logo
‘It was a gut punch': Concerned parents fight for future of special needs school

‘It was a gut punch': Concerned parents fight for future of special needs school

CTV Newsa day ago

Since 1923, what is now Heydon Park Secondary School has been an important place for young women with special needs.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Victoria's iconic Beacon Hill Children's Farm celebrates 40th anniversary
Victoria's iconic Beacon Hill Children's Farm celebrates 40th anniversary

CTV News

time5 hours ago

  • CTV News

Victoria's iconic Beacon Hill Children's Farm celebrates 40th anniversary

In the heart of an iconic Victoria park, Beacon Hill Children's Farm staff, volunteers and visitors are celebrating its 40th anniversary. The co-owners who started the farm in 1985 opened the gates to a lineup of guests – thanking them for coming on their special day. 'It feels good. We're very proud of what we've done and accomplished, and we feel that we're just blessed to be able to have done everything we did,' says co-owner Dennis Koenders. He pitched the idea to his wife, Lynda, during the '80s recession. Koenders had been working in the construction industry and wanted to run a business on his own. The farm initially started in Coombs and moved to Victoria's Beacon Hill Park on June 12, 1985. 'In the first years, yes, we struggled – we really struggled. We didn't have a suggested donation at the time,' says Lynda Koenders. Despite a memory of working for five months one summer with two afternoons off, Dennis says he always believed in the non-profit, which has since welcomed visitors from around the world. 'I love it. I heard it's the best place in Victoria for little kids – and it's true,' says Larkin Millar. She's on a trip with her family of four from Oregon, taking part in the birthday festivities. 'I think it's a real draw,' says Victoria resident, Liz Sansoucy-Jones. '[It] gets kids in touch a little bit more with something exciting, all it the little animals and bigger ones.' The farm hosted its beloved goat run to start the day. Staff also put up decorations and set up several kids activities – such as a scavenger hunt, colouring, and story time. 'It's great. Lots of kids here, adds to the excitement,' says Cheryl Heid who's visiting from Nanaimo. 'I think it's very worthwhile. It's great to interact with animals or just have the fun of being here.' The Koenders estimate the farm attracts 120,000 to 150,000 visitors per season. There are 15 paid staff and more than 100 volunteers. 'They always say they named it wrong. It's not really just a children's farm. A lot of older people come alone to sit with the goats and have an amazing day. It's a great place. If you're having a hard day, just come visit us,' says volunteer, Ted Hartley. The farm features a variety of animals, including pigs, birds, chickens, guinea pigs, alpacas and goats. The only enclosure people are allowed inside is the petting area for goats. The Beacon Hill Farm Society manages the finances – and the Koenders say it's in 'good shape' to celebrate more milestones to come. 'It's the longest job I've had, but it's been the most enjoyable job that I've had too,' says Lynda. 'It's great to see so many people enjoying the farm.'

‘He's been here for 33 years': Hundreds of students protest TDSB decision to transfer beloved principal
‘He's been here for 33 years': Hundreds of students protest TDSB decision to transfer beloved principal

CTV News

time9 hours ago

  • CTV News

‘He's been here for 33 years': Hundreds of students protest TDSB decision to transfer beloved principal

Hundreds of Rosedale Heights School of the Arts protest the transfer of their beloved principal. Hundreds of students walked out of Rosedale Heights School of the Arts this morning, protesting the Toronto District School Board (TDSB)'s decision to transfer their beloved principal, Barrie Sketchley. 'I thought it was kind of disgusting considering he's been here for 33 years,' said student Georgia Gonzalez. Sketchley, who is in his 80s, plans to work just one more year before retiring. He transformed what was a vocational school where students learned trades into one for the arts, and has remained as the school's principal for more than 30 years. Some students shared with CTV News what they loved about Sketchley. They said he greets them when they arrive to school for the day, attends every school concert and even knows everyone by name. One student shared how they have been able to experiment with their art thanks to the safe environment Sketchley created. Another pointed to how the principal fought to keep the same amount of funding for their arts programs, while other schools cut their costs. The superintendent made the announcement on Monday in a letter saying, in part, 'Mr. Sketchley will always be a part of the RHSA community, and I sincerely thank him for his outstanding service to students. Please join me in wishing him well at his new school.' The letter announced he would be transferred to Harbord Collegiate and a new principal, Mr. Joseph Ghassibe, would take his place. Katrina Matheson, who is on the school council, says they have been in touch with the TDSB with open lines of communication trying to reverse its decision. 'I don't know if the door is open for changes, but it's our hope,' she said. Richard Rose has two daughters who have gone to this school. 'He founded the school and he's in great shape,' said Rose. 'He does what he needs to do and the kids love him and he can do his job. Why go about this? It seems kind of odd or mean spirited.' CTV News spoke briefly with Sketchley but he declined an interview, only expressing his love for his students. In May 2023, CTV News profiled Sketchley and spoke of having never wanted to do anything else except be an educator. He's the longest serving principal in the province and the Toronto School Administrators Association held a gala to celebrate him. Within days of finding out about Sketchley's transfer, students mobilized plans for the walk out including creating a social media presence. Teacher Maryanne Marsh has worked alongside Sketchley for 30 years. 'He's created a culture of kindness and that is very unique,' she said. She is retiring at the end of this year herself and says this is a terrible way for his celebrated career to end. 'They should allow this man some dignity and grace and to exit his legacy and his career in a way that celebrates him,' said Marsh. The TDSB says Principal and Vice Principal placements and transfers are an operation decision by staff. The transfer is scheduled to take effect July 1.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store