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12/8/2009 - Regular Board MeetingTHAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING 2009 DECEMBER 08,7:00 P.M. BOARD ROOM,EDUCATION CENTRE AGENDA 1.CALL TO ORDER -Terry Roberts,Chair of the Board 2.INVOCATION -Rev.Doug McKenzie 3.O CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION - Lord Roberts French Immersion PS Chamber Choir,London 4.WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION OF TRUSTEES -Joyce Bennett,Vice-Chair of the Board 5.SPECIAL GREETINGS -Tracy Grant,Chair,Information Committee of the Whole 6.PRESENTATION TO 2009 CHAIR -Terry Roberts,Chair of the Board 7.MUSICAL INTERLUDE - A B Lucas Secondary School Girls'Vocal Quartet,London 8.APPROVAL OF 2010 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS AND COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION -Terry Roberts,Chair of the Board 9.APPROVAL OF OFFICERS OF THE BOARD FOR 2010 -Terry Roberts,Chair of the Board 10.PRESENTATION OF GAVEL -Justin Scapinello,Saunders Secondary School -Claire MacPherson,Southwold Public School 11.MUSICAL INTERLUDE - Norwich District High School Stage Band,Non/vich 12.INAUGURAL ADDRESS -Terry Roberts,Chair of the Board 13.BENEDICTION -Rev.Doug MacKenzie 14.MUSICAL INTERLUDE -Norvi/ich District High School Stage Band,Norwich 15.CLOSING REMARKS -Bill Tucker,Director of Education 16.ADJOURNMENT THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING,PUBLIC SESSION 2009 DECEMBER 08 The Board met in session for its annual Inaugural meeting on 2009 December 08 in the Board Room at the Education Centre,meeting in public session at 7:00 p.m.The following were in attendance: TRUSTEES J.Bennett S.Doub F.Exiey T.Grant Regrets:P.Jaffe,R.Tisdale G.Hart C:Neville J.Kamphius 8.Peters ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS B.Tucker S.Hughes K.Dalton M.Moynihan L.Elliott V.Nielsen B.Greene M.E.Smith M.Sereda B.Sonier C.Bourbonnais-MacDonald P.Tufts K.Edgar K.Wilkinson L.Griffiths-Jones K.Bushell 8.Polhlll T.Roberts P.Sattler J.Stewart S.Christie 8.Killip K.Meeson L.Merner D.Rajala W.Scott B.Strong K.Young 1. CALL TO ORDER.-Board Chairperson Terry Roberts called the meeting to order.Chair Roberts recognized Mr.Warren Huffin his upcoming role as the Board's First Nations Trustee. 2.INVOCATION -Reverend Doug MacKenzie delivered the invocation. 3.O CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION The Lord Roberts French Immersion Public School Chamber Choir of London with conductor and accompanist Susan Whitehead led In thesingingofO Canada and performedthree musicalnumbers. Student Trustee Kamphuls extended the Board's appreciation to the students for their participation inthe Inaugural meeting and for opening the meeting with seasonal greetings. 4.WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Joyce Bennett, Vice Chair of the Board,on behalf of the Trustees and the Senior Administration welcomedeveryone tothe firstmeetingofthe 2010 Board.She Introduced the trustees noting their area of representation. 5.SPECIAL GREETINGS Tracy Grant, Chairof the Information Committeeof the Whole, welcomed and Introduced special guests in attendance. The following community representativesbroughtgreetingsonbehalfoftheir affiliates: Joan Fallis,Education Officer,Ministry of Education Regional Office; Paul Hubert, Councillor, City of London; Bill Hall,Chair, London District Catholic School Board; Arlene Morell,Chair,and Carolyn Walker,Vice Chair,Thames Valley Parent Involvement Committee; Teresa Blum,Past President,Thames ValleyCouncil of Home and School Associations. 6.PRESENTATION TO 2010 CHAIR ChairRoberts presented Past ChairStewart with a commemorativegiftinappreciationforserving as the 2009 Chairperson. 2009 December 08...2 7.MUSICAL INTERLUDE TheA.B.Lucas Secondary School Girls'Vocal Quartet ofLondon performed three musical selections under the direction of conductor Steve Horowitz.Trustee Sattler thanked them for sharing their talents with those present at this special meeting. 8.APPROVAL OF 2010 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS AND COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION The appointments to the 2010 Committees of the Board were presented.The following recommendationwas adopted on motion ofG.Hart,seconded byS.Doub: And resolved that the list of the of Committees of the Board and community representation for 2010 be approved. 9.APPROVAL OF 2010 OFFICERS OF THE BOARD Director Tucker introduced a report identifying the Officers of the Board who will have signing authority on behalf ofthe Board along with the Chair and Vice-Chair for the period 2009 December 08 to 2010 December 07, inaccordance with Board Bylaws,Inaugural Meeting ofthe Chair (6.4): "The Board,by resolution,shall appoint bynamethe Officers ofthe Board who shallbethe Secretary ofthe Board and Treasurer,both of whom,along with the Chairand Vice-Chair shall have signing authorityon behalfofthe Board." The following recommendation was adoptedon motion ofgrant,seconded byP.Sattler: Thatthe following persons be appointed signing officers on behalf ofthe Board for the period 2009 December 08 to 2010 December 07: Terry Roberts, Chair ofthe Board; Joyce Bennett,VIce-ChaIr ofthe Board; Bill Tucker,Director of Education and Secretary; Brian Greene,Executive Superintendent of Business Services and Treasurer. 