Board Meeting Highlights - February 25, 2025
Land Acknowledgement
School Council Chair Sheri DiGiovanni from Maitland River Elementary School (MRES) presented their group's land acknowledgment. She explained that they wrote their personalized acknowledgement after a guest speaker taught them about why they are important and what components should be included. She expressed appreciation for the land and water and outlined the commitments of the MRES parents.
Good News
New Pathways Highlights E-Magazine
Communications Manager Chera Longston was pleased to share the Winter 2025 edition of the Pathways Highlights. This e-magazine showcases a number of Pathways programs including the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Dual Credit and cooperative education. Students from Grades 6 to 12 are featured in this photo-rich resource. Another issue is planned for late Spring and the current issue can be found on the board website: Pathways Highlights. Days of Significance Around the District (February Edition)
Communications Manager Chera Longston presented the February edition of the Days of Significance wrap-up. This month features Black History Month, Valentine's Day, Family Day, Winter Walk Day, School Crossing Guard Appreciation and Pink Shirt Day!
DOS - Feb 2025 Wrap-Up by AMDSB Communications
Mornington Central PS Receives Gold in "Let's Talk Careers" Competition
Trustee Julie Moore was proud to share that Mornington Central PS secured 1st place on the A leaderboard for the Let’s Talk Careers: Canada’s Most Informed School Competition! She extended her congratulations to the entire school, with special recognition to Brett McGuiness and Deb Jagger for their exceptional efforts. As a result, the school has earned $400 and will also be receiving a division Championship banner. Additionally, six students earned $100 bursaries for their outstanding efforts in the competition: Abe G, Emily B, Susie G, Louis B, David B, and John B. Congratulations!
Family Literacy Day
Trustee Sheila Armstrong-Marshall was pleased to highlight the Family Literacy Day celebrations at Little Falls Public School (PS) and South Perth Centennial PS. Little Falls PS had students visiting classrooms to enjoy a book, activity, craft and theme - including costumes! South Perth Centennial PS also took part by having a book character dress-up day and hosting literacy activities in all classrooms. Full details can be found in a recent St Marys Independent article.
Student Trustee Update
Student Trustee Sophia Buckman shared that Heather Hirdes (AMDSB Mental Health Lead) will be joining their meeting to discuss their mental health initiatives including a video for Pink Shirt Day. Student Trustee Alexandra Haviaras shared that the Senate is working with the Listowel District SS Equity Group to release a survey for students and staff about ensuring that student fees are consistent among secondary schools.
Senior Staff Updates
School Year Calendar for 2025/2026 Approved
The trustees approved the proposed School Year Calendar for the 2025/2026 school year and it has been submitted to the Ministry of Education for final approval. Full details are posted on the School Year Calendar page.
Long-term Enrolment Projections
Superintendent Cheri Carter shared the updated Long-Term Student Enrolment projections for the board, which were prepared by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd ("Watson"). Watson Partner Jack Ammendolia recorded a video, which was shared with trustees in the agenda package, along with the accompanying information report.
All information can be found on the Board website on the Pupil Accommodation & Enrolment Projections page. The AMDSB Data Dashboards are also available on that page and provide information about student enrolment projections and school locations, structures and sizes, as well as AMDSB community demographic information. A full instruction manual can also be found for how to navigate and understand this information.
North Perth Boundary Review
Superintendent Cheri Carter shared that two North Perth Boundary Review Committee online meetings have been hosted and that the participants are very engaged. The videos from those meetings are posted on the North Perth Boundary Review page. The feedback from the committee will be taken by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. who will prepare a public report. The report, along with a survey to collect feedback from the broader community, will be released early March. In addition, an open house will be hosted on March 27 (6-8pm) at Listowel District SS (this has been postponed from March 6). The event will allow attendees to discuss the report and ask questions of staff and the Watson team.
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, March 25, 2025 at 4:45 p.m.: Regular Session, followed by Committee of the
Whole, Closed Session - Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 4:45 p.m. Committee of the Whole, Open Session
- Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 4:45 p.m. Regular Session, followed by Committee of the
Whole, Closed Session
Future Meetings/Events with Trustee Representation
- Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) – Monday, February 24, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
- Ad Hoc Policy Committee – Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. (Microsoft Teams)
- Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) – Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 4:00
p.m. (Microsoft Teams) - North Perth Boundary Review Open House – March 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. (Listowel District SS cafeteria)
- North Perth Boundary Review Committee – April 3, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. (Microsoft Teams)
- Audit Committee – April 9, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. (in person and Microsoft Teams)
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) – April 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. (in person at Stratford Intermediate and Microsoft Teams)