TURFING private tutors out of North Vancouver
schools come September seems to be just that — a turf
war. As reported in these pages last week, the North
Vancouver school board has promised to offer special-
ized training to its incumbent special education aides
in the Orton-Gillingham method — a phonics-based,
multi-sensory technique that can help dyslexic chil-
dren struggling with reading skills. Protecting union
jobs was not given as the reason for the tutor prohi-
bition, only the fact that schools are crowded and that
some families cannot afford a tutor whom their child
needs. What is not clear is how many children need specialized help beyond what
they are currently getting and whether the board is committing to help them all in
its egalitarian approach. We would feel more comfortable with the tutoring ban if
the needs and the planned replacement measures were clearly specified, but even so
many other types of private coaching arrangements will be affected. Kudos to West
Vancouver’s schoc! board for continuing to allow this type of informal education
process to continue. Gifted as well as special needs children benefit.

NORTH SHORE DEMOGRAPHICS

YES

Horseshoe Ba 50.5%
Dundarave/Ambleside 57%
British Propertics 46%
Norgate/Pemberton Heights 38%
Capilano/Delbrook Highlands 519
Lower Lonsdale 46%
Central and Upper Lonsdale 51%
Lynn Valley Si%

Blueridge/Deep Cove 53%
_.. COMBINED AVERAGE ... ae 51%

THE following peuple

NO

7.5%
26%
23%
34%
27%
21%
27%
30%
23%

26%

NO DON'T
OPINION KNOW

Dan Dye

Novth Vancouver

Sure, why not. But maybe
some parents would fike it
but can’t afford it. Ie would
be sad if the education sys-
tem can’t pay for those who
need it. Every kid deserves a
chance.

17.5% 5%
6% 11%
(5.5% 15.5%
14% 14%
WN% 11%
8% 25%
10% 12%
7% 12%
16% 8%

ti% 12%

@ possessing a stolen vehicle;

blood alcohol level greater than

Paula Gagnon

North Vancouver

I'm in favour of tutoring
period. If parents are paying
for ir, whar does it matter?

B® stealin

merchandise and

Dean Durnie

North Vancouver -

I think so, but it should be
government funded. Costs
may seem high now, but
lack of education con-
tributes to 90% of the crime
rate. It’s our cost in the
future if the kids aren’s get-
ting what they need in
school.

was jailed seven days, fined

have appeared in North
Vancouver provincial
court:

Before Judge Reginald
Grandison on March 14:

Rafal Joseph Wroszek, of
Maple Ridge, received a six-
month conditional sentence
‘after he pleaded guilty to the
following March 16, 1999
offences that occurted in- West
Vancouver:

M@ possessing stolen bicycles
belonging to two people;
& possessing stolen tools.

Wroszek was required to
perform 100 hours of commu-
nity work.

Before Judge Bill Rodgers
on Feb. 2:

Dana Camille Hoffinan, 29,
of Vancouver, was fined $406
and had his driver’s licence sus-
pended for six months after he
pleaded not guilty to having a

.08, but instead pleaded guilty
to the Sesser or included
offence of driving without due
care and attention.

The original ~— charge
stemmed from a July 16, 1999
incident in West Vancouver.

Before Judge Doug Moss
on Nov. 23:

Marilynne Anne Verhiel,
41, of North Vancouver,
received 18 months’ probation
after she pleaded guilty to:

money belonging to a woman
on March 5, 1999 in North
Vancouver District;
Wstealing merchandise belong-
ing to Sears Canada on Sept.
17, 1999 in North Vancouver
City. :
Verhiel was required to per-
form 75 hours of community
whch Judge Bil Rodgers
fore
on Nov. 24, 1999;
John Michael Chabada, 19,

- Lemarec,

$300 and had his licence sus-
pended for 12 months after he

- pleaded guilty to driving while

prohibited in West Vancouver
on July 22,1999.
ee

On Nov. 22 Laurien Joseph
55, of North
Vancouver was jailed 30 days
after he pleaded guilty to steal-
ing merchandise belonging to
Canada Safeway on Feb. 3,
1999 in North Vancouver City.

The newest neighbourhood on the
North Shore is having a party.

And you're invited.

The Lower Lonsdafe transformation is about to begin- ©. §
and it’s time to celebrate. Cn Saturday, May 6 between |: °-
1 p.m. and 4 p.m., the Mayor and Council of the City __

of North Vancouver will host a community celeUraiion:
and groundbreaking event that will feature: —

Children’s entertainment;

Refreshments;

informational displays and informal! discussions with
City staff;

Demonstrations by loca police and fire departments;
A CitySmfart Bicycle Rodeo; and es
The official groundbreaking of 124 West First Street
by Mayor Barbara Sharp and Christopher Philps of
Seagate Properties Lid.

~ Saturday, May 6, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Groundbreaking at 1:36 p.m.

ws

Mayor Barbara A, Sharp
Councillor Bill Bet!
Councillor join Braithwaite
Councillor Sob Fearnley -
Councillor Craig Keating
Souncillor Darrell Mussatto
Councillor Barbara Perrault

heartof yous coin nieitity.

West First Street between
_Lonsdale and Chesterfield

Wy 4": Avenue? Vancouver \733-1173
44.9:30°6°) Thur:Fri, 30-8 - Gat 8:30:6 |, Stin 11:30