PRAYER
The meeting opened with a prayer led by Nicole Temple, who reflected on the Book of Remembrance displayed in the chapel throughout November. She explained that this long-standing Catholic tradition invites our community to write the names of loved ones who have passed away so they can be held in prayer during the month dedicated to the Holy Souls. Nicole reminded everyone that remembering those who walked before us strengthens our identity and faith, echoing a message from Pope Francis. She led the Board in a series of intercessions remembering the saints, departed loved ones, veterans and the sacrifice of Jesus. Trustees were invited to add names to the Book of Remembrance as a shared act of prayer and remembrance.
PRESENTATIONS
Elections of the Chair and Vice Chair
The Annual Board Meeting opened with all trustees present. Following prayer and the approval of the amended agenda, the Nominations Committee brought forward one nomination for each officer role. Teresa Gallik was nominated for Chair, and Paul Landry was nominated for Vice Chair. With no additional nominations received, both trustees confirmed their willingness to serve and were acclaimed to their respective positions for the 2025–2026 school year. Superintendents Alison Smith and Kylie Hughes were appointed as scrutineers, although no ballots were required.
Presentation of the Gavel and Opening Remarks
After being acclaimed, Chair Gallik was presented with the gavel and offered heartfelt opening remarks. She expressed sincere gratitude for the continued trust placed in her and reflected on the dedication, care, and thoughtful leadership shown by trustees over the past year. She highlighted the Board’s strong commitment to governance, stewardship, and faith-based decision-making. Chair Gallik also extended thanks to Director of Education Jamey and the senior leadership team for their guidance and support. Looking ahead, she shared her hope and confidence in the work ahead and reaffirmed the Board’s shared purpose in helping students learn, grow, and thrive in safe, caring Catholic school communities. Click to Read:
Gallik and Landry Acclaimed for 2025 - 2026.
Greetings from Principals and OECTA
On behalf of Kenora Catholic’s principals and vice principals, Hilary Aitken offered a warm and thoughtful message to the Board. She congratulated Chair Gallik and Vice Chair Landry, describing their acclamations as a true reflection of the stability, dedication, and spiritual leadership they bring to their roles. Hilary centred her remarks on the Catholic Education Week theme Pilgrims of Hope, noting how deeply it reflects the trustees’ work. She spoke passionately about trustees as “lead pilgrims” who help guide the system with faith, purpose and hope—particularly when decisions are complex and require steady leadership. Hilary emphasized that principals see, first-hand, how trustees’ quiet efforts—often done behind the scenes and without fanfare—shape the safety, strength and Catholic identity of schools. She closed by expressing deep gratitude on behalf of all principals and vice principals, reaffirming their pride in walking alongside trustees in service to students and families.
Darlene Literovich brought greetings on behalf of OECTA, congratulating the Chair and Vice Chair and expressing the union’s commitment to ongoing collaboration in support of high-quality Catholic education. It was also noted that OPSEU was unavailable to bring greetings at this meeting.
Student Trustee Report
Student Trustees, Jacob Silva and Thia Ogemah, shared several updates from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. November has been a meaningful month, highlighted by the Book of Remembrance, weekly prayer services, and a “Change Your Feed” social media initiative encouraging students to build healthier and more positive digital habits. Students have been engaged in hands-on learning experiences, guest speakers, SHSM certifications, post-secondary application workshops and preparation for graduation photos.
Athletic updates included strong fall seasons, a student qualifying for OFSAA, and the start of winter sports for hockey and curling. The arts continue to thrive, with ChoralFest in Winnipeg, junior band rehearsals, planning for the Christmas concert and an upcoming Jam Night in partnership with the KACL Arts Hub. Students also participated in Treaties Recognition Week activities and “Rock Your Mocs” Day, celebrating Indigenous culture and learning. School spirit remains high with preparations for a winter formal, the Miracle Marathon food drive and several student-led fundraising activities.
POLICY
Policy #9 – Board Operations
The Board approved revisions to Policy #9 – Board Operations, which had been previously reviewed with trustees during the Policy Governance Committee meeting and included in the board package for consideration. The updated policy introduces clearer language connected to the election process and Regulation 188 outlining the role of the First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Trustee.
The revisions help clarify the steps required during an election year, including consultation with the current First Nation Trustee regarding their intent to continue, the process for confirming reappointment when supported by the appointing communities, and the formal notification procedures to Grand Council Treaty #3 and participating First Nation Chiefs should a vacancy arise. These updates strengthen transparency and ensure alignment with Section 188 of the Education Act.
Click to read Policy #9 - Board Operations.
PERSONNEL
Resignation of Carrie Koch
The Board accepted, with regret, the resignation of long-serving employee Carrie Koch, effective January 2, 2026. Trustee Marie Lundin presented a retirement write-up highlighting Carrie’s 18 years of dedicated service, her adaptability across several roles and locations, and her strong leadership within the Student Information System as the Board’s Aspen expert. Warm wishes were extended for a restful, joyful and fulfilling retirement.
FINANCE
2024–2025 Audited Financial Statements
The Board received and approved the 2024–2025 audited financial statements, presented by Jennifer Pyzer, Partner with MNP LLP. Pyzer confirmed a clean audit opinion, noting the standard limitation related to school-generated funds due to their cash-based nature.
She reported that the Board ended the year with an accumulated surplus of $3.368 million, an increase of $940,000 from the previous year. Total revenues reached $37.2 million, with expenses at $36 million, resulting in a positive year-end position.
Trustees expressed appreciation to MNP and the Finance team for their strong stewardship and support throughout the audit process.
Annual Audit Committee Report
Superintendent of Business, Facilities and Planning Services Alison Smith presented the 2024–2025 Annual Audit Committee Report, which was received and approved by the Board. The report confirmed the completion of the internal audit on succession planning and noted that no enrolment audits are planned for the coming year.
PROGRAM
Special Education Advisory Committee Report
Trustee Marie Lundin shared the first SEAC report of the year. SEAC welcomed new members, reviewed Ministry priorities and approved a revised meeting schedule that better supports participation. She noted that this report will be provided to the Board three times per year. Updates were also shared on summer transition funding, the refreshed Special Education Plan and Parent Guide, and recent community agency activities from Firefly, KACL and the Harmony Centre.
OTHER
2026–2027 School Year Calendar
Director Jamey Robertson provided an update on the regional development of the 2026–2027 School Year Calendar. KCDSB serves as lead board for the regional consultation. Six initial calendar models have been reviewed, and three refined options will be brought forward at the next regional meeting. The goal is to identify at least one model that works for all partner boards before moving to public consultation in the new year.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
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