,Teaching, and Learning.

“The 1999 BCTF PublicEducation Conference wasunusual,” acknowledgedStanford University’s LarryCuban. “To hear technologydiscussed critically wasunusual,” he explained.Cuban was addressing the250 teachers, parents,trustees, students, academics,and representatives fromgovernment, the Ministry ofEducation, and relatedagencies who gathered inRichmond on February 6,1999. Some weretechnophiles, some techno-phobes, and others some-where in between. All werereflecting on how technologyis being used in schools.

“Two decades after theintroduction of desktopcomputers into U. S. schools,”said Cuban, “teachers varyconsiderably in their class-room use of informationtechnologies.” Having studiedthe factors influencingclassroom use of computers,Cuban said that “The histori-cal legacy of technologicalinnovation in school and howpolicy-makers have framedthe uses of technology inclassrooms have affectedclassroom use.”

Presenters brought forthmany other considerationsregarding technology inschools. Alison Armstrong, aToronto parent and a co-author of The Child and TheMachine, raised questionsabout student literacy andergonomics and schooleconomics in her keynotespeech.

“Like all other parents,”said Armstrong, “I raised myhand when it came time tovote to spend most of thehome and school money oncomputers and software for

our local elementary school.It was not until I looked intothe quality of the software wewere buying and the hugecost we were incurring that Ibecame concerned that thiswas a huge shift in thinkingabout education, and I beganto wonder how it wasaffecting our studentsand…our teachers.”

In sessions, conference par-ticipants explored thequestion of privacy in thewired world, the effect oftechnology use on children’sconsumerism, and the perilsand potential of the Internetand online learning. Opinionswere varied, and thequestions in workshop ses-sions were thoughtful andprovocative. At the end of theday, participants deliberatedin small groups about thebenefits and challenges thattechnology brings to schools.

Participants agreed thatcomputers offer students un-precedented access to infor-mation and opportunities forworld-wide communicationand community building.They recognized thattechnology has a contributionto make to student learning: itcan add fun and motivationand can be a boon to studentswith learning challenges.Participants also agreed that,to ensure the appropriate useof technology in our schools,we must establish a sharedvision for its use. Participantsagreed that a significantshare of funding should beallocated to teacher trainingand maintenance if the visionis to be realized.

They also agreed that theteacher must have a centralrole in learning. ZahraEbrahim, a Grade 10 studentat West Vancouver’sRockridge Middle School, toldthe conference, “We mustunderstand that technology isa valuable tool in our society;however, it is not the curricu-lum. Technology will notreplace the foundation of agood education, and as wemove into the 21st century, itis important that weunderstand that the decisionswe make today onpartnership between technol-ogy and education will dictateand set the standards fortomorrow.”

Janet Amsden is an assistantdirector in the BCTF’sOrganization SupportDivision.

A summary report of the confer-ence is in progress and will bemailed to participants. If you wanta copy, contact Bev Humphries atthe BCTF, bhumphries@bctf.bc.ca

Teach English inCuba during thesummer of ’99

The Cuban Teachers’Union and the BCTFhave agreed to spon-sor a program to

improve the English facility ofCuban teachers of English.

The pilot program will becarried out over about fourweeks during July and August1999, with 10 volunteerteachers from BritishColumbia working with Cuban

teachers in Havana. Englishteaching will take place duringthe mornings, and the Cubanunion will organize culturaland educational programs inthe afternoons.

BCTF members are invitedto apply if they meet thefollowing critieria:• Nativelike fluency in oral

English• Knowledge of communica-

tive approaches andresources

• Experience in teachinglanguages or English as asecond language

• Ability to work with adults• Ability to work as part of a

team with little supervision• Ability to adapt to different

conditions and limitedresources

• Ability to work in a hotclimate.

Applications and furtherinformation are available fromLeona Dolan, at the BCTF, oron the BCTF Web site.

The deadline for receivingapplications is 17:00, May 14,1999. Applicants will beinformed of the results as soonas possible after that date.

Stanford University’s Larry Cuban, with a participantat the BCTF Public Education Conference.

PETE

R O

WEN

S PH

OTO

TEACHER April 1999 5

by Gavin Hainsworth

Teachers from acrossthe province madetheir voices heardagainst the MAI and

similar free-trade initiatives inpresentations to the B.C.Legislative Assembly SpecialCommittee on the MultilateralAgreement on Investment.They spoke out alongsideother unions and communitygroups in defining the pro-foundly negative effects ofunrestrained corporateinfluence on the public goodand on the autonomy andpower of democraticallyelected governments.

The hearings are the secondphase of the special commit-tee’s examination of the MAI.They follow on the experthearings in the fall, duringwhich BCTF President KitKrieger presented a brief.Communities the committeevisited included Kamloops,Shuswap, Surrey, Terrace, andVancouver. Teachers’ associ-ations from all five (includingVancouver where the Van-couver Secondary andVancouver Elementaryteachers’ associations made ajoint brief) made strongpresentations concerning theperceived damages anddangers of transnationalcorporate influence on theirstudents, schools, and publiceducation.

“The effects of globalizationare felt in every classroom,school, and district in B.C. andCanada,” said the SurreyTeachers’ Association brief(which I presented). “From thefashionable clothing worn bystudents at school (which wereproduced by sweatshoplabourers of their own age inthe nations of the South) to thesellout of school autonomythrough the tacit or openendorsement by school stafffor corporate sponsors (for afew funding dollars, souls canbe bought cheap), a vital and

drive for individual achieve-ment and entrepreneurialspirit and the imposition ofcareer and work experience,corporations and companieshave effectively downloadedlabour training upon thepublic education system. This“career readiness” approachcan occur only with thereduction of time devoted tothe teaching and encourage-ment of critical thinking anddemocratic values.

Second, access to educationis being restricted. Studentsmust assume huge debts whileworking doubly hard forreduced wages to obtain theirright to education—unless, ofcourse, they come fromwealthy families. Under theMAI proposal, the governmentis open to attack by countriesand companies claiming thatfrozen tuition fees are a formof trade subsidy.

Third, education is beingreduced to job training. Work-experience hours provide acheap labour pool thatundermines job security andbargaining power of theworkers in the businessesthese students “attend” in lieuof going to school. “Far toomany students are doing jobssuch as folding sweaters indepartment-store stockroomsrather than exploring the‘dream jobs’ such workexperiences tout in the publiceye,” stated the SurreyTeachers’ Association brief.

Fourth, standardized testingis impoverishing the curricu-lum at every level and is usedto restrict access to highereducation and the professions.The current mania for stan-dardized testing (including theenormous burden of provincialexams for Grade 12) nowdrives the curriculum asteachers, schools, and stu-dents alike are gauged by thiscriterion and then comparedby the tabulated results in themedia and in the public eye.

valued public educationsystem is under attack asnever before.”

Reflecting on the NAFTA,presenter Fawn Knox,Kamloops-ThompsonTeachers’ Association, foresawthat “the MAI would be moreintrusive and would grantextensive powers to trans-national corporations. Thenotion that our educationsystem is driven by thisparanoia to prepare ourclients (who used to be‘pupils’) with ‘useful skills’ anda ‘businesslike attitude’ tosucceed in this world issomewhat frightening. Thelooming MAI catapults thisnotion closer to reality.”

Dr. Ed Harrison, TerraceDistrict Teachers’ Union,outlined the historic context(political and culutral) inwhich the MAI and Free Tradein Canada (economic) havebeen advanced, and, to someextent, restrained. Accordingto Harrison, the MAI tips thebalance completely againstlocal self-determination inreturn for meagre economicbenefits. “As I interpret thetreaty from an educators/union perspective, I do notfind the safeguards necessaryto protect our culture and thusour sovereignty,” saidHarrison. “Treaties like theMAI and the global corporateenvironment in which theyfunction are very powerful,seductive, purveyors ofunfettered capitalism…whichpush forward their ownagenda of open and free tradeat any cost.”

Six primary themes camethrough strongly from all ofthe presentations—a clearrecognition of the real nega-tive effects of unrestrainedcorporatism through itsinfluence on public education.

First, education is beingmade fiercely competitive. Byreplacing the values of co-operation and equity with the

“What we can test and mea-sure through formal examsare concepts that are basicand limited,” stated FawnKnox (Kamloops). “Our publicsystem has thrived andexcelled because educatorsrecognized that a balance oflearning styles, content, and avariety of assessment tools arerequired in order to preparestudents.” As a hiddencurriculum, standardizedtesting is the parking brake onthe engine of educationalinnovation and excellence.

Fifth, decentralization ofadministrative and fiscalaccountability, linked withcentralization of curricula andfunding, undermines commun-ity values and structures. Byseparating policy from fund-ing, democratic accountabilityand influence are reduced.Centralized goals are pittedagainst each other within thestraitjacket of fiscal restraint,with local governments forcedto fight higher levels ofgovernment to obtain enoughmoney to do what thosegovernments have mandated.Public funding for education isunder attack as the higherlevels of government cry“fiscal responsibility,” while atthe same time allowingcorporations to defer orescape enormous amounts ofcorporate taxes in the fearthat they will pull out of theircountries, taking much-neededjobs with them.

Finally, funding pressuresmake public schools moreopen to “partnerships” withbusiness. Funding pressurescan lead to outright privatiza-tion of services. Harrison(Terrace) asked, “Once oneboard permits this, what,within MAI, prevents corpora-tions from arguing that theyshould be permitted theserights in other districts?” “Themore education becomes amix of public and for-profitsystems,” said Knox (Kam-

loops), “the more the MAI willapply.” Once a service ismixed, public and private, therights of corporations to holdor extend their influencewithin that “market” would beopen to legal recourse againstany government foolishenough to take them on.

If the MAI (or similaragreements) are signed, thespecial committee was told,corporations already en-trenched in the public educa-tion system would be almostimpossible to expel. Likewise,universities could also bedefined as enterprises; privatecolleges and institutes wouldthen have equal rights toaccess public funding or couldlaunch legal challenges for theright. Companies could evenassert rights of access toproduce schools’ and univer-sities’ exams and curriculumdocuments.

As a result of these presentand anticipated dangers toconserving a vibrant and vitalpublic education system, thelocals were united in urgingthe special committee to rejectthe MAI, and to work insteadfor global human rights,including education. Corporaterights must be linked withcorporate responsibilities, anddemocratically electedgovernments must be able tocall them to account and notshirk their responsiblity to doso. Teachers through theirassociations must play anenergetic and articulate role inthis. As I concluded in theSurrey Teachers’ Associationbrief (quoting Alice Walker),“Activism is my rent for livingon this planet.” B.C. teachersclearly paid their rent forFebruary and March at theSpecial Committee on the MAI.

Gavin Hainsworth teaches atNorth Surrey SecondarySchool, Surrey.

BCTF locals speak outMAI Hearings

Projectionistslocked out

for five months

Locked out sinceDecember 7, 1998,B.C.’s unionizedprojectionists continue

their dogged fight againstemployer demands for hugewage concessions. Askedabout the five-month anniver-sary, Projectionists’ UnionPresident Damon Faulkneracknowledged that “these arethe kind of milestones youdon’t really want to celebrate.”

This dispute pits a tinyunion (the British Columbialocal of the InternationalAlliance of Theatrical StageEmployees and Moving PictureMachine Operators has only64 members) against theentertainment industry giants.

The projectionists questionthe demand for a 60% wagecut when the parent com-panies of both theatre chains

enjoy enormous profits. Cine-plex Odeon, owned by Sony,last year earned more than$50 billion U.S. FamousPlayers, owned by Viacom,took in about $13 billion U.S.in the same period.

These employers havedecimated projectionist unionlocals across Canada and theUnited States. “Either sign orstarve is the message,” saysunion business agent DaveJones.

At press time, the two sideshad just agreed to two days oftalks through mediator BrianFoley. “At least it gets us backto the table,” Faulkner said.“With the summer seasoncoming up and the opening ofsome new theatres, we hopethey’ll be more open to areasonable settlement.”

Faulkner and Jonesappealed to teachers torespect picket lines. Thetheatre chains have beenattempting to undermine theprojectionists by liberallydistributing free tickets toschools, Guide and Scoutclubs, and other youth groups.At various times during theirlong labour dispute, theprojectionists have beendismayed to see teacherstaking advantage of thefreebies to take their classesto the theatres on field trips.

“We need teachers andeveryone to get the messagethat this is an emergencysituation,” Faulkner said. “It’slike two Goliaths against oneDavid.”

Members are reminded ofProcedure Statement 44.02 inthe Members’ Guide to theBCTF, which states that“members should respect theposition of employees who arelegitimately picketing andshould not cross a picket line.”

For more information aboutthe lockout or about what’sshowing at the independenttheatres not behind picketlines, call the Projectionists’Union (IATSE Local 348) (685-0007), or tap into its Web site(www.bcprojectionists.com).

BCTF Web sitewww.bctf.bc.ca

The BCTF Web site hasgrown to include more than1,300 pages of informationand eight resource databases.The number of visits to thesite has tripled over the last12 months.

E-zine Onlinewww.bctf.bc.ca/ezine/

Teacher is published andarchived online so thatmembers and researchershave ready access to the keystories and articles that haveappeared in the last two years.

In an effort to improve ourtimeliness in Web publishing,we are producing thepublication in PDF format aswell as HTML, beginning withthe January–February 1999issue. The PDF version, identi-cal to the print publication informat and layout, includesthe classified ads. To view thedocument you need the freeAdobe Acrobat Reader. Weprovide online instructionsand links to several Web sites,including the BCTF, to facili-tate downloading thesoftware. Also, your computer

display will have to supportmore than 256 colours.

E-mail your commentsdbroome@bctf.bc.ca or use thefeedback link on the e-zine’sWeb page.

First Nations and Métiseducation home pagewww.bctf.bc.ca/Social/FirstNations/

Delegates to the 1999 AGMpassed a series of recommen-dations developed by theeight-member Task Force onFirst Nations Education. Itscomprehensive report, back-ground articles, teachingresources, ministry aboriginaleducation funding policies,and a calendar of workshopand events are on the Website.

– Diana Broome

6 TEACHER April 1999

OccupationalSafety and

Health Week

Workplace safety isimportant to usall. The Provinceof British Colum-

bia has officially proclaimedMay 17 to 23, 1999, NorthAmerica Occupational Safetyand Health Week (NAOSHWeek).

NAOSH Week is an annualevent sponsored by theCanadian Society of SafetyEngineering (CSSE), inassociation with the Workers’Compensation Board of B.C.,the Labour Program ofHuman ResourcesDevelopment Canada, and theB.C. Ministry of Labour.

The tri-national theme forNAOSH Week 1999 is Occupa-tional Safety and Health: It’sEverybody’s Business. Thetheme emphasizes the role weall play in ensuring safe andhealthy workplaces and theeconomic benefit of saferworkplaces.

For more information, visitwww.wcb.bc.ca/resmat/pubs/naoshwk.htm

To receive your free partici-pant guide, write to: RempyJohal, c/o BC BiomedicalLaboratories Ltd. 3300Boundary Road, Burnaby, BCV5M 4A4, F: (604) 255-6994

6.8 VoiceDysfunction

Teachers use their voices allday at work, whether with anentire class or with an indivi-dual student or colleague. Anoccupational injury common toteachers is voice dysfunction,damage of the vocal cords,which causes loss or weaknessof vocal functions. You canprevent voice dysfunction bytaking the following precau-tions: warm up your voiceprior to the teaching day, donot use excessive volume, varyyour teaching style so that youdo not lecture for prolongedperiods, and drink plenty offluids throughout the day. Theemployer must provideacoustically designed work-places that do not requireoverexertion of the vocalcords. Drama, band, music,technical education, andphysical education teachers, inparticular, are susceptible tovoice dysfunction. Workload(class size, hours of work) hasan impact on this type ofinjury.

– BCTF Occupational Health & Safety Manual

By the end of teacherinterviews in November/December 1995, I was havingepisodes of complete voicefailure. I decided to arrangefor speech therapy starting inJanuary 1996.

My speech pathologistshowed me how to avoid thebad habits I had developed. Ihad to learn to breathe fromthe diaphragm instead of thechest, to use better posturewhen addressing or reading tothe class, to drink waterregularly to prevent drying outmy vocal chords, to project myvoice properly, to humidify myenvironment, to do daily vocalexercises, and to makenumerous other changes.

I reduced my teaching timeto 0.9 by using my sick-leavedays, so I could attend voicetherapy sessions Wednesdayand Friday afternoons. Afterthree months, my speechpathologist prepared a pro-gram of vocal exercises

hat I could do at home. Idecided to apply to the WCB torecover my sick-leave days. Icontinued to need two to fourdays of voice rest per month.

The WCB denied my initialclaim. I appealed the decision,and a BCTF representativehelped me prepare for an oralappeal held in Nanaimo onJanuary 15, 1998. The appealwas denied.

For the next appeal, Iunderwent an assessment atthe Pacific Voice Clinic, inVancouver, in June 1998. Thereport supported my claimthat my disability was due tovocal misuse and abusecaused by my employment. Myvoice dysfunction developedover many years because ofconstant strain on my voice.The clinic recommended that Iuse a portable voice-amplification system.

The value of learning languagesby Guillermo Bustos

The Vancouver SchoolBoard is consideringa policy that willallow the parents’

advisory committee of eachelementary school todetermine which will be thesecond language taught. Sucha policy will revive the debateabout the role of heritagelanguages and the role ofFrench as the other officiallanguage of this country.

