The Literacy Notepad

BOARD IN PROFILE

Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Board of the Literacy Development Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. William Fagan as the Council's new chairperson. Dr. Fagan's appointment is for a two-year term commencing September 13,1996.

Dr. Fagan is renowned for his work in the literacy field, having received national and international recognition for research in the field of literacy. He has worked in various capacities in the education field, most notably as a classroom teacher, principal, supervising principal, lecturer, and research professor. Dr. Fagan has experience as a professor at the University of Alberta and, most recently, as visiting professor at Memorial University.

Dr. Fagan is the author of numerous publications involving literacy issues and practices. He received an international award the National Council of Teachers of English for literacy research, provincial recognition in literacy education from the province of Alberta, as well as recognition for accomplishments in literacy education from the University of Alberta.

The Literacy Development Council looks forward to working with Dr. Fagan in its pursuit of quality literacy programs and services on behalf of the citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Literacy Development Council is pleased to announce the hiring of a Communications Officer. Reg Hamilton, a native of Grand Falls-Windsor, assumed the duties Oct. 21. Reg is the former editor of The Advertiser (Grand Falls -Windsor). His most recent tenure was with the Central Newfoundland Regional College, where he was employed as an information officer.

REG HAMILTON

Reg's duties will include publication of The Literacy Notepad and First-Time Readers. He will also update Council's lnternet homepage, prepare promotional material and provide communication services to literacy stakeholders.

"We are very pleased to have Reg on board," says Wayne Taylor, Executive Director of the Literacy Development Council. "Reg will provide an avenue of communication between Council and stakeholders. His extensive background in media relations will keep everyone up to date on what's happening in our province."

Reg is working out of the Council's Grand Falls-Windsor office.

"I believe it's important for stakeholders to know what programs may or may not be working in the province," says Reg. "Whether it's Laubach, Teachers on Wheels, or any other group, they will certainly benefit from knowing what's going on within the province."

If you have any comments or suggestions, or, if you would like more information, contact Reg at 709-489-7723. He can also be reached by E-mail at rhamilto@gfw.cnrcoll.nf.ca

The volunteer sector is becoming more instrumental in supporting the delivery of services within the literacy community. Most recently, the White Hills Literacy Council received an award from Canada Post in recognition of its contribution to literacy in the Burlington area. It is particularly pleasing to see this group receive recognition for their services, while Canada Post should be congratulated for their efforts.

As our expectations of volunteers continue to increase, so does the need for continued support. They cannot be expected to work independently without a proper support mechanism... these groups require professional support services. They require inservicing, organizational training, materials, resource information, and, most importantly, they need to feel valued.

Financial resources are declining and, as a result, government has been forced to downsize many of its services resulting in increased expectations from the volunteer sector. The Literacy Development Council feels responsible for providing these services. The Council is exploring options to find the resources needed to meet these demands. Stakeholder sup port and cooperation will be instrumental during this process.