The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

,f~â€"Aysr‘> y# <<dl Mike Robichaud, 19, did not like school. He found himself constantly in eonflict with his teachers at Cameron Heights collegiate and when the opportuâ€" nity came up for a job, Robichaud quit Soon the jobs and the opportunities ran out, however, and ‘he was ready to give school a second try. Some young people like Robichaud, left school drawn ‘by the prospect of greater independence and the chance to earn big money. Others were low achievers who found it impossible to cope within the traditional system. A few quit to get married and raise families. Now they are being given a second chance to complete their education with Operation Open Door at Bluevale colleâ€" giate in Waterloo. An alternative school for adults, Open Door operates ‘"‘as a school within a school," says Gail Mcintosh, one of the program‘s two coâ€"ordinators, using the resources of Bluevale but with its classes segregated Students Paul Orum (left), Fred Keller (centre) and Eric Jorgensen (right) complete an examination at the end of the latest 10â€"week semester. Over 7O students are now registered in the program at Bluevale collegiate in ~â€"880 HIGQMLAND RD. W. KITCHE i Between Westmount and Fischer COULD BE YOURS BY SIMPLY FILLING OUT AN ENTRY FORM. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. THE DRAW DATE WILL BE DEC. 24, 82 WALLPAPER 3 to 4 ROOMS FOR THE PRICE OF ONL. WALLPAPER FOR YOUR BATHROOM WHERE YOU‘RE ALWAYS A WINNER ... WALLPAPER SUPERMARKET KITCHENER WATERLOO‘S FANTASTIC SAVINGS UP TO 75% AND MORE 743â€"3561 The program appears to be meeting a significant need in the community. Since its inception in 1981, enroiment has jumped from about eight or nine students in the first semester to over 70 and plans are being made to move the school out of Bluevale to larger facilities. Returning to school as an adult can create a distinctive set of problems for the individual, explained Mcintosh. Sudâ€" denly, they find themselves thrust into a class of 14 or 15 yearâ€"olds with whom they have little in common. Many also find it difficult dealing with job, family and homework responsibilities. Staff at Operation Open Door attempt to ease the problems, both with the type of program they offer and in their approach to teaching adults. Why pay the high cost w of replacing your kitchen cupboards? Simply reface them! Quality workmanship guaranteed to please. Cover all your exposed surfaces with your choice of ‘solid wood.doors and drawers or plastic laminates. Tiled countertops and additional cupboards available. Ask about our interest free payment plan. CUSTOM MADE KITCHENS CREATED FOR LESS roraraecc . B & K SPECIALTIES ESTIMATE CALL â€" Talamhanse A8£.0109 Pat Arbuckie photos A regular grade 9 to 12 curriculum is provided with options such as history, geography and science available on a rotary basis. All courses follow guideâ€" lines established by the Ministry of Education, but attempts are made by the staff to make them appeal to the adult student. *‘We try to make sure that the program offers the basics for those who want to go :.hto college or university," said Mcinâ€" At the moment, no frills such as art, music, physical education or typing are offered because of the limited resources and staff. ‘"‘We will expand as the numbers of students increase,"‘ she explained. The school year is divided into four 10â€"week semesters. This means that at the end of each 10 weeks, a student earns a half credit. ‘Usually a student has to wait 10 months for the reward," said Jims‘ Barlow, Open Door‘s second coâ€"ordinaâ€" tor. This system ‘"allows them to see greater achievement over a shorter period of time," he said. . _ We try to stress that they can be successful," added Mcintosh. Small classes allow the staff to provide the personal touch. Many of the students are married with children or have full or partâ€"time jobs. The staff is cognizant of these other obligations and tries to accommodate them in the school rouâ€" ‘"The personal contact is important," explained Mcintosh. "They feel they have friends in both the students and teacher." There is no typical student in the Open Door program. The current group of students range in age from 17 to 55 years with women outnumbering men. Many have families and work on a full or partâ€"time basis. All, for one reason or another, did not finish high school. Anyone who has not completed their high school education is eligible to participate in Operation Open Door but all applicants must undergo an interview with Barlow and Mcintosh and testing to determine their grade level and acceptâ€" ability for the program. Those who are not deemed shitable may be referred to other programs. REaUFSEVM Gail Mcintosh, one of the coâ€"ordinaâ€" tors of Operation Open Door. Because of its dynamic growth, Open Door now occupies four classrooms, employs two full and three partâ€"time teachers and is looking for a new location since the facilities at Bluevale are no longer adequate. One of those being considered is Alexandra Public School in Why has Operation Open Door proven to be so popular? ; Mcintosh thinks that the current ecoâ€" nomic situation may be a factor. ‘"‘The problem with unemployment is making it hard for people to find a job. They are looking to improve themselves to acquire jobs," she said. With education being stressed more today, ‘‘it is more acceptable to be an adult in school," she added. Mcintosh also feels that the program‘s successful track record has attracted students. ‘"Students we already have, chave mentioned to their friends that they have been satisfied and are enjoying it (the program)," she said. Sandra Voegtle, 26, of Waterloo quit school while in Grade 11 at Cameron Heights Collegiate. Soon she was marâ€" ried and continued working at a variety of jobs until her son was born five years ago. *‘"*When my son started school, J asked myself, ‘What am I going to do with my life,‘ * she said. . Last week, Voegtle became Open Door‘s second graduate. Now she is headed for university and eventually a career in business. "I did not have a good educational background. With noâ€"grade 12, the doors slammed in my face. I needed a second chance and 1 feel very lucky to have had it," she concluded. **You‘ve got to have a goal," she said. ‘"That‘s where it all begins." SUNDAY SCHOOL CHURCH GIFTS . BOOKSTORE BIBLES » RECORDS & TAPES For Christmas