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12/4/2001 - Special Board Meetinga THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL BOARD MEETING 2001 DECEMBER 04,7:00 P.M. BOARD ROOM,EDUCATION CENTRE AGENDA REVISED V-verbal M-material 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA 3.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST 4.ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2002 a.Election of Chairperson for the Board b.Election of Vice-Chairperson for the Board M RECESS TO INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AND SPECIAL IN-CAMERA SESSION REPORTS OF COMMITTEES a.Committee of the Whole,in-Camera 2001 December 04 ADJOURNMENT V THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL MEETING,2001 DECEMBER 04 The Board met in special session on 2001 December 04 in the Board Room atthe Education Centreat 7:10 p.m.,and in Committee ofthe Whole,in-camera at 9:46 p.m.The following were in attendance: PRESENT:TRUSTEES D.Stewart S.Deller J.Hunter D.Anstead G.Hart P.Sattier Regrets:P.Schuyier J.Bennett S.Peters T.Roberts L.Stevenson A.Cartier P.Jaffe M.Rhoden ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS B.Bryce P.Gryseels B.Greene J.Thorpe R.Murray M.Sereda J.Havelka P.Mennill 1.CALL TO ORDER Director of Education Bill Bryce called the meeting to order. 2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved on motion ofJ. Hunterand L.Stevenson. 3.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST No conflicts of interest were declared. L.Robertson R.Murray L.Hutchinson K.Dalton J.McKenzie J.Roth S.Galati S.Christie W.Scott 4.ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2002 a.Election of Chairperson of the Board Director Bryce called for written nominations for the office of Chairperson of the Board. -Nominations were declared closed on motion of D.Stewart and G.Hart. Trustees Hart and Bennett were nominated.Trustee Hartdeclined to accept the nomination. Trustee Bennetthad declared her acceptance ofa nomination by proxy.Trustee Bennettwas declared Chairperson of the Board for 2002. b.Election of Vice-Chair of the Board 2001 Chair David Stewart called forwrittennominations forthe officeofVice-Chairperson ofthe Board. Nominations were declared closed on motion of T.Roberts and L.Stevenson. Tmstees Anstead,Hartand Hunter were nominated.Trustees Anstead and Hunter declined to accept the nominations. 2001 December 04...2 Trustee Hart declared his acceptance of the nomination.Trustee Hart was declared Vice- Chairperson of the Board for 2002. Nomination forms for Chair and Vice-Chair were destroyed on motion of L.Stevenson and S. Peters. The meeting recessed at 7:15 p.m. to the Information Committeeof the Whole on motion of D. Anstead, seconded by A.Cartier and reconvened at 9:46 p.m.. 5. 6. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - IN CAMERA 2001 December 04 MEMBERS PRESENT ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS D.Stewart (Chair) J.Hunter D.Anstead S.Peters T.Roberts Regrets:J.Bennett P.Schuyler A.Cartier L.Stevenson B. Bryce G.Hart P.Gryseels P.Sattler P.Jaffe S.Deller B.Greene C. Murphy J.Thorpe The Committee met in camera from 9:46 p.m. to 10:40 p.m. M.Sereda P.Mennill K.Havelka P.Mennill L.Robertson R.Murray L.Hutchinson K.Dalton S.Christie S.GalatI 1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA-The agenda was amended and approved on motionof L.Stevenson. 2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -No conflicts of Interest were declared. 3.Confidential personnel and legal matters were discussed. 4. A motion to rise and report was moved by S.Peters and carried. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn was moved by P.Jaffe and seconded by S.Peters and carried.The meeting adjourned at 10:44 p.m.. RECOMMENDATION: 1.That,in accordance with the Independent Procedure -Promotional Practices:Selection Procedures and Appointment of Principals and Vice-principals,the following "pool"of candidates be approved for appointment to the position,Principal,Elementary Schools: V. ( 2001 December 04...3 Candidates Patti Baker Richard Choiack Mary Anne Dowding David Ennis Peter Ferguson Deborah Gasparatto-Devine Peter Hammond Louisa Howerow Mark Jenkins Janet McCredie John Morrow Linda Reid Earl Toweii Ron Van Belois Eiieen Wise Present Assignment Sir John A.Macdonald Hiilcrest Caradoc North St.Thomas Myrtle Street Beachviiie Tollgate Central Southside Wellington Street Northdale C. C.Carrothers Northdale Central Caradoc South Metcalfe Central Balaclava DAVID STEWART, Chairperson 2001 December 04...4 APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE 2001 DECEMBER 04 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING 1.That,in accordance with the Independent Procedure -Promotional Practices:Selection Procedures and AoDointment of Principals and Vice-Principals,the "pool" of