From the Boardroom - November 15, 2016

From the Boardroom - November 15, 2016
Posted on 11/16/2016
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School BoardElder in ResidencePRESENTATIONS

Instructional Services Plan
Mary Cunningham, Superintendent of Instructional Services, provided a report on the board's Instructional Services Plan. Cunningham shared information on accomplishments and new initiatives reflected under the strands of the Strategic Plan; Increasing Student Achievement and Well-Being, Fostering a Catholic Environment of Respect and Accountability, Using Our Resources Wisely and Discovering and Celebrating Joy in the Education Journey.

One of the many initiatives that Cunningham spoke about was the baby book project. The board is gifting a book titled 'On The Day You Were Born' to every baby born at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital. She also spoke about a mural project that students from St. Thomas Aquinas High School will be creating to add colour to the hospital's maternity ward.

Cunningham also shared that the board will be offering another Arts Jamboree for families and children in 2017.

As part of the Instructional Services presentation Jordan Temple, Numeracy Lead provided an interactive presentation on innovation and creativity in math. Temple had the trustees do an interactive activity on triangles. Temple shared that the board is rethinking how they teach students math as many students are doing computations on iPhones and computers. They are focusing on getting students interested in math so they are innovative thinkers and problem solvers and can see patterns in society and the world around them.

Elder in Residence
Paul White, Superintendent of Instructional Services and Shelly Tom, Aboriginal Education Coordinator introduced Howard Copenace to the Board. Copenace will be the new Elder in Residence sharing his knowledge and teachings on Anishinabe culture and traditions. You can read more about this here.

Mental Health Strategy
Sue Devlin, Mental Health Lead provided a report on the board's Mental Health Strategy sharing that the heart of school mental health is relationships for students with caring adults. Devlin shared that the suicide prevention, intervention and post vention procedures and waterfall resource documents for Administrators have been developed and implemented.

Devlin shared that every school within the board has a mental health champion identified. The champion is the voice for the school, receives additional professional development and can support their school and colleagues.

Devil also spoke about the MindUP pilot project that is currently being implemented in Grade 1 - 3 classes across the board. The 32-week program helps students with focusing and attention, improved self-regulation, resiliency to stress and having a positive mind-set. It also has a focus on gratitude.

The Mental Health Strategy has a philosophy that there is 'no wrong door' at the KCDSB to access mental health support and services. The team will ensure resources and supports are in place.

REPORTS

Policy #3 - Director of Education Job Description

The trustees accepted a motion to approve the review of Policy #3 - Director of Education Job Description with no changes at this time. You can read this policy here.

Retirement of Randy Kurtz
The trustees accepted a motion for the retirement of Randy Kurtz, effective December 17th with regret.

Trustee Paul Landry shared that Randy Kurtz started with the board as a custodian in 2003 at Our Lady of the Valley and École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys. In 2010, Randy became the full-time Day Custodian at École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys, where he is well liked by staff and adored by students who love to be 'Randy's helpers'.

The board thanked Randy for his commitment and dedication to Catholic Education and wished him well in his retirement.

Special Education Advisory Committee Report
Phyllis Eikre, Director of Education provided a report on the October SEAC meeting. Eikre explained that SEAC is working to raise the awareness of the committee and will be attending Welcome Nights in February to welcome new families to the system and share information about SEAC.

The committee also received a report from a consultant working with a group of teachers, ECE's and the parents of a hearing impaired student. The team is developing specific programming to support the student's learning. The public is welcome to attend the SEAC meetings. For a full listing of meetings please click here.

Education Quality and Accountability Office Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test Electronic Pilot
Mary Cunningham provided a report on the EQAO OSSLT Electronic Test Pilot that was scheduled to take place on October 20th. Cunningham explained that EQAO cancelled the electronic test pilot due to an intentional, malicious and sustained cyber attack that prevented the electronic pilot from taking place. Cunningham explained that no students from St. Thomas Aquinas High School had started the test yet, and students will be able to take the test again on paper in March 2017. To learn more about this please click here.

School Capacity and Utilization Review
Alison Smith, Manager of Financial Services and Andrew Poirier, Manager of Operational Services provided a report to the trustees on the School Capacity and Utilization Review process the board is currently undertaking. The board received funding for the process under the Capital Planning Capacity Program, which is part of the Ministry of Education's School Board Efficiencies and Modernization initiative.

The board tendered the project in June 2016 and awarded the contract to Watson and Associates, one of Canada's Leading Economic Consulting firms.

The purpose of the review is to provide the board with information to enable the board to undertake additional capital planning activities by reviewing facility conditions, capacity and usage.

Student Trustee Report
Student Trustee Jieren Bornia provided a report on the notable accomplishments, humanitarian activities and events happening at St. Thomas Aquinas High School for October. You can watch Jieren's video presentation here.

Next Board Meeting
The Next Board Meeting of the Kenora Catholic District School Board is scheduled for Tuesday, December 20th at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Education Center. The December Board Meeting is the inaugural board meeting where the elections for the position of Chair and Vice Chair will take place. Video Conferencing is available from the annex at St. John School in Red Lake. Everyone is welcome to attend. For a full listing of all board meetings please click here.

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