At the secondary level,second-language teachersreport the alarming drop ofstudents taking any second-language course. On the otherhand, 380 students (13 classes)challenged Mandarin 12.

Why are fewer studentschoosing second-languagecourses? Why are studentswho speak a heritagelanguage trying to get creditfor a second-language course?

Some students need space intheir timetables for the extramath and science courses thatwill pave their way to univer-sity. Students who do not seethemselves as universitymaterial do not believe theyneed a second language either.Many parents believe weshould focus on Asian lang-uages in order to do businesswith Asia. And, of course,many believe that learninglanguages is so difficult!

Finally, who cares aboutFrench in the West? Quebecwants to separate anyhow!

Although there is auniversity requirement for asecond language, studentsdiscover or are advised that abeginners 11 course will do.Can you imagine trying toenter university with a begin-ners math or a beginnersEnglish? What makes peoplethink that second languagesshould be treated differently?

In European countries thatstreamed students at the endof Grade 6, students in voca-tional or trades programswere not taught a secondlanguage. In the newEuropean community, thishandicap limits their mobility.This will soon happen to us.Geologists and miningtechnicians and workers goingto Latin America have to cramSpanish in night courses. In anincreasingly interdependentworld, speaking two or threelanguages is a real asset.

Then, why not focus onAsian languages and forgetEuropean languages? Theanswer is in Asia itself. Dozensof Canadian graduates are inAsian countries teachingEnglish and French. There isan advantage to being a bi-lingual country!

There is a differencebetween a language spoken bymany and a universal

language. All over the world,people strive to learn Englishand French in order tocommunicate, to study, totrade, to research.

By rejecting French, somecommunities are doingthemselves a disservice.Because French is an officiallanguage, millions of dollarshave been spent over theyears developing resourcesand training teachers. Thoseresources are not available forheritage languages. Also,having native speakers taketheir heritage language as asecond language course is aform of self-delusion. Wouldwe find it normal to have astudent who has finished theconservatory take a BeginnersMusic 11 course? What is thatstudent learning?

Immigrants have come tothis country to make it theirown. And part of this country’sreality is its bilingualism. Weshould not deprive newcomersof the opportunity to learnboth official languages. And ifwe take the example of certainimmersion programs in areasof Vancouver with high ESLpopulations, learning Frenchhas been very rewardingbecause children do not needto know English to learnFrench.

But what if Quebec separ-ates? Why learn French? IfQuebec separates, we will

have one more country withwhich to trade in French, andthe rights of the francophoneminorities outside Quebec willbecome paramount to ademocratic and inclusiveCanadian society.

Now, are languages difficultto learn or is it a frame ofmind? Certainly as in anydomain, some people are moregifted than others. But asteaching of second languageshas changed from thegrammatical to thecommunicative approach, thenumber of students who canspeak and read a language atthe end of Grade 12 has alsoincreased tremendously. TheFrench public-speaking contest“Le Concours d’Art oratoire,”held yearly at UBC, now has anestablished FSL component.B.C. students travelling abroadsuddenly appreciate havinglearned a second language insecondary school.

But all this will amount tovery little if we educators donot model appreciation for thelearning of languages, as wemodel all other learning, and ifwe do not fight the miscon-ceptions on language learning,as we fight all other biases.The ball is in our court.

Guillermo Bustos is anassistant director in theBCTF’s ProfessionalDevelopment Division.

You arenot alone

by Graham Rudd

The fourth annualBCTF BeginningTeachers’ Conferencetook place February

12 and 13 at the Delta PacificConference Centre inRichmond. This increasinglypopular event, which hasbecome the second largestBCTF-sponsored gatheringafter the AGM, was attendedby 430 participants fromacross the province. Theywere attracted by an offeringof almost 40 workshops,including “Survival Skills forthe First Years,” “Use ofCriterion-Referenced Assess-ment,” “Focus on Bullying inElementary Schools,”“Inclusion: Strategies andSupport,” and a variety ofsubject-specific sessions.

Delegates were welcomed byCharan Gill, the principalconference organizer and aBCTF assistant director forProfessional Development, andby Kit Krieger, BCTF presi-dent. Krieger recalled theinauspicious start to histeaching career: an inoppor-tune fainting spell at thebeginning of his first class as astudent teacher at KitsilanoSecondary School, in Vancou-ver. Fortunately he had both asoft landing and empatheticstudents. Charan Gill noted theimportance of the conferencein preparing new teachers onthe eve of what she termed“the bulge,” the imminentwave of teacher retirementsexpected in the next five to tenyears. She also noted theimportance of the conferenceas a way for the BCTF to offersupport to beginning teachers,those of us in the first fiveyears of our careers, and tohelp us build connections bothwith our colleagues and withour Federation. Finally, shenoted that as teaching isbecoming more and morestressful, beginning educatorsneed to know that they don’thave to go it alone, and thatsupport and advice areavailable at the school level, atthe district level, and at theprovincial level.

The most popular how-tosessions were on how tomanage stress, how to managetime, how to survive, and howto maintain enthusiasm,passion, and wellness in theclassroom. Delegates recog-nized the need to balance thedemands and expectationsplaced on new teachers with ahealthy and fulfilling life out-side the school and the class-room. Suggested strategiesinclude avoiding comparisonwith the experienced teacherdown the hall, focussing onone curricular area per yearrather than trying to do it allat once, and starting healthywork habits at the outset ofone’s career. Perhaps the mostvaluable and appreciatedadvice is to realize thatoccasionally saying no torequests for one’s time forextracurricular activities inthe first year or two of teach-ing is not only acceptable butadvisable.

Many time- and stress-saving suggestions were fromthe workshop leaders them-selves, who shared with the

Health and safety

Dear Colleagues,In October 1995, I thought I

had a bad case of virallaryngitis. After three weeksof hoarseness, I went to seemy doctor. He sent me to anotolaryngologist who, afterexamining my vocal chords,prescribed voice therapy andmedication to reduce theswelling in my throat.

The BCTF representativegathered more researchsupporting my claim and, withthe report from the PacificVoice Clinic, resubmitted myclaim in the form of a writtenappeal. The appeal wasallowed on January 5, 1999.My sick-leave days werereplaced, and I am awaitingthe purchase of my voice-amplification system.

If you are experiencing anyvoice dysfunction, I urge youto see a specialist as soon aspossible.

Carol Minchin, LadysmithIntermediate School, Nanaimo.

TEACHER April 1999 7

delegates their considerableexperience and wisdom gainedover years of teaching. Mostleaders built some sharingactivities into their seminars.Participants could discuss andproblem-solve issues peculiarto beginning teachers, and theleaders could offer solutionsbased on their experiences.Hearing that the longtimeteachers had experiencedmany of the same predica-ments we are now encounter-ing was refreshing andencouraging. This mentor/beginning teacher relationshipwas a hallmark of the ses-sions, and the importance ofthis relationship in thedevelopment of confident andeffective new teachers cannotbe overstated.

Other sessions were moresubject- and situation-specific.Workshops were offered onassessing and evaluatingstudent writing, incorporatingdrama into the classroom,planning and implementingartist workshops and resi-dency programs, exploringsocial issues through theatre,and finding lesson ideasonline. Some sessions offeredpractical, hands-on ideas inmath, science, social studies,French, music, and PE. Thenumber and the high qualityof the workshops at the con-ference made choice, andoccasionally availability, prob-lematic. As a partial solutionand in order to give delegatesa window into sessions theywere unable to attend, allconference leaders were askedto provide a summary of theirsessions for the BCTF Website: www.bctf.bc.ca/career/beginning/conference

Many of the subject-specificsessions offered excellentideas and strategies that couldbe immediately implementedin the classroom. For example,after attending “ConnectingKids with Math,” withCatherine Sheard, I was ableto integrate her excellent ideasfor teaching stem and leaf,and box and whiskers datagraphing and plotting into myGrade 7 math unit on dataanalysis. Grant Stewart fromOcean Grove ElementarySchool, in Campbell River,offered some handy tips in“Report Card Writing andCriterion-Referenced Assess-ment” that were immediatelyuseful in planning for andwriting Term 2 reports.

Being a beginning teacher isboth immensely challengingand rewarding. Most of uswork in very supportive envi-ronments, where our fellowteachers and administratorsremember what it was like tobe a new teacher. They areeager and willing to lend ahand and to offer advice, butnew teachers also need toshare their experiences withother new teachers. The BCTFannual Beginning Teachers’Conference provides an idealforum for beginning teachersfrom across the province tobegin forming the interper-sonal relationships thatencourage them to continuegrowing personally andprofessionally throughouttheir careers. It was a trulyinvaluable experience that Iwould highly recommend toany beginning teacher.

Graham Rudd is a first-yearteacher at White RockElementary School, Surrey.

Parent loves her public schoolby Tracy Sherlock

The debate over thetraditional schoolissue in Richmondhas focussed on what

parents perceive to be lackingin our schools. I believe thatwith more knowledge andparental involvement in ourschools, the traditional schooldebate will simply dissipate.For this reason, I would liketo recognize what I love aboutmy neighbourhood school.

I love the way my childlearns. Already this year, shehas done several authorstudies, expanded her readingvocabulary at least a hun-dredfold, learned themeaning of hyperbole, andpicked up all four of the mathfunctions. That is just ascratch on the surface of allthat she has learned.

I love the way she is enthu-siastic about her homework,which is usually a full hour ofreading each night and thensome sort of assignment eachweekend. I love the way shesets her weekly agenda andmakes sure I initial it eachnight. I love the way she letsme know what she haslearned through her increasedawareness of the world and allthat is in it. Did I mention thatmy daughter is in Grade 1?

I love the way her teacherstructures her day with rou-tines that give her a sense ofsecurity so that she can know

by Mavis Lowry

During the springbreak, I attendedthe annualconference of the

American Education FinanceAssociation, in Seattle. There Iheard the death knell forcharter schools operated byprivate firms on a for-profitbasis. The session by Dr.David Arsen, of MichiganState University, wouldconvince even the most ardentadvocate of charter schools torethink his/her convictions.

Dr. Arsen explained thatMichigan is an especially goodplace to study charter schoolssince that state has more thanany other state except Califor-nia and Arizona. Michigan hasa more deregulated, permis-sive, autonomous system thanyou will find in most states.There one can see whatcharter schools will do givenfree reign. Charter proponentssay that more will be spent oninstruction. Opponents arguethat more will be spent onadministration. Which is true?Arsen sets out the facts.

Three-quarters of the

what to expect when she goesto school. I love the way herteacher takes the time todiscuss such weighty issues ashurt feelings or cheating,which helps develop well-rounded, caring humanbeings. I love the way theseissues are discussed with firmyet kind understanding.

I love the way our school values

each child…I love the way her teacher

celebrates achievements withan awards ceremony each day.I love the way the children aretaught to share complimentsand goals in terms of theirwork. I love the way theteacher communicates with theparents through a “rap book”that comes home each day. Thebook includes a daily planneras well as an opportunity forparents to convey to theteacher anything of note that ishappening at home. I love theway her report cards discussher individually rather than byletter grade. At this point I ammuch more interested in howshe is learning to learn andlove learning rather than inwhat percentage she can learn.

I love the way her schooloffers only combined classesso that she is guaranteed theopportunity to experiencelearning as both an older childand as a younger child.

I love the ways that the olderchildren are givenopportunities for leadership.The responsibility and accoun-tability given to playgroundleaders, office and librarymonitors, and the varioussports teams teach valuablelessons in self-discipline,integrity, and citizenship. I lovethe way that older childrenhave younger buddies in theschool for reading programs.

I love the way our schoolvalues each child as anindividual and the way thatthe school honours children’sachievements through assem-blies. I love the way theschool values its variouscommunities through all sortsof special events.

I love the way the admini-strators communicate withthe parents through casualcoffee and conversationsessions that tackle toughissues. I love the way theentire staff is open andapproachable.

This school offers everythingthat would be provided by atraditional school, and much,much more.

For these reasons, andmany more too numerous tomention, I love my school.

Tracy Sherlock is a parent ofa child at Archibald BlairElementary School, Richmond.

Source: Richmond News,February 28, 1999

If you sayit often

enough...

We educate a great-er proportion ofour students tohigher levels than

ever before in human history.Canada has achieved the high-est level of post secondaryparticipation of any country inthe world. Parents from othercountries send their childrento Canada to be educated inour public schools, parentswho can obviously afford pri-vate schools. We have a publicschool system second to none.But that doesn’t deter thecritics. A book titled, The WayWe Were? The Myths andRealities of America’s StudentAchievement,* looks at someof the criticisms leveled atAmerican schools over the last150 years. Note the dates.

Horace Mann, secretary ofpublic instruction in Massa-chusetts “reported that threehundred Massachusettsteachers were forced byriotous and violent students toflee their classrooms in asingle 12-month period—theyear of 1837.”

“An 1898 writing exam atthe University of California(Berkley) found that 30% to40% of entering freshmenwere not proficient in English.”

“In 1902, the editors of TheNew York Sun opined thatwhen they had attendedschool, children ‘had to do alittle work…Spelling, writingand arithmetic were not elec-tives and you had to learn.’Now, however, schooling was‘a vaudeville show. The childmust be kept amused andlearns what he pleases.’”

“The National Association ofManufacturers charged in1927 that 40% of high schoolgraduates could not performsimple arithmetic or accur-ately express themselves inEnglish.”

“The refusal to use provenphonics methods ‘is graduallydestroying democracy in thiscountry; it returns to theupper middle class theprivileges that public educa-tion was supposed to distri-bute evenly…” Why JohnnyCan’t Read, Rudolph Flesch,1955 (reissued in 1986).

Most of these criticismssound hauntingly familiar. Ifthese critics were at allaccurate we would now havean illiterate society incapableof maintaining the technolo-gical advances developed overthe same period.

Perhaps if people beganhearing the facts rather thanthe myths, they would have aclearer vision of the realstrength of our public schools.

– Peter Owens

*The Way We Were? The Mythsand Realities of America’s StudentAchievement, Richard Rothstein,1998. The Century FoundationPress, New York.

The amount spent oninstruction in these

charter schoolsis…half of the per

student expenditurein the regular public

schools.charter schools in Michiganare operated on a for-profitbasis. That is, a private firmcontracts with the charteringagency—generally the univer-sity—to manage the school.

The amount spent on instruc-tion in these charter schoolsis—believe it or not—half ofthe per student expenditure inthe regular public schools.Yes, I was stunned. We sus-pected it might be bad, butthis was outrageous. Thecharter schools run up largesurpluses (profits) to the tuneof $1,590 per student per year.

The amount spent on ad-ministration, on the otherhand, is 25% higher ($700more per-student per year) incharter schools than in theregular public schools. Therewas no explanation as to whatall the extra money for admin-istration was being spent on.But this fact seemed all themore ironic when, in anothersession, a researcher from theUniversity of Delaware pre-sented preliminary results ofhis school-based-outcomesstudy in Florida: the moredollars spent at the schoollevel on administration, thepoorer the student perfor-mance. Where there was “highinfluence” by the principal andless involvement of theteachers in operation of theschool, the student perfor-mance was reduced.

Reduced expenditure oninstruction in Michigan charterschools was explained in termsof the lower salaries paid tocharter-school teachers andthe fact that no pensionpayments were being made onbehalf of any staff in thecharter schools. Poorcompensation has resulted in agreat deal of “turbulence” instaffing. Yet the NEA and theAFT (American teacherunions) reported in anothersession that charter-school

teachers generally feel they donot need a union. However, onaverage, the teachers appear,in a preliminary survey, to

Charter schools,if…handed over tothe private sector,mean less spent oninstruction, more

spent on administra-tion, poorly

compensated staff,and, at the same

time, the generationof enormous profits.

work only two years in thecharter school before eitherreturning to the public systemor finding another career.

Not all charter schools arealike, however. About 5% ofthe Michigan charter schoolsare operated by a schooldistrict. Where this is the case,the situation is very different.The large overexpenditures onadministration and largeunderexpenditures forinstruction are not found here.The teachers in these charterschools remain in the unionand are compensated as otherdistrict teachers are.

So let this be a lesson to us.Charter schools, if taken out ofthe public realm and handedover to the private sector, meanless spent on instruction, morespent on administration, poorlycompensated staff, and, at thesame time, the generation ofenormous profits.

Mavis Lowry is an assistantdirector in the BCTF’sBargaining Division.

The death knell for charter schools

8 TEACHER April 1999

about the central role of publiceducation in Cuba. Prior to therevolution, he said, only 56%of children went to elementaryschool, and only 28% of youthsattended secondary school.Millions of Cubans wereilliterate. Today UNESCO ratesCuba’s quality of education asthe top in all of Latin America.

Abreu painted a starkpicture of the extreme short-ages facing Cuban teachersand students as a result of theU.S. economic blockade andthe Helms-Burton bill. Moreand more students lack suchessentials as food, shoes,uniforms, and groomingsupplies, while schools lacktextbooks, stationery, com-puter components, desks andother basic furniture, and laband audio-visual equipment.

“Despite these shortages,”Abreu said, “not one schoolhas been closed, and none ofour 250,000 teachers has beenlaid off. Furthermore, not onemuseum or library has beenclosed. Not one child lacksaccess to schooling.”

Abreu thanked the BCTFmembers for their materialand spiritual solidarity. “Youhave a very special place inour memory and in our hearts.Your support for our efforts tostrengthen our public educa-tion system has been crucial.We will always honour yourtrust,” he said.

