About Lorne
WHAT I BELIEVE IN
STRONG LOCAL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS WITH EXCELLENT RESOURCES AND DEDICATED TEACHERS TO MEET THE LEARNING NEEDS AND GOALS OF MOST STUDENTS
Most children should be able to attend a local school in the program that meets their goals and learning needs. That means a school must have a viable student population to ensure it can continue to serve the local community, a reasonable attendance area so that those students who arrive by school bus are on the bus for a reasonable time and foster a sense of school community, a full program provided by teachers knowledgeable in the subject matter and knowledgeable in a variety of age-appropriate methods, special assistance for those who need it, and a range of extra curricular activities.
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS OR SCHOOLS FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE NEEDS, TALENTS OR ABILITIES BEYOND THE CAPACITY OF THE LOCAL SCHOOL TO MEET
But some children have very exceptional learning needs, a combination of needs, a particular learning style, or very exceptional academic or other talent, that cannot be fully met in their local school. These children deserve to have their needs met and this can mean bringing them together in sufficient numbers to make a responsive program viable. I support gifted centres for students who need to be challenged at their academic level, I support Canterbury High School's arts concentration program for students who have exceptional talent in vocal music, instrumental music, literary arts, dance and drama, I support our vocational schools for students heading for the work force after graduation, I support the International Baccalaureate program at Colonel By Secondary School,and I support Crystal Bay and Clifford Bowey special education schools. All of these schools provide a focussed educational environment that meet the learning needs for children that are beyond the capacity of most local schools. Alternative schools can serve two purposes: to provide a learning environment not offered in most local schools and to pilot innovations and creative methodologies. I support both purposes.
WORKING WITH PARENTS AND SCHOOL COUNCILS FOR BETTER SCHOOLS
As your school trustee I will work for you at three levels. The most important level is to represent your interests at the school board table. Two-way communication is crucial to ensure this happens. I will attend some meetings of school councils, speak regularly with school council chairs, post information on my trustee page on the board's web site, and contribute a column to local community paper. I plan to have a "chat with Lorne" time in a local coffee shop, perhaps an hour monthly, where anyone can drop by and, well, chat. You will be able to contact me in person, on the phone or by e-mail, and I will respond promptly. I will also be transparent, explaining my position on issues, and attending to input before making up my mind.
The second level is my work at the school board table and in committees. I promise to engage in respectful, meaningful debate on the issues and to support positions and decisions based on facts. I know how the administration works and will work with them to achieve the best results for our schools.
The third level is the provincial level. The provincial government sets the mill rate, determines the school board's revenue, sets the curriculum and most of the rules by which schools operate. I know the processes that are followed at the Mowat Block, home of the Ministry of Education, and will work as a member of the school board to achieve the best results for our schools.
GREENING OF THE ENVIRONMENT WOVEN THROUGHOUT THE CURRICULUM AND OPERATIONAL PRACTICES
I support the exceptional environmental programming offered by our two outdoor education centres, MacSkimming and Bill Mason. I support in-school environmental programs such as Earthcare which are integrated into the curriculum, provide leadership training and opportunities for students through age-appropriate projects, and have resulted in large expenditure savings through reduced use of energy.
