A gem of a weekend
'Top photo, this colorful banner signals
the beginning of the Discover Diamond Valley Days parade held in Black Diamond on
June 3 while, left photo, Buddy' the clown signals its success.
Numerous people slapped on the sunscreen and lined the street to watch the spectacular
parade. Watch next week's Wheel for a list of parade winners.
Discover Diamond Valley Days, held on June 2-4, brought the towns of Black Diamond
and Turner Valley together for a three day festival of fun under the sun. Folks of
all ages participated in such joyful events as the annual Salsa Fest, sheep dog demonstrations,
petting zoo and antique car show, to name a few.
For an idea of how fun the weekend was check out the photo page on pg. 29 of the
printed issue.
photo by Gillian Beckett
Division to pilot French program
By Gillian Beckett
Staff Reporter
Bilingual students have become the wave of the future for the Foothills School
Division (FSD).
FSD superintendent Jim McLellan proposed to the board of trustees during their regular
meeting on May 31 that a pilot French Immersion program be in place for ECS students
for the 2000-2001 school year at Percy Pegler Elementary School in Okotoks.
The proposal comes from a successful information session about the French Immersion
program held on May 24 which drew about 40 interested parents and 37 interested students.
'We have about 18 potential registered students for the French Immersion program
at the ECS level,' explained McLellan. 'Right now we have to ensure that the 18 (registrants)
are confirmed. If that's the case then we can proceed with the program.'
McLellan added that parents who attended the meeting showed great interest in having
a French Immersion program in place for the next school year.
'Our intent is to generate more interest in the program. . . it's more of a 'build
it and they will come' attitude,' said McLellan. 'I'm certainly of the opinion that
we will have enough interest to continue with French Immersion in the years to come.'
Although the program will be piloted at Percy Pegler Elementary School, McLellan
noted that ECS students in Foothills communities would be welcome to register, however,
transportation arrangements would have to be made by the parents.
'We could not afford a separate bus,' said secretary-treasurer Murray Lloyd.
Depending on the success of the pilot French Immersion program in Okotoks, the program
may be expanded throughout the division in the future.
In the meantime, confirmations of registered students will be made throughout this
week.
Once finalized, it is expected that a qualified teacher will be selected by the FSD
for the ECS French Immersion program at Percy Pegler.
Tannas wins Highwood PC nomination
By Gillian Beckett
Staff Reporter
Don Tannas will once again be representing the Highwood Progressive Conservative
party following his latest nomination win.
On May 31 at the Heritage Inn in High River, the Highwood PC Association held its
notice of nomination meeting to select the next candidate for the provincial constituency
of Highwood.
The evening proved to be an exciting one as incumbent Tannas
was challenged for the first time in a number of years by newcomer Grant Hunter for
the nomination.
However, as the crowded room of PC party members listened to the speeches given by
the two nomination hopefuls, the evening ended with the nod in Tannas' favor.
'They both gave excellent speeches,' said nomination chairperson Wendy Adam. '(Tannas)
talked about what has been accomplished in the Highwood PC constituency and (Hunter)
talked about his support of PC policies and (how) he wanted to bring forth new energy.
. . they were both very much in tune with each other.'
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'Grant, at the end of the meeting, moved to make the nomination vote and showed his support for Don,' said Adam. '(Hunter) made a good fresh run (for the nomination) and it's good for the constituency to have people come out and participate.'
With this being the first time in three terms that Tannas was challenged for the nomination, Tannas noted that the evening was alive with energy and showed his appreciation for Hunter's support and the support of his constituents.
'It was a very civil match,' said Tannas of the challenge for the nomination. 'We're both running for the same party and I look forward to his (Hunter's) support.'
With the nomination behind him, Tannas said he looks forward to another road ahead as Highwood PC Association candidate in the next provincial election.
'There are lots of things to be done. . . I look forward to working with the MD, municipalities and all of the communities (in the Highwood region),' said Tannas. 'I know what the job entails after three terms and I enjoy each part of what I do -- I'm looking forward to the next election.'
