Presentations
The trustees were dressed in blue at their regular board meeting to show support for Bullying Awareness and Prevention week.
Strategic Directions 2014 - 2019
Phyllis Eikre, Director of Education, provided a copy of the Board's 2014 - 2019 Strategic Plan to the trustees. Eikre provided a snapshot of the progress towards the Board's strategic plan under each of the four pillars: Strategic Priority One Increasing Student Achievement and Well-Being, Strategic Priority Two Fostering a Catholic Environment of Respect, Acceptance and Accountability, Strategic Priority Three Using Our Resources Wisely and Strategic Priority Four Discovering and Celebrating Joy in the Education Journey. Eikre highlighted goals and initiatives under each pillar.
Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement
Paul White, Superintendent of Instructional Services provided an overview of the Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement. The plan is developed based on the goals and objectives of each School Improvement Plan for Student Achievement and Well-being. The results for the Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement and Well-Being are summarized in a theory of action statement: "The Kenora Catholic District School Board is committed to increasing a relationship-based community that promotes the faith formation, well-being and academic achievement." This statement will focus on the three pillars - Community, Culture and Caring, Academic Achievement and Pathways for Well-Being.
The Impact of Learning Technologies Video Première
Jamey Robertson, Innovation and Creativity Coordinator provided the trustees with an exclusive première of the Impact of Learning Technologies video. The project was a collaborative research project involving the Northwest Catholic District School Board and the Kenora Catholic District School Board. The project was a component of the 21st Century Innovative Research Initiative funding by the Council of Ontario Directors of Education through the Ministry of Education. The video highlights interviews and comments from technology teachers and students from both school boards that were collected through the research project. You can watch the video here:
Pope John Paul II School
Principal Victoria Swejda and Vice Principal Tammy Bush along with a delegation of student leaders, Brianna, Abigail, Teagan, Wonara, Athena, Julia, and Emily, from Pope John Paul II School, provided a presentation on the two different kinds of leadership roles that make the school a special place for students. The school has a Student Council and the Flight Crew.
The students explained that the Flight Crew is comprised of a variety of leadership crews that have responsibilities in the school. A few examples of the Flight Crews are equipment room crew, tour guide crew, sound AV crew, peer mentor crew, landscaping crew, literacy crew, courage crew, weekly assembly crew, morning announcement crew, nutrition crew and faith celebration crew. Students interested in being a member of the Flight Crew need to apply for the job.
Representatives from each crew provided an overview of the different leadership responsibilities the teams have.
Students, Wonara and Julia, presented information on the Student Council, which is another leadership group at the school. Students need to be voted in by their peers. They Student Council has been focusing on fundraising and has coordinated the Haunted House, The Cake Walk and the Miracle Marathon.
Students reported that the leadership opportunities through the School Council and the Flight Crew help them feel connected to what is happening in their school so they can have a role and a voice.
REPORTS
2016 - 2017 Audited Financial Statements
Claudine Cordeiro, and Jennifer Pyzer of BDO Canada LLP provided a report on the board's 2016 - 2017 Audited Financial Statements. For the year ending August 31, 2016, the board has an annual surplus of $188 thousand bringing the accumulated surplus to $4.5 million. The board is compliant with Ministry of Education legislation.
October Special Education Advisory Council Report
Phyllis Eikre provided a report on the October 20th Special Education Advisory Committee Report. The Council reviewed a letter from the Kenora Association of Community Living advising that Aimee Foucher would remain the SEAC representative for the school year. They also heard a report from Jamey Robertson, Innovation and Creativity Coordinator regarding the use of technology in the classroom. Jamey reported that all students in Grades 4 - 9 within the Kenora Catholic District School Board get their Chromebook. Chris Moorley, Special Education Coordinator advised that she would be focusing on creating a parent guide for special education as a resource for parents.
2018 - 2019 School Year Calendar Consultation
Phyllis Eikre advised the trustees that the 2018 - 2019 School Year Calendar is currently available for consultation to collect the preference of staff and families across the region regarding the start and end date of the next school year. Eikre explained that the calendar is available for feedback via surveys until December 1st. The calendar is developed by the Regional School Year Calendar Committee, which is comprised of school board representatives from the Kenora Catholic District School Board, The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, the Northwestern Catholic District School Board, the Rainy River District School Board and the Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales.
Institute for Catholic Education Symposium - Renewing the Promise
Phyllis Eikre provided a report on the Institute for Catholic Education Symposium - Renewing the Promise. The school board send a delegation to the conference on November 14 - 15th. The symposium brought together over 650 participants across the province to celebrate successes, name challenges and determine priorities and opportunities to shape the future of Catholic education in Ontario.
KCDSB Christmas Schedule
The trustees received a copy of the 2017 Christmas Schedule. The schedule provides an overview of the Christmas concerts and events across the board in all schools. The schedule is posted on the board's website.
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, December 19th at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Education Center. At the Annual Meeting, the trustees will conduct the elections for the position of Chair and Vice Chair. Following the meeting, there will be a Christmas celebration at the center. Everyone is welcome to attend.