PRAYER
The meeting began with a Lenten reflection led by Nicole Temple, Religious Education Coordinator and Faith Lead, centred on renewal, compassion, and faith-filled leadership. Trustees were invited to reflect on personal growth and the call to lead with humility, wisdom, and care. The prayer emphasized the importance of serving others with open hearts and grounding decision-making in faith as the Lenten season begins.
PRESENTATIONS
School Achievement Plan – École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys (Presented by Principal Hilary Aitken)
Principal Hilary Aitken presented the school’s achievement plan, which is aligned with the Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan priorities of Growing, Investing, and Engaging. The plan focuses on improving French and English literacy through targeted interventions and assessment tools, including Acadience and Lexia, as well as strengthening math achievement using Knowledgehook and aligned instructional supports. A continued emphasis on French oral language development includes a pilot DELF assessment for Grade 5 students to support early language proficiency. The school is also building a strong sense of belonging through its “house families” model, which brings students together across grade levels to foster leadership, inclusion, and a positive school culture.
Student Trustee Report
Student Trustee Thia Payash-Ogemah shared highlights from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, noting a strong start to the new semester rooted in faith, learning, and student engagement. Catholic identity remains central, with a Mass in honour of St. Thomas Aquinas, Lenten reflections, and school-wide initiatives encouraging compassion, understanding, and service.
Students are transitioning into Semester 2 with supports such as learning logs to build organization and accountability, while also preparing for future pathways through co-op placements, a career fair, and a Grade 10 parent information night. Athletics remain active with strong participation and teams preparing for playoffs, while the arts continue to thrive through drama, music, and student-led events.
The report also highlighted FNMI programming and cultural learning opportunities, along with a range of student-led and school-wide activities recognizing Black History Month, mental health awareness, and community engagement. Overall, the update reflected a vibrant and inclusive school community.
POLICY
Policy #15 – Pupil Accommodation Review (Presented by Jamey Robertson)
Director of Education Jamey Robertson presented updates to
Policy #15 - Pupil Accommodation Review, noting that revisions were made to reflect the ongoing provincial moratorium on pupil accommodation reviews, which has been in place since 2017. The policy now clearly references current Ministry guidelines and confirms that no new accommodation reviews can proceed until updated direction is provided. Trustees approved the revised policy as presented.
Policy #20 – Delegations to the Board (Presented by Jamey Robertson)
Director Jamey Robertson also presented
Policy #20 - Delegations to the Board as part of its regular review cycle. He noted that the policy had undergone significant revisions in a previous review and remains current and effective. No changes were recommended at this time, and Trustees approved the policy review as presented.
PROGRAM
2026–2027 School Year Calendar (Presented by Jamey Robertson)
Director Jamey Robertson presented the proposed
2026–2027 School Year Calendar, developed in collaboration with regional partner boards that share transportation services. The calendar reflects input gathered through public consultation and aligns with Ministry requirements, including a start date prior to Labour Day to support a balanced school year. Trustees approved the calendar for submission to the Ministry of Education.
Special Education Advisory Committee Report (Presented by Trustee Marie Lundin)
Trustee Marie Lundin shared an update from the Special Education Advisory Committee, highlighting stable and improving EQAO results, particularly strong outcomes at the Grade 6 level, and ongoing work to support school-level planning through data analysis. The committee also received updates on the new Kindergarten curriculum, set for implementation in fall 2026. Presentations highlighted innovative, hands-on programming that supports students with special education needs in building practical life and workplace skills, as well as expanded use of communication supports to promote inclusion and independence. Continued collaboration with community partners remains an important part of supporting student well-being and success across the system.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
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