reform and Education Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons' handling of "such a massive project''.

Executive director of the Ontario Association for Curriculum Development (OACD), Mr. Robert Howe, told The Royal Gazette some 400 educators who attended OACD's conference last month were "thoroughly impressed'' with Mr.

Simons and his presentation about the Island's approach to education reform.

"What he talked about was of prime interest to the audience,'' said Mr. Howe, who invited Mr. Simons without meeting him beforehand. "He humanised the technical aspects of the importance of the children being able to end up in an education system that would prepare them for entering North American and even British universities.

"And he also balanced off and admitted that they've (the Ministry of Education) made some errors. He said he felt, in reflection, they could have done a much better job in communication.'' Mr. Howe, who has a background in the communications business, said his first thought was "how do you communicate all this. It's such a massive project.

It's really the renewal of the whole system.'' Mr. Howe said many who attended were impressed by the Island's progress because they know that "Ontario has a tough job changing a curriculum''.

Mr. G. Albert Tatem, the son of Bermudian retired educator Mr. Thomas Neville Tatem, has also written a letter to the editor expressing his praise for Bermuda and Mr. Simons' efforts.

"As a native Bermudian I have a special interest in the changes that are planned,'' he wrote.

"I have every confidence that the proposed middle school system and other adjustments, properly implemented, will serve Bermuda's needs well.'' Mr. Tatem, who is superintendent of schools at Westview Family of Schools in North York Board of Education, said he was not only impressed by the provision and upgrading of physical resources, but also with "the significant attention being given to the professional development and preparation of staff well in advance of the proposed changes''.

Permanent Secretary of Education Dr. Marian Robinson had been invited to join a visiting committee of the US Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The committee will be conducting a ten-yearly evaluation of Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida, from April 6-9.

Dr. Robinson will be responsible for two reports -- on the academy's philosophy and goals, and the relationship between the school and the community.