Board Meeting Highlights - March 25, 2025
Land Acknowledgement
A video from a Bedford PS Grade 6 French Immersion class was shown, where the students recited a land acknowledgment they had written in French. Thank you, Madam Quinn, for guiding the students in creating this thoughtful and personalized land acknowledgment.
Trustees Move to Expand the Student Trustee Position with Indigenous Representation
Following a proposal from Indigenous Lead Matt Baker, the Board of Trustees passed a motion to amend their policy, supporting the addition of a self-identified Indigenous Student Trustee to join the board starting in September 2025.
Good News
FE Madill SS Hosts Living Library Event
Vice Chair Patricia Smith was pleased to share her experience at the FE Madill SS Living Library event, where she discussed her journey as both a trustee and an immigrant. She had the opportunity to talk about her role on the Board of Trustees and enjoyed engaging in meaningful conversations with students and staff, answering their questions along the way.
Days of Significance Around the District (March Edition)
Communications Manager Chera Longston presented the wrap-up for the March edition of the Days of Significance. This month highlights Ramadan, Shrove Tuesday, March Break trips, St. Patrick's Day, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and World Down Syndrome Day!
DOS - March Wrap-up 2025 by AMDSB Communications
Tyler Smith Visits AMDSB Secondary Schools
Superintendent Jane Morris, with support from Trustee Sheila Armstrong-Marshall, highlighted recent visits by Tyler Smith, winner of The Amazing Race Canada Season 9 and survivor of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash, which tragically claimed the lives of 16 teammates, staff, and coaches. Through his public speaking and advocacy, Tyler inspires individuals and communities to embrace vulnerability, build connections, and create safe spaces for healing and hope. He visited all 8 AMDSB secondary schools with support from a Crime-School Safety Grant (Goderich & Central Huron, & Huron OPP) and the Ministry of Education’s Mental Health Strategy Supports funding.
Elementary Students Increasing their Understanding of Diversity
Vice Chair Patricia Smith had the pleasure of joining Grade 2 and 4 students at Maitland River ES as they listened to AMDSB Equity Support Teacher Paul Finkelstein. Mr. Finkelstein discussed the importance of accepting others and helped students understand the difference between bullying and conflict.
Stratford Schools Welcome Trustee Whitaker and Director Shantz
Trustee Bruce Whitaker and Director Graham Shantz recently visited Avon PS, Stratford District SS, and Downie Central PS, sharing positive reflections from their time at each school. They had the opportunity to meet with the SDSS Robotics teams, who recently competed at the Ontario Provincial Championships. Team B finished with a 7-1 record but was eliminated in the sudden-death round, while Team A secured a spot at the World Championships in Dallas, Texas - marking a historic achievement for Stratford Robotics! Congratulations to all the teams and leaders, including Marek C, Matthew O, Derick J, Declan O, and Pasha R, who will represent Stratford on the world stage in May.
At Avon PS, a student proudly guided them through the school on World Down Syndrome Day, while Downie students hosted them for an art fair and gifted them a painting and a painted flower pot.
March Break FunTECH Kits Reach over 450 Students!
Superintendent Paul Langis was pleased to announce that 460 kits were delivered to Grade 6 students from every elementary school in AMDSB over March Break. These kits were translated into multiple languages for students whose first language is not English, thanks to the AMDSB Multi-Language Learner team. Students had the opportunity to choose from a variety of kits and learned about skilled trades and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP):
- Construction (Slingshot Hockey Game)
- Motive Power (F1 Race Car)
- Sewing (Cinch Sack)
- Cooking (Cavatelli with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Bocconcini)
- Baking (Chocolate Cheesecake)
One parent shared: "This is a wonderful initiative, and the products were excellent quality."
Athletics Update
Superintendent Paul Langis highlighted several recent successes in both elementary and secondary athletics. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. If you are aware of any achievements that might be missing, please contact us at [email protected].
Elementary
All four regions have successfully hosted tournaments and events for Junior and Intermediate students in Cross-Country running, Soccer, and Triple Ball. They are currently in the midst of the Basketball season, with Track & Field events scheduled for May and June.
Most notably, the District Cross Country event was held at the Wildwood Conservation Area, drawing approximately 600 runners.
Secondary
Basketball: SDSS Junior Boys - 3rd at WOSSAA, SDSS Senior Boys - 2nd at WOSSAA, South Huron DHS Junior Boys - 3rd at WOSSAA, Junior Girls - 2nd at WOSSAA, Senior Girls - 3rd at WOSSAA
Cross-Country: St Marys DCVI Charles B - 1st at WOSSAA, St Marys DCVI Nic B - 2nd at WOSSAA, St Marys DCVI Junior Boys - First at WOSSAA, St Marys DCVI Kaleb D - 4th at WOSSAA
Curling: LDSS Boys - 1st at WOSSAA, SDSS Girls - 1st at WOSSAA
Hockey: SDSS Boys - 2nd at WOSSAA
Nordic Skiing: St Marys DCVI Nic B - 2nd at WOSSAA, St Marys DCVI Zach M - 4th at WOSSAA, St Marys Anna R - 1st at WOSSAA, St Marys Bailey R - 2nd at WOSSAA, St Marys DCVI Overall Senior Boys Title and Overall Junior Girls Title
Soccer: Senior Boys - 3rd at WOSSAA
Swimming: Siobhan K - 1st in the 50 free at OFSAA, MDHS Grace B - 3rd in B final in 200 IM and 2nd in B final in 200 Fly at OFSSA, SDSS Silas C - 7th in the A final at OFSAA, SDSS James D - 10th in the B final at OFSAA.
Ultimate Frisbee - St Marys DCVI 1st at WOSSAA and qualified for OFSAA
Volleyball: MDHS Junior Girls - 3rd at WOSSAA, SDSS Junior Girls - 3rd at WOSSAA, SDSS Junior Boys - 3rd at WOSSAA
Student Trustee Update
Student Trustee Alexandra Haviaras shared that the Senate released a survey before the March Break to gather feedback on how to ensure student fees are consistent across secondary schools. The survey received over 1,200 responses from students and staff, and the data is currently being analyzed. Stay tuned for more details!
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, 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
- Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) – April 2, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
- North Perth Boundary Review Committee – April 3, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. (online)
- Audit Committee – April 9, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. (hybrid)
- AODA Meeting – April 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. (online)
- Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) – April 28, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
- Equity Steering Committee – April 30, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. (Listowel District SS)