Since we've had rather an influx of new people arriving recently, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to all of you and raise a few important points that you might need to know in the near future.
My name is Miss Ephesia Vanch and I'm the chairwoman of the Lincoln River Welcome Committee, as well as the headmistress of Lincoln River High School. I know I've already had the opportunity of speaking to a number of you when you arrived but, for those I missed, my fellow residents and I would like to wish you a warm welcome to our little town.
You should each have received a welcome basket from the Welcome Committee. I do hope I was able to provide everything you might need to get you on your feet. I am only human, however, so if I missed anything essential, please do let me know so I can rectify the mistake.
While the Welcome Committee will do what they can to ensure you settle comfortably into your new residents, I must inform you that, as residents of Lincoln River, you will each be expected to support yourself and become an active part of our community. We have a saying; a town that works together thrives together. We each do our bit for the town and, as a result, we're all able to reap the rewards.
If you have yet to find employment, you will find a Classified section at the back of our town's newspaper, available at all convenience stores in the town or, alternatively, at the Lincoln River Library. You are also welcome to approach business owners directly or visit the Town Hall to ask for assistance in your job search. If you have any questions or need advice, you are also welcome to contact me directly. I will do my best to help in any way possible.
For those of you of college age - I know a number of you have recently graduated high school and I offer my warmest congratulations - the deadline for domestic college sign-ups for Fall 2013 is July 1. If you intend to study at ULR, you will need to get your application in before that date. This gives you a little over a month. There are a number of late-admission places but the Dean prefers to hold these back in case new residents arrive once the semester has already begun, so please do not think you can rely on these as an excuse to procrastinate. If you need advice on the matter, myself or one of my colleges from the High School will happily speak to you and discuss your options.
For those of you who have not yet completed a high school education, you are most welcome to join my students at the high school. The semester is ending soon and summer is on its way but you're welcome to attend classes for the next few weeks to get a feel for our little school. This will also give me an idea as to your capability and allow me to put you into the appropriate level of education in the fall, so that you are able to flourish and achieve your absolute best.
As I have said before, I am here to help so please don't hesitate to come to me if you have any questions at all. I do not proclaim to have all the answers, but I will always do what I can to make this transition as easy for you as possible.
[ Filtered to Daniel Williams ]
Mr Williams, I believe your daughter has recently arrived. I am sincerely glad that the two of you have been reunited, even though you were hoping not to be reunited in this exact location.
However, while you are both here, I suspect that you will want Miss Williams to attend school. May I inquire as to how old she is and which grade she will be starting in the fall? We have an excellent Elementary School and Middle School here in Lincoln River and, after having spoken to the Principles of both, I have been given the authority to offer Miss Williams the same opportunity as I have extended to prospective high school students - if you so wish, Miss Williams will be allowed to spend the next few weeks in the class that she will be joining in the fall, to begin making friends and settling into school life before the summer.
If she is at all behind, due to any slight discrepancies in time cause by her arrival here, there is also a superb summer school, run as a join enterprise between the Elementary, Middle and High schools, aiming to help students reach an even level of education in preparation for the fall semester.
Please let me know your preferences and your daughter's information and I will advise you on the next steps you will need to take.
I can also provide information on childcare in Lincoln River, should you require the service during the summer months while Miss Williams is off school and you are at work. However, if you prefer to arrange this yourself, please just let me know.