10.PRESENTATION OF GAVEL Onbehalfofthe students, trustees, staffand community ofthe Thames Valley District School Board, the gavel ofoffice was presented to Chairperson Roberts by hisgrandson Justin Scapinello,astudent at Saunders Secondary School,and Claire MacPherson,a student at Southwold Public School. 11.MUSICAL INTERLUDE The Norwich District High School Stage Band of Nonwich performed three musical numbersunder the direction of conductor Paul Darosa. 12.INAUGURAL ADDRESS ChairRobertspresented his Inaugural Address entitled:"The Rainbow Moment. In theyear 2000,1 thought 1would try this thing called Trustee.Good friends asked "Why would you do this after37years In education?"My responsewas "When Icometotheendof this life Iwanttobe completely used up"In reality,Ihoped1could makea difference andI truly believed we had the best education system inthe province of Ontario.It lookedso simple In those first few years.It reminded meof being on an Olympic rowing teamandwe performed ona quiet, placid lakeandthe coxswain gavethe orders and we,as a team,adapted.Wewere good - never a deficit budget. Then things started to change, not only change, but at an accelerated rate and downsizing became rightsizing,new technology was everywhere,changing demographics,companiesthat existedfor60-60years disappeared and wewere looking at educatingstudents forjobs that didn't yet exist. 2009 December 08...3 12.INAUGUFIAL ADDRESS -cont'd We were very successful as a Boardinmeeting challenges withthe appropriate response,which equalled success.When the new challenge was presented,the old strategies or response did not meet the challenge...nothing fails like success.The new challenges put us into a state of "Permanent White Water".Now,Instead ofan OlympicRowing Team,we are in 2-man kayaks and the pull and power of the white water is a challenge. The current shoots us dangerously close toprotrudingrocks and the roarof wind andwater make communication almost impossible. There are only three constants -Change,Principles and Choice. (The power that we as Trustees have to adapt to the other two constants).It was essential to get Principles into the hearts and minds of people and into the culture. This gives a sense of direction. Principle- centred leadership was essential to provide us with a consistent approach to the White Water challenge.Phrases like"Caring,Learning Community","Students First","Effective Schools"and "I don't care how much you know until Iknow how much you care"became our trademark. CAUSES OF WHITE WATER FRENCH IMMERSION EXPANSION Parents have indicated a high preference for this program (4,445 students)and itis our fastest growing program. As such, the Board has made some significant improvements the French Immersion program. The opening of Elgin County's first full French Immersion publicschool - Pierre Elliot Trudeau French Immersion Public School,which Justin Trudeau is expected to dedicate in his father's name in the new year.Woodstock Collegiate is home to the first secondary school French Immersion program in Oxford County. The Board will complete the reviewof French Immersioninthe new year,based on the guiding principleofsingle track Immersion inJK-8setting. TRANSPORTATION We transport students dailybyyellowschool bus and we nowworkcloselywiththe Southwestern Transportation Service to move towards harmonizing our walking distances with other publicly funded school boards inthe area.Trustees voted to revise the policyon walking distances and we are happy to report that in September 2010 or sooner,approximately 3,000 more Thames Valley students in London,Woodstock andSt.Thomas will be eligible forbussingtoourschools. CAPITAL PLANNING Isincerelythank the Provincial Government forthe finances and resources that have been provided to build and renovate school facilities,which will enhancethe learning environment of students. With a philosophy of build to get smaller - our first new school was Mitchell Hepburn Public School inSt.Thomas.We started this school year withthe opening of John Wise PublicSchool, also in St.Thomas and the re-opening of Medway High School inArva after the entire school population spentthe previous yearsharing Montcalm Secondary School,while Medway received a 20.8 million dollar renovation. By January 2010,we will see the opening ofthree morespacious and modern public schools in Thorndale, Lucan and Drumbo.These schools, along with Medway,are examples of Thames Valley's commitment to rural Ontario.In addition tothese newand upgradedschools,we'realso In the constructionor planning stages ofexpandingseveral moreschools across the district.By September 2010,we will openthe doorsofa newschoolinthe StoneyCreek district.We must carefully monitor thefunds available for future enhancements and review theprocess for school accommodation to enhance communications with our partners and stakeholders. PARTNERSHIPS We are richer because of our partnerships with organizations such as our three area Health Units,Local Fire Departments and Local Police Forces, Merrymount, Children's Aid Society, Crimestoppers,The three UnitedWay Organizations and Jesse's Journey. 