School Achievement Plan École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys
Principal Hilary Aitken shared École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys’ 2024–2025 Student Achievement Plan, rooted in the school’s deep commitment to faith, equity, and community. The plan reflects the values symbolized in the school’s mural—joy, imagination, patience, and compassion—offering a meaningful foundation for academic and spiritual growth.
Framed around the pillars of Growing, Investing, and Engaging, the plan includes focused goals in literacy and numeracy. By June, the school aims to have 75% of students in Grades 3–6 meeting their weekly Lexia reading targets and at least 50% of primary students achieving benchmark scores on the Acadience Reading Screener. In mathematics, students are being supported through Knowledgehook and the Early Math Assessment Tool, with a goal of increasing the number of students reaching proficiency.
In support of the school’s French Immersion environment, a school-wide engagement goal encourages more students to speak French in common spaces, aiming for 50% of students in Grades 4–6 to report doing so by the end of the year.
Faith and well-being are central to the school’s culture. A new weekly prayer and music worship service has been introduced, along with interactive “make faith visible” activities, like the kindness wall, which celebrates students’ acts of compassion. These efforts nurture a school environment where students feel supported, valued, and connected.
Each goal is backed by a strong action plan, including strategic EA support, targeted literacy interventions, and access to high-quality French resources such as decodable books. Staff collaboration and student support time have been key to the plan’s early success.
Principal Aitken praised her team’s creativity, commitment, and focus on making every minute count, ensuring that all students are supported in their learning and growth.
Math Achievement Action Plan Update
Superintendent Jamey Robertson provided an update on the progress of the Math Achievement Action Plan on behalf of Jordan Temple. The mid-year report, to be submitted to the Ministry on March 28th, highlights a significant increase in the use of Knowledgehook, with 100% of Grade 3 and 98% of Grade 6 students now accessing the tool. Nearly twice as many teachers are now using Knowledgehook's support resources to address student learning needs.
He also noted the successful pilot of the Early Math Assessment (EMA) digital tool in partnership with Vretta, which has improved usability based on board feedback. Schools are using this tool to deliver targeted six-week math intervention cycles for students in Grades 1–4. The plan remains focused on data-informed instruction, and the final report will be submitted to the Ministry by July 18.
Student Trustee Report
Student Trustees Javan Ura and Benjamin Favreau reported that March has been a busy and exciting month at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. The senior girls’ volleyball team competed at OFSAA and won the consolation final. Soccer and badminton tryouts have begun, and Grade 8 boys’ and girls’ teams recently won their respective championships at the All Catholic Tournament. In faith activities, students participated in Ash Wednesday and Reconciliation prayer services, with weekly Stations of the Cross and student-led prayers during Lent. Students are preparing for the Festival of the Arts, and March Break included a cultural Staycation at Strecker’s Farm. Upcoming activities include a culinary skilled trades event and continued work with Youth in Philanthropy and the NOW nutrition program.
POLICY
Policy #6 – Role of the Trustee
Trustees approved a motion to consolidate Policy #7 – Role of the Board Chair and Policy #8 – Role of the Vice Chair into Policy #6 – Role of the Trustee, effective immediately.
Policy #7 – Role of the Board Chair will be deprecated
Policy #8 – Role of the Vice Chair will be deprecated
PERSONNEL
Resignation of Leanne Chisholm
Marie Lundin presented a retirement biography for Leanne Chisholm, celebrating her remarkable career with the Kenora Catholic District School Board. Leanne began in 1998 as a School Secretary at St. Louis School before becoming a teacher in 2003. She was part of the founding staff at Pope John Paul II School, later returning to St. Louis School, where she played a pivotal role in the school’s transformation into a Living Arts School. Leanne also served in key system roles, including Literacy Lead and, most recently, Religious Education Coordinator and Faith Lead. Her compassion, leadership, and deep commitment to Catholic education have left a lasting legacy. The Board extends heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Leanne in her retirement.
Resignation of Nancy Barclay
Derek Favreau presented, that after 19 years of dedicated service, Nancy Barclay will be retiring from the Kenora Catholic District School Board. Nancy began her career in 2006 and has served in many roles, most recently as Curriculum Coordinator. She was a strong advocate for the arts, supported new teachers through the NTIP program, and led several instructional initiatives, including the PELI Acadience Screener pilot. Nancy has also been a valued leader in professional development and collaboration. We thank Nancy for her contributions and wish her all the best in her retirement.
Resignation of Dean Demers
Jeffrey White shared a retirement biography for Dean Demers, who will retire on June 30, 2025, after nearly 30 years of service with the Kenora Catholic District School Board. Dean has made a lasting impact as a teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, notably through his work in Northern Studies and his advocacy within OECTA at both local and provincial levels. His contributions to truth and reconciliation education and community outreach will leave a meaningful legacy. The Board extends sincere congratulations and best wishes to Dean in his retirement.
OTHER
Blessings and Congratulations to Bishop Al Campeau
Chair Teresa Gallik shared that the Kenora Catholic District School Board extends heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Al Campeau on his installation as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Thunder Bay. The ceremony took place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Thunder Bay on February 27. While Trustees and staff were unable to attend in person due to a winter storm, they were grateful to join virtually. The Board offers prayers and support for Bishop Campeau as he begins this new chapter of leadership and faith.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
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Guests are warmly welcomed to attend Board Meetings as part of the audience. These meetings provide an opportunity for community members to observe discussions and decisions that impact our schools and students.
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2024 - 2025 Board Meeting Schedule