Board Meeting Highlights

February 5, 2008

• The Board recognized Sturgeon Creek School for Professional Learning Communities at Work. The work done by teachers, Vicki Ogilvie, MaryAnn Haw, Krista Williams, Sherri Hay and Kim Walter and supported by Laura Mutz the communication assistant and various educational assistants, embraces what it means to be a professional learning community. The presentation by this group focused on how their work together has impacted them professionally, and how it has impacted their students.
• Assistant to the Director, Linda Hill, provided an update on the Kindergarten Program highlighting JK/SK registration. Karen Woods, Dorothy Quibell, and Vicki Ogilvie, Rainy River District School Board Kindergarten teachers described their registration process.
• Chair, Dan Belluz, provided an update from the Special Education Advisory Committee meeting held on January 22, 2008.
• Trustee, Glenda Belluz provided an update from the Policy Committee meeting held on January 29, 2008. The Board approved the resolutions for the policies presented.
• First Nations Representative, Gary Allen, provided an update from the Aboriginal Advisory Committee meeting held on January 29, 2008. Highlights included interest in additional course options, and plans to use hi-tech equipment in the native language class. Chris Medicine is currently teaching Native Language at Fort France High School and has done a commendable job.
• Trustee, Judy Eluik presented an update from the Finance Committee meeting held on January 29, 2008. The Board approved By-law #160 to authorize a loan from the Ontario Financing Authority in the principal amount of $1,443,173.72, pursuant to a loan agreement under Section 12 of Ontario Regulation 466/97.
• Vice Chair, Judy Eluik, provided an update from the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA). Judy Eluik, Gary Allen, Dan Belluz and Glenda Belluz attended the 2008 Public Education Symposium that was held January 24-26 in Toronto. They each spoke about the sessions they enjoyed most. The keynote speaker talked about cyberbullying and the closing speaker was Stephen Lewis. The pre-symposium on January 24 was dedicated to preparing for the implementation of the new Safe Schools Act. This event was sponsored by the Ministry of education.
• Student Trustee Meredith Ivall provided an update on activities taking place at the high schools.
• Director of Education Jack McMaster reported that he attended the CODE meeting on January 23, 2008. He also met with Barry O'Connor on Student Success Initiative. Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne spoke to Directors and Trustees on education issues. The Director attended the OPSBA Public Education Symposium where the focus was on student achievement and safe schools. Regionally, a report was finalized for Phase II of Self-Identification Project for Oral Language. Within the Board, the Director reported that the Manager of Information Services is working on web filtering security to allow principals to check internet sites and investigate school issues. Senior Administration provided an update on the 2007-08 System Plan.
• Human Resources Administrator, Diane Ross, provided an update on the February 2008 Personnel Report.
• Assistant to the Director, Brent Tookenay, presented a report on a number of parent outreach sessions and workshops that will be held over the next few months by the Rainy River District School Board, in partnership with the area First Nation communities and Seven Generations Education Institute. First Nation author, David Bouchard has been invited to participate.
• Robert Moore School Principal, Penny Newman, presented the Board's Principal/Vice Principal Mentoring Pilot Project.