candidates be approved for appointment to the position, Principal,Elementary Schools. Candidates Patti Baker Richard Cholack Mary Anne Dowding David Ennis Peter Ferguson Deborah Gasparatto-Devine Peter Hammond Louisa Howerow Mark Jenkins Janet McCredie John Morrow Linda Reid Earl Towel! Ron Van Belois Eileen Wise Present Assignment Sir John A.Macdonald Hillcrest Caradoc North St.Thomas Myrtle Street Beachville Toligate Central Southside Wellington Street Northdale C.C.Carrothers Northdale Central Caradoc South Metcalfe Central Balaclava CONFIRMED Chairperson •v_ THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD J INAUGURAL MEETING 2001 DECEMBER 11,7:00 P.M. BOARD ROOM,EDUCATION CENTRE AGENDA CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER -Bill Bryce,Director of Education V-verbal M-material 1.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST 2.INVOCATION 3.O CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION 4.WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS M 5.GREETINGS 6.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE M -COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS 7.PRESENTATION OF GAVEL V J 8.MUSICAL INTERLUDE 9.INAUGURAL ADDRESS 10.BENEDICTION 11.MUSICAL INTERLUDE 12.DIRECTOR'S CLOSING REMARKS AND INVITATION 13.ADJOURNMENT f ' v_ T , THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING 2001 DECEMBER 11 The Inaugural meeting was held on December 11,2001 in the Board Room at the Education Centre at 7:00p.m. The following were inattendance: TRUSTEES J.Bennett G.Hart J.Hunter A.Cartier Regrets: P. Schuyler,8.Deller, P.Sattler ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS B.Bryce P.Gryseels 8.Greene J.Thorpe R.Murray M.Sereda G.Jazey J.Havello P.Mennill D.Stewart T.Roberts P.Jaffe S.Peters L,Robertson J.Empringham R.Murray K.Wilkinson L.Hutchinson K.Dalton J.McKenzie B.Beatty L.Stevenson D.Anstead M.Rhoden J.Roth D.Williams S.Gaiati D.Bradford S.Christie S.Lundrigan W.Scott Directorof Education Bill Bryce called the meeting to order. 1.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -No conflicts of interest were declared. 2.INVOCATION Canon KenAnderson and twoLondon students,Merritt Crews and Shannon Thomson, deliveredthe invocation. 3. O CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION The Ealing Singers from London,with conductor and accompanist Janice Sinker,led in the singing of"OCanada"and brought musical greetings. TrusteeJaffeextendedthe appreciation ofthe Board to the students and conductor for their participation inthe Inaugural meeting. 4.WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS BoardVice-Chair Graham Hartwelcomed those in attendance and introduced guests whowouldbring special greetings. 2001 December 11...2 \ 5.GREETINGS The following community representatives broughtgreetings on behalfoftheir affiliates: 6. Municipal Representative Ministry of Education London District Catholic School Board Thames Valley District School Council Thames Valley District Alliance of of Home and School Associations Ab Chahbar,Councillor, City of London Johanne Lapensee-Crimmins BillHall,Chair Brenda Hopkins,Chair Vanda Braunton,Co-Chair REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE The following motionwas moved by D.Anstead,seconded by P. Jaffe and carried. That the following Board Committeeand OtherAppointments, effective2001 December 01, be approved. COMMITTEE Committee of the Whole Information Committee of the Whole Special Education AdvisoryCommittee (SEAC)- (3 year term) Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupils (SALEP) Chairs'Committee Policy Working Committee (5) Budget Advisory Committee (3) Negotiations Advisory Committee (3) Native Advisory Committee (3) Communications &Public Relations Committee (2) Ad Hoc Committee on School Councils /Community Involvement (2) Director/System Review Committee (4) Thames Valley Education Foundation (4) 2002 COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP All Trustees All Trustees Bennett,SatUer,Stevenson CEC Central -Bennett,Sattler (alt) CEC East - Deller, Hart,Anstead (alt) CEC South -Stevenson,Stewart (alt) Chair,Vice-Chair,Stewart Anstead,Jaffe,Peters,Roberts Sattler Cartier,Sattler,Stevenson Anstead,Hart,Hunter Cartier,Jaffe,Schuyler Deller,Sattler Deller,Stewart Hart,Hunter,Roberts,Stewart Bennett,Hart,*Jaffe,Peters,Stewart •N r\2001 DQcember11...3 Ontario Public School Boards'Assoc.