Thursday, April 6, 2006 THE QUESTION >25
schoolzone
Editor’s note: Students at Signal Hill Elementary recently formulated questions for Corp. Paul Vadik of the Pemberton RCMP and put the questions to the officer during a recent visit to the school. Here are some of the questions and Corp. Vadik’s answers:
A WEEKLY PROFILE OF WHISTLER & PEMBERTON SCHOOLS, PRESENTED BY THE QUESTION & SCHOOL DISTRICT 48
THIS WEEK: SIGNAL HILL ELEMENTARY Students query RCMP officer
PAUL VADIK
Q: What is the most exciting part of being an RCMP? A: The most exiting thing for me is catching the bad guy. Whether it is in a car chase or running after them, when they are caught… that is exciting. Q: Is it ever scary being an RCMP? A: Yes it can be scary. Sometimes I have had to chase after bad guys that have been known to carry and use weapons such as guns and knives. But I am properly trained and have my own weapons to use to defend myself or others. Sometimes I have go into buildings or homes where a bad guy might be hiding or stealing something, and going into these can be scary as well. Q: What made you be an RCMP officer? A: I have always had an interest in being a police officer. My dad was an RCMP officer and I used to wait for him to come home with the police car and let me turn on the lights. I liked the stories he would tell on how he would help people who called the police. Policemen help people to solve problems, and I like that. When somebody thanks me for helping them, it makes me smile. When I know that my community is safe from criminals, that makes me happy. I always wanted be become a police officer since I was little. I made sure I went to school and did not get into any trouble growing up that would jeopardize me becoming a police officer. I never used drugs, or stole or fought. I was brought up to always respect others. I chose the RCMP instead of other police departments because of the opportunities the RCMP can give an officer. My dad was an inspiration and a role model for me to become a police officer. If you stay in school, stay out of trouble and stay away from drugs or people that have a bad influence on you, then you, too, can become a police officer.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
KEEPING THE BEAT: Local drum-maker and teacher Mike Peters, left, leads students in a new drumming program at Signal Hill.
‘Project Drum’ promotes pride, awareness
MICHELLE BEAUREGARD
First Nations Literacy and Cultural Support Worker
I
t’s not unusual to hear the sound of drums as you walk by Signal Hill Elementary School. You might catch a glimpse of a large circle of students pounding out the beat to traditional songs of the local First Nations. The students play in all kinds of weather and even a snowstorm can’t dampen their enthusiasm. This is the first time this kind of program has been offered at Signal Hill. The program is part of an Art Starts grant with lots of community support. Local drum teacher and drum-maker Mike Peters enthusiastically sings and leads the children in small groups each week as they play on a class set of 30 traditional First Nations hand drums made at school last year. “The drum is the heartbeat of the people and must be played in a good, steady rhythm,” Mr. Peters says. “The drum is the heart of The Peo-
ple and you wouldn’t want your heart to beat out of time, either.” The drums are made from goat hide with light cedar frames. Mike taught the Grade 7s how to make 30 hand drums last year and those drums remain here as their musical legacy. Each drum is totally unique but the back of each drum has a dreamcatcher design made from sinew. That is the trademark of Mike’s drummaking style. The children he instructs range anywhere from five to 13 years old. It’s not uncommon to see students drumming in the grass playing fields or under the big cedar trees. “I enjoy teaching the children and sharing the songs that I was taught when I was young. It makes me feel good to see how much the kids like drumming,” Mike says. Playing the drum is a way of life for Mike and he shares this traditional knowledge that shows students how to respect Elders and teachers as well as themselves and the drums.
The students have their favorite songs including the 200pound dance which is one the most popular. “I really like to see the kids get up and dance, too. Mike Peters It shows they DRUM TEACHER will be good leaders in the future.” Signal Hill received an Art Starts Grant to start up a program called Project Drum. The project promotes inter-cultural awareness and understanding of local traditions. Students also learn valuable leadership and mentoring skills. The program runs for 12 weeks from mid-January until April.
The drum is the heartbeat of the people and must be played in a good, steady rhythm.
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