Kenora Catholic District School Board

PRESENTATIONS

Business Services
Alison Smith, Superintendent of Business Services, along with Craig Debbo, Manager of Information Technology Services and Andrew Poirier Manager of Operational Services provided a report on the notable accomplishments and activities happening within the Business Services department.

Smith reported that the Financial Services department is implementing a new payment process for families to be able to pay for school fees online, with expected implementation in the spring of 2018. The department is also implementing an electronic payment process for vendor payments.

In the Human Resource Services department, recruitment for teachers and education assistants is an ongoing focus. The team is working with School Board Cooperative Incorporated to implement a staff wellness and attendance program. The department is also implementing a new Support Staff Development Program.

Craig Debbo reported that the Information Technology Services department is implementing the Ministry of Education's Broadband Modernization Initiative to improve internet connectivity for students. The department is also working with Human Resources to implement a digital records management process.

Andrew Poirier reported that the board is implementing an online Community Use of Schools process to improve the program and make it more accessible and efficient for user groups to access space in the schools. Poirier reported numerous school renewal and mechanical upgrades in the schools most notable is the Child Care retrofit happening at Pope John Paul II School, a new roof at St. Louis School and the office retrofit at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. The board continues to reduce its environmental footprint through the Energy Management program. In its 4th year of the program, the board is saving approximately $28,000 on Hydro bills per year.

First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Strategy for Success
Shelly Tom, First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Coordinator reported on projects and initiatives citing many partnerships with the local First Nation communities. The board's First Nation, Métis and Inuit Advisory Council continues to provide valuable input and direction into programming and services for students.

Tom has partnered with Mariette Martineau, Religious Education and Family Life Coordinator to create alignment between Catholicity and FNMI initiatives. The team is also implementing the board's Equity and Inclusive Education plan.

The FNMI program continues to offer awareness initiatives such as the fall feast, spring feast, winter and summer Niimi'idim (pow wows) and the Fall Harvest hosted at Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation.

REPORTS

Policy #9 - Board Operations
The Trustees approved revisions to Policy #9 - Board Operations.

2018 - 2019 School Year Calendar
Phyllis Eikre provided a report on the 2018 - 2019 School Year calendar. During the consultation process, 1,512 survey responses were received with 59% of respondents preferring the school year to start after Labour Day and 41% of respondents preferring the school year to start before Labour day. A proposed calendar will be provided to the Trustees at the February Board Meeting for approval. Once approved the calendar will then be submitted to the Ministry of Education for approval before it's approved and implemented as the 2018 - 2019 School Year Calendar. To view the proposed 2018 - 2019 school year calendar please click here.

Catholic Student Trustee 2018 Catholic Education Week Christian Service Activity
Phyllis Eikre provided information to the trustees that the Catholic Student Trustee 2018 Catholic Education Christian Service Activity. The focus for 2018 will be to raise awareness about the lack of clean and accessible water in our own country and throughout the world; and to raise funds and generate support for clean water projects sponsored by the "WE" organization or local and/or international projects supported by individual boards and schools. The event is planned for May 8, 2018. Dean Woodbeck, Chaplain from St. Thomas Aquinas High School is the board's contact for the event. Matthew Favreau, Student Trustee will also have a role.

2017 Director's Annual Report
The Trustees passed a motion to accept the 2017 Director's Annual Report. The report will be sent to the Ministry of Education. You can read the full report here.

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 January. 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, February 20th at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Education Center. Everyone is welcome to attend. For a full listing of upcoming Board Meetings please click here.