Presentations
Jamey Robertson, Innovation and Creativity Coordinator and Tammy Bush, Learning Coordinator and Early Years Lead provided a presentation on the Idea Lab as well as a tour of the physical space. The concept started in 2013 as a pitch, where teachers, students and everyone in the system could pitch an idea and apply for up to $15K of funding to have their idea become a reality, as long as the ideas met 3 criteria: having an impact on student achievement and wellbeing, involving collaboration and a technology component. On the pitch night the team heard 25 different ideas. The pitch process from 2013 has now evolved and grown to include a physical and virtual space at the Catholic Education Center called the Idea Lab with a team of dedicated stewards. The Idea Lab is a process that takes innovative ideas throughout the school year and supports them into becoming a reality. Read more here.
Mary Cunningham, Superintendent of Instructional Services provided a presentation on the board's Academic Services Plan and the Leadership Services Plan.
Reports
Andrew Poirier, Manager of Operational Services provided a report on the board's energy management plan. The fourth year of the projected savings commenced on August 31, 2014 to July 31, 2015 with an overall savings of $40, 196 representing 127% of the annual guarantee. The savings consisted 0f $31,753 for electricity and $8,443 for natural gas. The Alternate Energy Project (solar panels) has produced revenue in the amount of $42,921 for the period of November 1, 2014 to October 31, 2015.
Alison Smith, Manager of Financial Services provided a report on the 2014 - 2015 Audited Financial Statements. For the year ending August 31, 2015 the board has an increase in the accumulated surplus of $926, 629 bringing the accumulated surplus to $4,084,032. The board is compliant with Ministry of Education legislation.
Trustee Teresa Gallik provided a presentation on the October 23rd Special Education Advisory Committee Meeting. The board is hosting a special education professional development day on November 30th with Dr. Patrick Carney. There will also be a parent night with Dr. Carney on November 29th.
Phyllis Eikre, Director of Education provided a report on the consultation process for the 2016 / 2017 school year calendar. Eikre explained that the Regional Calendar committee, which is comprised of 5 school boards in Northwestern Ontario, all share a common school year calendar due to shared busing services. A family survey and an employee survey will be available from November 16th to November 30th to allow stakeholders to share their preference on the start and end date of next year's school year calendar as well as their preference on Christmas break.
Student Trustee Report
Student Trustee Angela Myshkowsky reported on the notable accomplishments, humanitarian activities and events happening at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. You can watch Angela's full report here:
Next Board Meeting
The next Board Meeting of the Kenora Catholic District School Board is the inaugural meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 10th at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Education Center. At the Inaugural Meeting the elections for the position of chair and vice chair for 2016 will take place. Appetizers will be provided. Video Conferencing is available from the annex of St. John School in Red Lake. Everyone is welcome to attend.