2009 December 08...4 12.INAUGURAL ADDRESS -cont'd The Boardrecognizesthe importanceofpartnershipsand sponsorships that have a positive and direct Impacton student learning and ensure the integrity of the Board's education programs. Our long term partnership committee is also taking on the task of finding ways to increase dialogue with our municipal governments,so thatwecandiscusswaystokeepour communities vibrantand thriving.The children in ourschoolsystem today will bethe leaders ofour community tomorrow, and itis imperative that we allwork together. EARLY LEARNING INITIATIVES The Government ofOntariorecently announced plansfora province-wideearlylearningprogram. The first phase involves a significant investmentinthe implementation of full-day learning for4 and 5 year old children beginning in September 2010.The province will announcethe schools affected after January 15.Full-day early learningfor4 and 5 year oldchildren,will be phased In toevery publicly fundedschool. Thegoalistohave full-day learning fully Implemented by 2015- 16. Therefore,the continuous whitewater,such as declining enrolment,primary class size,student achievement,the roar of Bill 177,(Student Achievement and School Board Governance)does notletup. A deficit budget loomsas a majorobstacle and carefulconsideration must be given to how to navigate the white water. What kindof leadership is required ina whitewater situation? We are indeed fortunate to have Director Bill Tucker. Hisearly Initiatives In the alignment of resources to meet system priorities Isa goodexample of Principle Centred Leadership.The Director and Senior Administration are to be commended for their collaborative style In building accountability and trust. 1applaud our school administrators, who1encourage to become spokespersons for education. We are indeed fortunatetohave a teaching staffand support staffwhohave personalized ourMissionand Vision strategies. We are continuously hearing about our staff being recognized for outstanding teachingand contribution tothecommunity- mostrecentexample BishopTownship Gold Medal Recipient Robyn Turgeon (ESL). THE RAINBOW MOMENT There is something about a rainbowthat Isso breathtaking It causes most people to stop what theyare doingand look,even ifforjusta moment,and the momentwe stop and look refreshes thesoul. Childrenlovetostop and lookat manythingsthatadults wouldjust ignoreand pass right on by,buta rainbow moment - and the beautyand benefitof living inthat moment isfleetingand soon gone. As we navigate the white water, there will be moments when the sun breaks over the uneven horizon and mixes with the spray and mistof swirling water and we have a rainbow moment - not as permanent as a real rainbow,but worth a second glance. There Isnopotofgold involved,but like In the worldofa child, Itmay be teachable moment -an opportunity to experience and learn at that moment,because the moment cannot be recaptured.We must celebrate small victories inourjourneyand prepare formore white water. We must learn notto fear the storm and find pleasure in walking In the rain.There isa rainbow moment with Bill 177,which threatenedthe credibility ofSchoolBoardTrustees. Iapplaudthe response tothe legislation and the resolution that affirms that Trustees are on the front lines and are the first point of contact in our public funded education system. Trustees bring local knowledge of the education issues in their communities and the interests of their constituents into broader school board discussions. School Boards have the capacity to develop local policies,programs and solutions to respond to local need.Iurge you to lookfor the rainbow. 2009 December 08...5 12.INAUGURAL ADDRESS -cont'd A TEAM GARDEN 3 rows of peas -Perseverance -Preparedness -Positivlty 3 rows of squash -Squash Mediocrity -Squash Indifference -Squash Negative Attitudes 5 rows of lettuce -Let us Plan -Let us Dream -Let us Be Faithful - Let us Work Together -Let us Care 3 rows of turnips - Turn up witha new idea -Turn up to be involved -Turn up to make decisions Ladies and gentlemen,itis Indeed an honour to havethis opportunity to Chair the Board of Trustees.Thank you for sharing in our Inaugural meeting and my bestwishesforthe holiday season. TERRY ROBERTS Chair of the Board The following motion was moved by J.Bennett,seconded byJ. Stewartand carried: Thatthe Chairperson's Inaugural Address be spread upon the minutes and postedtothe Board's website. 