Education Minister PaulRamsey also addressed theAGM on a range of topics:

increased education funding,continued class-size reductionin K–3, support for non-enrolling teachers, preparingstudents for “the new litera-cies of the 21st century,” andeducating them for engagedcitizenship.

He pledged continued fund-ing for the class-size initiative,which he said has supportfrom teachers and parents.“Teachers across B.C. havetold me what a differencehaving smaller classes makesto them, and how it enablesthem to pay more attention toeach student. Parents havetold me how much betterthings are becoming for theirchildren now that they havemore one-on-one attentionand better access to librarians,counsellors, and other class-room support teachers.”

He acknowledged thatschools must do a better jobfor First Nations students andhe commended the Federationon its initiative in this area.The new “Shared Learnings”resources and the Nisga’ateaching modules are intendedto help support teachers whoare unfamiliar with how tobring aboriginal history andculture alive in theirclassrooms.

The minister also took aimat the Fraser Institute and itsranking of schools based onaverage exam marks. Theministry’s new booklet, “BrightLights,” features some of thefine work going on in someschools that ranked poorly ac-cording to the business lobbygroup’s simplistic analysis.

He urged parents to taketime to go to schools and “findout the real story instead oflistening to the offensive andinsulting propaganda releasedby self-interest groups like theFraser Institute.” He urgedteachers to make their voicesheard by writing letters to theeditor or calling radio talkshows to challenge the unin-formed critics.

Ramsey received a standingovation and an enthusiasticround of applause for hisstrong stand in opposition tothe incursions of Youth NewsNetwork into B.C. classrooms.(See page 9.)

He concluded with thanks toall the teachers of B.C., saying,“When it comes right down toit, the most importantrelationship, the one the entirepublic education system existsto support, is the relationshipbetween the teacher and thestudent.”

– Nancy Knickerbocker

AGM from page 1

AG

M’9

9

What is genuineaccountability in

schools?by Janet Amsden

Linda Darling-Hammond’s addresson genuine account-ability was well

received by AGM delegates,who are used to teacherunions’ being called “self-serving” or “wanting to avoidaccountability” when opposingthe use of province-wide testresults to compare schools.

“Accountability is nottesting,” said the StanfordUniversity professor ofeducation. “Where Americanstates have put in place test-based accountability systems,they have created dysfunc-

tional incentives…In a numberof states…we’ve had an in-creased retention of studentsin grade so that their testscores look better, an increasein pushing kids into specialeducation, where their testscores won’t count, and anincrease in excluding kidsfrom school altogether to getthe average scores of theschool up because the easiestway to get your average scoreup is to push kids out ofschool.”

She noted a similar pheno-menon in medicine in NewYork State. “They began torate cardiology surgeons onmortality rates. They did!…They discovered that inwestern New York most of thedoctors were sending theirmost egregious cases to Ohiobecause they were afraid totreat the most medically needypatients…”

Darling-Hammond askeddelegates to learn fromAmerican mistakes and not toreplicate them. Since the early1980s, Georgia and NorthCarolina have had a test-basedaccountability system wherestudents’ test results at everygrade level have beenreported. Students were heldback if they didn’t do well;teachers were given merit payor probation according tostudent performance. Over thedecade national mathematicsassessments (in Grade 4,1992–1996) showed “not onewhit” of improvement, butdrop-out rates did increase.The states that scored thehighest had the higheststandards for teacher licensingand did not have a state-levelassessment program in placeat the time.

The lesson Americanslearned was that testing doesnot improve learning, teachingdoes. Darling-Hammond urgeddelegates to focus on profes-sional accountability, “…Thekind of accountability thatpertains in activities whereprofessional judgment isneeded to make good decisionsof behalf of clients.”

“Professions have threefeatures that distinguish themfrom other kinds of occupa-tions,” said Darling-Hammond. “First of all, theyhave a knowledge base that iswidely shared by all themembers who enter theprofession. Second of all, theypledge to use that knowledgeon behalf of the welfare of thechild or of the client. Theymake decisions based on whatis best practice rather thanwhat is most politicallyexpedient, easiest to do, ormost convenient. And finally,they take responsibility fordefining and transmittingthose standards of practice tonew entrants in the profes-sion. They take responsibilityfor ensuring that what goes onoutside of their own purview isalso professionally respon-sible.

“If we want genuine accoun-tability in schooling,” she said,“we need to emphasize profes-sional accountability for mak-ing good educational decisionson behalf of children andhelping teachers have accessto the knowledge they need tomake those decisions well.”

Darling-Hammond calledthe BCTF’s proposal for analternative to accreditation,School Self-Evaluation andPlanning (SSEP), an importantproposal that would put “theengine for change” back in theschool. The SSEP, “…wouldenable teachers to create theirown system of professionalaccountability” that is basedon continuing schoolimprovement.

Janet Amsden is an assistantdirector in the BCTF’sOrganization Support Division.

Copies of Darling-Hammond’saddress to the AGM are availablefrom your local president, on theBCTF Web site www.bctf.bc.ca/parents/speeches/darling-hammond.htm , or for loan onvideo from the BCTF ResourcesCentre.

A letter toThe Province

by Ralph SundbyThe following letter was sent

to The Province newspaper inresponse to its publication ofThe Fraser Institute ranking ofschools. The portion inboldface is what the paperprinted.

As a parent of a Grade 9student in a Vancouverschool, I want to register mystrongest objection to yourcomparison of secondaryschools based on a purported“study” by the FraserInstitute.

Such simplistic comparisonshave been repeatedly dis-credited for a variety ofreasons. For one thing, theyrepresent a very narrowmeasurement that is ofdebatable validity. Further,they are devoid of any adjust-ment for economic, ethnic, orsocial factors.

Show me an analysis of thesecondary schools with respectto these factors, and I can tellyou with a high degree ofaccuracy how the schools willcompare on test scores. This isnot new information to TheProvince and yet you persist inpublishing these invalidcomparisons in spite ofharmful effects.

The Province knows verywell that many schoolsserving students fromdeprived and troubled back-grounds are doing a marvel-ous job and saving societyenormous future costs byputting such youngsters on apositive path. Such schoolswill be degraded by thepublication rather thancredited for the fine workthey are doing.

My daughter attends whatthe province would call one ofthe better schools. I think it isa good school, too, but I don’twant her teachers to sacrificeany part of her education as aresult of being forced to teach“to the test.”

PETE

R O

WEN

S PH

OTO

S

David Chudnovsky Grace Wilson Linda Watson Barb Parrott Jinny Sims Linda Shuto Alice Rees Patricia Clough Margaret Little Neil Worboys Kit Krieger President 1st Vice-president 2nd Vice-president Members-at-Large ELECTED Members-at-Large CONTINUING Past President

TEACHER April 1999 9

Clockwise from upper left:President-Elect DavidChudnovsky; Kit Krieger, withRoy C. Hill Award winnerPamela Hagen; Julia Goulden,winner of the BCTF’s G.A.Fergusson Memorial Award;David Chudnovsky, Luis Abreu(secretary general, CubanTeachers’ Union), and KitKrieger; Linda Darling-Hammond, with PeggySalaberry, Central OkanaganTeachers’ Association.

The right wing FraserInstitute is not “prestigious”and The Province discreditsitself in becoming an organ forits very conservative agenda.

Ralph Sundby is a retiredteacher and BCTF staff person.

How grass rootsbeat deep pocketsby Dan Blake

It was a classic David andGoliath story, or, in amore contemporary vein,a story of how grass roots

organizing won out over deeppockets. The deep pocketsbelong to the Youth NewsNetwork (YNN). YNN offersinterested secondary schoolsabout $200,000 worth of

Given the fact thatschooling is

compulsory, we are,in effect, compellingstudents to be the

subjects of amarketingcampaign.

technology (TVs, software,computers, VCRs, videocameras,and a satellite dish)in exchange for a guaranteethat 90% of the students in theschool will watch a 12.5-minute news broadcast, whichincludes 2.5 minutes ofcommercials. YNN says that itneeds to sign up 200 schoolsby September 1999, when

broadcasting of the newsprogram begins. At $200,000per schools, that’s 40 milliondollars up front before YNNcan earn any money fromadvertising. Deep pocketsindeed.

The grass roots are theparents, teachers, communityorganizations, and concernedindividuals from Halifax toSechelt, who, through theInternet, have built a ground-swell of opposition to the saleof our kids’ minds to thehighest bidder. John Pungente,president of the CanadianAssociation of Media Educa-tion Organizations (CAMEO),has been in the forefront oforganizing the resistance.Since the current initiative(YNN attempted to get into thepublic school system in 1992and in 1995, but both wereturned back by the samecoalition of parents, teachers,and community organizations)came to light in January 1999,Pungente has issued 80bulletins to 50 individuals andorganizations. On some days,Pungente has issued as manyas three bulletins, each onethree pages long.

Erika Shaker, of theCanadian Centre for PolicyAlternatives, has providedinvaluable research on thepersonalities and corporatestructure of Athena Educa-tional Partners, the latestincarnation of YNN. The CCPAresearch has revealed thatthere is really only one“partner” in Athena and that’sYNN. One of the other so-called partners is GagePublishing, a major supplier oftextbooks to elementaryschools across Canada. I spokerecently with Chris Bessie,president of Gage Publishing,and expressed my concernwith the company(!) he waskeeping. He quickly assuredme that his only relationshipwith Athena is that of asupplier of software. Heexplained that his company isanxious not to alienate itsestablished customers. YNN’sstrategy is clear: surroundyourself with credible business“partners” (read suppliers) ina desperate effort to makeyourself palatable to theeducational community. YNNalso lists the company thatsupplies the satellite dishes asa “partner.”

This latest YNN initiativeserves to crystallize the moralquestion around corporateinvolvement in public educa-tion. Corporate involvement isprimarily self-interestedinvolvement. For example,Coca Cola agrees to pay aschool a certain amount ofmoney in exchange for exclu-sive rights to market itsproduct to the students (con-sumers) in the school. Giventhe fact that schooling iscompulsory, we are, in effect,compelling students to be thesubjects of a marketingcampaign. The students will

be confronted by strategicallyplaced vending machines inthe cafeteria and hallways.They will probably havecorporate logos painted ontheir gym walls. They mayalso be wearing school teamuniforms with the samecorporate logo, and if they arestudents at the last school atwhich I taught, they may evensee some of their teacherswearing sweatshirts with thatubiquitous logo on the front. Itcertainly lends new meaningto the old invocation, “Look upat the teacher!”

From Coca Cola’s (and othercorporations, too) point ofview, this is not just aboutselling product. This is alsoabout building a customerbase. Marketing research hasshown that customers who“bond” early with a productare more likely to stick withthat product when theybecome adults. The adver-tising trade journals areshamelessly frank about theireagerness to market to youngpeople. The Canadian Teach-ers’ Federation’s Heather-janeRobertson, writing in TheToronto Star on March 8,1999, says that the youth mar-ket is a $20 billion business.

The YNN plan takes thenotion of a “captive audience”two significant steps further.First, instead of just oneproduct (say, Coca Cola) beingmarketed, you can nowmarket five or more productson any given day (the typicalTV commercial lasts 30seconds, so 2.5 minutes ofadvertising gives you five ads).

Second, and more insidious,the students have to watch theads. Marketing executivesmust feel that they have diedand gone to heaven!

Fortunately, here in B.C., it

…compulsoryviewing of

advertising does not constituteinstruction.

looks as if it’s game over forthis latest YNN effort. At theBCTF AGM, Minister ofEducation Paul Ramseyannounced that YNN is notwelcome in B.C. He has alsoinstructed his deputy ministerto write to all superintendentsto inform them that dailycompulsory viewing ofadvertising does not constituteinstruction. It boggles themind to think that it isnecessary to tell superinten-dents this. The fact that anumber of them had met withRod MacDonald, president ofYNN, the Friday before theAGM suggests that Ramsey’sstatement was both necessaryand timely.

Dan Blake is English languagearts helping teacher in theSurrey School District.

Teachers passhistoric initiativein First Nations

Educationby Nancy Knickerbocker

To heartfelt applauseand a standingovation, First NationsTask Force co-chairs

Debbie Jeffrey and FrankConibear smiled and raisedtheir hands in celebration ofthe start of a new relationshipbetween the teachers ofBritish Columbia and theirAboriginal students andcommunities.

“When I started this journeya couple of years ago, I waslike a single paddler in a smallcanoe,” said Conibear. “Nowwe need a much bigger canoeso that all our cultures canstart paddling together.”

Emotions ran high as morethan 650 teachers from allover the province discussed acomprehensive report by theeight-member First NationsTask Force and then passed aseries of recommendationsaimed at improving thesuccess of the 40,000Aboriginal students in B.C.’spublic schools.

“I think we’re on thethreshold of some very positivechange,” says Jeffrey. “Wewould like to see our childrensucceed in the mainstreamsociety and still be strongwithin themselves asAboriginal people.”

Because of a variety ofhistorical and contemporaryfactors, B.C. schools are notmeeting the needs ofAboriginal students with thesame degree of success as forother students. The statisticsare compelling: only about31% of First Nations studentsgraduate with their Grade 8cohort. The enduring damagecaused by the residential-school experience is at theroot of the problem. Pervasivepoverty and significantcultural differences also havea profound effect uponeducational success.

“Canadian society as awhole is in a great deal ofdenial about our history,”Jeffrey said. “People arereluctant to talk about difficultissues like racism. And ifyou’re from the mainstreamculture, you can’t reallyunderstand it, because youdon’t experience it.”

The task force report callsfor a new cross-culturalunderstanding in publicschools and in the practices ofteachers. Awareness andcommitment are at the heartof this endeavour. The taskforce asked BCTF members toconsider 18 statements ofways they can support FirstNations children and youth.

“Aboriginal students spend agreat deal of time defending

who they are,” Jeffrey said.These children need skills toprotect themselves at schooland in the community,especially now that they face agrowing backlash over theNisga’a treaty and other gainsby Aboriginal people.

The task force membersurged that new places beopened at the tables whereeducation decisions aremade—within the BCTF, ineach school, in board offices,and at the Ministry of Educa-tion. They also suggestedcriteria for schools to assesshow inclusive they are ofAboriginal students. This self-examination is essential, theysaid, because as long as thecultural basis of the schooland its practices remainunchanged, public schools willbe unable to serve the needsof students from indigenouscultures.

Jeffrey said she is hauntedby the words of a 15-year-oldstudent who once told her:“Even though I’m Indian, Iknow I can make it.” Jeffreyfelt inspired by the girl’sstrength and determination,but saddened by her feeling“that being Aboriginal wassuch a huge strike againsther.”

In the hope of turning thatsituation around, the membersof the task force articulatedtheir vision for teachers ofFirst Nations children: Eachchild has a gift. Look for thatgift and how to help nurture it.Strengthen the spirit of thechildren, and help them to findbalance and ways of beingthat are rooted in land,community, and culture. Helpthem to succeed in educationand career, as well as choicesof lifestyle.

Jeffrey herself grew up in afamily that emphasized pridein their heritage and courageto defend it. “My father wasvery strong and taught us todefend our Aboriginal rights.But I’d rather my daughtercould just be happy as a youngTsimshean child, fullyaccepted for who she is.”

Nancy Knickerbocker is theBCTF’s media relations officer.

