Presentations
Education Quality and Accountability Action Plan
Jamey Robertson, Innovation and Creativity Coordinator and board Managing Information for Student Achievement Lead (MISA) provided a report on the board's Education Quality and Accountability Action Plan for the 2017/18 school year. Robertson provided an overview of the data from the 2016/17 assessments of Mathematics, Reading and Writing in Grade 3, 6 and 9 and the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. Robertson shared that the board will be scaling and maintaining best practices throughout the entire primary division. Grade 6 Mathematics is an area for improvement with specific interventions being implemented. For Grade 6 Reading and Writing, the board will monitor for improvement and the Grade 9 Applied Mathematics will be a focus area with an assessment of programming and student achievement throughout the school year.
Renewed Math Strategy
Jordan Temple, Numeracy Lead provided a report on the Renewed Math Strategy for the Board. The plan focuses on four key objectives: Increased student achievement, well-being and engagement in mathematics; increased educator math knowledge and pedagogical expertise; increased leader use of knowledge of effective mathematics pedagogy to provide the necessary supports and conditions for school and system improvement and increased engagement with parents in their children's mathematics learning.
As part of the strategy, the board has partnered with Lakehead University as part of an Action Research Plan to assess student perceptions around Mathematics, specifically at the Junior level. The research will also inform the board on strategies that will enhance student perceptions, attitudes and achievement in math.
REPORTS
Policy #8 - Role of the Vice Chair
The Trustees approved the review of Policy #8 - Role of the Vice Chair with no revisions at this time. Please click here to read Policy #8.
September Special Education Advisory Council Report
Trustee, Anne Sweeney provided a report on the September Special Education Advisory Committee Meeting. Sylvia Coma, Diagnostic and Resource Teacher provided a report on her position's roles and responsibilities. The position is designed to provide comprehensive assessments of students and to assist administration and teaching staff with strategies based on assessment results. The two-year position acts as a liaison with community agencies and other professionals to provide support for students.
Paul White provided a report on the Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement for 2017 - 2018. The plan focuses on relationships, joy and student voice, allowing students to experience inclusion and engaged learning, increased achievement and well-being.
Norine Schram provided a report on the Special Needs Strategy.
54th Annual OCSTA Regional Meeting and Diocesan Conference Report
Phyllis Eikre provided a report on the 54th Annual OCSTA Regional Meeting and Diocesan Conference that was hosted in Thunder Bay on September 30th. Trustees Teresa Gallik and Anne Sweeney attended the conference with the Director. At the Regional Meeting OCSTA President Patrick Daly provided a president's report outlining initiatives throughout the province including executive compensation, school consolidations, rural schools, the 2018 elections, transportation, Bill 148 and the Together in Faith initiative. Patrick Daly also provided a report titled Stewards of the Promise that explored the various roles and facets of the Catholic School Trustee. Each board also had an opportunity to present information on their key challenges and the how they are being addressed.
At the Diocesan Conference in the afternoon, Bishop Colli talked about best practices and encouraged school boards to be bold in their witness to the Catholic faith.
Student Trustee Report
Student Trustee Matthew Favreau provided a report on the notable accomplishments, humanitarian activities and events happening at St. Thomas Aquinas High School during October. You can watch Matthew's video presentation here:
Next Board Meeting
The next Board Meeting of the Kenora Catholic District School Board is scheduled for Tuesday, November 21st at 7:00 p.m. from the Catholic Education Center. Everyone is welcome to attend.