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District 11 objectives in the dispute are as follows: a grievance procedure and redress of grievances relat- ing to the 1971-73 agree- ment: maintenance of (Continued on page 3) The teachers will then write out their resignations and put them in two enve- lopes. These will be sealed in a large package and sent .to federation headquarters 'l’ii Toronto. There they will be screen- ed and those people in “un- tenable positions" will be withdrawn. If a settlement is reached before December 31, the re- signations would be re- turned. providing there would be no question of re- tribution. he said. In the event of mass re- signations, those resigning would receive 40 percent of gross salary. plus all fringes, plus employer‘s contribution to superannuation, according to a release from the OSSTF. These would include people who were not fully qualified and who were teaching on letters of per- mission. or those who were in “dangerous areas," such as being close to retirement or superannuation. If a settlement appears imminent. the letters are withheld. If no setlement appears in sight, the resigâ€" nations will be submitted to the director of education for York County by Novem- ber 30. The letters Will then be repackaged and held" in re- serve. Kits have been sent out to the school from the OSSTF with a covering, letter on what to do. The vote to reject the of- fer, which is slightly higher than the 15.5 percent for the same ‘perio-dx accepted re- centLy by Metro teachers, was 95.6 percent against. However, ‘he also admitted that the teachers’ negotiat- ing team didn’t show the teachers the breakdown of figures in the four teaching categories over the two-year period, but only presented them as a percentage figure. “IL WE the understanding of the negotiating team that the board wasn’t terribly enthusiastic about the two- year contract." he said. A spokesman for Dism‘ict 11 of the OSSTF said the nego.tiating team didn't con- sider the offer ‘to be "accept- able in any way." The salary grid was too low and there was no firm commitment by the board on any of the items in question. he said. The spokesman also out- lined the procedure to be followed now with the teach- ers to secure their resignat- ions. He did not elaborate on this statement. At a mass meeting at the Odeon ’I‘heatre in Newmar- ket last week, the teachers rejected the latest offer from the head, which would have given them an increase of 16.5 percent over two years. VOL. 97, NO. 22. BY JIM IRVING York County secondary teachers. in an 89.4 percent vote, have agreed to ask the Provincial Ontario Seconda- ry School Teachers Fede- ration executive to collect and submit resignations "en masse" to the York County Board of Education, effec- tive December 31, 1973. Collection Of Teachers SCREEN RESIGNATIONS Public Ll 2U. Wrigi‘ Richmmgd . The decision of the Ministry of Education to reinstate English and Canadian studies as compulsory subjects in secondary schools in the province will not make much of a difference to the secondary schools of southern York Region. Four years ago departmental examinations were dropped. and each school graded its own stud- ents in their final year. Since then the credit system has been gradually introduced. To earn a diploma 3 student was required to accumulate 27 credits over four years, and an additional five for an honor graduation diploma. a step furtherâ€"permitting stud- ents in secondary schools to make a free choice of subjects they wished to take. with the proviso that at least three credits must come from four areas: communi- cations. social and environmental studies. pure and applied sciences and arts. FOUR ENGLISH CREDITS The announcement by Education Minister Thomas Wells last week that. as of next September, studâ€" ents starting in secondary school programs will need four credits in English and two in Canadian Studies to get a diploma. When the schools opened in September, the Ministry had gone Ministry Of Education Abandons Complete F ree-Choice Curriculum After Trial Run DISAPPOINTED" By MARGARET LADE b I‘fll'y was 100 no firm board on question, “These facilities are for the Town of Markham and for the Thornhill communi- ty. I hope everyone comes out, uses them and treats them as their om," Mark- ham Mayor Anthony Roman said during the November 17 ceremony at Thornhiil marking the start of con- struction for the $3,600,000 Thornhill Community Cen- tre. Bayview Avenue and John Street. The 14-acre centre is to include two arenas, library, community meeting hall and rooms. rifle range, indoor running track and fitness faâ€" cilities. Plans also call for a' day care centre and retar- ded children's facilities if approved by York Region Council. Mayor Roman described the centre as a dream come true. He said one of the planks in his election plat- frcm when he first took of- fice January 