Task Force on FirstNations Education

Geraldine BobVancouver Elementary

Lexi CharlieCowichan Valley

Frank ConibearGreater Victoria

Alice GroCentral OkanaganDeborah Jeffrey

Prince RupertCarol McCauley

Prince GeorgeIan Stuart

DeltaMerle Williams

Delta

1999–2000 Executive Committee

KA

REN

KIL

BR

IDE

PHO

TO

10 TEACHER April 1999

Trevor MorleyPatricia ParkinsonDouglas Rumball

NANAIMO #68Malcolm AitkenLawrence BorserioJoanne FarmerWalter J. FosterFrank GarnishMichael J. HaleRonald HallmanMary L. JeromeRobert JohnsonThomas KurtzSteve MarasDenis McNameeJohn M. OgleLytta PereiraNorman RushakKathleen SaundersDarlene SchofieldJohn SecuurMargaret SloatAudrey UnwinGarry VipondVirginia Wylie

QUALICUM #69Graham BeardWilliam BellRobert CarpenterJoyce HemingsonJean PenningtonJonathan Rout

ALBERNI #70Elaine AllenMichael BottingRosemary CallenderDavid ChittyLaura DistasoGayle DixonAllan GeigerDennis HillmanLyman JardinTheophil KoehleMyrna MacFaddenJames MenziesBarry MillerJames PetersenWilliam PhillipsRonald RossRalph TurnerSharon VargaShirley Whyte

COMOX VALLEY #71Nelly ArnoldLloyd J. BaileyLois BerndlClaude BissellAntony BullockRobert EdeyMargaret ForgeronDenis KabushBeverley LownieGary McWilliamMarjorie MergensRoy PickettiRichard RodriguezHartley RollinsLoresah RollinsSheila ScraseThomas ScraseJoe StefiukAndrea VogelLorne Waller

CAMPBELL RIVER #72Joyce I. BakerJoyce W. CoppingSharon Cox-GustavsonBeverly A. EarlDouglas FlynnLorraine FlynnStan GoodrichHilary HansenMarilyn HilsdenJames ListerStewart MeldrumFran SchmidtJudith WatsonDonna WhitePaul Wurz

KAMLOOPS-THOMPSON #73

Margaret AncillEdgar BlundellBeryle BrandtHazel E. DaweJoan L. DentonLarry DixonChris FletcherJames FreathyAllan R. GrahamCarl GustafsonRobert HancherowGerald HauganHelen HauganDavid T. HawkesThomas JacobsonLila JennejohnCora A. JonesJoyce A. MacDonaldMarlene F. MarkCarolynne MillerWesley MordenLeRoy MorrisonDavid A. MuirMarlene OlineckRodney OrserJan PedersenFrederick PerselloRasheda PetersenJohn S. PlevaFred PreymakSusan RichardsonDavid M. RolstonTerry RogersThomas ShanahanDonna K. SharpeGloria ShishJohn T. StephensonIan C. StewartJohn P. StrangeJames F. WarnerEugene WasylikSheena WhiteLenore Young

GOLD-TRAIL #74John S. FarmerViolet KipperJohn Liivam

PEACE RIVER SOUTH #59Ronald BarnesAlbert BrettBarbara BrettDale ChristophersonRobert CurrieMary DvorakPeter EvansKenneth FraserMargaret GeuderRoberta McKayKathleen MitchellWayne MouldWilliam TaylorJanet WeaverBrian WhiteCraig Young

PEACE RIVER NORTH #60David ConstableWilma CorriveauAlice HardtTodd HawtonLillian HukMargaret KylloRosemary PhillipsWes TorwaltSylvia Uhreen

GREATER VICTORIA #61Garth AndersonMargaret ArnottYvonne BaxterMarina BerubeFredrick BowkerPeter BrelsfordArthur BriceNorma BrodrickJoyce CherneffLeonard ChristieGordon ChurchesWylla ChurchesRuth ColemanDiane CowdenSandra CraggHeather CramptonDiana DahliClara ErnstJoan L. FullerDorothy GodwinLudmilla GubbelsGrace HendersonBarbara JenksMarelyn J. JonesGwen LangfordSydney LangheltMarlene LavalleeDonald LaymanDiana C. LeungShelagh LeveyMary LissyStanley MiklicSheila MosherBarbara J. NesithJoyce K. PiercyCarole A. PoyDonald RamsfieldDonald RecchiHarold RichmondJames RossRonald RothnieVirginia SmithFern SpringBeverley StraubHarold StubbsLawrence SwagarDaniel TaftSuzanne TaftCarmen VarcoeGary WalmsleyLeanne WebberWilliam WiebeAlan WilkinsonSandra WilsonJacqueline WolfeJanine H. Yip

SOOKE #62Thomas BarneKristin BaxterFrederick BirkenheadJames CaddellAlbert CowndenWinston JacksonAnthony HarrisonDonald EastmanGraham RuxtonKaye RieckenEleanor PyeSylvia JohnsonDoris MeyerRobin StringerPatricia SwitzerRobert UrchisonErica Williams

SAANICH #63Valeria BabaHans BauerJudith BeinderDonald BurgessGeoffrey GilesFay GoodfellowJudith HawkinsMarilyn HitchEdward IretonDonald JacobsonSusan JenningsEdward KubekMary-Adele LangranMark MahovlichAnn MillsMarilyn MisnerMary RobertsColin RufflesPeter SimmondsDonald SpencerMaureen SpoorDenis TurgeonDavid Young

GULF ISLANDS #64Laurie NeishWilliam NeishDonna McWhirterChuck NelkenJohn WellinghamKenneth Wilson

OKANAGAN-SKAHA #67David AndrewDavid BarronMichael DerryDennis HorganMerlyn HudsonBernice L’Hoir

Robert McTavishGerald QuanDonald SiemensLynette Son HingMaureen TompkinsTom WestwaterRaymond WicklandLorrie Williams

BURNABY #41Alan AdirimJoseph ArgueD’Arcy BaderGordon BoudreauBonnie BouwmanLinton Chin-ShueIvan ChoboterAnn-Row CollinsRosemary CookeWilliam CooperDennis CorrinMaja DenisonJohn EstereicherMargaret FitchChristopher GarlandMax HatchBarbara HartLeroy HicksRebecca HollanderMary HuigeDarlene JamesRobert KirbyHarold KlassenAdam KozakEllen LongChristine MacFarlaneAlastair MacLeodMervin MagusHelen M. MalcolmKelly MaloneAnn McBrideRichard McManusDavid MilneJohn MountainRonald NelsonDennis OrrJudith ParkesJudith PettersenBruno PrimeranoRudolph RichardsElizabeth SherbaniukWilliam SimmonsThomas SlingerDerek SpraggElsie StephenDouglas TrounceDouglas WallsJames WilsonDarrell Winterlik

MAPLE RIDGE #42Vida A. BaileyShirley M. BlairBetty CoyLynn S. ClarkeGarry FieselerPatrick C. FreemanJoyce ForbesNorma FoulkesMarilyn KienasRenate KohlhaseMarie SlessorDouglas N. TaylorJohn N. ThomasLloyd R. WishartWalter D. IrwinWilliam O. Marble

COQUITLAM #43Rodney AkesterAlbert W. AndersonPatricia AshtonGeorge BalkovecMarlene BellMargaret BenczeElizabeth BirnieDarla BlackBruce R. BondLeonard BryceDiane CaseLouise V. CorlessMary DaviesRobert J. DrummondHedey DunsmuirStephen EdwardMarion EmmersonBarbro ErikssonPatricia FultonBarbara GlancyLorraine HagelRobert HagelIris HardyJohn HeinrichsAnne HendersonSteve HetheringtonPatricia A. HoltKumiko IwanakaLilly JacobVera H. JohnsonMartin KenneyRussell KiddHanna KirbyJames KnightRosa KrischeDavid KuntzAntonio LerouxBarbara LordRandolph LordLeona LowmanJacqueline LunnJames B. LunnCarole McAllisterPatricia J. MillerJudy MukudaJanet V. NicolMaguy ObadiaMarilynn OsmonNicholas OzeroffHudson PalmerJohn PopeRudy RaabeTheresa RalphsPeter RitchieWilford RobertsonKathleen SiebRaymond SilverHeather StewardsonGraham G. StewartKathleen A. StrandDorothy StroppaSofia SweetJohn G. TaylorPeter M. Taylor

Evelyn DanielsEric EricksonJohn M. LiketFrances LorenzBarbara MartindaleLorne MurphyColin RollinsSimone TaitJudith W. ThomasKenneth WalachRichard J. WhitingDavid Zimich

VANCOUVER #39Barry F. AdamsAnthony AlbangSamadh AliCatherine AndersenFrances D. AndrewsGordon B. AndrewsDonald AylenHanrietta AveryJames BaptieAnn L. BarclayDonald C. BavisGwen BluntMurray L. BowmanLeonard BoykoLynn E. BromanMaureen BryceRonald BurtonColleen ButchartGweneth CameronAlan CampbellHeather D. CampbellPeter CapadoucaRobert CastletonPauline ClarkEvelyn CollierDenis ComeyErnest CormierEvelyn CollierJean CrockettGaynor DaysonMurray W. DoddsSandra DormanHeather FarrarMaureen FaranoBruno FornikaFrank FukuiAnita GabelWayne GatleyEdward GirdlerChristina GoldtTom GreenoughZella GuilliamseWarren HaleGeorge HallettKelvin HaqqHelen HansenCameron HartJanice HarveyRobert HeptingMargaret HermansFrancis HeymanJoyce HorneDavid B. HowieJohn P. HyndmanStephanie M. JamesGordon E. JohnsonCaroline V. JonesIlga KalnsJessie KellerAxel KellnerRosemary KelseyDonna KilgallinFrances KolotylukLarry LevchukSelwyn LewisBrian LunnMarie MadderomDonna MadhosinghMelvin W. MartinBarbara J. McCollKenneth G. McIntyreBarbara MeyerhoffTerrance MillerBeryl MitchenerPhilip MoirGeorge MurrellMarion NakamotoLuke NakashimaJoan NazifNino NegrinJudy Nicol-SmithEllen NovoselAnne NugentDouglas A. PattersonSheila PitherAlwynn PollardMilan PotkonjakKenneth PrestonLouise ReadCheryl RikkinenOtto RulofsLinda RusnellLois A. SaadGeorge SarichJack SchonewilleJack SchriberMildred SherlockDebra SimmonsDonna SimonP. Diane SmithElizabeth M. SmithNancy A. SmithAnn M. SoyJanet StreetDouglas SturrockEdmund SundayBruce E. TaylorJoan TyldesleyCarolyn VarahDeborah VechterRichard VechterGlen W. WalkerKenneth S. WaltersBarbara J. WarnerJoan E. WarrenAnn WarrenderJudith WhiteDenis E.L. WhyteGarth WilliamsMarion WiebeKareen WongGlen R. Wozny

NEW WESTMINSTER #40Lana BentNeville BradleyArne CarlsonKenneth DiamondJean L. Johnson

Miriam RuttanMarlene VlahadamisDale WarrGlenda Zilke

ABBOTSFORD #34Patricia BevanGeoffrey CowellElizabeth GiesbrechtAnne LauridsenMichael LewisLois LafekDuncan MacDougallRonald MetcalfEdith HoogeKenneth PastroDonna PonceletEric RatzlaffLarry ScottJudith SpencerBarry StewartErica SudermanBeryl WallaceAlice Willms

LANGLEY #35Louise ChesleyJudith DevriesGeorgina DuRusselBeverly GesyMervyn GriggRuth HarrisRichard KennyRobert A. MorganEdward NercessianBert PontiOrest PyrchBunny RhoadArnold RichardsonJean RitchieEric SandstromBeverley SaumierRoger SaumierArchille VermeulenKeith WatsonLinda Weinberg

SURREY #36Kenneth AllisonMyrna AlstadGrant S. AndersonSylvia AtwoodRossco BaileyJoyce BeleySybil BowlerGloria M. BrownJohn A. BrownJacqueline CastellarinIrene ChowFrances J. CooperGeorge V. CreweEllen Crowe-SwordsNicole EmondGloria EyolfsonMarian FlintonDianne FowlerWilliam HaugenBarry HodgsonSharie HornJean K. JonesHerbert JuettnerFred P. LabaKenneth LangtonPatricia LerouxGeorge LewisWilfred LochNorman L. LoweMadeleine MacKenzieJim E. O’MalleyElizabeth OlsonDouglas OramJaght PallanJacqueline A. ReidMichael PiskorikPatricia RobinsonUrsula SieglerHelen M. SinghArthur StasiukMargareta SymonsRobert C. TaylorViola E. TaylorJames A. ThomsonJoan ThornthwaiteRon TifenbachAnn N. Wilkie

DELTA #37Raymond AleliunasPenelope BakerLeone BealeMonique BergamoHazel BoettcherLoretta BriskeJean BurfootFrances CowieWayne CravenPatricia DouglasRobert GallAlan GuyJanet GuyIlona HattonAlbert HaynesTerra HigginsJames HopeMickey IwasakiKaren JensenSiegfried KuehnWilma MacDonaldEdith MalahoffJudith McLeodVivian McMillanAngus MitchellCalvert MooreMatha NeufeldMargot NutterGyula PokomandyLea J. ProustCyril SamphireRosalind ShowersDolly SidhuBrian SmithMargaret StarnamanGerhard StorsleyJoyce TimoffeeRichard TippleDeanna TurnerAlan VandeneLois VothKenneth WilliamsonWilliam WilmsThelma Wood

RICHMOND #38Sonia J. ChurchRosemary Copeland

SOUTHEAST KOOTENAY #5

Lynn BedardEvelyn BossioIan CarleyLance CuthillKaren ChastainAllan DavisRaeburn HendricksonDan HudyBarbara KushnirukIona LoewenMaria MacDonaldGary McLean

ROCKY MOUNTAIN #6Lucille MartinGeorge MeyerErroleen MurphyAnne PictonJohn TilleyLindis Trinder

KOOTENAY LAKE #8Loraine ArchibaldElmer DepreyDonna GauthierBruce HunterResureccion KilaykoSharon KubinAnne LeFrancRuth O’BryanZbygnief StaszczakPhilip Thomas

ARROW LAKES #10Margaret AbbottRichard CallisonDavid GrimshireLawrence JonesRobert Shellon

REVELSTOKE #19Noreen AllsoppJohn M. CampbellJames F. FloydMabel GallicanoBarbara JamiesonFay Schroeder

KOOTENAY COLUMBIA #20Joyce AdamsGerald BrownKenneth I. CouplandHelga DawsonJohn D. DrysdaleJoan GloverMalcolm GregoryWilliam HarcusGloria HoplandLawrence IngersoleRobert JacksonThomas C. JohnstonDonald W. KingLowry MayMargaret PaulukJohn G. OrrDaniel PavanLynne PhillipsAudrey B. RobertsGeorge A. RobertsGerry SchivavonAlexander SerediakClark White

VERNON #22Kenneth BaileyAlan BarnesErnest CherkowskiHelen DonovanMarilyn ErdmannRoy GallowayRuth HurstJohn A. JohnsonLynn P JohnstonShirley LibbyIrene LortieRobert LyonsRandell McDermidLorne PeterOtto ReichMargaret RuegerRod RysenMarilyn SakakibaraNeilane ThomasPeter VreeswijkGarry L. Wilson

CENTRAL OKANAGAN #23Beverley J. AkerlundMervyn AndrewsShirley BarrandJohn BaschzokColin CastleMargaret DeyCarol GoodmanCarol HeckerRudolf KraftEugene KrakeGerry LuckJohn PowellAllan D. RichardsJanet RichmondElaine SchererJeannette TetreaultBrian C. ToddIris WillisSusan WilsonWilliam Yuros

CARIBOO-CHILCOTIN #27Judith CollierKylie DouglasChristopher FletcherGeorge GreenhoughLinda M. McDonaldFrederick McMechanMarion MickelsenLily MinatoRichard NelsonNicholas TurnerJohn F. Walsh

QUESNEL #28Linda CampbellShirley HilburnRuth McClounie-CossCarolina Sison

CHILLIWACK #33Carolyn BrycelandGerald CiochettiLawrence ElliottRaymond FulfordKeith GardinerDonna GraftonEsther KerrDorothy RempelHenry Rempel

Tonnie Van GinkelBarbara WelchPatricia WhitelockRobert WhitelockJoan WilbyVivian Yee

NORTH VANCOUVER #44Allan ChalaRoderick BrownWendy GoodbrandHewlett GwynneDarlene JacobiShirley KealeyHenry KlippensteinBelinda LohinDiane O’HaraMirja PekovichDawn SandbergGordon G. SimpsonGale G. TylerBeverley WilksLeslie WilsonAnne Yaretz

WEST VANCOUVER #45James CrookJoan FinlayJohn LuccockDale LundstromHoward ScottRobert SemerdjianNorman ShutoGabriella ThackerCharlotte Wensaurer

SUNSHINE COAST #46Barrie J. BoultonRobert W. DallOrbita Delos SantosIan C. JacobMaureen Moorby

POWELL RIVER #47Diana ArkellShirley ColeChester FeeRobert IrvingLilian LeggIrene MillerShirley SalchertJeanette Scott

HOWE SOUND #48William DrewDoris HermonWilhelmina HilderingEdith IllesRobert LeGoffAnn McCutcheonPenelope WhittamBasil Milne

CENTRAL COAST #49Martin AntoniukAnthony BurtonFloyd Celli

HAIDA GWAII-QUEENCHARLOTTE #50

Nashreen MeraliFaith Thorgeirson

BOUNDARY #51Scott CampbellIrene MalloffTed MartensDennis Tournemille

PRINCE RUPERT #52David N. CookLydia FermillJohn HormothMartin NegusSonia Opleta

OKANAGANSIMILKAMEEN #53

Lynne BlountPamela CampionErnest DumaisHelen GabrielWayne MarcotteJohn McCarthy

BULKLEY VALLEY #54Dennis L. ClarkJane HoekAnne KilbeyAnne LauderdaleBettejean VanweerthuizenVerna Wright

PRINCE GEORGE #57Carole CaldwellShirley CarlessDavid DunlopAngelo GobbiThomas GroganBonnie HarrisJames HorvathRobert IngrahamShirley JenkinsHollace LeeKenneth LindsayDavid LindstromLloyd LittleVirginia Marsolais-HarrisJohn McCannBeryl McMurrayDiane MoriSandra MoseleyRoberta MuirHenry OwenAgnes PennerHelen PitchkoPhillip PittmanKenneth PushkarenkoShirley RichterAnne RoweBlaine RoweBeverley ShanahanPaul SwennumsonJoyce UnrauBarbara VogtDiana WatsonJill WilchekDonald G. WilsonHarvey Yee

NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN #58

Carol BeatonDavid ElwellMonty GilchristBrian GreenerDiane HueyJeanine MontpetKenneth Teiffel

TEACHERS RETIRED

TEACHER April 1999 11MISSION #75

Cynthia ButcherSiegfried EwertGeorge FlahertyAbram HammSandra HowesMelvin KinsleyBeverly KokoskaDianne MarryattJoan PescottBrian J. PhillipsApril PugsleyKenneth Rich

FRASER-CASCADE #78Hugh JacksonFrank Hallam

COWICHAN VALLEY #79Gillian AbercrombieGeraldine BayleyRichard BayleyMarilyn BoechlerAnn BrayOlive CossarDavid CollettVivian DamsKerry DavisPeter ElliottChristine GardnerSally GregorySadie HudspithPatricia KirkJohn JefferyEileen MelissaBergen NixonGeorge PattersonDavid PreeceDavid ProctorJohn RobertsDonald ServiceEdward SzakaAlexander WilsonJeffrey YoungEugene Zwick

