Highlights from the Board Room – October 27

Board Meeting   |  Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Presentations

Director’s Recognition Award

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

The first recipient of this award was Employee Services Data Systems/Benefits Officer Brenda Roberge. Brenda was recognized for her willingness to help at all times, and for taking on a leadership role within the department in regards to transition to the new school administration software, Atrieve. 

The second recipient of the award was Muskoka Falls Public School Head Custodian Peggy Lawler for her support of everyone at The Falls, and her strong efforts in getting school staff on the same page with cleaning, sanitizing, and the set up of all classrooms for the safe return to school.  

Teaching and Learning in Octoblocks

Superintendent of Learning MacIver shared with Trustees the successes and challenges of the first octoblock completed by TLDSB secondary students. Students are currently following an octomester model, focusing on one course at a time over a 22-day period. Over the course of the first octoblock of the school year, 4,313 credits were given out to students. About 58 percent of students finished with a final mark of 80-100 percent, and 20 percent of students with a 70-79 percent. 

Superintendent MacIver was joined by Principal Kim Williams, Head of Math Andrew Galbraith, and Head of Tech Mark Flynn from Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School, as well as principal Mark Cossarin, Head of Science Jasmine Sadler, Head of English Michelle Ash from the Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute who all shared their experiences. Thoughts from students were also shared.

Administrative Reports

2019-2020 Strategic Action Plan – Final Report

Director Hahn presented Trustees with the final report for the 2019-2020 Strategic Action Plan. The plan provides the Board with a list of aligned action items that correspond with the multi-year Embrace Learning Strategic Plan 2016-2021 focus areas. This plan is accompanied by specific and detailed department plans, which align with the three key priority areas for TLDSB: innovation and collaboration for all, supporting the well-being of all, and valuing the strength of everyone’s voice. Superintendents of Learning MacIver, Dave Golden, Jennifer Johnston, and Paul Goldring presented highlights from their respective department plans, which are available online at tldsb.ca/board/strategic-directions/.

Audit Committee Report

Superintendent of Business Services Tim Ellis shared a report with Trustees about the Audit Committee meeting that was held on September 22. During the meeting, the external auditors provided updates on their audit work to date and identified current issues for consideration in the audit planning for the current fiscal year. The internal auditors provided an update on their audit work to date. 

Feed All Four Fund

Director Hahn shared with Trustees the new TLDSB initiative created to support families who are currently struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the TLDSB Feed All Four Fund. The fund is an opportunity for staff to support student well-being and families in need and will be launched on November 2. 

2020 Board and Committee of the Whole meeting schedule