1, 1971, was that certain facilities were needed in the Town of To mark what was probably the biggest event in recent years in the Thornhill area, Markham Town officials and community residents gathered November 17 at Bayview Avenue and John Streets for the unveiling of a sign announc- ing construction is underway on the $3,600,000 Thornhill community centre. Shown on one of the few available patches of grass amid the mud are (left to right) : Markham Ward 6 (Victoria Square-Dickson’s Hill) Councillor Ron Moran; Markham and York Regional Councillor Harry Crisp of 191 Henderson Avenue, Thornhill; Markham and York Regional Councillor Robert Adams of 17 Ida Street, Thorn- hill, ceremony chairman; Markham Parks and Recreation lmummumuuummmuummuumummmumummnuu The Richmond Hill Rams jumped into a first place tie with the Vaughan Na- tionals as they downed Weston Dodgers 6-4 in an Ontario Provincial “A” game Tuesday night at Richmond Hill. Full de- tails of this game and Sun- day's play will be found on Pages 7 and 15. Rams First Place Tie In making his announcement at Queen‘s Park November 15, Wells said the English credits could in- clude courses in such subjects as creative writing, special areas of literature, drama, or any other courses which develop communi- cations skills in the English lang- uage. Before September, 1972, English and physical education were com- pulsory throughout Ontario, with local boards of education setting other course requirements as they saw fit. All boards were encour- aged to adopt the Credit system. At present English, French, Ger- man, Latin. merchandising or shorthand may be considered a "communications" 3 u b j 9 ct for credit purposes. Canadian studies, said Wells, are important because “never has it been so clear that the unique heritage and culture of Canada and Canadians should be cherish- ed and strengthened. Pride in our country and a genuine sense of patriotism should be considered national priorities. and the schools have an essential role to play." PRINCIPALS AGREE A telephone poll (poll, that isl of principals of secondary schools in southern York Region shows that the Ministry’s dictum will make very little change in what is .ark what was probably the biggest event in in the Thornhill area, Markham Town officials lity residents gathered November 17 at Bayview John Streets for the unveiling of a sign announc- :tion is underway on the $3,600,000 Thornhill centre. Shown on one of the few available rass amid the mud are (left to right) : Markham Victoria Square-Dickson’s Hill) Councillor Ron kham and York Regional Councillor Harry Crisp ierson Avenue, Thornhill; Markham and York uncillor Robert Adams of 17 Ida Street, Thorn- ny chairman; Markham Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Ted Foster of 61 Romfield Circuit, Thornhill; Project Architect Al Jessop of 5 Ida Street, Thornhill; Markham Ward 3 (Unionville) Councillor Mrs. Carole Bell of 12 Tuscay Court, Unionville; Markham Ward 1 (South Thornhill) Councillor Gary Kay of 86 Aberfeldy Crescent, Wycliffe Olde Town; Thornhill Lions President Tony Snedka, 184 Bayview Fairways Drive, Thornhill; Markham Mayor Anthony Roman of Victoria Square; Mark- ham Ward 2 (North Thornhill) Councillor Roy Muldrew, 53 Romfield Circuit; and Markham School Trustee Jack MacKay of 167 John Street, Thornhill. Un vei ing Mar/(s T horn/rill Community Centre Start According to Commissioner of Health Dr. Owen Slingerâ€" land. who recommended that the committee of health and social services "give serious In a report of the commit- tee of the whole, council was asked to consider pro- viding the centres “as a re- quirement in any community during its development." Also, they would be provided to “anybody who requires such a service regardless of income," The report also asked the commissioner of health and social services to submit a report with “respect to finan- cial implications of the estab- lishment of a day care centre in the Thornhill Community Centre at John Street and Bayview Avenue. subject to the Town of Markham pro- viding a site . . ." An alternative report was also sought for the establish- ment of a centre in Thorn- hill United Church. Study Financing Of T‘hornhill, All Region Day Care Centres York Regional Council last week requested its planning and health and social services departments to bring in a re- port by November 29 on the methods of financing day care centres in the region. Markham. LONG RANGE PLANS The mayor said the town RICHMOND HILL, ONTARIO, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1973 School Principals Here In York Region Put Emphasis On Counselling The principals and staff, with board endorsement, have been en- couraging students to select a solid academic base for their sub- ject programs, and they welcome the Ministry‘s backing. In most cases. the principals said also that in their experience the majority