PRESENTATIONS
School Achievement Action Plan: St. John School – Shawna Lamme
Principal Shawna Lamme presented the 2024–2025 School Achievement Plan for St. John School, highlighting ongoing efforts in student achievement, numeracy, well-being, and faith development. In literacy, the school is working to improve outcomes for all K–4 students identified as “well below benchmark” on the Acadience screener. While the goal of 100% improvement is aspirational, mid-year data shows strong progress, particularly in Grade 1, where the number of students meeting or exceeding benchmark has doubled. A tiered approach, including Lexia, Flyleaf, Heggerty, and Empower Reading, is supporting student growth.
In numeracy, the school is participating in the Early Math Assessment Pilot. Targeted interventions are underway, with final assessments scheduled for June. The team plans to begin implementation earlier next year to further strengthen student achievement.
The school’s well-being goal focuses on improving attendance through targeted supports for students in Grades 5–8. This includes family goal-setting meetings, regular phone calls home, and coaching from the FNMI Life Skills Coach. While not all students met the 10% improvement target, several made meaningful gains, and the strategy will be expanded school-wide next year.
To support faith and equity, every student is participating in a service learning project connected to Catholic virtues. Projects include intergenerational programming, Little Free Library installations, and student-created books. The goal is for students to reflect on and articulate the virtues lived through these experiences. Trustees thanked Principal Lamme for her leadership and commended the school’s integrated and student-focused approach.
Mental Health Strategy and Advancements – Sue Devlin
Mental Health Clinical Supervisor, Sue Devlin, shared an update on the Kenora Catholic District School Board’s Mental Health Strategy, highlighting a strong year of progress in service delivery, programming, and alignment with the Ministry’s updated PPM 169 expectations.
Devlin noted that approximately 1,200 students across the system have received classroom-based mental health promotion, including programs such as Kids in the Know, SNAP for Schools, Project 11, and the pilot of Coping in Action. The Board is also continuing its commitment to preventative supports, with all Grade 8 students participating in the PreVenture program.
A key highlight of the presentation was KCDSB’s continued focus on measurement-based care. Through the Green Space platform, the team uses standardized clinical tools to track individual student progress. Recovery rates remain strong and are currently above the provincial average, reinforcing the impact of the skilled mental health clinicians across the system.
Caregiver engagement has also grown through initiatives like the system-wide book club on The Anxious Generation, which reached capacity with 65 participants. In addition, partnerships such as “Paws to Read” continue to offer creative and student-friendly pathways for wellness.
The strategy continues to be guided by evidence-based practice, student voice, and the belief that supporting mental health is a shared responsibility across schools, families, and the wider community. Trustees expressed appreciation for the ongoing work and leadership of the mental health team.
Student Trustee Report
Student Trustees Ben and Javan shared their monthly report, offering a snapshot of student life at St. Thomas Aquinas High School as the school year nears its close.
They noted that students are focused on culminating assignments and preparing for exams, while also staying engaged in co-curricular life. Both varsity and 7–8 soccer teams are in season, with students also competing in track and field events across the region. Catholic Education Week was celebrated with themed prayers, service projects, and the announcement of the new Pope during the school’s faith activities.
In the arts, the school’s production of Little Women wrapped to great success, and students recently attended a concert workshop in Winnipeg featuring renowned jazz saxophonist Jane Bunnett. Upcoming celebrations include the annual Stellar Arts Banquet, prom, grad retreat, and a spring fling for Grade 7–8 students.
FNMI initiatives included a Red Dress Day display, Moose Hide Campaign activities, and student participation in the Leadership in Training program at Schrecker’s Farm. The trustees thanked their peers and staff for their support throughout the year and reflected on the many opportunities that helped students grow in leadership, faith, and community.
POLICY
Policy #10 – Committees of the Board
Director Nicole Kurtz noted that revisions to
Policy #10 – Committees of the Board have been reviewed over the past several months and are now ready for approval. The revised policy clarifies roles and responsibilities within the Board’s committee structure. The Board approved the revisions as presented.
Policy #18 – Student Trustees
Director Nicole Kurtz presented a revision to
Policy #18 – Student Trustees, noting the addition of Section 6.5 for greater clarity in the election process. The Board approved the revisions as presented.
PERSONNEL
New Student Trustees Appointed for 2025 – 2026
Nicole Kurtz, announced the results of this year’s Student Trustee elections.
Jacob Silva has been elected as the Student Trustee, and Tia Ogema as the Indigenous Student Trustee for the 2025–2026 school year. The election process involved school-wide outreach, classroom visits, and a strong voter turnout of 76%, with 13 nominations for the general position and five for the Indigenous Student Trustee role.
Ben and Javan introduced the incoming trustees with warm remarks, highlighting Jacob’s leadership, creativity, and love of sports and the outdoors, and Tia’s cultural pride, academic excellence, and passion for traditional and western medicine. Trustees welcomed Jacob and Tia and extended their heartfelt thanks to Ben and Javan for their thoughtful, consistent, and faith-centred contributions over the past year.
