Board Meeting Highlights - May 28, 2024
Good News
Making Connections Day Brings Together Students Identified as Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Superintendent Kathy Boyd shared that this annual event is coordinated by the Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from AMDSB and Huron Perth Catholic DSB. Darren Holst, a Deaf Educational Consultant and Specialist Teacher of the Deaf from the Provincial Schools for the Deaf Resource Services Outreach Program, taught the students about American Sign Language, accompanied by a sign language interpreter. Students also engaged in a hands-on science workshop hosted by Mad Science. Special thanks to Huron Perth Student Transportation Services for ensuring safe transportation from all corners of the counties, and to the West Perth Community Centre for providing their indoor and outdoor spaces.
Multicultural Celebration at Anne Hathaway PS
Superintendent April Smith shared that Anne Hathaway PS hosted their second annual multicultural event. School council members led the organization of the event, which celebrated the diversity of their community. Students and families wore traditional outfits, shared traditional foods, and learned more about each other's cultures.
Vice Chair Rothwell Brings MPP Matthew Rae to Visit North Perth Schools
Vice Chair Nancy Rothwell was pleased to share that MPP Matthew Rae joined her on a visit to North Perth during Take your MPP to School Week. They visited North Perth Westfield with principal Maria Kalantzakos and toured the extension construction site at Listowel Eastdale PS.
Attendance Counsellor Receives Provincial Award
Superintendent Jane Morris happily shared that Leila Buchanan (Attendance Counsellor) received the 2024 Orv Watson Award from the Ontario Association for Counselling and Attendance Services (OACAS). This award recognizes and honours a member for exemplary service to students, families, the board, and the role of upholding the rights of students to an education. This is the first time an AMDSB staff member has been recognized by this organization - congratulations Leila!Chair, Vice Chair, and Director Attend Stratford Festival Opening
Director of Education Graham Shantz shared that Chair Robert Hunking and Vice Chair Nancy Rothwell joined him at last night's Stratford Festival season grand opening. They enjoyed the festivities and the amazing performance. They also wish to acknowledge the valuable partnership the Festival provides through the programs offered to AMDSB staff and students.
Choose Not to Use Campaign - a Campaign for Students, by Students
Superintendent Kathy Boyd showcased activities from three schools—Mitchell District HS, Goderich District CI, and St Marys DCVI—where students organized events promoting good choices not to vape, smoke, or use cannabis, and encouraging healthier habits for their well-being. These student-led initiatives included poster contests, trivia events, guest speakers, and other engaging activities.
Athletics Update
Superintendent Paul Langis shared an update on the recent athletic activities across the district.
Baseball:
- MDHS boys are heading to WOSSAA in Woodstock on Wednesday.
Slo Pitch:
- 4 AMDSB teams are heading to WOSSAA on Wednesday in Exeter - Mitchell DHS, South Huron DHS, Listowel District SS, and Stratford District SS.
Rugby:
- FE Madill SS girls finished 2nd at WOSSAA, and the Sr. Boys compete in St. Thomas tomorrow.
- We are hosting “A/AA” boys OFSAA beginning next Wednesday in Stratford (due to facilities and hotel accommodations). Sixteen teams and close to 550 athletes and coaches will be attending. There has been a great deal of support from the City of Stratford and the Mayor’s office. Both local to Wingham and surrounding area and Stratford businesses have been generous to sponsor the event. The Black Swans Rugby Club is also assisting and hosting the championship games on Saturday, June 8.
Soccer:
- CHSS is hosting WOSSAA “A” girls on May 29, CHSS and DCVI will be representing Huron Perth.
- St Marys DCVI will be hosting the boys.
Track and Field:
- St Marys DCVI won the overall championship at Huron Perth (first time!).
- St Marys DCVI won the Novice Boys Overall Championship at WOSSA.
- Stratford District SS won the Junior Boys Overall Championship at WOSSA.
- FE Madill SS sends 9 athletes in 14 events to OFSAA West Regionals.
Ultimate Frisbee:
- St Marys DCVI won WOSSAA and will attend Lakefield for OFSAA May 30-31.
Community Members and Businesses Support SIS Grade 8 Trip
Trustee Michael Bannerman shared that grade 8 students from Stratford Intermediate School left earlier today for a long-awaited trip to Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. He explained that several individuals and businesses supported the school to reduce the cost for students who may not have been able to attend due to financial barriers. Thank you for your support!
Student Trustee Update
Student Trustee Nathan Bean reported that they hosted a new student senator orientation event on May 14. They had refreshments, a tour of the Education Centre, played a few games, and reviewed Robert's Rules of Order. He was also pleased to share that Sophia Buckman and Alexandra Haviaras have been elected as next year's Student Trustees.
Senior Staff Updates
Update on the Director's Work Plan
An update was provided on the Director's Work Plan. Superintendent April Smith welcomed members of the Indigenous Education team. System Principal Jana Bayer-Smith led the presentation that showcased the new team logo and some of the recent work that the team has been engaged in. Notably, a Student Grand Council has been created to provide student voices and help guide the team's work. The trustees extended warm congratulations to Indigenous Education Lead Monique Pregent, who is retiring this year and was unable to attend.
Stratford and Area Boundary Review Update
Superintendent Cheri Carter shared a report outlining the implications of an option that the trustees are considering. The trustees will review further and aim to make a final decision at the June 11 regular board meeting. Full details about the project are on the board website: Stratford Boundary Review page.
Long-Term Accommodation Plan
Superintendent Cheri Carter provided an overview of the 2024 Long-Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP). The LTAP is a dynamic document that provides a snapshot of the district from the lens of student accommodation and capital planning. The LTAP culminates in recommendations that will guide work plan priorities and initiatives over short, medium, and long-term horizons. It is a vital tool for AMDSB, facilitating communication and collaboration to support comprehensive planning for student accommodation and capital investment. Visit the Pupil Accommodations and Enrolment Projections page to view the full LTAP.
June Celebrations (National Indigenous History and Pride Month)
Superintendent April Smith shared that AMDSB will be celebrating National Indigenous History Month, along with National Indigenous Peoples' Day or Solidarity Day on June 21. A number of resources have been provided to staff and several schools will be attending a local pow-wow on June 21. In addition, Pride Month will be celebrated across the district by flying pride flags, and again, resources have been provided.
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, June 11, 2024 at 4:45 p.m. Regular Board Meeting, Committee of the
Whole, Closed Session immediately following. - Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. Regular Board Meeting, Committee of the
Whole, Closed Session immediately following.
Future Meetings/Events with Trustee Representation
- Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) – Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Seaforth Education Centre with the option to join online
- Transportation Steering Committee Meeting – Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. (online)
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Workgroup (AODA) – Wednesday,
June 5, 2024; 3:00 p.m. (online) - Audit Committee Meeting – Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
- Finance Committee – Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (online)
- Finance Committee – Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.(online)