KITIMAT #80Sheila NotheiszMyrtle Prett

FORT NELSON #81Lois Gair

COAST MOUNTAINS #82Audrie CoxBarbara EmerySwaran MannHarjit MinhasGail ShindeMarie L. SullivanNicholas Timmerman

NORTH OKANAGAN-SHUSWAP #83

Charles AllenJames BowlbyEugene DionnePaul EdwardsJane EssexRonald EssexDavid FlowersBarry FouldsMadeline GemmillJoanne GrovesMarlene HumphriesRobin JohnstonJohn KooistraHarold LarsonAllan MarrJohn PagdinOrest PanchukDavid PeelDonald RobichaudCarol SchulteDonald SinclairHeinrich SinhuberClinton SmithJudith StringerShirley TuckerErnest Van DresarErich Wurmann

VANCOUVER ISLANDNORTH #85

Roderick BainWalter MillerKathryn ParkerLoretta Richards

STIKINE #87Melvin RippellNorman VickeryShirley Vickery

NECHAKO LAKES #91Karen CrumpNoel DickerDouglas HarshbargerTerence HooperMargaret HoughtonTerrance HoughtonHorace MayeaJune McClureSherman McClure

Are you looking for ways toimprove behaviour in your

school? “Improving ClassroomBehaviour”, a new interactive

CD-ROM for Windows and Mac,offers individual teachers or theentire staff a unique approach to

the challenge for only $89.95(also includes IPP/IEP software)SAVVY KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMSPh: (403) 264-7201 Fax: (403) 264-7224

www.savvyknowledge.com

EEdduuccaattoorrss’’ TTrraavveellNNeettwwoorrkk bbyy

PPaacceesseetttteerr TTrraavveell

SSMMAALLLL GGRROOUUPP AADDVVEENNTTUURREESSland

China (21d) land ca $2510Peru & Bolivia (15d) ca $1450Morocco (15d) ca $ 895Galapagos (10d) ca $1695TTHHIINNKKIINNGG OOFF EEUURROOPPEE??Tuscany Walking (8d) fr. ca $1060Busabout–Great for solo

travellers (14d) ca $ 460Rail Travel–bring the family(5d in 2 mo.) ca $ 474EEXXCCLLUUSSIIVVEESS WWIITTHH AAIIRR::Copper Canyon (10d) ca $2995Colonial Mexico (13d) ca $3250

Contact CCaarrooll NNeewwssoonn for detailsTel: (604) 687-3083 ext. 212

1-800-663-5115 F: (604) 687-6845CCaarrooll@@ppaacceesseetttteerr--ttrraavveell..ccoommSuite 257 - 409 Granvile St.

Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2

SUNNYbymary-ellen langcolluraSUPER BOOK…SUPER PRICESet in Vancouver, SUNNY isthe story of a family, a race

horse, and a Holocaust survivor. Easy to read,

yet powerful.SUNNY, an award winning

novel suitable for Grades 6-8,comes direct from the authorto you, complete with lesson

aids and author notes.Order a class set ($3/book)and get 15 pages of teacher

stuff free.To order or enquire, contact

HOMERUN WRITER4068 Barclay RoadCampbell River, BC

V9W 4Y6Ph: (250) 286-9635

Are you Dissatisfied? Disillusioned? Stressed?

Create a positive attitudeboth personally and

professionally by participating in the

Edu-K, BRAIN GYM®CERTIFICATE COURSE

IN VICTORIAJULY 26, 27, 28, 1999

For more information andapplication visit our

WEB PAGEwww.ebg-alternative.com

or phone 1-800-404-7733

THIS IS A HANDS ON PARTICIPATORY 24-HOUR

CREDIT COURSEEnrollment limit: 30

Facilitator: Paul Ruta, M.Ed.

ATTENTION TEACHERS!

Teaching in Taiwan25 to 35 Teachers Required for the

1999-2000 School YearLooking for a change for a year or two?

Arrange a leave of absence!! Experience a new culture,escape winter, learn Mandarin, and travel Asia.Return airfare, work permit, health coverage,

accommodation, vacation time, and competitive salary.Grade 1 to 12 Level ESL Instruction – 2 Schools

Royal-mainly elem. ESL and Chia Yang–jr/sr high school ESLDesired Qualifications:

BA (or degree) with Teacher Training or B.Ed.ESL Certification/Experience an asset

2-3 Years Teaching Experience–Advancement OpportunitiesInterviews in Edmonton and Vancouver in April/May.

Please forward resumes to:Dr. Rod Matheson

Imperial International Educational Enterprises (IIEE)1088 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W9

604-683-4572 (ph) 604-683-4679 (fax)Thank you - only those selected for interview will be contacted

email: rmatheson@stjohnsintlsch.vancouver.bc.ca

Adl

er S

choo

l of P

rofe

ssio

nal P

sych

olog

y Investigate our accredited, flexible degreegranting programs, all TQS approved.

• Master of Arts in CLASSROOM PSYCHOLOGY (for teachers only)

• Master of Arts in COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY

• Master of Arts in COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY: ART THERAPY

• Post-Masters Certificates in Career Counselling

For more information call or attend one of ourPublic Information Meetings: March 24, 1999,April 20, 1999, May 17, 1999, June 15, 1999.

Adler School ofProfessional Psychology

#101 - 1193 Kingsway, Vancouver BCTel: (604) 874-4614 • Fax: (604) 874-4634

12 TEACHER April 1999

China the Three Gorges TourChina’s First Five-Star Deluxe Cruisers On The Mighty Yangtze

Visit SHANGHAI, YICHANG, YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE, CHONGQING, XIAN, BEIJING

12 DAYS Cad$2,499Two Departure Only From Vancouver, BC — July 05 and Aug 02. Tour Code: YTZ12

TOUR HIGHLIGHTSThe awesome Great Wall and the magnificent Forbidden City in Beijing, the 6,000 life-sizeTerra Cotta soldiers in Xian that guard the tombs of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the three mostfamous gorges, Qutang Gorge, Wuxia Gorge, and Xiling Gorge are sights of fantastic beauty.

Tour Cost Includes: found trip airfare from Vancouver, BC, First class accommodations andsurcharges. Ground transportation and Daily Meals, guided comprehensive sightseeing,admissions. Cultural shows and baggage handling.

Tour the Three Gorges before it disappears!

CHINA HOLIDAYS (CANADA)Suite 107–223 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC Canada V5Y 1P5

Tel: (604) 708-2288, Fax: (604) 708-2168, Toll free 1-888-708-7118E-mail address: chnoliday@aicompro.com (B.C. Reg: 2985-3)

$$11,,33999988 ddaayy BBeeiijjiinngg 44 SSttaarr HHootteell

$$11,,9999991122 ddaayy CChhiinnaa DDrreeaammss

Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Suzhou

$$22,,8899991155 ddaayy CChhiinnaa && YYaannggttzzee

$$44,,9955001166 ddaayy EExxoottiicc CChhiinnaa && HHKKGG

Tibet, Kunming, Xishuangbanna

Depart July/99 thru Mar/2000

IINNCCLLUUSSIIVVEE PPRRIICCEEAir, 1st Cls. Htls., Tours, Meals & Shows

CCHHIINNAA &&OORRIIEENNTT

CCHHIINNAAPPAACC IINNTTEERRNNAATTIIOONNAALL((660044)) 773311--11669933 FF:: ((660044)) 773311--11669944

11--880000--666611--88118822 cchhiinnaappaacc__iinnttll@@bbcc..ssyymmppaattiiccoo..ccaa

wwwwww..cchhiinnaappaacc..ccoomm

fishy

VANCOUVER AQUARIUMM A R I N E S C I E N C E C E N T R E

something’s

here!

The Vancouver Aquarium’s school programsare curriculum-based and hands-on; unforgettable, fun-filled learning for K-12 students. See, hear and touch a one-of-a-kind aquatic experience.

And if you can’t come to us, we’ll bring theAquarium to you! The AQUAVAN delivers the same unforgettable experience anywherein B.C.

To book your Aquarium field trip, call (604)659-3556. To book the AQUAVAN, call (604)659-3488.

“The best field trip – ever! A magical underwater world of

discovery...”

www.vanaqua.org

TEACHER April 1999 13

George Jay marks90th anniversary

Victoria’s grand oldGeorge Jay Schoolwill mark its 90thanniversary in May,

and both staff and studentsare learning about “the oldendays” at the school.

To mark the occasion,teacher-librarian Bob Warrenhas written an affectionateschool history, entitled GeorgeJay School 1909: A glanceback at elementary publicschool education.

Today George Jay is aninner-city school just blocksfrom downtown Victoria, but itwas once the largest school inB.C. Built in 1909 on the fieldsof a dairy farm, it was namedafter the chair of the cityschool board, a lawyer whodevoted tremendous energy toadvocating for public educa-tion and services to youth,especially sporting opportuni-ties.

The first principal of GeorgeJay School was H.B. Maclean,famous to generations ofschool children as the creatorof The Maclean Method ofHandwriting.

The 75-page book featuresscores of historic photos,including one of a smiling Mr.Maclean. Classroom shotsreveal that in the early years,teachers coped with 40 ormore pupils. Two of theclasses of 1912 had 49students each.

From the early years of penand ink through the babyboomers and ballpoints,Warren’s book offers afascinating glimpse of thehistory of public education.

Students and staff of GeorgeJay are planning three days ofopen-house activities incelebration of the 90thanniversary. For moreinformation, or to order yourcopy of Warren’s book, pleasecontact the school at 1118Princess Avenue, Victoria, BCV8T 1L3, (250) 385-3381, orgeorgejay@sd61.bc.ca

– Nancy Knickerbocker

Laughter does more than crack you up

by Karen Kilbride

The Surrey Wellnessinitiative is nolaughing matter, butlaughter and fun are a

definite and planned part ofthe program. David Granirer, aprofessional counsellor andcomedian, was the presenterat a recent Wellness Site Repsmeeting for Surrey SchoolBoard employees. He deliveredhis serious message aboutpreventing workplace burnoutand stress-related illnesses ina most fun way, with stand-upcomedy, rubber chickens,balloons, prizes and candy,and “barrels of laughter.”

Medical science has proventhat laughter in the workplaceis good for productivity andworkers’ health. The oldadage “No pain, no gain” isnot true. Laughter is not adistraction from getting thereal work done but is a happy,healthy way to increaseworkers’ wellness, satisfac-tion, and productivity. Schoolsneed healthy staff members tomeet the demands of students,technology, and curriculum.Happy schools are placeswhere teachers, students, andparents want to be. Laughterhelps create the comfortableenvironment essential forstudents to learn and forteachers to do their bestteaching.

Laughter:• burns off calories• relaxes your muscles • lowers your blood pressure• oxygenates your body,

thereby boosting yourenergy level

• stimulates the release ofendorphins, your body’snatural pain-killers

• works out your cardio-vascular, respiratory, andall other major internalsystems

• stimulates your immunesystem, offsetting theimmunosuppressive effectsof stress.

Why do we all enjoy Fridaysat school? We enjoy theprospect of a relaxing week-end, but we also give ourselvespermission to relax and enjoymore fun social interactions inour class and in the staffroom.How many school staffs planto hold their special lunch-eons, staff birthday cakes, andstudent recognition assemblieson Fridays? How many class-room teachers tell their stu-dents that they must wait forFriday to play their favouritemath game, to earn that extraperiod in the gym, or to gooutside for art? Why don’t wechoose to enjoy these activitieson Monday or Tuesday orWednesday or Thursday?

Lightening up is a personalchoice. David Granirerbelieves that it is important toconnect with the laughing,joyful part of ourselves. Wecan choose our behaviour andour thinking, and therebymanage what we experiencein our bodies. Laughter is likeany other new skill, the moreyou practise, the more naturalit becomes.

Research also says thatfaked laughter is just as goodfor the body as the real thing.Your head can tell the differ-ence, but your body cannot. Soon those tougher days whenyou normally wouldn’t chooseto laugh, try using humour inyour teaching repertoire andsee if your tension headache isfooled into disappearing.

The Surrey Wellness Projectis funded by the Surrey SchoolBoard and all employeegroups. Each work site has awellness rep, and trainingsessions are held two or threetimes a year. Schools areencouraged to promotewellness as a professionaldevelopment activity and toinclude all staff in wellnessactivities.

Karen Kilbride teaches atKennedy Trail ElementarySchool, and is a member of theSurrey District WellnessCommittee.

Does B.C. really have adebt problem?

by Marc Lee

The recent provincialbudget was, for manycommentators, a realdog. After all, $890

million is an awfully big num-ber for a late-1990s provincialdeficit. But there is good rea-son to step back and put thenumbers in their proper con-text. Despite all the barking,the bite is not that bad.

Even with this year’s largedeficit, B.C. is still in relativelygood fiscal shape. Economistsgenerally assess the overalldebt level not in straightdollar terms, but in relation tothe size of the economy. Like ahousehold or a business, thebigger you are, the more debtyou can hold.

This year will see a rise inB.C.’s debt-to-GDP ratio to24%, but this is still the thirdlowest of all the provinces.The federal government’sdebt-to-GDP is 65%, almostthree times larger. Among theprovinces, the recent Quebecbudget predicts a debt-to-GDPratio of just under 50%, whileOntario, after years of deepcuts, has a ratio of 30%. Que-bec may have a debt problem;B.C. has a long way to gobefore it is anywhere close.

What matters most, for anygovernment, is the ability topay off the interest incurredon the debt. In the comingyear, B.C. will pay 8.6 centsper dollar of revenue in inter-est payments. Only Alberta,Manitoba, and B.C. have debt-service costs in this ballpark.The other seven provincespay at least 13 cents perrevenue dollar, with Ontarioat 17.7 cents and Nova Scotiaat a whopping 19.1 cents.

Commentators are right tobe concerned about futurebuild-up of debt. Large in-creases in public debt ulti-mately lead to restrictions onthe ability of governments topay for programs like healthcare and education. But B.C. isnowhere near a “debt wall.”Predictably, the province’scredit rating was downgraded,but the evidence suggests thatthis will only marginallyincrease the cost of borrowing.

Clearly, government cannotrun large deficits year in andyear out. This would not besensible and would indeedlead us into severe debt prob-lems. But for B.C., now is thetime to run a deficit, not abalanced budget that wouldexacerbate the existingeconomic downturn.

The best time to attack theoverall debt is when theeconomy is growing. Duringan expansion, governments

face increasing tax revenuesand lower demands onexpenditures. The lastopportunity to do so came ata time of deep federal cuts toprovincial transfer payments.B.C., unlike other provinces,chose to absorb the cuts tomaintain funding for healthand education.

At the start of 1999, B.C.’seconomy is not expanding,largely because of factorsbeyond our control: slumpingAsian demand for our exportsand depressed internationalcommodity prices. Whentimes are tough, it is simplygood public policy tostimulate demand in theeconomy through fiscalmeasures.

Another consideration iswhat sources are driving thedeficit. The biggest chunk ofnew spending comes in healthcare, an increase of $615million. Few would argue thatthis money is not needed.Opposition critics havechastised the government overhealth-care issues, like waitinglists for surgeries. This year’sbudget targets money specifi-cally for this purpose.

Another area is $45 millionin new education spending.This is simply a good invest-ment with a large payback.Estimates of the economicreturn for completing addi-tional schooling (throughhigher incomes to individuals;hence, larger tax revenues togovernment) range from 15 to30%—not a bad return whenthe government can borrowat 5%.

The budget also placed anadditional $100 million into acontingency reserve fund toensure that fiscal targets willbe met. Prudence is in vogue,but it does add to estimates ofthe bottom line. With thiscushion, the final deficitnumbers may even come in atless than estimated.

These are all politicalchoices. Many commentatorscoveted the prize of tax cutsfor big business and thewealthy in this year’s budget.This choice would have pro-vided a weaker fiscal stimulus,would also have led to a deficitoutcome, and would haveincreased inequality.

Increasing spending forhealth, education, and capitalprojects at a time of economicdownturn is a better choice.The province needs it and canafford it. The critics shouldstop their barking.

Marc Lee is research econo-mist for the B.C. office of theCanadian Centre for PolicyAlternatives, www.policyalternatives.ca

Reminder: SIP–Long Term

Teachers who have reachedthe age of 64 or the factor 88,age plus contributory servicewith the teachers or muni-cipal pension plan, mayvoluntarily withdraw from theBCTF Salary Indemnity Plan:Long Term. If you havereached age 65 or factor 90,you are no longer eligible forlong-term benefits and should

withdraw. It is necessary foryou to apply to withdraw asthe SIP does not have infor-mation about your age orcontributory service.

If you fit one of the abovecriteria and wish to withdrawfrom the long-term part of theplan, write or fax (604) 871-2287 the BCTF IncomeSecurity Department forwithdrawal application forms.

THE SURREY WELLNESS STORY

BCTF PD staffperson Nancy Hinds with Sandra Foley, Surrey.Sandra has been instrumental in ensuring that Surrey

Wellness workshops continue and are available to all staff.

Factor 88? Age 64?

