SHDHS will not forget

Principal’s Page
By Jeff Reaburn

In a couple of columns recently, I have been rather critical of some aspects of student behaviour at South Huron. This week, however, I would like to start by commending the student body for its conduct at the Remembrance Day service we held last Friday. The students were attentive, quiet, and respectful throughout the service and I am very proud of their outstanding conduct.
I am also very proud of the high quality of the Remembrance Day assembly, something that we have come to expect at South Huron. Credit for this goes to David MacLeod, head of our Canada and World Studies Department, who works tirelessly every year to put together a service of exceptional quality. Additional credit must be given to the many students who took part – the 41 students who represented the individuals on our Honour Roll, Leanne Hoffman and Melissa MacLeod who read the names, Christine O’Reilly and Tim Dionne who put together a wonderful slide show presentation on the Vimy Pilgrimage, the students and staff from the Vimy trip, the choir led by Ms. Milner, and the band under the direction of Mr. Moore. I would like to thank all of these individuals for contributing to an outstanding service.
I would also like to thank the members of the R E Pooley, Branch 167, of the Royal Canadian Legion for their participation in our service. Their presence at the service every year makes it more real and meaningful for our students and contributes significantly to the impact of the service. We are very pleased to have them involved every year.
I would like to remind everyone that the School Council is hosting a community forum this week on drug awareness. It will take place in the school library on Wednesday, November 14, starting at 7:00 p.m. We have invited Constable Dave Matheson, a drug enforcement officer for the Huron OPP, and members of the local OPP detachment to speak to us about drug use in the community. This will be a good opportunity for parents to find out about current trends in drug use and learn what signs to watch for, including what various drugs and drug paraphernalia look like. We invite you to join us for what should be a very valuable and informative session.
On Monday, November 19, Glenn McGregor from the AMDSB board office, will be at the school to talk to students about OYAP, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Glenn provides liaison between schools and industry in our area and has considerable knowledge about apprenticeship opportunities in a variety of fields. Students who are interested in attending his presentations must sign up this week in the Guidance Office. A session for Grade 12 students will take place in Room 118, starting at 12:45, and a session for Grade 11 students will follow at 2:05. For students considering apprenticeships, this will be a good opportunity to get information and ask questions.
Finally, we will soon be starting our annual campaign in support of the Huron County Christmas Bureau, which provides assistance to families in need. We will be encouraging students and staff to donate toys, food, clothing, and cash in support of this very worthy program. The local Christmas Bureau location this year is Exeter United Church, and donations will be accepted in the week of December 10 to 14. If you know of a family that would benefit from assistance from the Christmas Bureau, you are encouraged to call 1-800-265-5198, extension 3271. Your support of this program will be greatly appreciated.