2 Friday, April 26, 2019brooklintowncrier.com "Proud to be a Brooklinite" Founded in 2000 and published 24 times per year. Editor, Richard Bercuson 613-769-8629 • editorofbtc@gmail.com The Brooklin Town Crier is locally owned and operated and is a publication of Appletree Graphic Design Inc. We accept advertising in good faith but do not endorse advertisers nor advertisements. All editorial submissions are subject to editing. For advertising information, contact: 905.655.7642 Email: brooklintowncrier@gmail.com Next Issue: Friday, May 10, 2019 Deadline: Friday, May 3, 2019 Correction In the April 12 issue, we provided incorrect information about where the proceeds to Tammie Kip's recently published book "Your Extraordinary Self" are going. The proper information is as follows: Some proceeds from each sale are directed to the Jennifer Ashleigh Children's Charity and books are also being donated to various local not-for-profits such as Denise House and Federated Health Charities. Less than half the picture: By Richard Bercuson This might get your goat Students and teachers recently protested the provincial government's education changes. It brings to mind an old joke about Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror. While heads are being lopped off, a courtier runs up to her, panicking. "Madame, the peasants are revolting." To which she snaps, "Indeed, and you're not so much to look at yourself." Meanwhile, in the current epoch, perhaps it went thusly: "Let's cut stuff. Education first. The public generally doesn't support teachers. Summers off. Short work days. Great benefits and pension. It's safe." "Sir, there'll be quite a hue and cry…" "Hugh and who?" "Um, teachers will complain. Probably have marches with clever placards. The usual." "It'll toughen them up." "Right you are, sir. Our cuts will make them all more resilient. We can go with that. Brilliant, Mr. Premier. Why didn't I think of that?" And so it went as expected. About 600 Brooklin High students took to the streets on April 4, joining thousands of others across the province. The peaceful, organized march along the Carnwith sidewalk (they weren't allowed to protest on school grounds) did feature some witty signage. But what was not lost was how in tune today's teenagers are with what will happen to their classrooms. Here's a for instance. One fellow I know, a high school teacher, has a colleague who teaches grade 12 physics and is expected to have 39 in his September class. You don't have to be intellectually superior to grasp what a disaster that will be for the majority of those kids. Will it make them more resilient, to quote Education Minister Lisa Thompson? How exactly does flailing in academic quicksand prepare teens for anything other than misery? Then there's the ridiculous requirement for all high schoolers to take four online courses to graduate. Beyhan Farhadi, a University of Toronto PhD candidate and former teacher whose thesis is on e-learning, asserts that it's a terrible idea. Those of us who've taught online courses know full well about the following: • They're too often a quick and easy route to a credit as the content is minimal • For teachers, it's mostly online marking and written feedback, neither in real time, which students need. • For students, there's zero social interaction with fellow students nor are they able to develop a proper relationship with the teacher. It will be 440 hours (each high school credit is 110 hours long) not spent with a trained professional • Research indicates that only the more self-motivated, independent students succeed And, let's not forget the "snitch" line to report on teachers who chose to teach a modern health curriculum rather than the one steeped in a bygone era which the ministry ordered. As for qualifications to direct the next generation's education, prior to her election as an MPP, Ms. Thomson was the general manager of The Ontario Dairy Goat Cooperative. I "kid" you not. Heritage Society Hosts Doors Open Walk The Brooklin Heritage Society Janes Walk and the Town of Whitby will host two walks on Sat., May 4, from the Brooklin Legion. The first will start at 10:30 am and the second at 1:30 pm. Wear walking shoes as Whitby's Heritage Planner and the Heritage Society take you on a guided historical walk through downtown historic Brooklin. Bring a camera to capture your adventures and binoculars to get a good view of birds and other wildlife. Be sure to dress for the weather. Follow the Doors Open signs; they'll lead you where you need to go. Site volunteers will be happy to share their knowledge. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or visit many of our great downtown shops. Tag us in your photos @TownOfWhitby and share on Facebook or Twitter with #WhitbyDoorsOpen. For more info: https://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/en/whitby/brooklin-heritage-walking-tour Spring Fair Has New Theme This year's Brooklin Spring Fair (May 30-June 2) will have a new theme: Come on out and Show Us Your Dairy-Eh! Last year was for the bees but this year they're calling the cows home! The Brooklin Agricultural Society is excited to bring attention to our dairy industry by celebrating all things dairy at the Fair. The Demolition Derby will return on the Thursday night while the Ram Rodeo Tour will take place on Sunday afternoon (times to be annonced). Buskers will be at the Courtyard Stage and new family entertainment pieces will includ the Ride All Day pass. Details are still being finalized. For information, visit brooklinspringfair.com Advertise with BTC at brooklintowncrier@gmail.com