KA

REN

KIL

BR

IDE

PHO

TO

14 TEACHER April 1999 CLASSIFIEDVERNON, BC. Luxury 2 bd. Okanaganlakeshore suite on 2 private acreswith spectacular view. Modern kitchenwith large wrap around sundeck/BBQ, 330 ft. waterfront, dock. Forrent weekly June–Sept. starting$700/wk. (250) 542-4692.SOOKE on Galloping Goose ParkHiking and biking. Large privatecottage on Sooke River. 1 bd., extrasleeping on bed-chest. Din.rm. FP, NP,NS. Summer/ winter rates. DutchRetreat. (250) 642-3812.ADAMS LAKE. 3 bd., 2 bath, cottageon 150 ft. of private pristine lakefront.Canoe, woodfired hot tub, great dock,suitable for 2 families. $750/wk. (604)795-7979.HAIDA GWAII/QUEEN CHARLOTTEIS. 6-day wilderness tours, summer1999. Explore the rich natural history,Haida cultural heritage and specialplaces of Gwaii Haanas National ParkReserve. Travel aboard 46-foot MVTomram, with knowledgeable andrespected local guide and skipper RobPettigrew. Good food, great times,affordable rates. Kayaks included.Brochure: Call Rob toll free 1-888-559-8317 Archipelago VenturesLtd. Queen Charlotte Islands, B.C.More info: www.island.net/~archipelSALTSPRING ISLAND, Cusheon Lake,2 bd. cottage, sleeps 4-6, steps to lake,swimming, canoeing, ideal for familyholiday, book early, weekly rates,(250) 598-8791, bdkreye@ican.netGABRIOLA ISLAND. Book now foryour summer getaway! Lovely guestcottage on 3/4 acre waterfrontproperty. Private, quiet, clean.$500/wk. (604) 988-7788.CHINA! 15 days World of Confucius, 7cities, $2085 (July 19); Deluxe YangtzeCruise, 6 cities $3,658 (July 5); TaiChi, 6 cities, 22 days, $3,988 (Aug. 9)All-inclusive. 1-888-369-2632.ESCAPE to our quiet retreat sur-rounded by peaceful meadows andtowering forests. We are just minutesfrom wild ocean beaches and fabuloushiking trails. Malahat Farm, Sooke,BC. Toll free 1-888-340-9911. www.mwsolutions.com/malahatfarmBEST VALUE for your VACATION callteachers pet Judy Nelson @ PacificAsia Travel, World Wide TravelExperts (604) 682-8083, toll free 1-800-773-8383. cjnels@intergate.bc.ca.BC reg. #3289-6. Call now to receiveour travel faxes or email. Ask aboutspecials and sell-offs. We’re the travelprofessionals you’ll recommend tofriends!WHITE ROCK Ocean Rose Bed &Breakfast. 2 min. walk to beach &promenade. Spacious suite, privateentrance, K-bed, TV/VCR, privatebath, phone, fridge, private garden.Short walk to shops and restaurants.Full breakfast with ocean view. N/S(604) 531-8398, F: (604) 531-5664, e-mail davidj_webb@bc.sympatico.caBLACKCOMB. Benchlands, springskiing, hiking, biking, pool, hot tubs,secure parking, sleeps 4, beautifullyequipped. From May wkly. rates$500–$575 (604) 929-6589.PENDER HARBOUR. Waterfrontretreat, well-equipped 2 bd. cottage,$650/wk., N/S, N/P, adult oriented,dock, canoe. (604) 435-2668.GULF ISLAND summer vacation?Bring the kids for a great holiday–beaches, cycling, golfing, artists,markets. Easy access by ferry or 15-min. flight from Vancouver to GabriolaIs. Waterfront cottages start at$800/wk. Call (250) 247-8577 or viewwww.island.net/~givr/givr.htmlVACATION ON SAVARY ISLAND (offPowell River). Cottage for rent.Extensive walk-on sand beaches. Jogalong quiet forest trails. 15-min.water taxi service. (250) 652-2265.SHUSWAP LAKE. 2 bd., full bath,kitchen, living rm. Opens to largedeck, partly covered, overlookingBlind Bay, southern exposure. Privatelakefront, wharf, anchor buoy. Accom.6 people. Avail. by the wk. $500/perwk. Times available June 15–Sept. 15.Inquiries: (250) 376-8785.STICKS N’ STONES, GALIANO. Quietlocation, modern, self-containedcabin, all amenities, wood stove,water/beach access. Weekend/ weekor monthly rates. Ralph/Rocky (250)539-3443.

WHISTLER. Pinecrest Estates cabin, 5bd., 1.5 bath., large deck with BBQand view of Black Tusk, by tenniscourts and private lake with beachesand docks. From $145/night,$900/week. 2 night min. (604) 936-3346 (Coquitlam) or glush@home.comMARA LAKE, BC Cozy 2 bd. cabin,fully equipped, lakefront, sleeps 6.Avail. May thru Sept. (640) 946-7154.SHUSWAP LAKE. Fully furn., 3 bd.cabin on waterfront property, boatlaunch/private beach. Located inCelista, near Scotch Creek. Avail.June–Sept. $600/wk. (604) 463-7332.SUMMER IN PARADISE! MalcolmIsland. Private waterfront 2 bd. on 5

ac. Cedar hot tub, garden, pond.Kayak, sail, hike, enjoy the richcultural heritage of the North Island,Alert Bay, and Sointula. July 19–Aug.21. N/S adults only please. $1,500(250) 973-6308.SALTY SPRINGS SEA SPA RESORTQuaint seaside chalets. Cozy f/place,kitchenette. Experience private“Healing Mineral Spring Baths,”Wellness Spa, Massages, Reflexology,Hydrotherapy & Esthetic services.Free bikes & row boats. Spa packages.Awarded Best Places to Kiss. (250)537-4111.SALT SPRING ISLAND. Cusheon LakeResort offers modern, lakeside logcabins. All seasons. Vacations,retreats, conferences. (250) 537-9629,saltspring.com/cusheon lakeSAVARY ISLAND. 2 bd. deluxewaterview duplex, 100 level yds. tosandy beach. Avail. June–Sept. at$650/wk. N/P. (250) 248-9215www.vanislenet.net/savaryPARKSVILLE BAY WATERFRONTPrivate cabins avail. June–Sept. from$500/wk. Panoramic view, 1 blk. totown, boats. N/P. (250) 248-9215www.vanislenet.net/savaryVACATION MAUI. Beautiful 1 bd., 2bath. condos. Kihei/Wailea. Beach,pools, tennis, golf nearby. No stress.Book directly with private owners.(604) 263-8004, (604) 263-7687.SUMMERLAND HOLIDAYS! 3 bd.rustic, vaulted ceilings, quiet, country,N/S, $450/wk. July/Aug. (250) 494-0269.SPRING/SUMMER GET AWAY! Apexski resort, near Penticton, 2 bd.condo, sleeps 8, southern exposure,hiking, biking. $250/wk. $500/mo.April–Nov. (250) 494-0269CHEECHAKO SAILING CHARTERSEnjoy evening, day or wkend. sailingout of Reed Point Marina. Extendedcharters avail. throughout July/Aug.Learn to sail packages avail.Cheechako is a well-maintained CoastGuard approved Hunter 27. CallCheechako Charters (604) 465-1243.QUADRA ISLAND Waterfront cottageavail. June & Sept.5 on $300/wk.July/Aug. $700/wk. Quiet, secluded. 1-800-661-9441.SUNNY MAYNE IS. 2 bd. cottage.Close to kayaking, beaches, cycling,kids, pets welcome. $350/wk. (250)248-5948.SILVA BAY GABRIOLA ISLAND. 4 bd.,2 bath. waterfront home, large decks,stone F/P, 60 ft. private wharf, N/P,N/S, $800 wk. March– June,$1000/wk. July–Aug. (604) 948-0070.SWITZERLAND. Italian area nearLugano. Villa, 4 bd., 4 bath, fully furn.,F/P, laundry, lg. garden, historic area,close to rec centre. Wkly/Mthly Call(604) 877-1911.MAUI CONDO. Avail. July 9–22, sleeps5, fully equipped, $600US/2 wks. (250)964-4589.SHUSWAP LAKE. 2 bd. suite, 1/2 blkfrom beach, TV, F/P, BBQ, D/W, hottub, patio. Loc. St. Ives 1-888-679-4339.SHUSWAP LAKE. Semi-lakefront,outstanding 2 family log home, sauna,pool table, piano, etc. $1,200/wk.(250) 955-6177 (Celista).CORTES ISLAND. Waterfront cabin,$100/day, $600/wk. Kayak, swim, eatoysters off the beach, ideal forHollyhock participants. Suitable for 2.(250) 935-6915.SUNSHINE COAST GETAWAY Private,self-contained, waterfront studio,where the sea and the driftwoodbeach are barely a pebble drop away.Summer rates from $650/wk. Info andbrochure (604) 885-1990,susanbaggio@sunshine.netOKANAGAN VACATION RETREATModern private family residence inKelowna, walk to Okanagan Lakebeaches. Spacious, quiet, attractiveamenities. Filling openings for ’99 andbooking 2000. (250) 308-0072.LAKE COWICHAN Vancouver Is.2,000 sq.ft. modern country home onprivate treed acreage. Sleeps 8. 2 min.to lake and boat ramp, 18 hole golfcourse. Close to walking trails and dayhikes. Day trip to Carmanah WalbranProv. Park. N/S, N/P, avail. wkends orwks. (250) 477-5823.CHILCOTIN WILDERNESS ARTSRetreat for creativity and relaxation.Art and ecology workshops. Rusticaccommodations: canvas cabins. (250)245-0473.QUALICUM BEACH/DEEP BAY Quiet3 bd. waterfront cottage, fullyequipped, incredible beach, boatmoorage. Wkly rates. N/P, N/S. (604)943-7848.WHISTLER TIMESHARE. Primesummer float week, even years (604)858-4184.WHISTLER CONDO with outdoor pooland hot tub. Plan ahead for thissummer. Sleeps 6, 2 bd, 2 bath, fullyequipped. Located on Blackcomb justbehind the Chateau Whistler. Close to

bike trails, tennis courts, hiking andLost Lake. Short walk to village.Summer rates $125/ night with 3-daymin. (604) 926-4315,cedartree@bc.sympatico.caWHISTLER Enjoy the lakes, parksand bike trails. Our large 3 leveltownhouse sleeps 6-9 and is con-venient to trails, tennis courts, lakesand Whistler lift. On the street behindthe Husky Station as you enterWhistler. Great views to the top ofWhistler! Summer 1999: $125/nightwith a 3-day min. (604) 926-4315,cedartree@bc.sympatico.caGABRIOLA ISLAND. Winter retreatsavailable starting at $400/wk. Alsosummer 1999 season. Call (250) 247-8577.NORTH OKANAGAN 2 bd. cottage,quiet, fully furn., 2 large decks, 112’beach, large wharf, June–Sept. (604)937-3095, cjordan@planeteer.comNORTH SHUSWAP. Wkly lakeshorecottage. Sleeps 5. Large screeneddeck. TV, microwave. W/D. Info. call(250) 955-2395 (Scotch Creek).QUALICUM BEACH July/Aug/Sept. 99,3 bd., 1.5 bath, fully furn. family homenear beach and town. Fenced backyard and nice patio area. Book early!Wkly rate $550. Call Lois (250) 752-2685.DEEP BAY/VANCOUVER IS. Beautiful3 bd. home overlooking Denman andHornby Islands. 5 min. walk to beach.Marina closeby. Photos avail.$750/wk. July/Aug. (250) 757-9327.MAYNE ISLAND 1.5 bd. cottage,beautiful ocean view, large fencedyard, pets welcome, fully equipped,sleeps 4-6. $175/wkend, $500/wk.(604) 466-6458.GABRIOLA ISLAND near WhaleboneBeach. 3 bd. waterfront, large deck,easy steps to beach. Relax and enjoyocean views and walks to nearbyparks. N/S. $600–$700/wk. (604) 261-0296, colin_mclean@applesbc.bc.caYELLOWPOINT, VAN. IS. Ocean frontprivately owned 1 bd. (opt. guestbedroom). Weekly/monthly. Barb (250)245-7760.SHUSWAP LAKE July 1 thru Sept. 30,3 bd. house, priv. beach, dock, boatanchorage, near golf and marina.Sleeps 6. $900/wk. (604) 536-8647.WHISTLER/BLACKCOMB. AlpineMeadows, 3 bd. chalet, forest settingwith mountain views, fully furnished,F/P, TV/VCR, W/D, microwave, close toMeadow Park Arena. Call John (604)987-7619.SEA KAYAKING and accommodationpackages from $65/person! DenmanIsland Sea Kayaks and Sea CanaryBed & Breakfast. (250) 335-2505,salal@island.netSPECTACULAR VIEW 1.25 ac. oceanfront Comox Valley home, secludedbeach, ideal family vacation spot.$980/wk. July/Aug. N/S only. (250)339-6987, F: (250) 339-1736,dmccriri@island.netWALES 1999. World Cup Rugby. 1 bd.apt. for rent. Adjacent to new CardiffArms Park Stadium. Contact: Dr. MairWilliams, 011-44-1639-644529,mairwilliams@com.ukWATERFRONT KIHEI, MAUI. 1 bd., 1bath, 2 bd, 2 bath condos. Groundfloor, quiet street, shopping nearby.Private rentals, reasonable rates.(604) 661-9203, 926-9223, F: (604)(926-1125, pcgr@GTE.netBEAUTIFUL BULKLEY VALLEY(Smithers) Tyhee Lake Guest House.Spacious 1 bd. suite (qu.) plus dbl.hideabed. Cathedral ceilings, separateentrance, kitchen, bath and privatedeck. Seclusion, private lake shore,panoramic view. Free canoe use.Hiking, fishing, swimming.Daily/weekly rates. Approved byTourism B.C. Visa. Phone/fax: (250)846-9636, tyhee_north@uniserve.comCABO SAN LUCAS. For rent modernlarge studio kitchenette, views, beach,balcony, pool/spa. Walk downtown.(604) 879-1497.SUMMERLAND. Small cottage onOkanagan Lake avail. 2 wks. in Aug.$650/wk. (250) 494-0299.KAYAK BC’s WEST COAST. Choose a7-day adventure in Clayoquot Soundor a combination 3-day JohnstoneStrait & 4-day Cape Scott tour.$585/person. Ogopogo Kayak Tours,ph/fax: (250) 548-3676.WHISTLER CREEKSIDE. Studios to 2bd. condos, $45–$100, 2-nite min.Discount 3 nites or more, book nowfor summer. (604) 988-6600, outsideVan. 1-800-792-2089.SHUSWAP LAKE. July 1 thru Sept. 30,3 bd. house, private beach, dock, boatanchorage, near golf and marina.Sleeps 6. $900/wk. (604) 536-8647.SUNSHINE COAST Powell River, quiet1 ac. low bank sandy waterfront, 1 bd.duplex, sleeps 2, fully equipped,350/wkly. Barb (604) 485-5418.SAIL FIRST CLASS CHARTERSSkippered charters in the Gulf ofGeorgia, skippered circumnavigation

of Vancouver Is. Aug. 1-21, pick upand drop off at chosen destinations.Ph/fax: (604) 898-5668.REDISCOVER ROMANCE Executiveretreat avail. on Gabriola Island,private, .6 ac., jacuzzi, TV/VCR,stereo, designer decorated & furn.,state of the art kitchen, coveredporch, deck. Walk to beaches,galleries, stores, restaurants, pubs,ferry, HAVEN by the Sea. Couples only,no smoking, pets or kids! $125/nite (2-nite min.), $700/wk. (or offered forsale at $125,000). (604) 541-8777 or(250) 247-9842.SHUSWAP BEACHFRONT cottageavail. June–Sept. $700/wk. (250) 374-3675.WHISTLER/BLACKCOMB AlpineMeadows, 3 bd. chalet, sleeps 6, forestsetting with mountain views, fullyfurn., F/P, TV/VCR, stereo, W/D,microwave, close to Meadow ParkArena, valley trail and transit. John(604) 987-7619.PARKSVILLE/QUALICUM. largestudio suite, private garden. Close tobeaches, golf, etc. July 3–Aug. 20$1200 or $200/wkly. (250) 954-1638.N. FRANCE. 1 bd. house, fully equip.biwk. $380. (250) 474-3929.

RENTAL/EXCHANGESWAP YOUR HOUSE FOR MINE INWALES? 2 people would like toexchange house & car in Cardiff forsame in Victoria or Vancouver.Edwardian terraced house, sleeps 4 (2bd.), must like cat. Attractive city, easyreach of beautiful countryside. Up to 3wks. from last wk. of July.MariaBrenton@compuserve.com ortel/fax: #44 (0) 1222-495911.PORT COQUITLAM. 1 bd. and dencondo, near Coast Meridian andPriarie. July & Aug. ’99. N/P, N/S.$750/mo. (604) 945-7596.

SUMMERLAND. 3 bd. house on 3 ac.hobby farm for rent. 10 min. fromOkanagan Lake. $400/wk. (neg) Julyonly. (250) 494-5274,gnorthco@summer.com

VICTORIA. Summer sublet, 1 bd. topfl. near downtown & ocean. Avail. July& Aug. $500/mo. (250) 388-0375.

ROOMMATE. Bby teacher requiresroommate, 1 furn. bd. in 2 bd. condo.N. Burnaby. Bright, spacious, securedparking, top floor, indoor pool, hottub, sauna, in suite laundry. Avail now.(604) 421-3573.

