INsid March 2009 \ Dougits CbilNge> The Douglas College Newsletter | New Westminster Campus, David Lam Campus, Surrey Training Centre Parents bring their children to institutions seeking help, but only the kids know how it is to live at “The I, and many of them can‘ talk. A fictional work inspired by the old Woodlands School, Imperfect, presented by the Theatre and Stagecraft departments, reveals what can happen when those considered “imperfect” are hidden away. “It’s a pretty dark subject. But I became more intrigued as I continued researching Woodlands and other institutions,” says playwright Mary Burns, former instructor and chair of Creative Writing at Douglas. After seeing a news report about headstones of deceased Woodlands residents being used to construct a staff barbecue patio and stairs, Burns was hooked. Though the subject matter is gritty and challenging, director and Theatre Coordinator Allan Lysell says Imperfect is not meant to be “a trial or accusation.” “The play is a question. How can we ensure that we don't repeat our mistakes?” he asks. Burns agrees. “I want people to question the way we deal with people who need our help. And I hope that the audience will have a better understanding of what it might have been like to live or even work in an institution,” says Burns. Woodlands School was a provincial institution in New Westminster from 1950-1996. Its residents ranged from indviduals diagnosed with physical and developmental disabilities to those with behavioural challenges deemed unacceptable by society to wards of the province. Former residents say physical and sexual abuse by staff was rampant. A class action suit against the provincial government is currently on hold. * Theatre students Bianca Spagnuolo, Callie Wallace and Christine Bortolin star in this semester's production, MAR - 4 2009 Douglas College Library Play explores lasting effects of institutionalization Imperfect. The play, inspired by Woodlands School, unveils tension between individuals, families and systems. Imperfect is part of the Woodlands Project, a series of events exploring the social and historic relevance of institutionalization, particularly its lasting impact on individuals and families across BC. For a full listing, Flexible options for 2010 Games As the College gears up for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, working options are being prepared to make things easier for employees who may find it difficult to get to work or who want to volunteer during the Games. Classes are suspended from February 15-27, 2010 and the class schedule is extended to April 17. The College will remain open with limited services. Associate Vice President of Employee Relations Marian Exmann is currently putting together options for employees. “The College will be as flexible as possible in employees’ work during those two weeks. We will gently encourage people to take vacation or carry over vacation time. Some employees have already decided to take unpaid time off in order to volunteer or do paid work. Nobody will be forced to take time off,” says College President Susan Witter. Though each department will finalize the plan for its own employees, options that may be offered include using more flex time during the Games, working longer hours for fewer days, or, for those who are not on the front-line with students, working from home, says Witter. The College, along with all other public post secondary institutions in the Lower Mainland, has entered a community partnership with the Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC) to use its facilities. Classrooms at both David Lam and New Westminster campuses may be used by VANOC on Friday evenings and weekends during the Games. Parking spaces will be open to the public as a park- and-ride depot from February 12-28, with 100 spaces at each campus set aside for employees. “Based on parking lot usage during the Reading Break, 100 spaces will be ample. Also, with road closures during the Games, we anticipate a lot of people wont be using their cars,” says Witter. In return, the College will be allowed to nominate one torchbearer to carry the Olympic torch on a portion of the Lower Mainland route and will be a host site for VANOC recruitment, making it convenient for employees and students to look into paid and volunteer opportunities with the Games. The College will also have access to a limited number of event tickets — the exact number and purchase price have yet to be determined. College contacts for the Games are: Jan Carrie (Paralympics) at carriej@douglas.bc.ca or 604- 527-5135; Robert Buller (Olympic Games) at bullerr@douglas. bc.ca or 604-527-5444; Terry Leonard (Facilities liaison) at leonardt@douglas. bc.ca; 604-527-5365 Cassandra Mak (staffing) at makc@douglas.bc.ca or 604- 527-5743 Brad Barber (communications, marketing and advertising) at barberb@ douglas.bc.ca or 604-527-5327. please see Events in this newsletter. Performances of /mperfect run March 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 and 7:30pm. ‘There are two special matinee performances on March 21 at 2pm and March 23 at 1pm. All performances take place at the Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets can be purchased through the Massey Theatre box office (604-521-5050). New face on Board M,, New College Board member Michael Hwang took the Oath of Office on January 15. The Douglas College Board welcomes new member Michael Hwang, who was sworn in on January 15. Hwang replaces Christian Codrington, who completed an exemplary term of service on December 31, 2008. Hwang is the principal lawyer at Hwang and Company and a director of the Burnaby Board of Trade. He was the BC representative to an international development and relief agency and served on the board of Share Family and Community Services Society for six years. Hwang worked as a youth care worker at Vancouver General Hospital’s Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment Unit while studying criminology and psychology at SFU, and holds a Bachelor of Laws from UBC. Change is good The Occupational Health and Safety Committee reminds employees that Sunday, March 8 is the start of daylight saving time. To increase your safety at home, change all of your smoke alarm batteries when you change your clocks. deltafire.ca/Change.htm