Pubdate: Thu, 20 Mar 2008
Source: Sault Star, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2008 The Sault Star
Contact:  http://www.saultstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1071
Author: Steve Bodnar
Note: Steve Bodnar is the principal of East View public school.

RACE AGAINST DRUGS FUELED BY PLENTY OF HELPING HANDS

East View Principal Praises Partnerships That Deliver Important 
Lessons To Students

We would like to thank the Anishinabek Police Service, Cpl. Cheryle 
Hayden of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Garden River 
Education Unit for organizing an exciting day at the Race Against Drugs.

Our students in Grades 5 and 6 enjoyed two hours of extremely 
important information delivered in a fun, interactive style.

Students moved from station to station listening to or participating 
in an eight-minute presentation.

Presenters from the education unit and other affiliated agencies, 
such as Nog Da Win Da Min, as well as the Anishinabek Police Service, 
RCMP and staff from the Wellness Centre were dynamic in the message 
they wanted to leave with these young people.

Topics ranging from diabetes awareness to traditional medicine and 
nutrition were shared with the students.

"Teaching children about healthy lifestyles and staying drug- and 
alcohol-free is paramount in today's society," said Grade 5 teacher 
Mr. Glassford.

"Strong role models delivered a powerful message today to our 
students. We cannot stop sending that message to our youth."

In addition to this highlight, several schools were involved in the 
first annual Garden River Volleyball/Basketball Invitational 
Tournament last January. The education unit paid for the opportunity 
for our schools to participate in this very successful, two-day event.

Many students visited the new facility for the first time and were 
very impressed by the staff and the welcome they received.

"We must continue to promote healthy activities for our young teens 
and this is another positive activity for the students," said Chief 
Lyle Sayers.

We are very proud of our partnerships with the Garden River Education 
Unit. The tireless effort that goes into these events showcases great 
programs for young people and is appreciated by hundreds of students 
from the entire district. The well-organized group delivers a message 
to all children that will stay with them for years to come.

Thank you for everything that you do for the children who we share. 
We are truly grateful.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom