Highlights from the Board Room – February 22

Board Meeting   |  Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Presentations

Director’s Recognition Award

The Director’s Recognition Award highlights extraordinary contributions by staff members, students, school volunteers, or community members, and is presented by the Director of Education, Wes Hahn, at each Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) Regular Meeting of the Board. Hahn introduced this month’s recipients of the Director’s Recognition Award.

Stuart Baker Elementary School (SBES) special education resource teacher, Katie Bjelis, was nominated for her hands-on approach to supporting educators. In her role, Bjelis does the work of many, helping educators plan and program for a variety of student needs, working side-by-side with teachers, support staff, and educational assistants. She is the perfect example of a colleague you can count and a natural leader who enthusiastically volunteers for many committees. Bjelis inspires others, spreads wisdom and joy in a caring and compassionate manner, and is an outstanding educator.

Learning Resource Centre/Employee Services clerk, Wendy King, is a hard-working, caring, team player who has been with the Board since 2000. As someone who is always willing to help out, King is known as the Lindsay Education Centre cheerleader – so full of energy and always donning a smile on her face. For all of the many ways she goes above and beyond, the Board staff appreciate King’s positive demeanor and efforts to bring joy and wellness to the workplace each and every 

day.

Presentation: Arts in the Virtual Learning Centre (VLC)

Superintendent of Learning, Kim Williams, highlighted the variety of courses offered at the VLC, not just computer-related, and how many individuals have taken advantage of them. VLC principal, Jeremy Cadeau-Mark, introduced two teachers who have been instrumental in the success of the new visual arts course. Teachers, Kathryn Blackthorne and Reuben Maughan, described how they designed the course in a traditional visual art format – hands on! With three major sections within the course, the students have the ability to develop their creative potential. 

Director’s update

Director of Education, Wes Hahn, delivered a summary of the recent news on Ontario’s Learning Recovery Action Plan and what can be expected for TLDSB schools. As it was announced last week by Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, Priorities and Partnerships Funding (PPF) and Grants for Student Needs (GSN) funding will continue as the investment on education remains a priority. The ministry identified areas of focus are:

• Measuring and assessing learning through resuming EQAO and OSSLT testing. The Ministry of Education will continue to use these tools for assessments to measure how students in Ontario are progressing.
• Strengthening numeracy and literacy skills with a significant focus in reading and mathematics. 
• Supporting student resilience, mental health and well-being. 
• A comprehensive tutoring program run directly by school boards in partnership with community organizations. 
• Modernizing curriculum and programs with a focus on job and life skills. 

Many of these areas are well underway at TLDSB and Hahn referenced the connection between the focus on job and life skills with the feedback TLDSB heard from the community after conducting a Thought Exchange in the development of the new strategic plan. It was noted that real-world learning was purposefully included in the 2022-2027 TLDSB Strategic Plan.

Hahn noted that Superintendents of Learning, Jay McJanet and Kim WIlliams, have been working with their teams on ensuring supports are in place for students at every level to strengthen numeracy and literacy skills. It was also noted that developing student resilience, as well as mental health and well-being supports are in place and will continue to be a focus at TLDSB. Hahn added that professional development for our staff is crucial and that as part of the leadership development strategy, aspiring leaders and experienced principals are able to strengthen their knowledge to better support the system alignment.

Administrative reports

2022-2023 School Year Calendar

Superintendent of Learning, Kim Williams, outlined the 2022-2023 school year calendar and noted that equity and inclusive development for staff has been built into the professional activity days. It was motioned that the 2022-2023 elementary and secondary school calendars be submitted to the Ministry of Education for approval.

2022 Board and Committee of the Whole meeting schedule

*Listed meeting locations will be assessed on a meeting-by-meeting basis and may need to be altered depending on the COVID-19 protocols in place as determined by the Chief Medical Officer of Health and/or local Public Health Units and/or the Ministry of Education. 

Regular Board MeetingMarch 22, 20226:30 p.m.MEC

Regular Meeting of the BoardMarch 22, 20226:30 p.m.LEC

Regular Board MeetingMarch 22, 20226:30 p.m.MEC