From the Boardroom is your 'at a glance' review of the November 13, 2018 Board Meeting.
Strategic Plan 2014 - 2019
Phyllis Eikre, Director of Education, provided a report on the Strategic Plan for 2014 - 2019. Eikre provided a snapshot of the progress and accomplishments of 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 presented on a few new initiatives. In September, Isobel White was welcomed to the role of Elder in Residence. Isobel's role is to provide guidance, counsel and support to teachers and students, infusing cultural teachings and traditions into the curriculum. In September, the Board also hired two Ojibway Language Facilitators. Eikre explained that it's challenging to find Ontario College of Teachers certified teachers who are fluent in the Ojibway language. The board's new Ojibway Language Facilitators will work alongside the classroom teachers to teach the Ojibway language. The board also hired three new support staff for the board's multi-disciplinary team. The Student Success Advisors will work with high-risk students to provide special education supports and liaison with community agencies.
Eikre also shared that additional support for numeracy is a focus area for the board. Kenora Catholic has now placed numeracy support teachers at each elementary school to work at the elbow of teachers and students and support math instruction.
Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement
Paul White and Michelle Sawa, Superintendents of Instructional Services, provided a report on the Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement. The main theory of action statement is -
"The Kenora Catholic District School Board values leadership and collaboration. We steadily strive 'to build each other up' and see the potential in all. We are strongly committed to promoting faith formation, well-being and academic achievement."
The Board's plan is aligned with the goals of each school and is a living document that will guide the board and its schools over the next three years.
Education Quality and Accountability Student Advisory Committee Report
Dominique Novelli, Student Trustee, provided a report on the first EQAO Student Advisory Committee Meeting. Novelli explained that the first meeting was an opportunity for everyone to introduce themselves and learn about the goals of the EQAO Student Advisory Committee. Novelli spoke about the diverse group of students involved on the committee from various races, religions and languages. Students from across Ontario will share their feedback and ideas on how the EQAO can improve assessments, programs and student engagement. Learn more here >>
Kenora Catholic Flexible Learning Spaces Case Study
Jamey Robertson, Vice Principal at Pope John Paul II School and Innovation and Creativity Coordinator provided a report on Kenora Catholic's learning spaces recently being profiled globally in a Case Study published by VS America. The Case Study tells the story of the board's journey from traditional classrooms to the flexible and dynamic spaces that are evident across the system today. Read more here >>
Student Trustee Report
Clareynze Ceria and Dominique Novelli provided a report on the notable accomplishments, humanitarian activities and events happening at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in November. Watch their full report here:
REPORTS
Policy #1 - District Mission, Vision and Values
The Trustees approved a motion to accept the review to Policy #1 - District Mission, Vision and Values. Click here to review the Policy.
Policy #3 - Director of Education Job Description
The Trustees approved a motion to accept the revisions to Policy #3 - Director of Education Job Description effective immediately. Click here to review the Policy.
Policy #16 - Selection of the Director
The Trustees approved a motion to accept the revisions to Policy #16 - Selection of the Director effective immediately. Click here to review the Policy.
Director of Education Performance Evaluation
The Trustees approved a motion to accept the Director of Educating Performance Evaluation documents as presented.
2017 - 2018 Audited Financial Statements
Claudine Cordeiro and Jennifer Pyzer of BDO Canada LLT provided a report on the board's 2017 2018 Audited Financial Statements. For the year ending August 31, 2018, the board has an annual surplus of $932 thousand bringing the accumulated surplus to $5.4 million. The board is compliant with Ministry of Education legislation. Click here to review the 2017 - 2018 Audited Financial Statements.
Special Education Advisory Committee Report
Trustee Anne Sweeney reported on the June 15th and October 19th Special Education Advisory Committee Meetings. All minutes of the SEAC meetings are posted on the board's website. Click here to review the SEAC minutes.
2019 - 2020 School Year Calendar
Phyllis Eikre provided a report on the draft 2019 - 2020 School Year Calendar. The draft calendar is available across the region for consultation and feedback. Click here to review the calendar.
Next Board Meeting
The next Board Meeting is Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Education Center in Kenora with video conferencing available from St. John School in Red Lake. Everyone is welcome to attend. Click here to see when all the meetings are scheduled for 2018 - 2019.