Catch up on key highlights from the Regular Board Meeting of February 18, 2025.
PRESENTATIONS
Education Services: Role of the Chaplain at St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Chaplain Dean Woodbeck shared how faith development, student mentorship, and community outreach shape the welcoming culture at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He highlighted liturgies, prayer services, social justice initiatives, and parish connections as key aspects of his role. Trustees expressed appreciation for his dedication to fostering faith and belonging in the school community.
Click here to read more.
School Achievement Plan: St. Louis Living Arts School
Principal Erin Hercun presented the School Achievement Plan for St. Louis Living Arts School, outlining key goals and strategies aimed at improving literacy, numeracy, faith engagement, and student well-being.
Efforts to enhance reading proficiency in K-2 students include regular Acadience Reading Screeners, targeted intervention plans, and structured support using programs like Heggerty’s Bridge the Gap, Lexia, and Empower. Similarly, for mathematics achievement, students participate in early years math assessments and a six-week intervention program, focusing on numeracy skills, mental math, and problem-solving strategies.
Hercun emphasized the importance of faith participation, with a goal for all students to engage in school masses and faith celebrations in both traditional and non-traditional roles. Initiatives such as the school choir, Advent reflections, and a Lenten labyrinth walk encourage broader student involvement in faith-based activities.
The school also prioritized student well-being, particularly for junior girls, through programs like SNAP, well-being groups, and therapy dog visits in partnership with Therapeutic Paws of Canada. The school’s strong commitment to arts and physical education was also highlighted as essential for fostering student mental health and engagement.
Trustees commended the school’s strategic approach and the use of data-driven insights to track progress and refine interventions.
Student Trustee Report
Student Trustee Javan shared updates on student life at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, highlighting academic transitions, athletics, and community involvement.
Students have settled into second semester, with guidance staff supporting course selection and the phone rule improving focus and social interactions.
In athletics, playoffs for boys’ basketball and girls’ volleyball wrapped up, with the junior and senior girls’ volleyball teams winning their championships and advancing to NWOSSA. The hockey teams are preparing for playoffs following decisive wins against Beaver Brae, and soccer season is approaching, generating excitement among students.
Students engaged in community outreach, volunteering at the New Horizons Senior Centre and raising funds through Valentine’s Day candy grams. Grade 7 students attended Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, celebrating Métis heritage through cultural activities.
The arts program remains active, with the senior band and choir traveling for performances and visual arts students preparing for Catholic Education Week and the Festival of the Arts.
February has been filled with academic progress, athletic achievements, and cultural experiences, with more exciting opportunities ahead.
POLICY
Policy #4 – Delegation of Authority
Trustees approved a motion to deprecate Policy #4 – Delegation of Authority, as recommended by Director of Education Nicole Kurtz, citing its redundancy.
Click here to read policies of the Board.
PERSONNEL
Director of Education Recruitment Process Update
Chair Teresa Gallik provided an update on the Director of Education recruitment process. The Director of Education job posting is now active and follows the established hiring timeline. The posting closes on March 4, and the Board will proceed with the next steps in the recruitment process.
PROGRAM
2025 – 2026 School Year Calendar
Trustees approved the 2025 – 2026 School Year Calendar as presented and will submit it to the Ministry of Education for approval in accordance with Regulation 304.
Link to 2025 - 2025 of School Year Calendar consultation.
OTHER
OCSTA 2025 Trustee Professional Development Report
Chair Teresa Gallik and Director of Education Nicole Kurtz attended the 2025 Catholic Trustee Seminar in Toronto on January 18, themed "Catholic Trustees: Leading with Hope." The event featured keynotes, workshops, and advocacy discussions on Catholic education.
Deirdre Kinsella Biss, Editor at the Catholic Principals' Council of Ontario (CPCO), delivered the keynote, emphasizing faith-driven leadership through heart, head, and hands—linking personal faith, knowledge, and action.
Key discussions included advocacy on Bill 98, the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, which introduces new accountability measures for school boards, updates to trustee governance, and a stronger focus on student achievement. Other topics covered Indigenous education, French teacher recruitment, and the rapid growth of Catholic Virtual Ontario.
Workshops focused on Artificial Intelligence in Catholic education and crisis communication strategies, highlighting the need for strong media relationships to support school boards during challenges.
A Ministry of Education update was brief. Greg Lyle, President of Innovative Research Group, provided a political outlook, noting that education is not a primary voter concern, with cost of living, housing, and healthcare dominating public discourse.
The seminar reinforced the importance of strong leadership, strategic communication, and continuous advocacy in Catholic education.
OCSTA 2025 Regional Director Nomination
Trustees approved the nomination of Trustee Paul Landry as a candidate for Regional Director for Region 2 of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA). The Board will submit the nomination to OCSTA for consideration.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
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Delegation to the Board.
2024 - 2025 Board Meeting Schedule