Trustees with the Bluewater public school board are addressing concerns about the end of public speaking at Peninsula Shores school in Wiarton.
A number of veterans from the Wiarton legion have expressed concern the school was no longer taking part in the public speaking contest..
Staff say the Ontario Curriculum now emphasizes other ways of encouraging public speaking among students — including discussions and debating issues.
Schools in the Bluewater board vary when it comes to taking part in public speaking competitions.
Students are allowed to choose at one school — while individual classes participate at two others — four schools run public speaking as a club.
26 schools still have full participation while 12 have no involvement at all.
Trustee John Chapman was disappointed to find out that the school council at Peninsula Shores was not notified about the decision to end public speaking.
Trustee Gail Nadjiwon is concerned about the lack of communication to the legion on the issue — especially when veterans are involved.
Chapman says public speaking is something young people should be able to participate in if they choose.
He says any changes to how public speaking programs run should first be discussed with parent councils and school staff.
Chapman says the Wiarton Legion has had a long involvement with public speaking and the abrupt decision to discontinue it does not represent the Board’s sentiment.
Trustee Tim Reaburn, who represents Wiarton, left Tuesday’s meeting early.
Chapman said on his behalf that that he was also not notified of the decision to discontinue public speaking at Peninsula Shores District School.