From the Boardroom for October 18, 2022

Posted on 10/19/2022
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Did you miss the Board Meeting on October 18, 2022? Not to worry, here are  the highlights from the meeting.

Watch the full meeting on YouTube:



HIGHLIGHTS

Opening Prayer (Timestamp 0:17)


Chaplain Dean Woodbeck from St. Thomas Aquinas High School led the opening prayer in celebration of the Feast of St. Luke.


Spirit Bears Initiative (Timestamp 7:47)


Shelly Tom, First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Coordinator and Alecia Cox, Jordan’s Principal Navigator, presented the Spirit Bears that will be gifted to each school. Kenora Catholic students will have a new friend at school to bring comfort and support through a fleet of blue Ambearristers set to join school communities across the Board. The KCDSB initiative started after the Board was given a Spirit Bear from Leeann Shimoda, Jordan’s Principle Co-Ordinator for Independent First Nations. Since then, Bears have been purchased for each school.

The Spirit Bear represents the 165,000 First Nation Children impacted by the First Nations Child Welfare Case at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.

Learn more here.


Student Trustee Report (Timestamp 14:05)


Student Trustees Zhaawan Kavanaugh and Joshua Pitt provided a report on the spiritual, humanitarian, sports, arts, and academic activities happening at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

The school celebrated Thanksgiving with a school prayer service where everyone was able to gather as a faithful community. Students are thankful for many things at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, including sports, arts, academics, and other activities, as well as the hard work and dedication of staff and students that have made the first few months of the school year a success.

On September 30, students wore orange shirts and walked to Cecilia Jeffrey’s site for a lesson with an Elder and Shelly Tom. Kavanaugh presented that The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation calls for teachers to encourage students and move society toward reconciliation and respectful relationships and noted the importance of everyone receiving cultural sensitivity training.

Students at St. Thomas Aquinas High School are looking forward to the Christmas season and winter activities.

Student Trustee Elizabeth Favreau was absent with regret.

Special Presentation to Outgoing Trustees (Timestamp 17:58)


Chair Gallik and Director Nicole Kurtz made a special presentation to the outgoing Trustees – Mike Favreau, Frank Bastone, Vaughn Blab and Anne Sweeney to recognize their contributions to Catholic education and years of service as Kenora Catholic District School Board Trustees. The outgoing Trustees represent over 62 years of combined service in their roles.

“Thank you for your contributions to the students and families of the Kenora Catholic District School Board,” said Teresa Gallik. “Your governance, guidance and support have helped to ensure that every student has the support they need to be successful and reach their God-given potential.”

The Trustees were presented with a crystal cross blessed by Father Rudy Manaloto from Notre Dame du Portage Parish.

Learn more here.


2022 – 2023 Class Size Report (37: 41)


Alison Smith, Superintendent of Business, Facilities and Planning Services, provided a Primary Class Size report identifying that the Board is compliant with the Ministry of Education, Ontario Regulation 132/12 Primary Class Size Legislation in all areas.

OCSTA 2022 Fall Regional Meeting Report (Timestamp 41:03)


Chair Teresa Gallik provided a report on the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association Fall Regional Meeting for the Northwest Region. The meeting was held in Thunder Bay and included Directors and Trustees from the regional Catholic school boards.

Special Education Annual Review (Timestamp 44:55)


Trustee Anne Sweeney provided a report on the Special Education Advisory Committee Meeting of September 23, 2024. Sweeney provided an overview of the highlights of the meeting and also noted that the SEAC committee is seeking members.


Upcoming Board Meetings



Upcoming Board Meetings

The Inaugural Board Meeting is on November 15, 2022, for the Commissioning of the new Board of Trustees and the elections of the Chair and Vice Chair. All are welcome to attend.


Want to Join a Meeting?


Guests are welcome at the Board Meetings as part of the audience.
Anyone wishing to address the Board of Trustees must register by contacting Nicole Kurtz, Director of Education. For inquiries, please call 807-468-9851 or email at [email protected].
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