Educational solutions must begin with parents Dear Editor: B.C. parents are failing their children, Can .we talk about teacher bashing? A recent article (March 5) by contributing writer Jacqueline A. Kirby made my blvod boil. She claimed that B.C. schools are failing our children, She tried to legitimize this claim by describing ber dismay over her child’s TV weiching on a morning she felt he should be in school. My qu‘stion to her is, what vieve her plans for that day? Did she plan an intriguing field trip to a museum or science cen- tre? Or did she leave her child in front of the TV while she wrote this article about her disgust over an assessment day? ; She was also upset about her child’s schedule. She mentioned the child starting at 11:30 a.m. and finishing at 3 p.m. And was it drama and a spare? Every student’s course selections require a parent’s signature..| find it interesting that she obviously felt her child should be taking a more demanding courseload, and yet she did not challenge her child’s selection at the beginning of the year. Parents should not retreat from their responsibilities once their children are in school. Mrs. Kirby mentioned the dropout rate and the Grade 12 il- literacy problem. Think about it; why would any parent allow their child to drop out or let their child reach the age of 17 knowing he or she couldn't read? Education needs to be a focus in the home, The child's interests and strengths should be recogniz- ed and encouraged. Homework, course selection and progress should be monitored by parents. In my experience, after Grade 8, the parent” attendance at parent-teacher interviews drops Caring adults listen to kids Dear Editor: Thank you for your sensitive article about the young boy who dramatically. And yet, this is probably one of the most impor- tant times in a child’s life — ado- lescence. Parents should show interest in their children’s progress. I found Jacqueline Kirby’s arti- cle pointless. She provided no conercte solutions for her con- cerns other than ‘to go back to the drawing board." This implies that there is nothing at all good about our education system. This is just not true. There are many good and dedicated teachers, spending countless hours with and for your children, The schools provide a vast cur- riculum and access to information from well-stocked, libraries and informed teachers. , Parents should be supportive of this dedicated effort. My solution to the educational problems begins with the parents, Do not stand by and let your child fail and then blame the schools. Mode! what you want them to learn. Read to them and alongside of them, Instill a respect for education. Be an active parent, 1 would feel very sad if you felt that a teacher's contact with your child for as little as an hour a day, for 10 months of the year, in a class of 30, had a greater effect on that child than you do. Christie Blaker North Yancouver NOW OPEN IN NORTH VANCOUVER 94 lonsdale ave (1st and Lonsdale) 985-2213 hours; mon-sat 10-6 sunday 11-5 was sexually assaulted by his male § babysitter. Although the boy has suffered tremendously he has been believed and validated. These are such im- portant factors in recovery from sexual abuse. This brings to mind so many cases of little girls saying their daddy or someone else close to the family has been touching them in- appropriately, Either they are not believed or, if they are, they are blamed. Can you imagine how difficult their recovery will be, if it hap- pens at all? | implore all parents and caring adults to listen to the children. When children act out or withdraw it is a non-verbal cry for help from someone who is powerless and afraid. Wednesday, March 24, 1993 - North Shore News ~ 7 LYNN VALLEY OPTOMETRY CLINIC General Eye and Vision Care - Contact Lenses Located at 104 #1200 Lynn Valley Rd. (across from Lynn Valley Mail, next to McDonalds) Call for an appointment oc cesssseceeencenneceee 937-91 97 Tues., Wed., Fri. Thursdays Saturdays & SON CUSTOM DRAPERIES AND VALANCES Labour $8.50 per panel unlined, $9.50 lined. CUSTOM BEDSPREADS & COVERS Low, low prices on blinds & tracks. For FREE Estimates Call 987-2966 Serving the North Shore for 23 years 1993 MODEL! AHOT MIX OF LiGHTWEIG FULL CRO-MO FRAME AND FORK HIGH PERFORMANC! WITH THE NEW SHIMANO COMPONENTS FROM EXAGE LTCOMPONENTS FOR a TRUE TEMPER, SHIMANO, EASY, FAULTLESS SHIFTING. ZOOM, BONTRAGER AN nee aes SHIFTING PANARACER! reg $649.99 One of the greatest gifts we can @ give our children is to believe and respect them. Sylvann J. Carlton, RPC West Vancouver Bring Your Used Oil In For A Change. BC pot Environment Anyone who sells lubricating oil in B.C. must have arrangements in place to accept it back for recycling. DIRE PURCHASED!!! ‘ Tune-up Special Bring in your bike regarclless of make of model and receive the Bike Celiar’s best comprehensive tune-up for the price of our basic tune-up! $49.99 MANY MORE INSTORE SPECIALS ON ‘93 BIKES AND ACCESSORIES!!! For more information call the B.C. Reeycling Hotline 732-9253 GREATER VANCOUVER Zn ut ritishCohumbia | 1-800-667-4321 Handeweh care Become a Legal Secretary Learn what it takes to become a legal secretary. Graduates of the Legal Secretarial Program are in such high demand that employers start recruitment months before graduation. An information mecting will be held Wednesday, April 14, at 6 p.m. in the “H” Building, room 212. Phone 984-4959 for information. Get Animated on Your Computer Whether you're seeking new computer skills or a way to enhance your artwork, a basic course in Computer Animation. being offered next month will: get you on your way, Through lectures, workshops, ; demonstrations and field trips, students will develop ain understanding of this exciting field. The courses,“offered by the Media Resources Department, take place at? p.m., April 27 through May 13, with a field trip on May 28. For more information and registration call 984-4940, / First Nations Series ~ Concludes Eldercollege and the Capilano College First Nations Advisor invite community members, aged 55 and over, to the final two segments of its First Nations Culture series, On Thursday, March 25, Donna Bryman, head of programs at the Vancouver’ Museum, discusses Northwest Coast Native Art. This complimentary lecture takes places 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the “C” Building, room 148. On Thursday, April 1, the series concludes with a tour of the UBC Museum of Anthropology. Admission. for seniors is $2.50, Call 984-4901 to reserve your place for either event. The Lively Rhythm of Orff Lively, rhythmic, driving, bawdy, intense — these are the words to describe Carmina Burana. This choral work, composed by Carl Orff, was inspired by writings of “wayward” monks of the [3th century. The Capilano College Percussion Ensemble, the Capilano College Singers and the. : Capilano College Cornmunity ©. Choir give these unusual songs a sound that will linger in your mind for days after the event. The concert takes place on Sunday, April 4, at 2:30 p.m. in the Centennial Theatre, 23rd and Lonsdale. Tickets are $10 or $5 for students, seniors and children. Call 984-4951. CAPILANO COLLEGE 2055 Purcell Way North Vanccuver British Columbia 986-1911