Presentations
St. Louis School
Principal Trudy Cederwall along with teachers Marnie Buffet and Mariette Martineau provided a presentation on innovative learning projects and how St. Louis School is focusing on increasing levels of joy and well-being for all students. The presentation began with Mariette Martineau sharing an iMovie showcasing students and teachers as they talk about new technology in the school. Click here to watch the video created by St. Louis School.
Marnie Buffet followed up with a presentation on how St. Louis School is focusing on expanding a positive mindset by increasing levels of joy and well-being. Buffet shared that research indicates that in order to focus on well-being it also requires a focus on increasing levels of joy. Joy and well-being are correlated. Through the support of the Idea Lab the school is working on a project to increase joy and a positive atmosphere through meditation, movement, timetable reorganizing, physical activity and a positive school climate. The school has embraced their school identity by infusing joy throughout the school day from opening announcements, group meditation and mindful breathing activities as well as expressions of gratitude.
Math Innovations
Jordan Temple, Math Facilitator provided a presentation on math strategies which included an engaging activity that trustees were able to participate in to change thinking behind math. Temple presented that there are a lot of resources provided through the Idea Lab to support teachers in what they want to accomplish with numeracy which includes sharing best practices across the board. Temple presented that new research into brain function is finding that there is no such thing as a 'math person'. Everyone can do math well and achieve at high levels given the chance. Math is not just limited to calculations anymore. Instead there is a shift within the province on supporting students to become problem solvers that have the skills to figure out what the problem is and how to find the solution. The board is also focusing on growth mindset and changing students' thinking and perception of math. Through these shifts students will have a deeper understanding of math and problem solving which will result in increased outcomes.
Information Technology Services
Craig Debbo, Manager of Information Technology Services provided a report on the initiatives happening in the Information Technology Services department. Debbo shared that over the past 18 months the board has completely upgraded the wireless system and the entire board now uses a common platform built from almost 90 access points and a redundant management service. The board is also preparing to deploy over 100 new Chromebooks to the grade 7 students at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. The board's public website and all school websites were recently upgraded which allows communications and stories to be shared seamlessly between the board and the schools creating a consistent communications platform that is integrated with social media. The next project the IT department will be focusing on, in partnership with the Operational Services department, is the board-wide implementation of a swipe-card security system, as well as adding security cameras to Pope John Paul II School and École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys as well as video intercoms within the elementary schools. Debbo noted that the decrease in value of the Canadian dollar is impacting the board's hardware costs.
Reports
Retirement of Maria Silva
The trustees accepted a motion for the retirement of Maria Silva effective January 31, 2016. Trustee Mike Favreau reported that Maria Silva started with the Kenora Catholic District School Board in 1992 as an Education Assistant and worked at St. Louis School, Mount Carmel School and most recently at Pope John Paul II School. Over her career Maria Silva has supported the system in many ways. She was a valuable volunteer for extracurricular and school events, she was the school's social convener and a Minister for Communion. Maria was noted as genuinely caring for students. She is gracious and hardworking and a true Catholic model of servant leadership. In 2015 she was awarded the Support Staff Award for Excellence in Catholic education. The Board wishes Maria Silva a long and prosperous retirement with many years of happiness with her husband Carlos Silva.
Appointment of New Audit Committee Member
The trustees accepted a motion to appoint Mike Favreau to replace Teresa Gallik as the trustee representative on the Audit Committee.
Additional Professional Development Day for 2015 / 2016 School Year Calendar
The trustees accepted a motion to accept the revisions to the 2015 - 2016 School Year Calendar adding an additional Professional Activity Day on February 29, 2016.
2016 / 2017 School Year Calendar
Phyllis Eikre, Director of Education provided a report on the 2016 - 2017 Draft School Year Calendar. A motion will be presented to the trustees at the February 16th Board Meeting to approve the calendar. Once approved the calendar will then be submitted to the Ministry of Education for approval.
OCSTA Trustee Professional Development Session
Phyllis Eikre provided a report on the recent Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association Trustee Professional Development session that was hosted on January 16 - 17th and focused on 'Speaking Together with One Voice'. The professional development included a report from the Institute for Catholic Education, a president's report from the Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association as well as various other sessions. Click here to read highlights from the Trustee Professional Development session.
Student Transportation Resolution
The trustees accepted a motion for the OCSTA to petition the Ministry of Education to review and implement the recommendations in section 3.13 - Student Transportation of the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario - Annual Report 2015. The motion will then be forwarded to the Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association for the Annual General Meeting in April.
2015 Director's Annual Report
Phyllis Eikre provided a report on the 2015 Annual Director's Report that showcases a small snapshot of the projects and initiatives of 2015 that align with the board's strategic Plan: Our Journey, Our Faith, Our Joy. Click here to read the 2015 Annual Director's Report.
Next Board Meeting
The next Board Meeting of the Kenora Catholic District School Board is scheduled for Tuesday, February 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Education Center. Video Conferencing is available from the annex of St. John School in Red Lake. Everyone is welcome to attend.