Robert Little Public School In Acton

Ted Arnott made the following remarks on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at the 150th
anniversary of Robert Little Public School in Acton.

Good afternoon, everyone.

I feel very honoured to be here today, along with my colleagues in elected public
service: Mayor Rick Bonnette and Councillor Jon Hurst of the Town of Halton Hills, and I
know Councillor Clark Somerville was here as well, because I saw him on the way in.

I’m honoured to be here today as, together, we celebrate 150 years of public education
and academic achievement here in Acton.

Acton is a great community—you know that—with a proud history and a vision of the
future, which builds on the accomplishments of the past.

It is that pride, and recognition of our past accomplishments, that inspire confidence.

Going forward, the inspiring lyric from the Vancouver Olympics theme song, “We
Believe” applies all across Canada and right here in Acton in 2010.

This school, established before Confederation, spanning through time, from the era of
Egerton Ryerson through to the era of Bill Davis and beyond, has been a centre of
excellence and achievement, of pride and confidence, and an attitude of “We Believe.”

All of this has inspired generations of students, imbibing them with the ability to learn,
the curiosity to question, the character to seek the truth, and the compassion to care.

Today we thank the community as a whole for their support of Robert Little Public
School. We thank the teachers and other staff through all these years, and especially
the staff of today, who carry on those fine traditions.

Last, but certainly not least, we thank our students—our students who give life to these
halls and classrooms; our students, who embody the promise of the future; our
students, who deserve nothing less than our best, shared efforts to give them the best
education in the world.

Thank you again for having me here, best wishes for continued success, and hope you
enjoy this day.