Board Meeting Highlights - April 22, 2025
Land Acknowledgement
A video from an Avon PS class was shown, where the students recited the school's land acknowledgement.
Good News
Stratford District SS Art Students Decorate Stratford's Downtown
Trustee Bruce Whitaker was pleased to share that 36 Grade 10 and 11 art students from Stratford District Secondary School created a collage-style street mural in collaboration with Perth County. The vibrant artwork, with the theme of "Hope for the Future" adds a pop of colour at the entrance to downtown Stratford, showcasing student creativity and community partnership.
Learning Services Department Hosts Perth Transition Fair
Superintendent Kathy Boyd shared that AMDSB and HPCDSB are co-hosting two Transition Fairs to support families and caregivers of students with disabilities aged 12–21.
The Perth Transition Fair took place on April 12, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Secondary School in Stratford. The event saw an impressive turnout, with over 30 parents and caregivers in attendance and more than 20 organizations participating. These organizations showcased a variety of community resources/programs, college programs, and employment services. Families benefited from presentations by Developmental Services Ontario and information sessions on Passport Funding. These fairs provide a unique opportunity for families and caregivers to learn about the services offered by local agencies and community groups dedicated to supporting life after high school, specifically aimed at empowering families and caregivers of students with disabilities aged 12-21 years.
Initial feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly highlighting the collaborative efforts between school boards and community associations. This positive reception underscores the importance of these fairs in fostering connections and providing valuable resources to families navigating the transition from high school to post-secondary life.
The Huron Transition Fair will be held on May 3, 2025, at Central Huron Secondary School in Clinton from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with over 25 local agencies and community groups.
AMDSB - Skills Ontario Competition
Superintendent Paul Langis shared that several secondary students from AMDSB participated in Skills Ontario competitions held at LDSS and Fanshawe College:
Team of Two Carpentry and Welding:
- GDCI students Braydon C and Dylan M advanced to the provincial Skills Ontario competition, surpassing teams from LDSS.
- DCVI student Carson V and LDSS student Julian C advanced to the Qualifying round at Fanshawe College, where Carson placed first and Julian fifth. Carson moves on to the provincial competition.
- GDCI’s Logan K placed first in Individual Carpentry at the Qualifier and will also compete provincially.
Other Provincial Competitors:
- Luke J (SDSS) – Auto Service Tech
- Logan G (SDSS) – Brick Masonry
Elementary Participation:
On May 5, 40 elementary students will compete in Skills Ontario in:
On May 5, 40 elementary students will compete in Skills Ontario in:
- VEX IQ Robotics
- LEGO Robotics
- Character Animation
- Construction
- Technology
AMDSB at Stratford Home and Leisure Show
Superintendent Paul Langis also shared that AMDSB participated in the Stratford Home and Leisure Show, providing an engaging and interactive experience for attendees. Over 100 spinning top projects were created with children, offering a fun and hands-on introduction to design and construction. The display also featured interactive activities such as a virtual welder, 3D printer, and CNC router, which attracted interest from both students and adults. Pathways brochures were distributed, and staff had meaningful conversations with attendees about the diverse opportunities available to students within AMDSB.
Days of Significance Around the District (April Edition)
Communications Associate Meredith Needles presented the wrap-up for the April edition of the Days of Significance. This month’s highlights included Earth Month, Earth Week, and Earth Day, as well as Easter, Ridván, and many other important observances that reflect the diversity and values of our school communities.
School Showcase
Communications Associate Meredith Needles introduced a new series highlighting schools across the district. The first feature focused on Little Falls Public School, located in St. Marys (South Perth), which serves approximately 450 students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. While it has no designated feeder school, most students transition to St. Marys DCVI for secondary education. The current building opened in 2010 and is led by Principal Jeremy Brock and Vice-Principal Luke van Schaik for the 2024–2025 school year.
Highlights from Little Falls PS include:
- Music Excellence: The Primary and Junior choirs, led by full-time music teacher Mrs. Stern, competed in the Kiwanis Music Festival and earned the Bottomly Trophy for top overall school performances—an honour the school has received multiple times in recent years.
- Focus on Belonging: The school continues to prioritize Social Emotional Learning and equity, using student-created visuals to reinforce key concepts and foster a strong sense of community and belonging.
Student Trustee Update
Student Trustee Sophia B shared that the Student Senate is currently analyzing data from the survey they released before March Break, which aimed to ensure consistency in student fees across secondary schools. The survey received over 1,200 responses from students and staff, stay tuned for more details as the results are reviewed. In addition, Student Senators were elected this past week. The winners will be announced following the next Student Trustee meeting. The voting process for next year’s Student Trustees is set to take place in the upcoming week.
Senior Staff Updates
North Perth Boundary Review Update
Superintendent Cheri Carter shared that consultants and board staff have completed a report summarizing the work of the North Perth Boundary Review. The report outlines three potential scenarios for boundary changes in the area for Trustee consideration. The full report is available on the Board website and can be viewed at any time: amdsb.ca/northperthboundaryreview2425. Trustees are currently reviewing the options, with a decision to be announced at an upcoming board meeting.
Procurement Restriction Policy
Superintendent Cheri Carter also shared that on April 4, 2025, the Ontario Government issued a new Procurement Restriction Policy in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and services. The policy is retroactive to March 4, 2025, and applies to all public sector purchases, regardless of value or procurement method. Under the policy, purchases from U.S. businesses are no longer permitted.
A U.S. business is defined as one with:
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Its head office located in the United States, and
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Fewer than 250 full-time employees in Canada.
Procurement Services is monitoring the situation and assessing the impact on AMDSB purchases.
Future Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings are held in person unless otherwise noted. Links to join the meetings online will be posted on the Board Meeting page the day before the meeting. The public portion begins at 4:45 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 4:45 p.m. Committee of the Whole, Open Session
- Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 4:45 p.m. Regular Board Meeting and Committee of the Whole, Closed Session
- Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 4:45 p.m. Regular Board Meeting and Committee of the Whole, Closed Session
- Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. Regular Board Meeting and Committee of the Whole, Closed Session
Future Meetings/Events with Trustee Representation
- AODA Meeting – April 23, 2025 – 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. (Microsoft Teams)
- Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) – April 28, 2025 – 8:30 a.m.
- Equity Steering Committee – April 30, 2025 – 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Listowel District SS)
- Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) – May 7, 2025 – 4:00 p.m.