Board Meeting Highlights - December 12, 2023
Good News
Launch of the 2022/2023 Director's Annual Report
Director Lisa Walsh, with support from the entire senior team, presented the 2022/2023 Director's Annual Report. In the report, they highlighted the accomplishments of the board throughout the last school year. The report is organized into four sections: the Elementary Student Experience, the Secondary Student Experience, Staff Development and Support, and Engaging our Broader Community. An Executive Summary has been prepared and posted along with the full report on the Director's Annual Report page. "Voices" Workshop Supports Students with Complex Learning Needs
Superintendent Kathy Boyd announced the successful facilitation of a full-day workshop conducted by Voices Perth and Foundations Huron. This workshop catered to students enrolled in the 12+ program who are not following the Ontario Secondary School Diploma pathway. During the morning session, the emphasis was on communication and advocacy skills, empowering students to become adept listeners and effective communicators. Engaging activities were conducted by presenters, enabling students to pinpoint areas in their lives where self-advocacy was essential.
In the afternoon session, the focus shifted towards exploring rights and responsibilities. Students participated in activities that clarified their rights and underscored their responsibilities as conscientious citizens contributing to their community. Additionally, a forthcoming workshop is scheduled to take place at Mitchell District High School, extending its benefits to students from Goderich District Collegiate Institute, Central Huron Secondary School, Stratford District Secondary School, and Mitchell District High School.
Human Rights and Equity and Communications Teams Win Bravo Award
Communications Manager Chera Longston shared that she recently attended a conference of the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education (CACE) and received a Bravo Award on behalf of the Human Right and Equity and Communications teams. The award highlighted the design of a resource crafted to assist administrators and staff in effectively responding to racist and hate-based/biased incidents that affect students within AMDSB.
AMDSB Students Participate in Activities to Increase Exposure to Skilled Trades
Superintendent Paul Langis shared that students have participated in a variety of workshops in events over the last two months. Students from six schools attended the Level Up! Career Fair at Fanshawe College in London. Students engaged in various hands-on activities and explored different booths representing the skilled trades.
Members of Pathways Team Present at Provincial Conference
Superintendent Paul Langis also shared that Pathways Coordinators Jodi Froud and Keith Edwards presented during the Ontario Council for Technology Education conference. They showcased the Pathways Innovation Centre (PIC) and the programs and workshops that are offered to students across AMDSB. School boards and regional coordinators continue to reach out to learn more about this innovative centre and the programs that are offered. Student from FE Madill Highlighted in Boys Basketball Game
A valuable member of the FE Madill boys basketball team was celebrated earlier this week as he scored his first basket. A heartwarming video shared on Facebook by the student's mother has received nearly 100 comments and been shared over 50 times, capturing the interest of CTV News London's videographer, Scott Miller. His story was featured on the December 12 edition of the evening news. Check out this heartwarming story: CTV News London. Go Steve!!
Student Trustee Update
Superintendent Jane Morris presented an update on behalf of Student Trustees Alex Dolmage and Nathan Bean. The Senators are working hard to roll out their introductory videos to their own schools, as well as their feeder schools. Additionally, they are actively engaged in the ongoing development of individual school plans focused on promoting wellness initiatives. Further details regarding their progress will be shared in the new year.
Senior Staff Updates
Update on the Director's Work Plan
Superintendents Cheri Carter and Jane Morris provided an update on the Director's Work Plan. Superintendent Carter detailed the ongoing development of the draft Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP), a necessary requirement mandated by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005). The plan replaces the current MYAP which is set to expire at the end of 2023. A consultation process is now underway to gather feedback from key supporters. Superintendent Morris elaborated on the initiatives of the data and research department, highlighting the recent closure of a parent/caregiver survey and the impending closure on December 15 of a corresponding staff survey. Moreover, she introduced the arrival of Research Manager Dr. Stephanie Pagan, who joins AMDSB from Ottawa, warmly welcoming her to the team.
Future Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings are held in person unless otherwise noted. Agendas are posted on the Board Meeting page the day before the meeting. The public portion begins at 4:45 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 30, 2024: Regular Board Meeting at 4:45 p.m. and Committee of the Whole, Closed Session immediately afterwards.
- Tuesday, February 13, 2024: Committee of the Whole, Open Session at 4:45 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 27, 2024: Regular Board Meeting at 4:45 p.m. and Committee of the Whole, Closed Session immediately afterwards.
Future Meetings/Events with Trustee Representation
- Stratford Area Boundary Review Committee (SABRC) – Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
- Ontario Public School Board Association Public Education Symposium – Thursday, January 25 to Saturday, January 27, 2024 (Toronto)