Rite of Commissioning Ceremony
The September 17 Board Meeting began with a prayer led by Nicole Temple, Religious Education and Family Life Coordinator. The prayer centred on the start of the new school year, the commissioning of the Student Trustees, and a shared commitment to Catholic education. It also included a moment of silence in remembrance of Brenda Bye, a former Trustee and Education Assistant who recently passed away. Trustees and staff paused to honour her memory and service to the KCDSB community.
Following the prayer, Superintendent of Education, Kylie Hughes, led the Rite of Commissioning Ceremony for Student Trustees Thia Payash-Ogemah and Jacob Silva. The ceremony welcomed them into their new roles and affirmed the importance of student voice at the Board table.
Learn more -
Student Trustees Begin Year of Service.
PRESENTATIONS
2025 Summer Learning Program
Assistant Superintendent Maureen Frankcom reported on the 2025 Summer Learning Program, which ran from July 7 to 25 with morning literacy and numeracy lessons and afternoon camp-style activities. Students used Lexia to build literacy skills, engaged in hands-on learning, and enjoyed the return of Therapeutic Paws of Canada.
Secondary offerings included a Reach Ahead Credit Program for 24 Grade 8 students that combined classroom learning with fitness activities such as swimming, hiking, and beach volleyball.
The Credit Recovery Co-op Program in July supported high school students in earning credits through work with local businesses. In addition, two KCDSB teachers taught the Grade 12 Religion course (HRE 4M) online, with 53 students enrolled province-wide, including 38 from KCDSB.
Senior Leadership Portfolios
The Board heard a presentation from Director of Education Jamey Robertson, Superintendent of Education Kylie Hughes, Assistant Superintendent Maureen Frankcom, and Superintendent of Business, Facilities and Planning Services Alison Smith. Each shared a high-level overview of their portfolios for the 2025–2026 school year.
Highlights included Director Robertson’s focus on governance, policy, and innovation; Superintendent Hughes’ leadership in Religious Education, Mental Health, and oversight of all five schools; Superintendent Smith’s work in business operations, IT, and facilities planning; and Assistant Superintendent Frankcom’s portfolios in special education, literacy, and student achievement.
Trustees expressed their appreciation for the clarity and strong leadership of the senior team. Learn more about the
Senior Leadership Team and their portfolios here.
Student Trustee Report
Student Trustees Thia Payash-Ogemah and Jacob Silva presented their first report to the Board. They shared highlights from the start of the school year at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, including the opening Mass, the retirement of long-time chaplain Dean Woodbeck, and supports in place to welcome incoming Grade 7 students. They noted the careful attention given to timetabling, accommodations, and Individual Education Plans to ensure every student receives the support they need.
The report also celebrated the enthusiasm of students taking part in extracurricular activities. Fall sports such as basketball, volleyball, golf, cross-country, and cheerleading are underway, with hockey and swimming beginning later this month. In the arts, the senior band has launched and students are preparing for a small-scale drama production.
The student trustees also spoke about student involvement in Orange Shirt Day activities and service projects through the Interact Club. They highlighted positive student feedback on the new accessible and inclusive washrooms at St. Thomas Aquinas, which provide improved privacy and comfort for all students. Trustees commended the report as thorough and insightful.
PERSONNEL
2025–2026 Principal and Vice Principal Assignments
Superintendent Kylie Hughes presented the 2025–2026 principal and vice principal assignments. Highlights included the appointment of Mark Richards as Principal at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, joined by Vice Principals Jared Ralko and Michelle Kurtz, who is entering her first year in administration. Tammy Bush and Travis Batters continue as the leadership team at St. John Paul II, and Hilary Aiken with Jordan Temple at École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys. Shauna Lamme enters her first full school year as Principal at St. John School in Red Lake, while Erin Hercun begins her third year as Principal at St. Louis Living Arts School.
Trustees acknowledged the experience and commitment of the school leaders and emphasized the important role they play in supporting students and families.
2025–2026 Professional Development Plan
Superintendent Kylie Hughes and Assistant Superintendent Maureen Frankcom provided an overview of the Board’s Professional Development Plan, which has been approved by the Ministry of Education. The plan meets ministry requirements under Regulation 304 and also advances local priorities.
The Ministry identified four mandatory themes for the year: keeping schools safe, tackling racism, artificial intelligence, and the School Resource Officer program. Locally, the plan also emphasizes student success, staff development, and safe and inclusive school communities. Professional learning will be offered through a combination of internal sessions, presentations by the OPP and other partners, and guest speakers with expertise in key areas. Trustees commented positively on the comprehensive plan.
Click here to see the
2025 - 2026 Professional Development Day Plan
PROGRAM
Emergency Appointments
Director Jamey Robertson presented the annual motion on emergency appointments, required under Ontario Regulation 298. The motion authorizes the Director of Education to appoint an unqualified individual for up to ten days when a qualified teacher is not available. This provision is typically used in the spring, when recent graduates are waiting for certification from the Ontario College of Teachers.
After the report, trustees passed the motion as presented.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Superintendent Kylie Hughes shared plans for how schools will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. Activities will include classroom learning, school-wide assemblies, community walks, and cultural teachings with Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Each new staff member and Junior Kindergarten student or new students will receive an orange shirt featuring artwork by former student Katana Blackhawk, continuing the tradition from last year.
At St. Thomas Aquinas High School, students will decorate orange hearts for a display and take part in a walk to the former Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School site, where they will gather at a sacred fire with survivors, Elders, and community members. St. Louis Living Arts School will prepare a special tea blend with local ingredients, accompanied by an Orange Shirt Day prayer for families. St. John Paul II students will decorate orange shirts in memory of children who never returned home, while École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys will hold an assembly and join the walk to Cecilia Jeffrey site. In Red Lake, St. John School students will walk to the Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre for a community gathering.
Trustees were invited to attend the September 30 event at St. Thomas Aquinas, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Learn more here
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025.
Special Education Advisory Committee
Assistant Superintendent Maureen Frankcom provided an update on the membership of the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Trustees accepted with regret the resignation of long-time member Anne Sweeney, who has been an active and passionate voice for students with special education needs.
The Board welcomed Casandra De Amici as a new Member-at-Large, joining representatives from Firefly, Community Living, the Harmony Centre in Red Lake, and trustees Marie Lundin and Teresa Gallik.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
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