of parents want their children to receive more than casual guidance in selecting subjects, that parents still consider the “3 R's" essential as a background for specialized studies in other areas. now going on in the schools The students of York. according to the principals, have also shown wisdom and maturity in their freeâ€" choice selection of subjects. Thom- lea Principal Stephen Bacsalmasi said, that from press reports of the Minister's statement, “It ap- pears some students and some schools are not getting or giving mature guidance." STUDENTS CHOOSE WISELY Allegations that the ending of compulsory courses has allowed students to avoid achieving basic literacy in English do not apply at Thornlea, said Bacsalmasi. who is also superintendent of Planning and Development for the York County Board of Education. The school, with an enrolment of 1,180. is entering its second trimester, and there are 1.426 en- TOWN OF MARKHAM Essentials Unity; in Non-Essentials Liberty; in all things Charity” 0 Formation of non-profit corporate bodies across regâ€" ion to provide the centres. O A combination of reg- ional and local service; again with subsidies. 0 A self-supporting reg- ional service with a subsidy to those unable to pay the full cost. Assign the responsibility to the board. of education as an integral part of the educa- tional system, and financed in the same manner. The joint report of the planning and health and social services departments, showed that some $30 million would be required to finance construction costs of new centres at present. In the meantime, schools and other existing buildings should be used. It suggested the following means in which day _caré services could be provided: consideration to this much needed centre." the latter would accommodate 65 chil- dren, at $3,500 per child, or a total cost of $227,500. The cost would be divided evenly between the province and the region. has been taking a long range look at the kind of facilities needed. Such things as the 0 Private home day care Read Editorial on Page 2 uumummmumunlnuuull1mmml1muImm\muuumummnuunmu lllllllllllllllllllllllull‘llulllllllllllllll“llllllllllfimlilllllll]ll\\lllll\ll\\llll\lll rolled in courses in history. geog~ raphy and social science, all of which include Canadian studies, indicating that many students are taking more than one course in this subject area. Courses in Eng- lish show an enrolment of 103 percent of the student body. so obviously many are taking two courses in this area, said Bacsalâ€" masi. And in mathematics, “not an easy subject for many”, the enrolment is 1.188. Classroom teachers as well as guidance personnel have a respon- sibility in helping students and parents realize the implications for the future when they make up their timetables. When the stud- ents understand the long-term im- plications, they can do a good job in subject selection. NEED QUALITY TEACHING “We should concentrate on the quality of teaching. With proper direction, students themselves will make wise choices.” said Bacsalâ€" masi. "They will not go out for the ‘Mickey Mouse' courses." Langstaff Secondary Robert Krol says the dictum will make little his school‘s study patts Council approved the trans- fer to cover the miscalcula- tion. Mayor William Lazenby, of Richmond Hill, chairman of the health and social services committee. said that a $10,- 000 miscalculation in the budget wasn’t serious. “The statement there were funds in the budget at that time was obviously wrong,” said Mayor Buck. The report drew fire from Mayor Evelyn Buck of Au- rora, who pointed out that additional staff had been hired for the centre last'sum. mer. despite her protests. as alternative for small munities or rural areas. The report showed that Richmond Hill and Markham each account for one-fifth of the children in need in the region. In a report from Treasurer John Hlynski, it stated that the Newmarket Day Care Centre's budget had been overspent by $10,449, with the result that the health and social services committee had asked council for authority to transfer funds from another department to cover the deficit. big Thornhill centre cost a lot cf money. but the tax- payers money is being well EWme Principal Ministry’s change in m. com- Roman noted the co-ope- ration of many, many people was needed to make the community centre possible He thanked ceremony chair- man. Councillor Adams, ( Continued on Page 181 spent, he said mumummummququuumumumuumuuumuuuuuu Sunday Shopping He also said the Govern- ment’s policy paper on Sunday store hours, out- lining the policy it will pursue. will be made pub- lic soon. See Editorial on Page 2 of this issue. Mr. Davis told a news conference he finds it strange that store hours should take precedence over the other issues. Premier William Davis’ mail clearly indicates a “reasonable distribution” between those correspon- dents who want to