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Catholic superintendent says S.I.D.E. Spaces more inclusiveContinued from page 1I dont think it sends the against changing the old pol-abusers, with the goal to help them turnThe revised policy recommends the for-right message (to students). icy Burlington trustee away from that sinful or addictive behav-mation of a student support and discussionI dont think we should put a Jane Michael and Oakville iour. To suggest that there is no cure forgroup called Safety, Inclusivity, Diversity,negative connotation on it.trustee Anthony Danko.those suffering from homosexual orienta-Equity (S.I.D.E.) Spaces.Superintendent of educa-Prior to the trustees dis-tion is to cause them to lose hope, Hachria said this would be too generic intion Mary Tessari said the cussion about the issue, a added.nature to help gay or lesbian students withinboard is trying to cater to a Burlington woman addressed Hach comment drew an immediatethe Halton Catholic board.variety of students in need of the board as a delegation.rebuke from board chair LeMay.According to background informationsupport.Sylvie Hacheemed to I must say that I personally disagreeprovided to the board, S.I.D.E. Spaces wouldWe really feel that the stun some in the hushed with you and believe that you do not accu-enable students to access peer supportconcept of S.I.D.E. Spaces is boardroom when she rately reflect the teachings of the church onwithout the danger or threat of non-accep-a much more inclusive for-described how she was gay homosexuality, said LeMay. To suggestOakville Catholic School tance in order to work together to makemat, said Tessari.for 13 years, and was cursed that any student, by virtue of their sexualtrustee Paul Maraitheir schools more welcoming for all mem-Students who are gay mayfor it, but made a conscious orientation, is not a child of God, is not thebers of school communities regardless of have feelings of isolation ordecision to change her life-teaching of the Catholic church.race, origin, sexual orientation or ability.be bullied, but there may be other non-gay style and benefitted from it.After the board meeting, Marai com-After the board meeting, Marai said hestudents with similar feelings and experi-I realize society is leading people to mented on Hach words.wants to see the opportunity for stand-aloneences, said Tessari, adding that to cater to believe being a homosexual is not a choice, It was hurtful, quite frankly. Im a hugeGSAs to be formed at Halton Catholic boardonly one group of students in a school-based and that it is discovered. The truth from the supporter of public discussion about thisschools for students who want them.support group would not be as inclusive as it Bible states homosexuality is a sinful behav-(issue), but I was hurt by what she said.I appreciate the work done on it (policy),should be.ior equal to, but not any different from The revised interim equity policy nowbut I think S.I.D.E. Spaces has sidesteppedTessari does not agree with Marais con-other sinful or addictive behaviour.goes to community stakeholders such asthe issue. If students want that, good fortention that schools should have GSAs since A mother of two adult children, Hacharents, school principals, the Catholicthem. We are not going far enough withseparate interest groups already exist within said she was a practicing Catholic until Parent Advisory Committee, school councilS.I.D.E. Spaces; if students want GSA clubs,schools.about six years ago. Her two children did chairs and church parish pastors for inputthey should have them.Multicultural groups, drama (club), the not go through the Halton Catholic educa-over the next three weeks.Were saying to LGBT (lesbian/gay/bisex-swim team, those types of things will go on. tion system.The compiled remarks should go back toual/transsexual) students you cant be visibleThat is a totally separate thing. They have an I am in total support of any group that the boards policy committee on March 9(within the support group) if youre gay.entirely different purpose.is created by the Halton (board) to aid those with a possibly further revised equity andMy fear is that we have changed theS.I.D.E. Spaces are for any student who struggling from homosexual orientation or inclusivity policy potentially going back todebate, said Marai, believing the new policyfeels they are not accepted, added Tessari.same-sex attraction, if it is set up and trustees for a vote on the second and maybewill essentially result in a banning of GSAsIn voting against the revised policy, Marai designed as AA would be for alcoholics or a third and final reading at the March 22and the word gay.was joined by the two trustees who voted drug rehabilitation centre would be for drug board meeting.YoudFeelOldLivingAnywhereElseARE YOU STRUGGLING Eventhoughyou'reactive,winterisn'tyourbesttimeoftheyear.WITH DEBT?Thisyearyoucanactuallyenjoywinterbydoingmorethanjust Are you using credit cards to pay bills?puttingintime.TheDelmanorexperienceisaboutdailyactivities, Cant seem to pay down credit card debt?plannedexcursionsandafocusonindividualempowermentall Always using bank overdraft?inacommunityofpeopletoobusytoactretired.Asamemberof Do you owe Canada Revenue?theTridelGroupOfCompanieswecomebythatattitudehonestly. 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