Also, in addition to the fact that the values of recreation are often the same as those of education, the school has resources that are frequently identical to those that are needed for recreation. The community school is one in which the school has obligations beyond easing illiteracy. Here the school, as a community institution, involves itself in the social structure and social needs of the community.
The community school and its relation to recreation could be interpreted in the following manner, that is to say, it could provide competent leadership and assist in the planning and development of community wide activities for the instructional and service programs of the school; teach skills with opportunities for their application by facilitating the attitude necessary for maximum participation in leisure time pursuits; provide adequate facilities for the instructional and service programs; co-operate with other community agencies that have responsibilities for community programs and facilities; serve as the focal point for planning and initiating service projects in the community.
All of the above is vanity if your community leaders do not work well with the school administration and the local school committee.
From what I have witnessed, both as a past board member and committee member over the years, there is a good rapport between community leaders and school authorities in the central area. As far as I can ascertain, schools are being used by community groups for a myriad of activities, and this is the way it should be.
I trust you are working well with your school administration. If not, try and sit down to find out why it will benefit you, the children, the community, and the school. We are all striving for the same end, to develop the whole child, to the point where they can make their own decisions, decisions that will lead to a fuller, richer, and more rewarding life.
That’s 30 for this week. Remember, “It’s easier to build a child than mend an adult and an ounce of pluck is worth a ton of luck!”
Until next week.
Don Winsor is a former recreation administrator now living in Happy Adventure. He can be reached at (709) 677-2422 (voice/fax), by mail at Box 26, Site 6, Happy Adventure, NL, A0G-1Z0, or by e-mail at thebench@eastlink.ca.
info@ganderbeacon.ca
.jpg)
.jpg)
