Tuesday: School Review Update Expected

A discussion paper dealing with the school review process is set to be released Tuesday. Education Minister Karen Casey will provide an update on the process during a media conference in Halifax. A committee has been working since April to produce a discussion paper that will lead to a new school review process. It's expected to examine what is working within the process, areas to improve and ideas for surplus schools. School review has been highly controversial in rural communities throughout the province. It has long been used as a method behind school closure or amalgamation of smaller schools. Members of the South Shore Regional School Board will be in attendance tomorrow afternoon when the discussion paper is released.

Local Teachers Recognized For Making A Difference

A local teacher and guidance counsellor have been recognized as teachers who make a difference. The Nova Scotia Teachers Union honoured nine of its members for making an impact in the lives of their students. Michelle Longley, a grade seven english teacher at Chester Area Middle School and Roland Hannem, a guidance counsellor at South Centennial and Yarmouth Central schools are among the recipients. They will both receive a $300 donation towards their school's breakfast or library program. This is the second year for the 'teachers who make a difference program.' It encouraged students to nominate a teacher who has made a big difference in their lives, and contributed to their school and community.

Hurricanes Collect Silver At Halifax Tournament

A tough loss for the BMO Western Hurricanes at the Esso Major Bantam Hockey Tournament in Halifax. The Hurricanes fell 2-1 in the championship game to the Cape Breton Cougars. Walter Flower had the lone goal for the Hurricanes. Meanwhile, Flower was named a first team all-star on defense. Matt Barron joined him as a first team all-star at forward. Parker Rowter and Adam Grimmitt were named top goaltenders and Jacob Myra received the most dedicated player of the tournament.

Health Authority Approves Alcohol Position Statement

The local health authority is taking a view on alcohol. South Shore Health has approved an 'Alcohol Position Statement', which explains their thoughts on issues including access and availability of alcohol, pricing, advertising and sponsorship. The statement is one of three created in the past two years dealing with tobacco, food and alcohol. Director of Community Health Services, Todd Leader, says the document clarifies information for staff to be able to have a stance.



Leader says the statement acts as a beginning to changing the way people think about alcohol. Roughly 230 deaths are attributed to alcohol use annually in Nova Scotia. He says they will take the statement to talk with their community partners to set up further discussions. The position statement can be viewed here .

Local Students Win "National Child Day" Poster Contest

Two students from the South Shore have submitted winning entries for a "National Child Day" poster contest. Adina Brewer of New Germany Elementary and Ally Symonds of Forest Ridge Academy in Shelburne County were identified as successful entries. Manager of Youth and Senior Services with the Ombudsman's Office, Kay Rogers-Lidstone, says the poster contest is an opportunity for students to share their talent and knowledge of children's rights. She says they are hoping to present the local students with their prize before Christmas.



National Child Day is celebrated annually to mark the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. More than 500 entrees were submitted province-wide. More information, including the winning artwork, can be found here.

The winners are:

-- Grade Primary: Emma Baker, Maitland District School, Hants Co.
-- Grade 1: Ainsley Brightman, Maitland District School, Hants Co.
-- Grade 2: Nicholas Sherman, Maitland District School, Hants Co.
-- Grade 3: Ally Symonds, Forest Ridge Academy, Shelburne Co.
-- Grade 4: William Fox-Rodriguez, Park West School, HRM
-- Grade 5: Adina Brewer, New Germany Elementary, Lunenburg Co.
-- Grade 6: Lucas Brocklehurst, Colby Village Elementary School, HRM
-- Grade 7: Hanna Elford, Halifax Central Junior High School, HRM

Food Bank To Benefit From Fund-Raiser

Thousands of dollars in cash and food donations could go a long way in helping to re-stock a South Shore food bank for the holidays. The Bridgewater Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a fund-raiser Wednesday over the supper hour. Chamber manager Dan Hennessey says its in support of the Bridgewater Inter-Faith Food Bank.



The fund-raiser begins at 5pm and runs until 7 at the Best Western in Cookville. All you need to get in for snacks, drinks and to listen to the Bridgewater fire department quartet is a cash and non-perishable food donation.

Men Arrested For Cashing Forged Cheques

Stealing cheques has landed two men with a court appearance in the new year. The Bridgewater Police Service charged 26-year-old Bryden Whynot of Wileville and 24-year-old David Wagner of Bridgewater after the cheques were allegedly stolen from a local business, forged and cashed. The two men are charged with theft, possession of stolen property and uttering forged documents. They will appear in court in Bridgewater on January 15.