(2) Western Fair Representative (1) Computer Committee (1) Award of Distinction Committee (1) StrathroyJoint PlanningCommittee(2) Children's Safety Village (1) Ad Hoc Bylaw Review (6) Ad Hoc Trustee PD Committee (3) Suspension/Expulsion Appeals (3 as required) PrincipalA/ice-Principal Inten/iews (2 as required) Anstead,Hart,Stevenson (alt) Hunter Roberts Schuyler Hunter,Peters Bennett,Peters (alt) Anstead,Bennett,Hunter,Jaffe, Roberts,Stewart Anstead,Cartier,Deller Anstead,Deller,Hunter,Peters, Roberts,Sattler,Stevenson,Stewart Anstead,Bennett,Cartier,Deller, Hunter,Roberts,Sattler,Stewart •serving as President on an interim basis until a new president is elected inthe Spring,2002 7.PRESENTATION OF GAVEL V Onbehalfofthestudents,trustees,staffandcommunityoftheThamesValleyDistrictSchoolBoard, thegavelof office waspresentedto Chairperson Bennettbyhergrandson,Mitchell Bennett,astudent from Caradoc Central PublicSchool,Mt Brydges.Mitchell's mother,Mary Ann Bennett,presented Chairperson Bennett witha bouquet offlowers fromthe Bennett family. 8.MUSICAL INTERLUDE The Saunders Secondary School Jazz Band from London,with conductor Mark Enns,performed a musical number, 9.INAUGURAL ADDRESS BoardChairperson Joyce Bennett presented the following inaugural address. "I wanttobeginmyremarks this evening with a heartfelt thankyoufor demonstrating yourtrustinme by electing me Chair ofthe Board for the coming year.I amsorrythat I was notabletobe hereto participate in the election process so this appointment iseven more meaningful in that you saw fit to Include me inthe process in my absence. Over the past four years,oneofthe strengths ofour Board has beenthe level of support shared by colleagues around this Board table.You demonstrated It againoverthe pastweekand I know that I can count on it throughout the coming year,as you can from me. T 2001 December 11...4 1believethat we each have a roletoplayin contributing toourcaringlearningcommunityand itwas with deep appreciation that Iwas the benefactorofyoursupportlastweek. Thankyouagain. When we are able to lookback on significant events inour lives, having the opportunity to serve the Thames Valley system as Chair of the Board will be one of those events that will stand out. However,it would be inappropriateforme to consider this an individual accomplishment. Noone achieves success,milestones orgoals withoutthe guidance, mentoringand encouragement of those who see potential and encourage Its growth. As1stand beforeyou tonight,1amherebecause ofthetrustandbeliefinmy abilities thatmanyhave offered to me as I tackled new goals and sought to address Issues of concern to me. 1want to formally recognizeand thanksome ofthose supporterswhoare sharingthisevening with me. As I prepared to put my thoughtsto paper in preparation for this evening,1 reflected on Thames Valley's journeyto date, and howfar our system has evolved in fourshort years because ofthe Board's leadership,and that of its system leaders. OurfirstChair,HeatherWice,emphasized thatas weformedournewboard,wewere bettertogether. 1999 Chair Pat Smith charged us to have both roots and wings. 2000 Chair Peter Jaffe shared his dreamforthe systemand Past Chair David Stewartencouragedus todemonstrate respect towards one another in all our activities. Wehavedeveloped into an effective systemdueinno small parttotheirleadershipand commitment toourstudents. Tonight1would ask youtojoinme in takingthe nextstep tomake a differenceinthe livesofour students and staff. As trustees we have the responsibilitynot onlyto lead the system to success but also to act withknowledge,wisdom and a deep regard for the common good. We have come together with shared concerns and hopes. Inthe face of vast and multi-faceted issues, we maintain the beliefthat we can change conditionsfor the better. Ifwe are to make a difference, Ibelieve that we need a visionof trustee leadership that goes far beyond administrative and fiscal responsibility,to embodying caring,effective governance.1believe this isa trust rooted inour historyand one that will grow inthe future If we nurture it.The challenge beforeus is the implementation ofour beliefs andhopes.Meeting thischallengewill bethe markofourcharacteras a board,and our students willbe the ultimate benefactors. As a board, we must honour ourslogan that "our students are our future". We must also recognize that the well-being and success of our students is more than the responsibility of parents-it is a collective responsibility ofa caring community.Enormous benefitsare reaped when we share in nurturing chilcJren by providing themwith protection,relationships,a sense of community,opportunity and hope. They depend on us and itis within ourgrasp to putintopracticewhatwe knowwill make a difference for them. Asan educationsystem,we are responsibletodevelopourstudents intellectually,physically,socially and spiritually.More than anything, today's environment requires that we think creatively,adapt readily to change, master new technologies, work well with a wide range of people and continue learning throughout life. "X 2001 December 11...5 We know that childhood is the most vulnerable period of human development and by far the most influential.If their experiences supporthealthy development,theywill be more likely to achieve their life dreams.In fact, in a recent