A last Christmas for Duntroon School
With a light dusting of snow setting the scene, gently foretelling of the season to come, both tire stores and ‘The One Stop Christmas Shop’ at Duntroon School enjoyed crowds getting ready for what lies ahead. A sold out bake table (is there any other kind?) and chili dinner, bustling atmosphere, and responses from various vendors indicated that Duntroon’s event was a resounding success. Congratulations to the School Council group, particularly Robin Ardila and Jenn McCarl, who were able to pull it all together so quickly and so well. In the 100 mile style, it was gratifying to see and support so many different local artisans and entrepreneurs in Duntroon, an excellent opportunity for stocking up on handknit dishcloths (an old family friend who used to keep us well stocked moved way up north: we miss you Wanda!), finding handmade bedwarmer teddy bears, and some lovely baby items, all locally made. It was also a great chance to source some interesting holiday ideas, from cookie masters Creative Ginger: (I’m hoping to order some of her homemade, reasonably priced, beautiful and tasty gingerbreads, shaped as a large ivy wreath as well as innovative candy cane- and star-shaped teacup hangers), to balloon experts (Rise UP: from full size balloon Santa sculptures – the Duntroon Hall won an auctioned one for the family Christmas parties there – to very popular individual balloon corsages), and cool crafted creations for children (smitten with the flag banners from Polly Taylor, whose 3 Peas in a Pod is unfortunately closing, but is now offering her design services privately,). Dopey Kid Originals, an educational toy store in Stayner (the name, regrettably, does not say it all) was on stage keeping kids engaged with seasonal crafts, and offering an array of interesting gift ideas.
The success and spirit of the evening is tempered by the sadness that it was a first and last for the school, which will be shuttering up as Duntroon’s public school this coming June. All of the funds raised from the evening are earmarked for the final commemorative party and reunion of Duntroon students, slated for the end of May 2012 – more details will be provided as planning progresses. In preparation for the festivities, the School Council is seeking photos and images (any originals can be copied onsite at the school and returned), stories and legends, and memorabilia for display. With a recently uncovered stash of old yearbooks providing additional inspiration, a final yearbook may also be in the offing, if there is sufficient volunteer interest and items to warrant it.
The Ontario Ministry of Education, after an extension to their own deadline that conveniently pushed its response until after the recent provincial election, has now summarily dismissed a request for a review of the Duntroon School ARC. Spearheaded by Councillor Thom Paterson, the request had lofty and admirable goals, items which will now have to be addressed through other forums. Key to the request were identifying improvements for the school consolidation/ARC process, to encourage school board staff and trustees to be more transparent, responsive and accountable to the volunteers working together on ARCs, and also seeking changes in the provincial rural education policy, where funding makes supporting small local community schools a burden on many school boards.
Councillor Paterson remains concerned about the future of our Clearview schools, especially those with 200 or less students, as neither the current provincial funding formula, nor the Simcoe School Board’s own policies support these schools’ continuing operation. With returned MPP Jim Wilson’s election pledge “to fight to ensure the funding formula meets the needs of single school communities” – schools such as Duntroon, Creemore and Nottawa – Councillor Paterson is seeking the MPP’s renewed support in highlighting rural school issues at the provincial level. With the spotlight on green energy issues after the last election results, when many media identified turbine conflicts as costing Liberals critical seats, rural education policy has had a lesser profile. This even though the education policy can be similar in its disruptive and divisive impact on communities, and counters ‘green’ government initiatives by removing local schools from communities, thereby increasing bussing. Hopefully an invigorated PC opposition including MPP Wilson will bring attention to and work with the government to achieve rural education reforms during the upcoming session, as local school boards are ill-equipped to resolve these issues themselves.
Any updates and news you’d like noted, or questions you may have, please email me at Suzanne@rockside.ca.
