PRESENTATIONS
School Achievement Plan St. John Paul II School
Tammy Bush and Travis Batters presented the 2024–2025 School Achievement Plan for St. John Paul II School, focusing on Achievement, Faith and Equity, and Belonging and Well-Being.
In the area of achievement, the school set a goal to reduce the number of students working at level 1 or 2 in language by 30%. Using baseline data from report cards and the Acadience screener, the school implemented tiered interventions. Foundational reading skills are supported through Lexia and Empower Reading, with small group instruction led by a Learning Resource Teacher. Mid-year data indicates strong progress in Grades 1 to 3, with fewer students performing below benchmark. Grade 6 students also showed substantial growth in grammar, comprehension, and word study, as evidenced by Lexia data.
In mathematics, data from report cards, EQAO, and early screeners shows improvement in younger grades, particularly Grade 3, where early intervention is having a positive effect. While Grade 6 data remains steady, educators are hopeful that focused instruction will help close gaps by the end of the year.
The school also highlighted its Transition Program for students with exceptionalities, aiming to reintegrate them into regular classrooms within two years. Now in its second year, the program is already seeing success, with several students fully transitioned thanks to individualized plans and strong community partnerships.
Faith, equity, and engagement goals focus on fostering a sense of belonging and cultural inclusion. A new cultural display in the foyer features representation from 11 countries. The school also introduced new student-led initiatives, including a Boys Club and a Book Club, and continues to offer diverse clubs and sports based on student interests. Feedback is gathered after each activity to guide future planning.
St. John Paul II School will continue to build on the current plan, using data to support student learning, expand opportunities, and celebrate progress.
Education Services: First Nation, Métis and Inuit Graduation Coach Program
Kathleen Holmstrom, the First Nation, Métis and Inuit Graduation Coach at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, shared powerful insights into her work supporting students through academic guidance, cultural connection, and personal growth.
Kathleen described her role as being multifaceted—similar to what a parent might provide—offering tailored supports that meet students where they are. From helping students plan their courses and career paths to supporting their mental health and learning needs, she works closely with the guidance department and outside agencies to ensure students have the tools and encouragement they need to thrive.
Her work begins early, starting with Grade 6 transition planning, and continues all the way to Grade 12. Kathleen makes personal connections with each student, ensuring that by the time they reach high school, they see a familiar and trusted face. This relationship-focused approach helps reduce anxiety, especially for students transitioning from elementary to secondary.
One of her major goals this year was to meet and form a relationship with every student who identifies as First Nation, Métis, or Inuit—an ambitious target that she proudly achieved. She also actively works in classrooms, offering one-on-one support and ensuring that each student feels seen, valued, and capable.
A key area of focus is improving attendance—often the biggest hurdle on the road to graduation. Kathleen shared that this work is about more than just tracking absences; it’s about creating a school culture where students feel safe, welcomed, and supported when they walk through the door.
The Board was moved by the heartfelt stories and the dedication shown in this role, which is clearly making a lasting difference in the lives of students and their families.
Learn more (LINK).
Student Trustee Report
At the April Board Meeting, Student Trustees Ben and Javan delivered an inspiring report that captured the vibrant energy of spring at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. With warm weather and the school year entering its final stretch, students have been thriving across academics, arts, athletics, faith life, and humanitarian efforts.
Ben highlighted the recent administration of the OSSLT literacy test, which Grade 10 students had been preparing for diligently. In athletics, soccer teams have formed and are gearing up for their first NorWOSSA matches on May 6, while the badminton team has already qualified several players for NWOSSA. The school community is hopeful that some athletes may advance to OFSAA to represent STA on the provincial stage.
Faith continues to be central to school life, with Holy Thursday and Easter prayer services bringing the school community together in meaningful celebration. Daily morning prayers by Grade 7 and 8 students also continue to uplift and centre the school in faith.
Javan shared updates on the school’s leadership and arts programming. The Interact Club is preparing for the upcoming Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), where students will represent global nations and debate international issues. Meanwhile, student council recently brightened spirits by selling Easter candy grams to promote kindness and connection.
STA played a leading role in this year’s Kenora District Festival of the Arts, hosting events across dance, piano, instrumental music, vocal performance, and film. Students’ creative talents were widely showcased, and the STA choir earned a coveted spot in the festival’s highlight concert. Events such as Acoustic Café and the visit from the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra added extra excitement.