VICTORIA. Fairfield, fully furn. 1913character home, 3/4 bd., hot tub,ocean views. Rent wkly. or mthly.(250) 592-0664.

VANCOUVER. Quiet location nearUBC. 2 bd. N/S, N/P, for similar wk.exchange in Penticton/Summerland,July/Aug. (604) 228-0651 orhwalker@sfu.ca

VICTORIA. Quiet cozy 1 bd. housewith panoramic views of Olympic Mts.and Strait of Juan de Fuca. 10 min. toUVic and downtown. July & Aug.$850/mo. (250) 598-5885.

VANCOUVER. 1 bd. deluxe condo,Robson St. (nr. Blue Horizon Hotel)Daily & wkly rates. (604) 608-4268 or(250) 561-0162.

SOUTH OAK BAY, Victoria. Fully furn.cozy 2/3 bd. house with very privategarden, hot tub. July 15/99 thro July2000. $1,700/mo. (250) 387-9472.

BIRCH BAY. 35’ Villa Royal Trailer.Edgewater Park. Located onbeachfront road. Clean, lots of safe,open grassy area for children. Sleeps6. (604) 522-7710.

QUADRA IS. Quiet cabin, waterfrontproperty. Ideal for swimming,kayaking, hiking, cycling or relaxing.For more info, call (250) 285-3458.

VANCOUVER. Apt. in West End. 1 bd.,1 blk. from the beach avail in July andpossibly Aug. (604) 688-5809.

BURNABY. Large, sunny, furn.townhouse. Min. to SFU. Exchange forcabin, condo, house, 1-2-3 wks.summer ’99. Prefer Whistler, GulfIslands, Van. Is. (604) 420-1521.

VICTORIA. Sunny 2 bd. furn.townhouse. Rockland area neardowntown and ocean. July & Aug.$900/mo. (250) 592-5215.

VICTORIA METCHOSIN. Quietspacious country home on 2 ac.Oceanview, 35 min. from Victoriacentre. July 11-Aug. 15, reasonablerent with care of older dog, cat and 10chickens. (250) 474-1282.

FLOATHOME. Unique accom. on theFraser River. Fully furn. Util. incl.Avail. for month of Aug. $900. (604)526-3929.

VICTORIA. S.Fairfield. Completelyfurn. 1 bd. house, 1/2 blk from sea.Bus stops on corner. Can walk to CookSt. Village and Fairfield Plaza. N/S,N/P, Suit couple or 1 person. Avail.June–Sept. or July–Aug. Also avail.Sept. 10 to Dec. 31. $960/mo. (250)381-3176, atom@pacificcoast.net

TRAVEL/VACATIONFRANCE. 1bd. close to Paris; 1 bd.Paris central; Provence house fullyfurn. Wkly/mthly. (604) 738-1876.KIHEI, MAUI. Large selection of fullyequipped condos. Great beaches. Nearshopping centre. Call Alf (604) 291-1751, F: (604) 421-5858.alf@ intergate.bc.caMAYNE ISLAND. 2 bd. cottage onwaterfront property, quiet, N/S, N/P,adults only (604) 294-8487.WHISTLER. Blueberry Hill. 2 bd. &loft, 2 bath condo sleeps 6-8. Fullyequip. F/P, underground parking, hottub & sauna. Near Valley Trail. 1 kmto village or Alta Lake. (604) 534-6839.TOFINO. Located on Clayoquot Sound,Cannery Retreat is a beautiful, new,fully equipped 1 bd. loft condo with alarge open concept living, dining andkitchen area. Adult oriented. Stepsfrom restaurants, galleries, shops andadventure. No smoking or pets.Minimum 2-day stay, weekly orlonger. Toll free 1-888-492-6662.WHISTLER CREEK Tamarisk, 1 bd.condo, sleeps 4. Fully equipped, F/P.Seasonal rates. Excellent rates formidweek rental. Seeking flexibleshared rental arrangements for skiseason. (604) 222-1022.MAUI KAANAPALI townhouse. Pool,tennis, ocean view, near beach, beau-tiful quiet setting. N/S. (250) 492-6871, www.personal.img.net/jrobertsBLACKCOMB benchlands, ski in/out,pool, hot tubs, beautifully equipped,sleeps 4, secure parking, minimum 3nights. Book early. (604) 929-6589.MAUI. Privately owned, beautifullyfurn. condo, across from Kamaolibeaches. Great complex, greatlocation. (250) 598-6955.DENMAN ISLAND. Waterfront cot-tage. Sleeps 4. N/P. N/S. Available byweek or weekends. (250) 337-5063.WHISTLER. Alta Lake, waterfront 1bd. condo, 1 km. to village, sleeps 4-5,F/P, TV/VCR, summer/winter rates.(604) 298-2070.NORTH GALIANO. Sheila’s House, aforested retreat. Peaceful walks toadjacent Dionisio Park. Charming 2bd., full kitchen, off-grid cottage.$75/night double. (250) 539-2127,Barbara & Gary Moore.WHISTLER. Owner direct, condosteps from Whistler Mtn., pool,jacuzzi, fully equipped, Alena (604)922-3233, 714-5163, Fax: (604) 922-3287, 714-5151,abajkov@wimsey.comWHISTLER CREEK. Tamarisk, 1 bd.condo sleeps 4, tennis, outdoor pool,F/P, sauna, summer/ winter rates.Clara (604) 327-3840.HERIOT BAY/QUADRA ISLAND lovelycustom 2600 sq.ft. home overlookingbeautiful Heriot Bay. Gorgeous setting.1 min. walk to beach and publicdocks. Kayakers’ paradise. Photos andinformation available. $1000/wk. July&Aug. Ph. or fax: (250) 285-3601.QUADRA ISLAND. Quiet secluded 2bd. waterfront cottage on Quadra Is.July 1. $700/week. (250) 285-3522, F:(250) 285-3523 after April 1.EDUCATORS BED & BREAKFASTNETWORK–only $32 a night for 2!Over 5,000 members worldwide.Create your own British adventurewith our new University VacationNetwork! See castles in Durham,theaters in London or visit medievalCanterbury while paying only afraction of the cost of a regular hotel.Other destinations avail. Prices vary.Box 5279, Eugene, OR 97405. Call(800) 377-3480, F: (541) 686-5818; www.edubabnet.comQUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS. JoinOcean Sound Kayaking for an 8-daypaddling adventure in spectacularGwaii Haanas National Park.July/Aug.’99. No exp. necessary. Formore info, ph/fax: (604) 736-0377, 1-888-736-0377, www.oceansound.comQUEEN CHARLOTTE IS./HAIDAGWAII. Kayaking and multi-experience outdoor education forschool groups and families. (250) 637-2231.TRAVEL INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITY.Earn $2K–$5K per mo. (part-time)home-based business (not MLM) 1-800-345-9688, ext. 1314.SUNCOAST SAILCRUISES. Ecologycruises from Gibsons on 40 ft. cutter,March through Oct. Please visit ourweb site www.intouch.bc.ca/pub/tmior call (604) 886-0540.EUROPEAN CANAL CRUISEScatered, skippered, u-drive, b&b,escorted, tailored to suit your groupsrequirements. Kayaking, cycling,walking, historical sites, it’s only agangplank away. Robert 011-33-3-86-58-3118.robert@offshoreyachtmgmt.comwww.offshoreyachtmgmt.com

Any additions or changes?E-mail Debby Stagg, PSA

services co-ordinator,Professional Development

Division, BCTF,dstagg@bctf.bc.ca

PD CALENDARCLASSIFIED 15

MAY8 Burnaby. Saturday Science: MindOver Matter, SFU. $25. Explore matterand materials to facilitate a betterunderstanding of the three states ofmatter with students while introduc-ing innovative rules for classification.Contact Let’s Talk Science, c/o SFU,(604) 268-6583 or gmg@sfu.ca ,www.uwo.ca/letstalkscience/8 Vancouver. Investigating OurPractices, an annual conference forcritical reflection on the what, how,and why of teaching, UBC. ContactOCPE, 2125 Main Mall, Vancouver,V6T 1Z4, F: (604) 822-2013, orGaalen Erickson 822-2733,gaalen.erickson@ubc.ca8 Terrace. Spring meeting of the B.C.Section of the American Association ofPhysics Teachers. Northwest Com-munity College. A full day of demos,teaching ideas, discussions andpresentations to which all teachers ofphysics and physical science areinvited. Contact Don Mathewson,(604) 668 6500, 668 6509,dmathewson@richmond.sd38.bc.ca8 Surrey. Surrey Teachers’Association Convention ’99, fivestrands in four sites: rapprochement/conflict resolution, global education,teaching to diversity, wellness atwork, and fine arts. Out-of-districtteachers may attend by pre-registration only: $50. Contact LyndaToews c/o STA, 201-9030 King GeorgeHwy., Surrey, BC V7V 7Y3; 1-800-967-5353; F: 1-800-255-5176,lmtoews@home.com14–15 Banff. Meeting the Millen-nium, a conference for English as asecond language professionals,sponsored by TESL Canada andAlberta TESL, Banff Centre for Con-ferences. Contact Phyllis Pankratz,(403) 240-5521,ppankratz@cccadmin.mtroyal.ab.ca,www.tesl.ca18–19 North Vancouver. Fast For-ward Educational Media Showcase,for media users who wish to previewvideo, CD-ROMs, and multimediabefore purchasing. 30 companiesbring programs from kindergarten touniversity level. $105. Contact SusanWeber (604) 323-5533,sweber@langara.bc.ca,www.langara.bc.ca/ffwd20–21 Vancouver. Telling OurStories, B.C. First Nations Studies 12,sponsored by the First NationsEducation Assn, a provincialspecialist assn, and Metro RegionSchool District, in partnership withthe Museum of Anthropology and theUBC First Nations House of Learn-ing, UBC Museum of Anthropology.Contact Jan Gladish (604) 795-7295,jgladish@chill.org or Lorna Mathias(604) 713-5214, lmathias@vsb.bc.ca.Register www.chill.org/fns12/mayconf.html22 Burnaby. Saturday Science:Batteries Not Included, SFU. $25.Energy is essential for all life, but it isone of the most difficult concepts tounderstand and teach. This workshopintroduces hands-on activities.Contact: see May 8 above.30–June 2 Prince George.Children, Families, Communities 99,Nurturing Dignity and Respect, bringstogether parents and professionals.Ramada Hotel and Civic Centre.Contact CFC 99, c/o Direct CareTraining Services, 230-1990 S. OgilvieSt., Prince George, V2N 1X1, (250)561-2431, Fax: (250) 561-1253, cfc-conf@unbc.ca, www.unbc.ca/cwrc_page/confrnce.htm

JUNE3–5 Kelowna. 3-day intensiveLeaders Training Program certifiesregistrants to facilitate DevelopingCapable People to parents, educators,and support staff. $495 + GSTincludes $250 worth of trainingmaterials. Contact Developing CapablePeople (Canada), 1-800-327-1090, F:(250) 545-1270.12 Burnaby. Saturday Science:Science, So What? SFU. $25. Thisworkshop illustrates the importanceof basic research by exploring the linkbetween research and the productswe use in everyday life. The unit iscross-curricular and multidisciplinary,and it can extend over a few periodsor an entire school term. Contact: SeeMay 8 above.24–27 Victoria. WHA 99, 8th AnnualWorld History Assn InternationalConference, Colonialism: Its Impactand Legacies, UVic. Contact RalphCroizier, History Dept, UVic, Box 3030Stn CSC, Victoria, V8W 3N6,WHA99@uvcs.uvic.ca , www.web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/conference/wha9924–30 Victoria. World History Assninstitute for secondary teachersoffered as a credit course, ED-E 480Special Topics in Education: Learningfrom World History (1.5 units), UVicplus 3 days follow-up in your district.$226.50 plus $125 for resources and

WHA conference sessions. ContactLona McRae, (250) 721-6192, F: (250)721-6603, lmcrae@uvcs.uvic.ca ,www.uvcs.uvic.ca/csie25–27 Vancouver. Healing YourFamily; Healing You. Contact GestaltTraining Institute, 1747 Gordon Ave.,West Vancouver, BC V7V 1V4, T/F:(604) 925-2012.28–August 6 Burnaby. AddressingHomophobia and Heterosexism in theB.C. Public School System, a 3-creditspecial-topics course, Summer Session1999 (2 three-hour classes per week),at SFU, offered by Murray Warren,PDP faculty associate. EDUC374-3,Section D1.00.28–July 1 Calgary. Level 1:Solution-Focussed Therapy (4-dayintensive) with Nancy McConkey,MSW. Contact Solution Talk , (403)216-8255, F: (403) 949-3321,soltalk@telusplanet.net

JULY5–9 Victoria. Advanced PlacementSummer Inst., Camosun College. APEnglish; French Language and Lit;Calculus; Biology; and EuropeanHistory. Grad credit available. $595.Contact Dr. Jim Sexton, (250) 370-3352 or 3294, F: (250) 370-3417,sexton@camosun.bc.ca5–9 Langley. Beginner VideoProduction for Secondary Teacher,starting a video-production program;practical theory behind camera work,editing, lighting, audio, and scripting;curriculum ideas and materials. $399.Contact Dawne Tomlinson, (604) 530-2141, dawne_tomlinson@bc.sympatico.ca7 New Westminster. Justice Inst. ofB.C. School Safety Summer Institute:Classroom Management: Dealing withInappropriate Behaviour (CP110), a 1-day, interactive workshop on dealingwith disruptive classroom behaviour,setting limits, and avoiding powerstruggles. $100. To register, call (604)528-5590. (Register for both courses,July 7 and 8, and save $20.) ContactSheila MacCallum (604) 528-5625,smaccallum@jibc.bc.ca, www.jibc.bc.ca8 New Westminster. Justice Inst. ofB.C. School Safety Summer Institute:Enhancing School Safety: Creatingand Maintaining a Safe School Envi-ronment (CP100). A 1-day compre-hensive look at how to create a safeschool environment and manageintruders, as well as school-basedsafety audits, verbal skills for defusingsituations, and intervention strategies.$100. To register, call (604) 528-5590.(Register for both courses, July 7 and8, and save $20.) Contact: see July 7.9 Victoria. How To Empower YourClients To Be Accountable andResponsible. John Solano providesinsights into the paradigm ofEmpowerment. Experience greaterlevels of leadership, compassion,inspiration and effectiveness. $150.SD 62 (Sooke) Community Educationon Royal Roads University campus.Contact Bonnie Keleher, (250) 391-9002, conted@islandnet.comwww.islandnet.com/conted12–15 Victoria, Here’s Looking atYou: The World of the VisuallyImpaired. Learn the processes forintegrating the visually impaired inschool, community, and workplace.$220. SD 62 (Sooke) CommunityEducation on Royal Roads Universitycampus. Contact: see July 9 above.12–16 Victoria. Introduction toConsulting, an opportunity to becomefamiliar with the processes ofconsulting and gain skills needed tosucceed as a consultant. $1000. SD 62(Sooke) Community Education onRoyal Roads University campus.Contact: see June 9 above.12–16 Langley. Intermediate VideoProduction for Secondary Teachers,evaluation of student work, scripting,basic film analysis, various videogenres, and work on a productionfrom concept to final. $399. ContactDawne Tomlinson, (604) 530-2141,dawne_tomlinson@bc.sympatico.ca14–16 Victoria. CurriculumDevelopment and Tools: Using theComputer To Aid You, with MargaretCarmichael. Recommended forteachers and schools wanting tocreate multimedia self-paced coursesfor students using popular software.$500. SD 62 (Sooke) CommunityEducation on Royal Roads campus.Contact: see June 9 above.

For a complete copy of the BCTFPD Calendar, access our Web sitewww.bctf.bc.ca/events/PD-Calendar.html

VANCOUVER. New furn. West Endstudio apt. Close to Sea Wall, down-town and Yaletown. (Burrard/ Pacific)25 min. to UBC/SFU. F/P, all appl.,exercise rm., pool table, study rm.,secured parking and bicycle storage.July & Aug. $750/mo. all incl. Dates/price neg. Marnie (604) 806-0838.

VANCOUVER. June/July/Aug. 1 bd.clean quiet house, 15 min. to UBC bycar, N/S, no partyer, $325/mo. plusutil. (604) 266-5153.

KITSILANO. Top floor, 2 bd. apt. innewly renovated heritage house,summer sublet, July, Aug. 6-8 wks.$1,000/mo. incl. (604) 731-6521.

WANTED: 2 bd. sublet in Vancouverfor July near Granville Is. Teacher and2 sons. HOUSESIT: Fort St. Johnhome in July, 3.5 bath., 2 bd., decks,gardens, woods. (250) 785-3767, F:(250) 785-5043 (Donna),sheh@bulldog.prn.bc.ca

VANCOUVER False Creek, 2 bd., 2level furn. townhouse with patio.Avail. July & Aug., $1200/mo. incl.light/heat/cable/laundry/pkg. N/S, N/P,(604) 733-1033.

COQUITLAM. House for summer time.3 bd., deck, rec room, studio. Mthly orwkly. Close to SFU. (604) 939-4779.

COMOX VALLEY furn. deluxe 3 bd., 3bath, oceanfront jucuzzi, cooking andlaundry facilities, avail. all yearround, daily and weekly. (250) 338-7339.

UBC & BEACH beautiful KitsilanoPoint sublet. Fully furn. 1 bd. apt.avail. May thru Aug. $850/mo. incl.parking, payable in advance. (604)737-7741.