Educational Leadership publication, one author described the necessary"Literacies ofLife"stating,"To meetthe demands ofmodern life,students need three kinds ofliteracy-economic,socialand emotional,and aesthetic."It'sa tall order. Giving our children the opportunity tolearn,develop theirtalentsand become contributing members of society is both the compassionate and enlightened courseto foiiow-and the key toour future.But howdo we do this? Iwould suggest that we are well onourway. Overthe past four years we have implemented manyprogramstoguideourstudents'development.I would like to take a momentto highlight just a few. In developing ourstudents Intellectually,our priority mustbe toensure that all studentsare ableto develop to their full potential.Wecan turn away from this challenge and hopethat agenciesand organizations In the community will increase theirserviceseven though we know theycan notkeep up with current demands,orwe can maintain thestatus quoand hopethat children will eventually grow outofthese problems-or learn in spiteof them;orwecando what the research tells usto do- partner with those in our community who,too,are focused onan agendafor children. Our"Partnerships forExcellence"initiative isan excellentexampleof addressing the needs ofyoung children. Itwas designed by Learning Supervisor Brenda Martin to provide enhanced learning opportunities for JK to grade 3 students,particularly in the areas of literacy,social/emotional development and behaviour. Thishas been an exciting initiative that has benefittedmany students and itis importantthatwe not stop here. Overthe coming year,1hopethatwe can continue to move forward by: providing literacy in-service; • increasing the number of collaborative partnerships with parents,community agencies and organizations and Implementing a Transition toSchool program for3-year-olds andtheirparentsto maximize these young children's early development and readiness for school. Weare pleased to have Brenda Martin with us thiseveningand I would ask her to stand and accept our thanks for spearheading this important initiative. Whenwe look at children's social development, itis Important that we recognize that children learn torelate. Theyalso relatetolearn. Theylearnhowtohavewarmand stable relationships as adults through theirexperiences with other people In childhood,so itis important thatweencourage caring relationships on two fronts. First,our parents need to besupported In child rearing tohelpthem provide good nurturing fortheir children.Second, childrenneed support from other caring adults who are role models of positive relatlonships-often the role of our teachers. The Board's Social Skills programs are now being offered in many schools, Integrated into daily curriculum and highlighted inchildren's activities and assemblies. In classrooms and playgrounds jgij-r 2001 December 11...6 across the Districtwe have children acting as mediators and peacemakers,children learning problem solving skills, children leaming how to make good decisions,and children learning how to cope with conflict and anger.They are not only acquiring new skills, but parents and staff are recognizing improved school environment.Iwould say,this is a job well done. I have also been impressed with the Young Parents in School program operated in three centres across the District. This unique program provides a positive and nurturing environment for children while their young parents are able to complete their secondary school diploma,practice parenting skills,receive support and encouragement,and access community resources. You can see how both of these programs can have an impact on our students'social development. Over the coming year,I hope that we will be able to engage other community partners and enhance our programs based on Early Years recommendations. I want to formally thank Suzanne Book,Co-ordlnator of Attendance and Social Work,who played a key role in co-ordinating programs to meet the social needs of our students.Suzanne,would you please stand to be recognized. As we address our students'physical development,we know that healthy active students make better learners,yet In Canada,the level of physical inactivity amongst our youth has reached epidemic proportions. Our system Is committed to our students'overall physical health and well-being,and following the expectations of the Ontario Curriculum,our elementary schools are moving towards full Implementation of daily, fun-filled,heart-healthy physical activity for their students.We are a leader In this area and are recognized both provlnciallyand nationally for the unique ways in which our teachers are helping students become physically active. Over the next year, it Is my hope that we will continue to emphasize the important link between student learning and healthy active students. I have asked Jayne McCuIlough, Learning Co-ordlnator, to