Board Meeting Highlights

May 6, 2008

• The Board recognized North Star Community School for "Now You've Dunnet", Improv Theatre. In February 2008, students in Doug Dunnet's Grade 5/6 class participated in a workshop with the De-baj-a-muh-jig (Storytellers" in Cree and Ojibway) Theatre Group. This two week session had a two fold purpose. One was to provide the students with an authentic drama learning experience. The second purpose was to provide a training opportunity for three theatre apprentices.
• Special Education Coordinator Jane Tibbetts, along with Information Technology Lead Peter Burton, and Special Education Resource Teacher Ann Braun provided a presentation on Assistive Technology. Atikokan High School has seen rapid expansion of assistive technology over the past year, and Peter Burton and Ann Braun merit recognition for expanding their knowledge base in the use of assistive technology accommodation for students with diverse needs, for sharing this knowledge with parents and teaching staff, and for creating a school culture that promotes and supports regular use.
• Chair Dan Belluz provided an update from the Special Education Advisory Committee meeting held on April 23, 2008.
• Vice Chair Judy Eluik provided an update on the Finance Committee meeting held on April 29, 2008. The Board carried a motion to approve By-law #161 to issue 2008 education taxes within the Board's jurisdiction, in the unorganized areas as indicated in section 257.7 of the Education act. The Board also carried a motion to approve the Education Centre remain in the existing building by severing the space from Robert Moore School and refurbishing existing space/gym to accommodate Education Centre needs. The financing of this project will be from Working Fund reserves.
• Vice Chair, Judy Eluik, provided an update from the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA). Alternative financing with private partnerships for infrastructure is being discussed. Approximately 60 boards are experiencing declining enrolment. Lakehead District School Board is participating in a pilot project on urban Aboriginal education.
• Chair Dan Belluz commented that there is a meeting scheduled on May 21, 2008 with the Library Board regarding partnership for a joint library/school facility.
• Director of Education Jack McMaster reported that provincially, he attended an OPSOA conference where Assistant to the Director Brent Tookenay provided a well received presentation on Aboriginal Parent Engagement. Jack McMaster met with the Minister to present a proposal for funding of $1.5 million for an Oral Language project. Regionally, the Director of Education attended the NOEL meetings on Thursday and Friday. On April 28, 2008 he met with Charles Pascal. Within the Board, the administration team is well into staffing and budgeting. The Huffman ARC met on April 15, 2008 and a recommendation was made. System Plan community consultations are to begin on May 15, 2008. The Director commented that the "Schoolhouse" program was developed after parent feedback at a previous community consultation.
• The Board approved the Personnel Report dated May, 2008 as presented by Human Resources Administrator, Diane Ross.
• Assistant to the Director, Brent Tookenay, presented a report on school activities that celebrated the Spirit of Mandela Week (April 21-25, 2008).
• Superintendent of Education Heather Campbell presented a report on school activities that were scheduled during Education Week (April 28-May 2, 2008).