retain Sunday as it is, and those who want uniform store hours, according to a statement made last week. This would appear to in- dicate that the major con- cern of Ontario citizens is not inflation, high food prices, or the energy cri- sis. but Sunday store clos- ing hours. Or perhaps it is a realization by the pub- lic that extension of shop- ping hours into Sunday, meaning extra wages. ex- tra use of electricity etc. has a direct bearing on the other subjects. (Photo by Dave Barbour) “We have insisted on four Eng- lish credits, one in geography and one in history and there has been no resistance from the majority of students," said Krol. As for the parents, most seem to feel there should be more direc- tion, not less, from the Ministry and the board. “If there is one area that should be reinforced." said Krol, “it is English. Parents want the 3 R’s to be a compulsory part of the school program, and Canad- ian history certainly should have a place in the curriculum." STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION Thornhill Secondary School's Principal Donald Sherman agrees wholeheartedly with reinstatement of compulsory subjects. particu- larly at levels 1 and 2 (grades 9 and 10). The Minister's announcement is “a step in the right direction." he said. adding that at Langstaff, staff tries to encourage students to carry subjects that will give them a solid academic background, and if a student is having difficulties, “we try to zero in on a one to one basis". The majority of students at Langstaff. which has an enrol- ment of 1050 in academic and com- mercial courses, seem to realize that subjects such as English are HOME PAPER OF THE DISTRICT SINCE 1878 The only critical voice was raised by Regional Councillor Lois Hancey who said she was in favor of ac- quiring new premises for the works yard in an appropâ€" riate area. preferably an in- dustrial area. “The moneys for the Pugsley location will offset the cost of new lands. But it upsets me that the public has no right of appeal against locating this in an agricultural area. A munic- pality or any government ag- ency can go in and use any land without going to the public." , She also stated that “I don’t think we need almost 133 acres _â€" 10 acres is all we require. The cost of'the land is not the only money that will be needed, particu- larly if we are going to ask the agricultural society to use the new site. We Will[ have to repay them at least $32,000 plus grants if they are denied the use of the town park. which we would not have had without them. There is no public transpor- tation to the proposed site and many children and ad- ults walk to the fair. I know we have annual exâ€" penses in restoring the‘ grassed surfaces of the‘park after the fair, but that is less expensive than this move would be." In the nine months to Sep- tember 30 this year, the pro- fit from this bus:- line has been $13,886.99 compared to a deficit of $9,943.64 in 1972. reflecting an increase in rates introduced in Septem- ber last year. Mayor William Lazenby questioned her statement that the agricultural society had originally owned ‘ the park, but Clerk Mack Cle- ment confirmed her state- ment. “The society origin- ally owned the land but gave it to Richmond Hill with the provision that they would have the use of all facilities for a two week period each year." An increase of 60,000 from 1972 in the number of fares collected and an increase of 3,300 revenue miles were re- ported. Yonge St. Bus Line Has $8,175 Profit Of the surplus Richmond Hill will receive $5,009.89 (61.28%), Markham $2,285.03 (27‘95%) and Vaughan $880.- 49 (10.77%). A profit of $8,175.41 was realized by the TTC-opera- ted Yonge Bus line in the third quarter of 1973, a re- port received by Richmond Hill Council Monday afterâ€" noon revealed. The franchise for this bus line is owned jointly by Vaughan, Mark- ham and Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill Council Seeks 133-Acre Option Negotiations for an option to purchase prop- erty at the corner of 18th Avenue and Leslie Street for a new site for the town’s works yard and the annual Spring Fair of the Richmond Hill Agricultural Society were approved by Richmond Hill Town Council Monday evening. The property was i‘eportedvto contain 133 acres and the price was not revealed. SOCIETY OWNED LAND "English and Canadian History have not been neglected in this school. The new policy won’t affect us much because of the na- ture of the school and its size. but generally the Minister's decision is a step in the right direction.” He added that no doubt direc- tion from the top is necessary in some schools or the question would not have arisen in the Leg- islature. Domina admitted to be- ing “old fashioned" in his think- ing on the subject of education and options, adding that he is so old fashioned he would even like to see reinstatement of external examinations