This update provides a summary of the public meeting of Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board held Monday, November 16, 2015 at York River Public School. It is an unofficial summary of the meeting; official minutes will be approved at a next meeting.
Character moment: Celebrating Learning at York River Public School: Choir and School Presentation
School Superintendent Colleen DeMille expressed appreciation to host a Board meeting at York River Public School. She commented on the impressive examples of student learning in all program areas. During the school tour earlier today, the balanced approach to learning was evident in academics, the Arts and well-being, all with a strong emphasis on character development. DeMille also stated that York River Public School is known around the province for its strong focus on Aboriginal learning.
Thank you to York River students who performed the songs "This Little Light of Mine" and "Today I'm Going to Try to Change the World." Thank you, as well, to Principal Marion Wilson and Vice-principal Lynn Andrews for the picture show illustrating learning at YRPS. The video of students making the winter ‘snow snake,' which is a traditional game in Aboriginal culture, was another visual example of the hands-on learning and collaboration among students and teachers.
Report from Committee of the Whole
Highlights from this report included the following:
- Ratification of tentative agreement for the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, District 29.
Recommendations
Report from the Audit Committee
The Audited Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the Board's financial results for the 2014-2015 fiscal year. The report on this topic included the following: legislative requirements, 2014-2015 capital expenditure and 2014-2015 operating results. Board members approved the 2-14-2015 Financial Statements.
Approval of revised policies
According to Procedure 110: Board Policy Development and Review, policies are reviewed every three years to ensure they are still relevant and have been implemented effectively. Revisions and updates have been made to policies to comply with legislation or regulations and to reflect current practice.
Board members approved revisions to the following policies:
- Policy 1: Board Mission and Goals
- Policy 2: Governance By-Laws and Standing Rules
- Policy 4: Corporate Board Job Description
- Policy 9: Role of the Board member
- Policy 15: Student Enrolment/School Capacity
Proposed trustee representation on committees for 2016
A priority of Board members is to form committees at the earliest opportunity in order to maintain continuity of direction. This evening Board members were provided with a list of their committee preferences to review in advance of the annual meeting scheduled for December 7, 2015, when trustee membership on Board committees will be confirmed.
Information
Calendar of events
A number of district and school events are scheduled for December 2015.
Some upcoming events include the following:
- November 16 to 20: Launch of the Say One Nice Thing campaign in connection with the provincial Bullying Prevention & Awareness Week. Several schools are hosting events this week.
- Wednesday, November 25: IB Diploma Information Night at Moira Secondary School, 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, November 26: Grade 8 Parent Night at Quinte Secondary School, 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 2: Grade 8 Day at Bayside Secondary School
- Tuesday, December 15: Bus Safety presentation at Madoc Public School
- Tuesday, December 15: Piano Recital at Madoc Public School, 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 16: Festive Lunch for the Entire School at Kente Public School
- Wednesday, December 16: Helping Hands/Arts Assembly at Hillcrest Public School
Report from the chair
Highlights from this report included the following:
- Re-launch of the Say One Nice Thing campaign, Year 2, in connection with the provincial Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week.
Report from Student Enrolment/School Capacity Committee
Highlights from this report included the following:
- Mention of the Ministry of Education-funded planning role, which is new to HPEDSB.
- Review of new guidelines for capital planning and use of excess space in schools.
- Review of the Student Enrolment/School Capacity policy.
Report from the Operations and Finance Committee
Highlights from this report included the following:
- Mileage rate of reimbursement, including possible cost-saving measures, such as carpooling.
Review of school board insurance premiums.
- Review of revised policies.
- Approval of the capital priority business case to build an addition at Marmora Senior Public School through funding from the Ministry of Education.
Report from the Program and Human Resources Committee
Highlights from this report included the following:
- Review of a document describing the programs and services at elementary and secondary schools.
Report from trustees
Highlights from this report included the following:
- Visit to Susanna Moodie Elementary School on Remembrance Day. Also mentioned that students from this school assisted in clearing the yard/area at the Belleville Cenotaph.
Report from student trustees
Highlights from this report included the following:
- Participation in the annual Harvest Fest at Moira Secondary School. It was attended by many students who learned about Aboriginal storytellying, hands-on activities to build dolls, play lacrosse and to learn about Mohawk culture.
Upcoming meetings
All meetings take place at the Education Centre unless otherwise noted.
- Wednesday, November 18: Parent Involvement Committee, 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, November 26: Special Education Advisory Committee, 5:00 p.m.
- Monday, December 7: Annual Public Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, extension 2354, [email protected]