A recent trip to the 2025 Soaring: Indigenous Youth Empowerment Gathering left a lasting impression on STA’s Indigenous students. They joined over 1,200 Indigenous youth from across Canada for two days of inspiration and learning. Students heard from leaders in the arts, politics, and education, and left empowered with tools and vision for their future. Locally, the Kenora Chiefs Advisory Leadership in Training (LIT) program remains strong, offering outdoor leadership experiences at Strecker’s Farm for students in Grades 7–12.
In closing, the Student Trustees shared their pride in the spirit and determination of the student body, as learners continue to take on opportunities for growth in all areas. The Board thanked Ben and Javan for their excellent report and for being such positive ambassadors for student voice.
POLICY
Northwestern Ontario Student Services Consortium Transportation Policy 001
Director of Education Nicole Kurtz presented updates to Transportation Policy 001, maintained by the Northwestern Ontario Student Services Consortium. This policy outlines the responsibilities and procedures related to student transportation across the region. The proposed changes were previously reviewed in detail by Trustees during the April Policy Governance Committee Meeting. The updates aim to clarify operational procedures and ensure alignment with current transportation needs and standards across participating boards. Trustees appreciated the thorough review and discussed the importance of maintaining a safe and equitable transportation system for all students.
PERSONNEL
Resignation of Colette Pellerin
Trustee Jeffrey White delivered a tribute highlighting the contributions of Colette Pellerin, a dedicated French Immersion teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, and recognized her significant impact on French language education and student success.
Colette joined KCDSB in 2007 and became a permanent Core French teacher in 2012. She played a key role in developing the French Immersion program at STAHS, shaping Catholic Virtual Ontario’s online curriculum, and promoting DELF testing. Her efforts brought real-world language experiences to students, including leading immersion trips to St. Boniface and integrating digital learning tools like D2L.
Colette’s two sons are graduates of the French Immersion program, continuing her passion for French language and culture. While stepping back from her full-time role, she plans to return as an occasional teacher and enjoy more time on her homestead. Her legacy continues through the strong foundation she helped build in French education.
OTHER
40 Years of Priesthood – Celebrating Father Rudy Manaloto
At the April Board Meeting, Chair Teresa Gallik shared a special moment of recognition for Father Rudy’s 40th anniversary of priesthood. On behalf of the Kenora Catholic District School Board, a congratulatory letter was sent to Father Rudy in honour of this remarkable milestone.
The Board expressed deep gratitude for Father Rudy’s unwavering commitment to his vocation and for the many lives he has touched through his ministry. His guidance, compassion, and partnership with Kenora Catholic have made a lasting impact on our schools and faith community. We are truly blessed to celebrate this moment with him and thank him for his continued service to God's people.
Special Education Advisory Committee Membership Update
Trustees approved an update to the membership of the Special Education Advisory Committee. Maureen Frankcom brought forward the recommendation to accept the resignation of Stacey Socholotuk as the representative for the Kenora Association for Community Living, effective April 30, 2025. Trustees appointed Lina O'Connor as the new representative and Shannon Struk as the alternate for the remainder of the term. The Board expressed gratitude for Stacey’s service and welcomed Lina and Shannon to their new roles.
2025 Ontario Catholic Student Youth Day Virtual Event for Students
Teresa Gallik shared information about the 2025 Ontario Catholic Student Youth Day which will take place virtually on May 7. The Kenora Catholic District School Board will host a local gathering for the event at the Catholic Education Centre. Both current Student Trustees, Javan Ura and Benjamin Favreau, along with incoming Student Trustees, will participate in the day, which is designed to engage Catholic student leaders from across the province in faith-filled dialogue and celebration. Trustees were invited to connect for further details following the meeting.
OECS Essential Governance Training for Ontario School Board Trustees and Directors of Education
Chair Teresa Gallik provided an update on the OECS Essential Governance Training for Ontario School Board Trustees and Directors of Education. The training consists of six mandatory modules, which all Trustees and the Director must complete by August 31, 2025. The modules will become available on April 28, at which time Trustees will receive a link to begin the training. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate, and the completion data will be submitted to the Ministry of Education.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
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2024 - 2025 Board Meeting Schedule