Board Meeting Highlights

March 4, 2008

• The Board recognized Donald Young and Nestor Falls Schools for Key Players in our School Communities. The school communities are made up of many amazing individuals who work together to support and implement the schools' belief statements. Four of the groups were recognized - Bus Drivers, Caretakers, Secretarial staff and the Education Assistants who work with the Teachers to support the students in two schools.
• Student Success leader, Casey Slack, presented a report on Supporting Students for Success. The Student Success Initiative aims to support struggling students in Grades 7 to 12.
• Chair, Dan Belluz, provided an update from the Special Education Advisory Committee meeting held on February 20, 2008.
• The Board approved Policy 1.42 as presented.
• First Nations Representative, Gary Allen, provided an update from the Aboriginal Advisory Committee meeting held on March 3, 2008. Highlights included a Board invitation to participate in a Healing Circle to be held at Couchiching First Nations on March 4, 2008.
• Vice Chair, Judy Eluik, provided an update from the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA). Trustee, Donna Dittaro discussed highlights from the OPSBA Public Symposium that included the Safe Schools video on bullying. She stated that the content in the video was "unbelievable, eye-opening, sad, and tragic." Trustee Dittaro also noted a well received presentation by Stephen Lewis at the symposium. The presentation was on the need for shelter for our children. The presenter also spoke about teaching kids tolerance and that we are all a part of a larger community.
• Chairman, Dan Belluz reported that he participated in the Healing Circle and that he learned a lot about First Nations traditions and beliefs.
• Vice Chair, Judy Eluik, commented that it is disturbing that there is a video game about bullying and it is aimed at the teenage market.
• First Nations Representative, Gary Allen, stated that at the Chiefs of Ontario meeting, there was a resolution that First Nations will review the Special Education funding formula.
• Trustee, Glenda Belluz, noted that she participated in the Healing Circle, and stated that it was special and meaningful.
• The Board approved the Personnel Report dated March, 2008 as presented by Human Resources Administrator, Diane Ross.
• Superintendent of Education, Heather Campbell, presented a report on Safe Schools.
• Director of Education Jack McMaster reported that provincially, he attended a CODE meeting. Regionally, at the Aboriginal conference in Thunder Bay, the Director of Education was impressed with a presentation by Student Leader Chris Copenace who about the situation in Fort Frances concerning the video posted to the internet. At the Board level, the Director of Education participated in the Healing Circle at Couchiching First Nations on March 4, 2008. He stated that it was very emotionally positive and refreshing. He stated that he learned a lot and is looking forward to learning more. The Director of Education was touched, appreciative, and honoured to be presented at the Healing Circle with an eagle feather. The Director of Education also provided an update on the status of J. W. Walker School. He was pleased to report that the damage, while significant, was also limited to certain areas of the school. He was pleased to report that the hamsters and fish that were a part of the classrooms, survived the fire.
• Superintendent of Business, Laura Mills, thanked the Fire Department for their quick response. She also commended Wal-Mart for its donation of school supplies for J. W. Walker students.