PRESENTATIONS
Three-Year Mental Health Strategic Plan
Sue Devlin presented KCDSB’s new Three-Year Mental Health Strategic Plan, developed in close partnership with families, students, and educators. The plan focuses on student and family engagement, building staff capacity, a clear service model, and early intervention, and is aligned with Ministry of Education PPM 169. Family feedback helped shape key priorities, emphasizing the need for clearer communication and easier access to mental health supports. In response, the Board is introducing a “no wrong door” approach to ensure families can access the right care through schools or community partners. The plan also includes classroom lessons in Grades 7–8 and Grade 10, suicide prevention protocols, Project 11, Aaron’s Law implementation, and substance-use screening pathways with community partners. Services will continue to be culturally relevant and guided by Two-Eyed Seeing. Click the link to explore the plan:
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Student Trustee Report
Student Trustees Thia Payash-Ogemah and Jacob Silva shared updates from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. The school welcomed Mrs. Barclay as Faith Animator and Mrs. Bernie as Prayer Leader, supporting faith formation and spiritual growth.
Academically, Grade 12 students are preparing for graduation, and the Academic Awards Ceremony on October 22 celebrated excellence among Grades 10–12 students. A Post-Secondary Information Night and upcoming University of Calgary visit are helping students explore future pathways.
Saints athletics are thriving, with gold and silver finishes in golf, strong cross-country results, and record participation in cheerleading. The arts are active with Jam Night returning October 23, and FNMI students continue to engage in cultural learning through fall feasts and harvest activities.
POLICY
Policy #1: District Mission, Vision and Values
Jamey Robertson provided a review of minor revisions to Policy #1 – District Mission, Vision and Values. The update combines the Catholic Graduate Expectations into a single vision statement and will align with the next Multi-Year Strategic Plan. The update was approved. Click the link to read the Policy:
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PERSONNEL
Resignation of Kelly Smith
Angela Bishop shared a retirement biography for Kelly Smith, Administrative Assistant at St. Thomas Aquinas High School who will retire on 9 January 2026. Kelly has been a steady, student-centred presence at St. Thomas Aquinas High School since June 2023 and supported the rollouts of SafeArrival and School-Day. The Board accepted her resignation for the purpose of retirement with regret and gratitude.
PROGRAM
2025 – 2026 Math Achievement Action Plan
Math Lead and Vice-Principal Jordan Temple presented KCDSB’s 2025–2026 Math Achievement Action Plan, developed in alignment with the Ministry of Education’s Taking Action in Mathematics framework. The plan focuses on four key areas: ensuring consistent use of the math curriculum, strengthening teacher knowledge, understanding student needs, and measuring progress through clear results.
The plan will be reviewed three times throughout the school year, in November, March, and July to monitor growth and refine strategies. Teachers continue to use MathUp and Knowledgehook, along with a new planning tool that connects lessons, assessments, and learning goals in one place. Early math assessments for younger grades are helping educators better understand student learning and tailor instruction to individual needs.
The plan was endorsed by the Board of Trustees.
2025–2026 Class Size Report
Superintendent Alison Smith presented the 2025–2026 Class Size Report, confirming that KCDSB is fully compliant with Ontario Regulation 132/12 – Class Size. Class size data was determined as of September 18, 2025.
The average Kindergarten class size is 22 students, with all classes below the provincial limit of 29. In Grades 1–3, 94% of classes have 20 or fewer students, and only one class has 23. The average class size for Grades 4–8 is 23.5, well below the provincial threshold of 24.5.
KCDSB continues to maintain small, balanced class sizes that support effective instruction and strong student engagement across all schools.
2025–2026 Enrolment Report
Superintendent Alison Smith presented the 2025–2026 Enrolment Report, noting that overall enrolment across the Kenora Catholic District School Board stands at 1,280 students, an increase of 16 students compared to the June 2025 projections.
As of October 15, 2025, the breakdown by school is as follows:
• St. John School: 141 students (projected 142)
• St. Louis School: 138 students (projected 138)
• École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys: 215 students (projected 212)
• St. John Paul II School: 271 students (projected 263)
• St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Grades 7–8): 159 students (projected 140)
• St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Grades 9–12): 356 students (projected 369)
The report highlights stable enrolment across all schools with growth in the Grade 7–8 division at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, which exceeded projections by 19 students. Final enrolment numbers will be confirmed as part of the October 31 Revised Estimates submission to the Ministry of Education.
OTHER
Local Government Week
Board Chair Teresa Gallik recognized Local Government Week, held from October 19–25, 2025, as a time to celebrate the vital role of locally elected officials and Catholic School Trustees who guide and strengthen faith-based education across Ontario.
Kenora Catholic’s trustees bring nearly 80 years of combined experience to the Board table, serving with faith and dedication to student success. To mark the occasion, the KCDSB Communications Team created a week-long social media feature highlighting each trustee and student trustee, their inspiration to serve, and their reflections on Catholic education.
Chair Gallik closed with a heartfelt thank you to trustees for their leadership and commitment, noting that their service “truly makes a difference in the lives of our students, families, and staff.” Click the link to read more:
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2025 OCSTA Fall Regional Meeting
Trustee Paul Landry reported on the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Northwestern Regional Meeting, held on October 3, 2025, in Thunder Bay. A delegation from KCDSB, including Director of Education Jamey Robertson and Trustees Paul Landry and Derek Favreau, attended to represent the Board.
The meeting brought together Catholic trustees and directors from across Northwestern Ontario to share updates on trustee professional learning, Catholic identity, and regional achievements. Reports were presented by the OCSTA President, Executive Director, and Director of Catholic Education, with an opening reflection from Bishop Alan Campeau of Thunder Bay.
KCDSB’s contributions highlighted the implementation of the Mobile Device Policy and the 30-year celebrations at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, both recognized as strong examples of faith-filled leadership and community engagement.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
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