VICTORIA. Fully furn. teacher’s 3 bd.house, July 4–Aug. 22+. Nearbeaches, parks, bus and shopping. 20min. to core or university. $1300 for7+ weeks includes care of two friendlycats (250) 474-4264, ref.

UPPER LONSDALE. North Vancouveron bus stop with 4 buses. Fully furn.bd. with TV, computer, own fullbathroom in large 2 bd. apt., largepatio, in suite laundry, undergroundparking, util., use of all linens, dishesincl. Share kitchen with mature adult.$700/mo. available May 1. (604) 980-9828.

VICTORIA. Large furn. 2 or 3 bd.house, 5 min. from UVic, fenced yard,avail. July 1–Aug. 31. Util. incl. for$1,400/mo. (250) 477-8894 orremery@coastnet.bc.ca

VICTORIA. 1 bd. own bath, living rm.lower level in modern home. 15 min.to UVic $125/wk. N/S, N/P. (250) 744-1053.

N. VANCOUVER 3 bd. house. Large,private decks and yard, hardwoodfloors, F/P, new kitchen. Avail. July &Aug. $250/wk. (604) 986-7186.

VANCOUVER. Sublet 2 bd. furn. apt.in artist’s co-op in east Van. Avail. May15–Aug. 31 for $950/mo. No smoking,kids, pets. (604) 253-2053.

SUMMER IN VICTORIA. Beautifulheritage home for rent for the monthof July. Near downtown, quiet, largefenced backyard, views of the city,$800 + util. and refundable deposit.(250) 389-0282.

WHISTLER 3 bd. 2 bath, multi-leveltownhouse, view, sleeps 8+ (604) 535-3447.

OCEAN PARK South Surrey. Largefamily home avail. reasonable rent,near beaches, summer months. Callfor details (604) 535-3447.

WHITE ROCK Garden cottage nr.beach, quiet street, lease our home,fully equip. 1 bd., 1.5 bath, avail. Julyand/or Aug. N/S, N/P, $1,000/mo. incl.(604) 538-6898.

VICTORIA. 4 bd. house avail. July toAug. 24. Very close to beaches, shop-ping, and on bus routes. 10 min. todowntown and UVic. Very private gar-den. $1200/mo. N/P. (250) 370-2815.

TSAWWASSEN. Nr. Vancouver. Cosyfurn. 2 bd., 2 bath character home.Yard, deck, lovely garden. 1 blk tobeach. July & Aug. $1000/mo. neg. fordog-sitting. (604) 943-4003.

VANCOUVER 1 bd. deluxe condo nearUBC. Avail. July & Aug. Great view,close to downtown, $1400/mo. CallPatricia (604) 738-5859.

BURNABY 1 bd. share bath., living,kitchen with one other. Clean, furn.,laundry, parking, bus, N/S, convenientto SFU, Douglas, King Edward.July/Aug. $400mo. (604) 420-1778.

WHITE ROCK quiet seniors’ park, 55yrs. min. Pool and ex. rm. 65’ mobilehome, 2 bd. plus, fully furn. $750/mo.incl. util. 2–4 mo. between Aug. 1 andJan. 4. (604) 538-4766.

LADYSMITH 4 bd. character home,ocean view. Child friendly. Avail. July$800. (250) 245-3080.

VANCOUVER furn. 1 bd. apt. forsublet. Across from beach. Excellentbus route. Close to UBC anddowntown. July. (604) 739-9594.

BURNABY private room, quietexecutive townhouse, near SFU.Shared kitchen. W/D. N/S. $350/mo.(604) 421-5292.

EXCHANGE–PENTICTON betweenJuly 15–Aug. 15, 4 bd. home, view,large yard, pool, for home on coastalisland, Kootenays, close to hiking andkayaking. (250) 493-5750.

LANGLEY fully furn. 3 bd. home. July& Aug. only. $1300/mo. (604) 534-3750.

VANCOUVER May 1, lovely new 2 bd.partially furn. basement suite nearUBC/beach/park. 8 ft. ceilings, alarm,laundry. $1100/mo. spring/summer orlong term. (604) 221-4432.

VANCOUVER Kits sublet July, Aug. 2bd., 2 bath townhouse, 5 appl., deck,F/P, close to UBC, bright. Options:shared 1 bd. 1 bath only $700, entiretownhouse $1300. (604) 732-6881.

VICTORIA 3 bd. character house.Interested in housesitting last week ofJuly to middle of Aug.? Reduced rentin exchange for cat and small dogcare. (250) 360-0651.

PANORAMO PARK Surrey, 3 bd.executive home for lease May 1 orJune 1. Large sunroom and hot tubarea attached to rear of house. 10min. from Crescent Beach. N/S, N/P,$1400/mo. neg. (604) 462-9951.

VICTORIA sublet 1 bd. furn. apt. nearUVic, beach, buses. July–Aug. (orportion) $550/mo. (250) 592-4563.

FOR SALEMANUAL FOR PARAGRAPH & ESSAYwriting. Designed for teachers/parentsof weaker or remedial students. Toorder send $10.75 plus $1.45 postageto Avstan Publications, 8850c YoungRd., Chilliwack, BC V2P 4P5.Phone/Fax: (604) 792-0839.Looking for an enchantingRETIREMENT ENVIRONMENT! Doeslow crime, low taxes, and low pricesappeal to you? Then discover GabriolaIsland. Close to major centre, mildtemperatures, easy access! Visit mywebsite: www.realestate-gabriola.comor call for free catalogue andbrochure. spring@island.net, 1-800-205-8080 (J. Springford. GabriolaVillage Realty).RECOMMENDED BY BC DEPT OFEDUCATION. “My Life with theSamurai” Tony Cowling, MiD., CD.M.Ed. Kangaroo Press. A fascinatingfirst-person account of survival inJapanese POW camps. Excellentglobal reviews. Tony Cowling is aretired Richmond teacher/librarian.To order (604) 271-6313, F: (604)241-9994. Signed copies avail. at $20plus postage. Discount on 10 or more.TUTORING STOREFRONT Kerrisdale.Large clientelle, inventory + income,retiring, will train, $60,000. F: (604)269-2499.SOUTHWEST FRANCE well-kept 3storey stone house facing south invibrant medieval village. Figs andgrapes in garden, close to Atlantic,Spain, and Mediterranean. (250) 358-2897.PowerPC MACINTOSH Performa5260/120 with ColorStyle Writer 1500Printer and UMAX Astra 1220SScanner. All together under $1000 orbest price. Call (604) 873-0397 oryandrade@istar.caPEACEFUL SATURNA ISLANDPrivate 1/2 ac. across from oceanaccess. Bunkhouse with electricity.$50,000. (604) 855-7237.

MISCELLANEOUSENRICH YOUR INUIT UNIT! Experi-enced teacher presents dynamic 2 hr.classroom presentation: slides, music,stories, games. Hands on! AuthenticInuit tools, clothing, toys. ServingOkanagan and Kootenays. $199includes supplies and teacher’s kit.Classroom Expeditions (250) 352-3598.TRAVEL-TEACH ENGLISH. 5 day/40hr. June 23–27/99 or Sept. 22–26/99,TESOL teacher cert. Course (orcorresp.) 1,000s of jobs avail! Freeinfo pack, 1-888-270-2941. PENSION ADVICE and counselling(personal and confidential)? Smallgroup pension and retirementworkshops? Call Ken Smith at (604)435-5907, F: (604) 435-5917,kjsmith@istar.ca25-YEAR REUNION for those in theUBC 3rd-year transfer group (1972-1974), graduation June 1974. If youremember Ron Hlady, Greg Caulfield,Don Ballantine and others, you’re“one of us”! Let’s celebrate this July 3& 4, 1999 in Ladner, BC Phone/faxGeorge Rust (604) 940-9694 fordetails.

REGISTERED EDUCATIONALSAVINGS PLAN Federal governmentgrant $16,200 max., 100%guaranteed investment, tax sheltered,

highest interest earnings, RRSProllover, free information, Chuck LippF: (604) 327-1413.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY Opportunity.Earn $2K–$5K per month (part time)Home based business (not MLM) 1-800-345-9688, ext. 1314.

INTERNATIONAL TEACHINGopportunity. The Centre for BritishTeachers in Brunei (SE Asia) isaccepting applications from Canadianeducators. The NEW qualificationsare: undergraduate degree preferablyin English. Teaching Certificate, 5 yrs.experience teaching secondaryEnglish. ESL experience and/orqualifications. Send your resume toCfBT Rep., 121 - 2017A Cadboro BayRd., Victoria, BC V8R 5G4.

BIRCH BAY furn. modular home insecure community. Near beach, golfcourses. Log clubhouse, pool, tennis.$55,000 CDN. (604) 898-5420.

SASKATCHEWAN NATURALLYmagazine. Learn about Sask. in spec-tacular photography and captivatingstory. New quarterly magazine avail.now. Subscriptions $21.35. Call 1-888-861-8311 for more information.

ALPACAS The “huggable investment”High returns with tax advantages.Magic Meadow Alpacas has theexpertise to board and manage yourtop quality investment while itcompounds. Information? Phone (250)768-2493, rosemary@ecotourism.com, Web site: www.ecotourism.com/mma

WOMEN’S WHISTLER WELLNESSRetreats: Join the group at Marnie’sGables for a weekend of fitness,relaxation, & learning about healthyliving. Yoga, Tai Chi, Ayurveda,mediation workshops are featured.Enjoy healthy gourmet meals &surprise evening entertainment. Thechalet is spacious and wheelchairaccessible. May 22–24, June 19–20,Sept. 18–19, s2sclub@whistlernet.comor ph/fax (604) 938-9606 forinformation and bookings.

CLAY SCULPTING & WHEELWORKSHOPS in the beautiful CrestonValley. Discover your creativepotential. Private, full kitchenaccommodations. Book by May 31 foropening discounts. EstablishedWestern Canadian Clay Institute.Brochure 1-800-899-4199.

LEARNING RETREAT Oct. 22/99Explore the Value of the Teacher’sState of Mind. Participants receive acopy of the new book “The MissingLink.” Early reg. by Sept. 15 is $75.Please register by Oct. 15 at$85/person. • For Salt Spring Islandlocation, contact Proactive TrainingInc., 230 Broadwell Rd., Salt SpringIs., V8K 1H3. Ph/F: (250) 537-1015 orbcampsall@saltspring.com • ForVancouver locations, contact SelahGroup, #2, 1718 Marine Dr., W.Vancouver, V7V 1J3. (604) 926-7589,F: (604) 926-7515. earle@bc.sympatico.ca • Register by mail, callfor flyer, or for more information.

FREE REPORT Did you knowteachers make the most successfulnetworkers? Join fellow teachers,doctors, dentists, accountants andother professionals who have built apart-time business while keeping theircurrent positions. Join the companyvoted #1 People’s Choice AwardWinner for 1997 and 1998. To see ifyou qualify, visit www.theinformation.com/teachers

DISTANCE EDUCATION SUPPORTServices. Use our on-line referencelibrarian for full-text documents byfax or e-mail. We search thousands ofacademic journals, then deliverarticles and bibliography to you.Business and legal research also.(250) 339-7767, F: (250) 703-2540.syd_lapan@bc.sympatico.ca or Webwww3.bc.sympatico.ca/syd_lapan/academic.html

Our NASDAQ company will help youbuild a permanent stable income.Earn corporate wages without thelong hours and hassles. No selling,telemarketing, inventory or delivering.Full company training. No experiencerequired. 1-888-578-5674 orwww.members.home.net/hemlock99/index.htm

NEW ZEALAND teacher looking foremployment, registered teacher andtrained in early childhood ed. 6.5 yrsexperience currently employedworking with children aged 0–11years. Start employment end of ’99 orthe year 2000. Ph:(03) 332 7981 or F:(03) 332 5743.

AUSTRALIA EXCHANGE for 2000 inVisual Arts with the New South WalesDept. of Ed. Far North Coast region.Please contact Exchange Program orballlihii@yahoo.com

October PD Day 1999-2000 October 22

North Vancouver’s Ridgeway Elementary School Grade 6 & 7 students, with teacherJohn Palmer, ended the program with a presentation of drumming and dancing.

“Never doubt that asmall group of

thoughtful,committed citizens

can change theworld. Indeed, it’sthe only thing that

ever has.”

With MargaretMead’s ringingwords, PAR co-ordinator Viren

Joshi opened a lively andmoving commemorativecelebration to mark the end ofthe BCTF’s discrete ProgramAgainst Racism as its workbecomes interwoven with theSocial Justice Program.

BCTF First Vice-PresidentGrace Wilson welcomed theguests and addressed theirunspoken question, Whyconclude a program that is“unique and unparalleled inCanada.” Facing an increasingnumber of social justice issues,she said, the BCTF is develop-ing a more inclusive model forsocial justice programs andhas designated $120,000 forlocal projects. Wilson assuredthe activists, “Your work willcontinue, and anti-racism willremain high on the socialjustice agenda.”

The event, held February26, 1999, was attended byanti-racism activists frommany different locals, as wellas representatives of Multicul-turalism B.C., the B.C. HumanRights Commission, theAffiliation of MulticulturalSocieties and Service Agenciesof B.C., the Canadian JewishCongress, the Vancouver andBurnaby MulticulturalSocieties, and several schoolboards and districts.

Wes Knapp, one of the firstBCTF staff assigned to theanti-racism initiative, recalledthe controversy over an earlyslide-tape program thatdocumented the history ofracism in B.C. “We neverthought it would get the reac-

tion it did,” he said. “Langleyand Surrey school boardsactually banned it on thegrounds that to talk aboutracism would cause it to exist!Of course, it was the best thingthat could have happened. Wecouldn’t keep up withdemands for that production.”Given the recent controversyover the Surrey board’sdecision to ban three booksdealing with same-sexfamilies, audience memberslaughed heartily.

June Williams recalled theenormous enthusiasm andintense debates among theearly teacher-activists, butmost of all she rememberedthe students’ tremendousresponse to “the feeling thatthey finally had permission totalk about this serious prob-lem that was facing them inthe classroom and the com-munity.” She spoke of thecharacter of the program—“itscommitment and dedication,its spirit of optimism”—and ofthe tremendous respect it hasearned across Canada.

Joshi said that for him, asfor many PAR activists, “this isnot a job; it’s a mission.” Hepresented plaques to activistsCarl Beach, Sid Bentley, DanBlake, David Chudnovsky,Valerie Dare, Sandy Dore, SamFillipoff, Gavin Hainsworth,Alex James, Inder Mehat,Janice Walling, and manyothers.

Attorney-General UjjalDosanjh said he was touchedby the teachers’ words anddeeds. “All the work you’vebeen doing has made us abetter and more compassion-ate people. You’re moving ustowards where we need to bein the next millennium,”Dosanjh said. “It all leads to abetter society where there’smore justice.”

The program ended with adynamic presentation ofdrumming and dancing by 26Grade 6 and 7 students fromRidgeway Elementary School,North Vancouver.

– Nancy Knickerbocker

Below: clockwise from upper left: B.C. Attorney GeneralUjjal Dosanjh; Program Against Racism co-ordinator

Viren Joshi, with Valerie Dare; former PAR co-ordinatorSam Fillipoff, with Colleen Tsoukolas; and BCTF

President Kit Krieger, with Committee Against RacismChair Elaine Sturgeon.

BCTF Wins national race relations award

The BCTF’s ProgramAgainst Racism hasbeen recognized bythe Canadian Race

Relations Foundation with anational award of distinctionfor innovation and excellencein race-relations practice.

The award was presentedMarch 26, 1999 at a ceremonyin Ottawa. Viren Joshi, pro-gram co-ordinator, was invitedto accept the award on behalfof the Federation.

The awards jury, chaired byEd Broadbent, described theBCTF’s program as a uniqueexample of social responsi-

bility in educational unionism,not only in North America butthe world over. The programhas been cited in NorthAmerican educational litera-ture, and has won nationaland provincial awards.

The Media AwarenessNetwork, a non-profit organi-zation that uses Internettechnology for their anti-racism programs, won theAward of Excellence and$10,000. To see “ChallengingOn-line Hate,” its latest anti-racism resource, check Website: www.media-awareness.ca

Give us your best shot!

Announcing the firstannual Teachernewsmagazine photocontest.

We’re looking for strikingphotographs that depict thejoys and challenges ofteaching—your students’successes and struggles, thedaily dramas in classroomand schoolyard.

Winning photos will bepublished in the December1999 issue of Teacher. Prizesinclude the coveted BCTFsweatshirt, bag, and t-shirt.

A blue-ribbon panel ofeditors and photographers willjudge the entries. Its decisionis final.

Only photos taken by BCTFmembers are eligible. Eachentrant may submit up to fivephotos, unmounted. Send abrief description of the activitydepicted, names of thesubjects, and any otherpertinent information forcaptions. Please include yourname, school, and both workand home phone numbers.

Deadline is October 15, 1999.

If students’ pictures are tobe published, written consentfrom their parent or guardianis required. Photo consentforms are available from theBCTF. Call 604-871-1876 ortoll-free 1-800-871-2283,local 1876.

Send your best shots to: Teacher Newsmagazine Photo Contest, 100-550 West 6th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5Z 4P2

Program Against Racism praised,commemorated

PETE

R O

WEN

S PH

OTO

S

16 TEACHER April 1999