RITE OF COMMISSIONING
At the September 17 Board Meeting, Student Trustees Benjamin Favreau and Javan were formally commissioned through a meaningful prayer service led by Director of Education Nicole Kurtz and Leanne Chisholm, Religious Education and Family Life Coordinator. The Rite of Commissioning Ceremony highlighted the Student Trustees' commitment to serving their school and spiritual community with leadership grounded in Catholic values.
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Did you miss the Board Meeting on September 15, 2024? Not to worry, here are the highlights from the meeting.
Watch the full meeting on YouTube:
PRESENTATIONS
Multi-Year Strategic Plan
Director Nicole Kurtz provided a report on the Multi-Year Strategic Plan, highlighting key areas of growth, investing in student success, and strengthening family engagement. She introduced new programs aimed at helping students reach their potential, discussed initiatives promoting leadership and community involvement, and emphasized efforts to enhance parent collaboration.
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2024 Summer Learning Program
Jared Ralko, Vice Principal of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, reported on the 2024 Summer Learning Program, which offered two key opportunities. The Elementary Summer Learning Program provided a morning learning session with an optional afternoon summer camp, running for three weeks in July for Grades 1-5. It featured an Olympic theme, science experiments, and literacy activities. The Grade 8-9 Outdoor Education Reach Ahead Credit allowed students to earn or recover a physical education credit with activities like meal planning, paddle camping, and an overnight trip at Vermillion Lake. Both programs were funded through the Ministry of Education and board allocations.
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Student Trustee Report
Benjamin Favreau and Javan Ura presented the Student Trustee Report, highlighting the smooth implementation of the new cell phone policy, which has been well-received by both students and staff for its positive impact on focus and learning. They also shared updates on the school year’s busy start, including sports teams preparing for tryouts, thriving arts programs, and expanding support for FNMI students.
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POLICY
Policy #5 – Trustee Code of Conduct
Director of Education Nicole Kurtz provided a report on the updates to Policy #5 - Trustee Code of Conduct, detailing the updates to comply with new regulation 312-24 of the Education Act. The revised policy was reviewed in detail at the September Policy Governance Committee Meeting.
Click here to see Policy 5.
Policy #9 – Board Operations
Nicole Kurtz provided a report on the updates to Policy #9 – Board Operations, detailing updates that were reviewed at the September Policy Governance Committee meeting.
Click here to see Policy 9.
PERSONNEL
Ontario Tentative Agreement with Principals and Vice Principals
Superintendent of Business Facilities and Planning Services, Alison Smith, provided a brief review of the Ontario Tentative Agreement with Principals and Vice Principals.
2024 – 2025 Principal and Vice Principal Assignments
Superintendent of Education Jamey Robertson presented the 2024-2025 Principal and Vice Principal assignments, emphasizing the Principals’ and Vice Principals’ experience and the importance of maintaining strong, established leadership teams for the upcoming school year.
He also noted the upcoming transition at St. John School, where Principal Corinna Glazier will retire on December 31, 2024. Shawna Lamme, the incoming Principal, will assume the role on January 1, 2025, with Corinna mentoring Shawna in the lead-up to the transition.
Emergency Appointments
Director Nicole Kurtz provided a report to the Board regarding the delegation of authority to temporarily appoint unqualified individuals in emergency situations when no qualified teacher is available, as outlined in Regulation 298, Section 21. Trustees were provided with a briefing paper detailing the process, which allows the Director to make temporary appointments for up to 10 days, with the option to renew if necessary. This measure ensures staffing continuity in cases where qualified teachers or occasional teachers are unavailable.
Resignation of Roel Guinto
Trustee Derek Favreau presented a retirement write-up for Roel Guinto, highlighting his years of service as a custodian, accomplishments, and dedication to the board. The Trustees expressed their appreciation for his service and regret in accepting his resignation.
Resignation of Darren Toth
Trustee Marie Lundin presented a retirement write-up for Darren Toth, highlighting his years of service as a member of the maintenance team, accomplishments, and dedication to the board. The Trustees expressed their appreciation for his service and regret in accepting his resignation.
PROGRAM
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Superintendent Jamey Robertson provided an overview of KCDSB’s plans to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30. All staff and students, including new members, will receive orange shirts. Many schools will gather for prayer and assembly, while others will participate in unique activities. One school is creating an "Every Child Matters" visual display featuring artistic feathers inspired by the Grandfather Teaching of Truth. St. Thomas Aquinas’ FNMI Youth Council will lead activities for intermediate and senior students. At 11:00 AM, drummers and an Elder will lead a song and prayer at the Catholic Education Centre, which will be live-streamed on the Board’s Facebook page.
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OTHER
Changes to the Board Meeting Dates for 2024 – 2025
The Trustees passed a motion to move the Board Meeting of Tuesday, March 18, 2025, to be rescheduled to Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
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2024 - 2025 Board Meeting Schedule