For immediate release
May 4, 2000

Natural Bridges team speaks
at international conference

    A team of students, teachers and community partners with two of Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board's Natural Bridges programs received rave reviews at the International School-to-Work Transitions Conference earlier this week. The Northern Outdoor Studies program at North Hastings High School and EcoBound at Bayside Secondary School were featured.
    Natural Bridges is an innovative program, offered at all eight secondary schools in the District, that provides skills-based training for students who wish to move directly into the work force or specialized post secondary program after graduation.
The International School-to Work conference, held in Toronto on May 1 To 3, highlighted exemplary school-to-work transitions programs, and keynote speakers from across North America. It was attended by approximately 800 participants.
    "One of the things that makes our Natural Bridges programs so effective is that they are tailored to the needs of the community," said Lisa Vincent, Careers Curriculum Co-ordinator. "We work with members of the local community to develop a program that will give students employability right in their home town."
    The Northern Outdoor Studies program at North Hastings High School was one of the lead schools in developing the Board's highly successful Natural Bridges programs. The team from Bancroft included students Darren Nualls, Joe Borroughs, and Todd Pilgrim, who spoke about their unique experiences in the program, and their teachers Bob Shouldice and James Burbidge. Northern Outdoor Studies focusses on resource and wildlife management, forestry, and fisheries.
    EcoBound is a new program that was offered for the first time this year at Bayside Secondary School. Students, Dave Giles and April Nix, talked about some of the projects undertaken by EcoBound students. One of these is a partnership with Presqu'ile Provincial Park that uses the park as an outdoor classroom and co-op learning placement for students. Rob Cunningham, Assistant Superintendent at Presqu'ile, praised the students' dedication and enthusiasm and spoke of the mutual benefits of the partnership. EcoBound teachers Bonnie Thiele and Peter Andras also spoke.
    The program at each school is offered in partnership with local business, industry, and the communities. Students acquire various certificates and skills while studying ecology, resource management, forestry and fishery practices, recreation services, and community leadership. Each secondary school has its own particular focus within the program based on the need for skilled workers in each community.
 

For more information contact:
Lisa Vincent, Careers Curriculum Co-ordinator,  966-1170  ext. 3120