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`Teachers are back doing what they love to do': superintendent continued from p.1 elementary schools. Public schools in Ontario have been mostly without extracurricular activities since early in the school year, after elementary and secondary school teachers cancelled supervision of after-school programming in protest of the provincial government's passing of Bill 115. However, in late February, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) announced it had lifted its ban on extracurriculars. In the few weeks since the ban was lifted, teachers have returned to supervising extracurriculars at local high schools. "I was at Oakville Trafalgar yesterday (Thursday) and every one of their activities is back online. Every single one of them. That's one example," said superintendent of education Stuart Miller, who has been working with high school principals to get the scope of the return of extracurricular activities. "There is a complete return of all spring sports, almost a complete return of every school being involved in spring sports." The schools are creating schedules for integrated spring sports. This means public and Catholic school teams will play together, vying for the same regional trophies and spots at Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations tournaments. Aside from sports, Miller said schools are reporting the return of other activities, such as music programs, field trips and drama productions -- however, it's too late to enter the Sears Drama Festival. Students who missed the winter sports season will still get a chance to play those sports. The Halton board will host internal tournaments for a number of its sports teams after March Break. These include junior and senior boys basketball, boys hockey and junior and senior girls volleyball. "It's all good news. Teachers are back doing what they love to do," Miller said. However, no such word has come from the elementary teachers' union. "Elementary is still spotty with some extracurriculars happening in some schools and not happening in others. It remains an issue," Euale said. The school board previously reported there were a few instances of teachers running activities such as reciting clubs, study hall, homework clubs and reading clubs. However, these activities have only taken place at a few schools. The local board is focusing on providing what it calls critical events, which includes track and field meets, end-of-the-year field trips for Grade 8 students and graduation ceremonies. "We're trying to focus on those to make sure that we find a way to have them continue," Euale said. "I'm optimistic. Our principals know how important these large events are so they'll do their very best to find a way to support them." He admitted, though, that he could not guarantee everything would happen as usual. The board has put in place a policy to allow members of the community to act as sole supervisors of extracurricular activities. Those who are interested in volunteering for these roles are asked to contact the school principal. Principals can accept applicants for low-risk activities. For higher-risk activities, principals will refer the applicant to a board level committee, which will review the applications. The committee is now ready to receive applications. For more information, visit www.hdsb.ca. 3 | Wednesday, March 13, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Fine cabinetry for anywhere in your home Family Owned & Operated Since 1976 S 905-632-0029 · Bath and Kitchen Showroom · Designer Kitchens · Kitchen Renovations inside today's Editorial Sports Beaver www.insideHALTON.com Sport Chek, Day Communications Group, Real Estate, RONA Full Delivery: MARCH SPECIAL On complete kitchens ordered before March 31st/2013 uniquekitchensofburlington.com 6 10 Artscene Classified 9 12 Bouclair, Staples/Business Depot, Sears Partial Delivery: NO HST For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington New subscriptions call 905-631-6095 or subscribe online at www.oakvillebeaver.com 4150 South Service Rd. HUGE SELECTION SIX MISTAKES RETIREES MAKE WITH THEIR FINANCES For investors over age 50 SEMINAR DATES NEW OUTDOOR COLLECTIONS HAVE ARRIVED CLEARANCE ON SELECT FLOOR MODELS Wed, March 20th: 10am, 2pm, 7pm Fri, March 22nd: 10am LOCATION Peter Watson Investments 220 Randall Street, Downtown Oakville Various sizes and colours MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI Certified Financial Planner Peter Watson Free Parking · Patio Furniture · Gazebos · Awnings · Patio Umbrellas · Bedroom · Dining · Bar Stools · Office Chairs · Sofas · Home Theatre Seating DESTINATION FURNITURE OPEN EVERY DAY! To reserve your seats email us at info@peterwatsoninvestments.com or call us at (905) 842-2100 Ext: 2 (24 hours) www.peterwatsoninvestments.com 584 Kerr Street @ Speers, Oakville 905.337.3653 www.destinationfurniture.ca