Iset by the Ministry and tried in all schools across the province) instead of leaving it to each school to set its own "final" examinations. “Canadian studies could be in- terpreted in many areas â€" geog- raphy, history, politics," said Krol, “and the parents are 100 percent behind it.” NOT NEGLECTED AT RHHS Principal George Domina of Richmond Hill High School said that his school is small enough that the variety of optional courses is limited. Principal Arthur Martin of Bay- view Secondary in Richmond Hill required without any pushing from staff. Surviving are his wife, Betty, and four young sons, Eddy, David, Jamie and Ron- nie. Mrs. Hancey renewed her attack on the idea of going into a rural area and encour- aging development contrary to the policy of council and of the provincial government of maintaining rural areas as rural. Loss ~of time and money by works crews in getting to the centre of pop- ulation was also pointed out by the regional councillor. She also charged that part of the land is quicksand and would not be so usable with- out extensive drainage and the location would mean in- He proved to be a compe- tent chairman for several meetings, was always ap- proachable to all ratepayers, and an active participant in all events of this, Richmond Hill's Centennial Year. Charles L. Stewart, 35, of 313 Kerswell Drive, a mem- ber of Richmond Hill Town Council for Ward 3 was killed Tuesday morning about 11 o’clock when his car was in collision with a truck on Concession 5 at 16th. Avenue in Markham. In January he was named chairman of council’s bylaws and procedure committee, vice-chairman of the plan- ning committee and as a member of the finance com- mittee. As a result of these he was council's liaison with the senior citizens of the town and was instrumental in securing satisfactory meeting quarters for the groups of these citizens in Oak Ridges and Richmond Hill. He was also in charge of arrangements for coun- cil's annual awards night held last Thursday evening at the Summit Golf and Country Club and emceed the presentation program. Truck Crash Kills Ward 3 Councillor Elected to council last December, Mr. Stewart brought an enthusiasm and a desire to learn to his re- sponsible position. Although he represented the people of Ward 3, who elected him, well he was not parochial in his outlook and was inter- ested also in the problems of the people of all other wards in town. Town Mourns Charles Stewart Mr. Stewart was alone in his car at the time. Driver of the truck was Steven Rufcitti, 25, of Mid- land, Avenue. Toronto. 74 GREMLIN X is also “very much in favor” of compulsory credits. “It helps to clear the air." SHOULD INCLUDE PHYS. ED. Although Bayview was one of the first schools in York to intro- duce the credit system, Martin says there have been no problems at his school. "Almost everyone takes English and some form of Canadian studies. Of 1,500 stud- ents in the school, there are 1,600 enrolled in English courses, an indication that a number are tak- ing more than one English course.” Very few students have gradu- ated from Bayview with less than four credits in English, said Mar- tin, as well as credits in history, geography and social sciences. As far as “Canadian studies" is concerned, ’Martin said this is a very broad area and can be in- cluded in any of the courses men- tioned above. His chief regret is that the Ministry has not included physical education in the list of "compul- sory" subjects. Martin is presi- dent of the Canadian Federation of Provincial School Athletic As- sociations which held a four-day convention recently in Charlotte- town. Prince Edward Island. physic tive,” am very c1 al education said Martin. creased truck traffic on Concession 5 and collided with the Stewart vehicle. which was proceeding north Rufcitti has been charged with dangerous driving. roads where residents have already appealed to the town to curtail truck traf- fic. ‘ ' At this point Mayor Lazenby interrupted to tell Mrs. Hancey that She didn't have the right to tell council what it should do. “I have every right if I think council is acting incorrectly in considering such a proposal," Mrs. Hancey retorted. “I concur we do need adâ€" ditional space for a works yard, which is now located in a residential area where land is of prime cost." said Ward 1 Councillor Andy Chateauvert. “The suggested location is considerably out of the built-up area and is central between the north and south ends of the town. (Continued on Page 3) According to regional po- lice. Mr. Rufcitti was going west on 16th Avenue. He attempted to turn south on The funeral service will be held in the chapel of the Marshall Funeral Home Fri- day afternoon at 2 pm. Friends will be received at the funeral home after 7 pm Wednesday. PRICE 15¢ PER COPY Charge Driver CHARLES STEWART Thursday's Emcee )n I‘I and collided four-day tharlotte- nd. about ele