7 - Sunday, March 23, 1986 ~ North Shore News Remove ‘incompetent boobs’ | 227s "t sitting pretty — not competent teachers : a piece about Seniors. Dear Editor: preciate what [ am getting, but it certainly is nothing like $750. But if Bob Hunter would like to make up the difference | would be sitting pretty, and would be very happy. Pensioner North Vancouver ticular teacher in order to write a= Teaching Latitude and Longitude Well, he sure has nat done his homework, as he says all Seniors get $750 per month, whether in need or not. As a fair-minded columnist, ! Well, am a Senior, and ap- am sure Doug Collins is willing to see printed, unedited, the ‘other side of the story’ as it relates to a matter of teacher lay-off (including recall rights) in West Vancouver. To date, my reluctance to voice an opinion on this topic in public has been due to normal concerns, consistent with those of a case yet to be heard in the courts, and should not be construed as an unwillingness and/or incapacity on my part to act. Those same concerns obviously are not shared by such figures as Mrs. Margot Furk, West Van- esuver School Board niember, as reflected in statements attributed to her in a recent article written by Collins. As the lady appears to prefer prior treatment of this case in the press, perhaps further elabora- tion of her points is warranted. - For example, when she claims that no one had the guts to fire an allegedly incompetent teacher for 17 years, is she suggesting: 1) that the current superin- tendent Jacks ‘guts* as his report in 1978 rated the teaching situa- tion of this particular teacher to be unsatisfactory? : 2)that the secondary school report in the intervening six years (by school law, teachers are to receive a report at [cast once every three years), was apparent- ly rewarded for showing a lack of ‘guts’ by being premoted to the central office last year? l am sure you can appreciate, Mr. Collins, that answers to these questions will raise further ques- tions more about management practices in West Vancouver School District rather than ques- tions about the individual per- formance of a single teacher. My criticisms should not be construed as applying to all school boards. As a Vancouver parent of school-age children, 1 was one of those who stood and listened to school board members on a chilly day last year, in sup- port of a policy I believe to be in the best interests of constituents. In contrast, West Vancouver School Board — as Collins ap- pears to suggest and | am inclin- ed to agree for different reasons — is one of a kind. As to the aspect of competen- cy, why not let the public decide? As a long-time debating coach, what I propose is a public debate with John Williams, principal of would be ideal for the purpose as the parameters are well-known and limited. Further, the topic is an analytical one and any Social Studies teacher worth his salt has developed his own unique inter- pretation. Collins’ efforts to ar- range any such debate would be appreciated and [ would welcome his role as moderator. I also agree with Collins’ sage observation that what is ap- parently being pioncered in West Vancouver School District is the first step in undermining the se- niority provisions of the teachers and with them those interests of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation. No doubt our reactions to this political manoeuvre are at variance to each other. Whatever the outcome 0. 5 current teaching inquiry in \ st Vancouver, one prophecy of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation is already a reality: the West Van- couver School Board and the taxpayers dollars are soon parted in what is turning out to be a very expensive campaign. In conclusion, no doubt there is one matter in which Mrs. Furk, Collins and I are in agreement — Featuring Centennial Theatre Shawn Fergehar *Paterson & Pandore ‘The Great fony Eng presents MAGIC? “3 GREAT ACTS” “ONE GREAT SHOW!!” “GREAT FAMILY FUN” TICKETS $5.50 Adis $5.50 Anu: $4.50 Crngien & Sermars © Al VIC/CBO Outlets -- 780-4444 oN Roc Centre flor Ottice IZIE Died St ~ GBH 6166 Ski-in emphasized public’s | rights Dear Editor: Your March 5 article ‘‘Cypress Protester Arrested’’ didn't convey the major issue involved. The Cypress Park Ski-in was to emphasize the public’s right to “free and reasonable’’ access to non-commercially licenced parts of the park, other parks and crown land. The purpose of the ski-in was to protect the public’s right to wilderness access; it was not against the concept of ‘‘user-pay’’. It was gratifying to see so many senior members of the community out in force March 1. It was primarily in support. of them and of people with children that I at- tended the ski-in. I know of many whose only chance to get out into the moun- tains is to drive up the local peaks for a walk. It’s also sad when parents with children feel too in- timidated co step out of the park- ing lot to enjoy tobogganing and playing in the snow. The private management com- pany operating the Jifts and track- ing the X-country ski trails, should be politely reminded of the right of “free and reasonable’’ access to non-commercial areas of the park. The company should mark the groomed X-country trails it main- tains to avoid controversy over trespass. The trail corridors should not exceed five metres on each side of the trail according to the licence. (A standard: trail width is 1.5 metres; trails may be crossed at right angles to their direction.) Hiking trails to Black Mountain, Mount Strachan and the Howe Sound Crest Trail should be clearly marked in che downhill ski area so that downhill skiers are aware that hikers may be on the trail. Paul Kubik Vancouver principal, whom never saw fit to visit the classroom of this par- West Vancouver Secondary we should remove incompetent 66 . School end a former Social boobs from the job. Hop on in to Studies teacher. Roger Callow The non-political topic of West Vancouver teacher Easter Sunday Brunch!’’ 10am-3pm Breakfast items Salads Deli Meats Assorted Cheeses Variety of Fireads Hip of eef Roast ‘Surkey Baked. Salmon Baked ‘/Irginia Ham y Adults $10.50 ea. Children under 12 $5.£0ea. coach Reservations 9 8 5-3 1 1 i houseinn 5 custom {|& draperies be? by S. 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