20 — Friday, November 21, 1997 — North Shore News School credits extended beyond class | B. C. students gaining skills and training outside of their classrooms will now be able to obtain high school graduation credits for more of the activities. Education, Skills and Training Minister Paul Ramsey made the announcement last week. The province currently recognizes a number of external programs for credit towards Grade 12 graduation. The policy has been expanded to allow students to reccive credit for sport, fan- guages, youth development programs and Drug, alcohal help is at hand IT’S Drug Awareness . Week through to Nov. 22. .. The initiative is funded by the Ministry for Children and Families and is coordinated by . Prevention Source BC. Said Drug Awareness Week coordinator Jo-Anne Lauzer: “Whether you are a friend, par- ent teacher or neighbor, we all have a role and a responsibility in helping young people make healthy choices.” For people that have a :problem or know someone who has a problem with alco- ‘hol or other drugs, informa- tion and referral services arc available at 1-800-663-1441. Studies of resilient, capable ‘youth show clearly that the “family. is°a major influence. Research points to six key "attributes common in resilient families. : Remember that all of these things require patience and- work. They are more a process of becoming than a destina- don. @ Stability: Children feel secure and stable in the home environment. In these homes, family members feel that the family is solid and unchanging even when many other things around them change. §@ Closeness: Children and par- ents feel good being a family. Mutual affection provides the backdrop to family life. This togetherness is reinforced daily -by doing things together, pro- viding support, and minimiz- ing cnticism and nagging. @ Flexibility: The family adapts to change. Change comes in many forms. Children growing older and developing different needs, moving to a new neigh- borhood, and. even changes in family structure. Flexible fami lies face these challenges together, and make the needed adjustments to keep the family on 4 relatively smooth course. @ Group coping skills: When problems crop up or stresses weigh on the family, the family works to deal with the prob- lems together as a unit and avoids excessive in-fighting. Parents set an example by fac- ing. stresses optimistically and by involving children in prob- - ~ lem-solving. This involvement promotes a sense of compe- tence and worth. @ Friend and tamily support: Extended family and_ friends function as role models chil- dren look up to. When these people believe in) the child, then the child will likely believe in himself or herself. Responsibility: Opportuni- ties are provided for children to take on and succeed with meaningful responsibilities. industrial and occupational programs that meet ministry approved criteria. Students are still required to take core curriculum subjects such as math, English, science and social studics and meet all graduation requirements. The changes will make use of existing learn- ing opportunities students are already participat- ing in. Since September of 1995 students have received credit for attaining high levels of educa- tional achievement in many courses offered by organizations and study areas such as: @ Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate; @ the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, the Victoria Conservatory of Music and the Western Board of Music; @ B.C.’s Open Learning Agency. This year the following content areas have been added for credit consideration: & Cadets, Air, Army and Sea; @ 4-H (including agriculture and livestock care); B foreign languages; @ many provincially and nationally ranked sports organizations, including speed skanng, wheel- chair basketbail and synchronized swimming. The ministry has also established an advisory - conimittee to make recommendations on which external programs may be added in the future. Enrolment and fees, if any, remain the responsibility of parents or the family of the stu- dent. on regular, sale & clearance priced fashions for your family & home, including our Factory Outiet 0% OFF” regutar, sale & clearance priced home electronics, major appliances, funniture, portable auciio & video, home comfort, floor coverings & cameras Friday, Nov. 21st to om Nov. 23rd equipment, Our Christmas book is the perfect place to start looking for gift ideas. It's big - over 200 pages! And you can pick up a copy now - at your nearest Eaton's store. Get an early start! This Saturday, all our Eaton's stores will be open at 8:30 a.m. for your shopping convenience.