Occupational Health and Safety Committee Report
Alison Smith, Superintendent of Business, Facilities and Planning presented the annual Occupational Health and Safety Committee Report, outlining the Board’s continued commitment to safe and well-maintained learning and working environments.
Each KCDSB school site has a Health and Safety Committee in place, composed of employee and management representatives. The report detailed the number of committee members at each site, monthly workplace inspections, and the schedule of meetings throughout the year. All committees are on track to meet the required four meetings annually, with remaining meetings scheduled before the end of June.
The report also highlighted how identified hazards are categorized and addressed promptly, with high-priority items resolved immediately. Trustees thanked Alison for the report and acknowledged the important work of the committee members at each school.
Resignation of Bernice Greene
Trustee Jeff White shared heartfelt remarks in recognition of Bernice Green, who will retire on June 30, 2025, after more than two decades of service to education and culture.
Bernice began her career with the Kenora Catholic District School Board as an occasional teacher in 2004 and became a permanent Native Language Teacher at St. John Paul II School in 2013. Her impact extended far beyond the classroom—she was a mentor, cultural guide, and advocate for preserving the Ojibwe language and traditions.
Through her teachings, Bernice helped generations of students connect with their identity, speak their language with pride, and celebrate Anishinaabe ways of knowing. Her classroom was a space of learning, laughter, and ceremony—filled with moccasins, ribbon skirts, songs, and stories.
Trustees extended their deep appreciation to Bernice for her years of service and the lasting impact she has made in the lives of students, families, and the wider community.
“Language is medicine, and Bernice shared that medicine freely,” said Trustee White. “Her legacy will live on in every word, every story, and every child who found their voice through her care.”
Resignation of Cathy McQuillan
Trustee Marie Lundin recognized the upcoming retirement of Cathy McQuillan, who will retire on October 31, 2025, following many years of dedicated service to the Kenora Catholic District School Board.
Cathy began her career as an Administrative Assistant at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 2011 before moving into roles at the Catholic Education Centre, where she served as receptionist and later as Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Education.
Known for her impeccable organization, warm professionalism, and behind-the-scenes leadership, Cathy supported many important portfolios, including SEAC, the FNMI Advisory Committee, and the Catholic Parent Involvement Committee. She also coordinated travel, events, and the annual retirement celebration with grace and attention to detail.
Trustees expressed deep appreciation for Cathy’s years of service, noting her positive spirit and lasting contributions to the system.
PROGRAM
Special Education Annual Review
Andrea Batters, Special Education Coordinator, presented the 2025 amendments to the Kenora Catholic District School Board’s Special Education Plan. The annual review ensures compliance with Ministry of Education requirements and reflects the Board’s ongoing commitment to transparency and high-quality student support.
Key updates included revisions to the Special Equipment Amount (SEA) funding section with updated Ministry links, refreshed SEAC membership contact information, and current timelines for committee meetings. Statistical summaries related to the Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) process will be updated following year-end, along with staffing lists and required appendices.
The Plan continues to be accessible to families on the Board’s website and is shared with parents participating in the IPRC process. Trustees thanked Andrea and the SEAC committee for their continued collaboration and commitment to supporting diverse student needs in alignment with Catholic values and inclusive education.
OTHER
2025 Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association AGM and Conference
Trustees Paul Landry, Derek Favreau, Ben Favreau, and Javan Ura shared highlights from the 2025 Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Annual General Meeting and Conference, held May 1–3 in Markham.
The conference brought together Catholic trustees, directors of education, and student trustees from across Ontario for a series of keynote addresses, workshops, liturgical celebrations, and governance sessions. Paul Landry praised the speakers as among the best he’s experienced at any AGM, with inspiring reflections on Catholic leadership and faith-based advocacy.
Derek Favreau emphasized the importance of staying focused on student success and stewardship, sharing insights from a session on high-impact advocacy led by former provincial leader Tim Hudak. One key takeaway: trustees must “stay in their lane,” celebrating successes and maintaining strong, values-based leadership.
Student Trustees Ben and Javan reflected on their experience attending for the first time, highlighting connections made with other student leaders, and their appreciation for the engaging and dynamic speakers. A special moment for them was hearing from hoop dancer and cultural ambassador Theland Kicknosway, whose personal story and performance deeply resonated with attendees.
The trustees thanked the Board for supporting their participation and noted the value of gathering with peers to learn, pray, and grow in their shared commitment to Catholic education.
Congratulations Letter to Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh for Receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal
Chair Teresa Gallik shared that the Kenora Catholic District School Board has sent a letter of congratulations to Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh in recognition of his recent receipt of the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
This prestigious honour is awarded to individuals across Canada who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to their communities. Ogichidaa Kavanaugh, Grand Chief of Grand Council Treaty #3, has been a steadfast leader and advocate for Anishinaabe people, culture, and sovereignty. His continued work in advancing reconciliation, education, and community wellness has had a lasting impact across Northwestern Ontario.
The Board acknowledged the significance of this national recognition and expressed sincere appreciation for Ogichidaa Kavanaugh’s leadership, collaboration, and commitment to youth and families in the region.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
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2024 - 2025 Board Meeting Schedule