PRESENTATIONS
École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys
Nicole Kurtz, Principal, Jacqueline Duhaime, Vice Principal, as well as grade 1/2 Teacher Megan Baker and a group of students provided an excellent presentation about the amazing student leadership happening at École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys as part of the school's Leader in Me process.
Grade 2 student, Maddyn Hughes, started the presentation
by providing the trustees with a Prezi about the 3D Makerbot printer and 3D design projects the students have been learning about in her grade 1/2 class. Maddyn explained that the class recently hosted a 3D Design Expo where over 250 people visited the class to see the 3D animals the students designed and printed. Maddyn also provided the trustees with a live, on-screen demonstration, designing the shape of a person using the SculptPlus software. Mrs. Baker explained that although the students are in grades 1 and 2 they have exceeded her learning expectations and now she's got them designing more complex projects such as machines with axles and moveable cars.
Next, five members of the SMB Assembly
Team provided the trustees with a presentation on all the leadership roles that are occurring within the school. The Team shared that they have many leadership roles for students including Dance Club, Peer PALS, Reading Club, Announcements, and Hot Lunch.
Nicole Kurtz shared that student leadership is amazing at École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys. The grade 6 Assembly Team students are able to take on the leadership role of organizing all aspects of a school assembly and the students are able to do the assembly as well as or even better than if the teachers organized the assembly. The team even came to school the week before school started to ensure that all aspects of the assembly were ready for the first day of school.
Nicole also spoke about the new project that will be occurring in the foyer at École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys school. The school is working to transform the large foyer in the new addition to make the space an extended learning environment. Students are involved with all aspects of consultation and planning. The project is being supported by the Idea Lab.
Picture Exchange Communication System
Sarah Pyzer, Applied Behavioral Analysis and Chris Moorley, Special Education Coordinator provided a presentation on the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) that the board has implemented to work with students that have limited to no verbal communication skills. Pyzer explained that the system was developed in 1985 at the Delaware Autism Program and has lots of research and studies backing it. The PECS protocol has 6 phases and supports augmentative alternative communication for students with autism spectrum disorder and helps students to learn spontaneous communication skills. Pyzer is encouraged by the success of the program and showed the trustees a video of a 17-year-old student that she's being working with using the PECS process. The video showed how the student is able to communicate using PECS. Pyzer shared that the younger students have even more likelihood of acquiring speech.
Moorley shared that a student's individual education plan would include PECS goals so the process is well documented.
Operational Services Plan
Andrew Poirier, Manager of Operational Services provided a report on the board's Operational Services Plan outlining completed projects and future goals. Poirier identified that a main focus is working through the Green Energy Act of Ontario and continuing to make strides in energy consumption reductions in all facilities within the board.
REPORTS
Retirement of Lynda Caouette
The trustees accepted a motion for the resignation of Lynda Caoette for the purpose of retirement effective March 31, 2016. Trustee Vaughn Blab shared that Lynda began working at St. John School in 1998 as a lunch hour supervisor and then grew into the role of Education Assistant. Blab noted that Lynda thrived on making connections with students and the students felt safe and comfortable in her presence. Many students continue to keep in touch with Lynda long after they have left the school. The board wished Lynda a long and happy retirement.
2016 - 2017 Capital Plan
Andrew Poirier provided a report on the 2016 - 2017 Capital Plan. Poirier identified that this is the second year of five-year Capital Plan cycle. Currently there are 57 capital projects identified within the plan including completed projects for 2014/15. For the 2015/16 fiscal year the Board has been allocated $1,185,104 for School Renewal and Capital Plan initiatives. The Capital Plan has budgeted $1,170,600 in capital projects for the period of 2016/17. Subsequent years (year 3 through year 5) of the Capital Plan will be addressed based on funding availability on an annual basis. The board will be applying for rebates from SaveOnEnergy for all Energy Conservation Management projects which meet the program's criteria.
2016/2017 School Year Calendar
Phyllis Eikre, Director of Education provided a report on the 2016/2017 Draft School Year Calendar. The Board approved a motion to accept the 2016/2017 School Year Calendar as presented. The calendar will now be submitted to the Ministry of Education for approval.
Support Catholic Education Communication
Phyllis Eikre provide the trustees with a communication that the board will be using to provide information about tax designation.
Please click on the PDF below to review the communication:
Support Catholic Education.pdf
First Nations Trustee Recruitment Communication
Phyllis Eikre provided the trustees with a recruitment communication that will be used to recruit a new First Nation Trustee. Eikre identified that the position has been vacant since the death of Josie Kipling. Eikre shared that the communication will be shared in schools, the board website, parishes and throughout the Grand Council Treaty #3 area. Eikre identified that it's important that the individual reside within the Treaty #3 area and be Catholic.
Please click on the PDF below to review the communication:
The KCDSB Welcomes a New First Nation Trustee.pdf
Student Trustee Report
Student Trustee Angela Myshkowsky provided a report on the notable accomplishments, humanitarian activities and events happening at St. Thomas Aquinas High School during February. You can watch Angela's full report here.
Next Board Meeting
The Next Board Meeting of the Kenora Catholic District School Board is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22nd 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.