join us this evening to accept our appreciation for her efforts,and that of her colleagues.This team has worked tirelessly to promote vigorous physical activity becoming a part of each child's routine and way of life. The fourth area ofour responsibility in student development isthe spiritual,recognizing the limitations that are placed on us as a public institution.However,this is not to say that we cannot promote the development of positive value systems in our students,despite legislative limitations. We have established our system visionofa caring learning community based on creating a respectful and welcoming learning environment for our students.It is our responsibility to ensure that this Is part of their educational experience in Thames Valley. Iwas Impressed to learn that Oakridge Secondary School has created a "Caring Learning Community Award",given to a Community Services student who demonstrates a commitment to their studies through dedication to their placement and going the extra mile during volunteer activities. •-A, •/ 'v 2Q01 December 11...7 Tonight,Iampleasedto formally congratulate the 2001 winner ofthismost meaningful award,Sarah Cardiff.Sarah has many fine qualities-she is positive,thoughtful,helpful,caring,takes responsibilities and volunteers her time in many areas including her neighbourhood elementary school. She isSecretaryof the Oakridge Student Music Council and alsohelps with advertising and uniforms.She is a member of the school Concert Band, the Jazz Band and choir.She is active in school and community sports where she also worked as a volunteer.Sarah is a most deserving recipient of this award and I would ask herto standand acceptour thanks for role modelling our vision throughout her community. Aswemove forward into the newyear,itIsmyhopethatwe will commit to having programs in place that will help ensure that all ofour students can learn,stay in school and prepare for life.The principles ofthe Community in Schools movement confirms that "Every child needsand deserves: - a personal, one-on-one relationship with a caringadult; - a safe place to learn and grow; - a marketable skillto use upon graduation; - and a chance to give back to peers and community." I believe we can makea difference forthembyensuringthattheyare surrounded with a community of adults who care about them. Ifwe do, we'll watch them enjoy increased motivation and self- esteem,andacademicsuccess, and ultimately become more productive members of society.We will have done our job. In conclusion,1wanttothanktrustees againforthe confidence thatyouhave shown In me. I would also like to thank our new Director Bill Bryce and the superintendents fortheir commitment to our (^system vision.I believe that together we can make a difference,continually moving fonward as a ^'caring learning community. We have so much for which we can be proud.We have achieved greatness In four short years because ofour commitment to young people.!would like to challenge you to continue to fight passionately for public education,to always put students first andto commit to role modeling our system vision.At theendof my term as Chair,together we will havemadea difference. Joyce Bennett, Chairperson of the Board The Chairperson's address was spread upon the minutes and posted to the Board's website on motion ofP. Jaffe and S.Peters. 10.BENEDICTION James Antone,Oneida ofthe Thames, pronounced the benediction in his First Languageand in English. 11.MUSICAL INTERLUDE The Saunders SecondarySchoolJazz Band performed a second musical number. 2001 December 11...8 12.DIRECTOR'S CLOSING REMARKS Director Bill Bryce commented that the evening was a special one for everyone as the Board prepared to meet the challenges,rewards and dilemmas ahead.Congratulations were extended to Chairperson Joyce Bennett,Vice Chairperson Graham Hart and Past Chairperson David Stewart. He noted that these individuals will bring a wealth of experience and leadership In their role,as trustees work with Senior Staff to address provincial and local issues.The complex issues and decisions made together will continue to reflect the Board's belief that students come first. Collectively,the administration,staff,trustees,and School Councils and Home and School representatives can through open mindedness,expanding and exchanging Ideas,create the opportunities for success. The Director thanked everyone for attending and making the evening a success.Special thanks were extended to the student performers and guests who brought greetings.He invited everyone to participate Ina reception to extend their best wishes to our new Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson and wished them a safe,relaxing and meaningful holiday season. ADJOURNMENT -The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m., on motion of J.Hunter and L.Stevenson. CONFIRMED 6C- Chairperson