Board Meeting Highlights

April 1, 2008

• The Board recognized Huffman School for its Schools on the Move; Lighthouse Program, which is one of a number of initiatives supported by the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat. The central idea of the program is "schools learning from other schools." The intention is that schools in the network will connect with other schools, sharing successful practices and continuing the learning journey. Dan Belluz, Chair, commented that he was impressed with how teaching has evolved over the years.
• Special Literacy/Numeracy Coordinator, Dianne DeBenedet presented the Self Identification Oral Language Project. This is a research project to develop and evaluate strategies and approaches to oral language assessment and instruction that will assist the language development of all students and help close the achievement gap between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Junior and Senior Kindergarten students.
• Chair, Dan Belluz, provided an update from the Special Education Advisory Committee meeting held on March 19, 2008.
• Vice Chair, Judy Eluik, provided an update from the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA). The Northern conference in fall will be held in Thunder Bay. Trustees supported the request to continue the rotation of the conference location between Sudbury, Sioux Ste. Marie, and Thunder Bay since smaller community locations lack attendance. Student nominations for OPSBA awards were solicited and encouraged.
• Director of Education Jack McMaster reported that provincially, he attended a CODE meeting in Toronto. At the meeting, each director was required to present an initiative in the board. Jack McMaster presented Aboriginal Parent Involvement. Regionally, Jack McMaster attended the NOEL conference in March. There were applications for parent engagement opportunities and the Board received funds for the David Bouchard presentation. Locally, the Board welcomed the return of Sharon Preston. David Bouchard will provide literacy presentations from April 7 to April 10, 2008. Restorative Justice training for school administrators was held on March 31, 2008. .
• The Board approved the Personnel Report dated March, 2008 as presented by Human Resources Administrator, Diane Ross.
• The Board approved the 2008-2009 School Year Calendar.
• Manager of Plant Operation, Raymond Roy, presented an update from the Occupational Health and Safety Committee meeting held on March 6, 2008.
• Al McManaman and Donna Kowalchuk provided a presentation on the continuing development of the Board's Character Education Program.