13.BENEDICTION - Reverend Doug MacKenziedelivered the benediction. 14.MUSICALINTERLUDE The Nonvich District High School Stage Band performed three musical numbers.Trustee Stewart thanked the students and the conductor fortheir participationinthe Inaugural meeting. Chairperson Roberts thanked and recognized the contributions ofthe Corporate Services staff, Director's Assistant T.Levschuk and Trustees'Assistant S. Pullam in planning the evening. 15.DIRECTOR'S CLOSING REMARKS Director of Education Bill Tucker concluded the meeting withthe following remarks: Tonight has been a very special evening for all ofus.Ishareyour enthusiasm as we look fonvard to the newterm with all the rewards and accomplishments itpromises. Ialso look forward to working with Chair Roberts,Vice-Chair Bennett,Past Chair Stewart,and Information Committee ofthe WholeChair Grant-Individuals whobringawealthof experience and leadership tothe role oftrustee.I have appreciated the collaborative spirit in which these individuals have worked with me and the Senior staff to address significant provincial and local issues and Ilook forward to their Inputand guidance over the next year. 2009 December 08...6 15.DIRECTOR'S CLOSING REMARKS -cont'd From our inception as Thames Valley,I've been impressed with the focus trusteeshave placed on putting students first as we've addressed complex issuesand 1am confident thatthe decisions the Board will make inthe comingyear,will continueto be premised on this belief. I continueto be impressed with the dedication of our administrators,staff,trustees, school councils,homeand school representatives and allofourschool communities to providing our students with every opportunity for success.I believe that's whatour system offers-not only information,but opportunities.Opportunities toopen their minds,to expand their perspectives, to exchange ideas,andtocometo new understandings and appreciations.Our performers this evening demonstratedwhatcan be achieved whenthese opportunities are seized. Providing a wide rangeof opportunities supports ourAttainment ofthe Vision initiative aswehave focused on improving student learning.Together,our system has rallied around our vision ofa caring,learning community which has defined us as a systemto betterserve ourstudents. We can be proud ofwhatwe have achieved overthe past 11 years and excited aboutwhatthe next year will offer. Thank you for attending this evening and making it the success that it was-our student performers,staff,family,friends,community representativesand ourspecialguests who joined us to bring greetings. To have this numberof education partners represented at our Inaugural Meeting Isanexampleofthe commitment to young peoplethatisshared throughout the District. We look forward to working withyou inthe coming year. We hopethatyou will join us now inthecafeteriafora reception to renewacquaintancesandto extendyourbest wishes to Chairperson Robertsand Vice-Chairperson Bennettas they begin their new term of office.We wish you alla safe,relaxing and meaningful holiday season. 16.ADJOURNMENT The meetingadjourned at 8:55 p.m.,on motion ofJ. Stewart,seconded byF.Exiey. CONFIRMED: Chairperson 2009 December 8 That the following listof Committees of the Board and community representation for 2010 be approved. Thames Valley District School Board 2010 TRUSTEE COMMITTEE REQUESTS Trustee Representation "JRequired ' Trustee Request BOARD COMMITTEE Information Committee of the Whole All Trustees STATUTORY COWIMITTEES Discipline 3 All trustees as alternates ExIey Jaffe Roberts Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) 4-year term 3 Bennett Grant Tisdale Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupils (SALEP) CEC Central -London 1 +alt -Middlesex 1 +alt CEC East -1 +alternate CEC South -1 +alternate Bennett,Tisdale -alt Peters,Doub -alt Hart,Stewart - alt Grant,ExIey -alt STANDING COWIMITTEES Audit Committee (term of the Board)3 Grant Peters Tisdale Budget Advisory 5 ExIey Grant Peters Stewart Tisdale Capital Planning Advisory All trustees by region — Chairs'Chair,Vice-Chair,Past Chair, Info.Committee Chair Chair -Roberts Vice-Chair -Bennett Past Chair -Stewart Info Chair-Grant First Nations Advisory Native Representative + 2 FN Trustee ExIey Sattler Long-Term Community Partnerships 5+Bennett ExIey Grant Jaffe Sattler -2- Negotiations Advisory 3 Hart Peters Stewart Policy Working 5 Bennett Doub Grant Jaffe Tisdale Trustee Professional Development 3 ExIey Grant Polhlll AD HOC COIUlWilTTEES Bylaw Review Established by Board Motion November 11,2008 Bennett Hart Roberts Sattler Tisdale ADWIINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES Award of Distinction 1 Polhili Children's Mental Health Study 1 Grant Communications &Public Relations 2 Peters Stewart Education Week 1 Exley Kamphuis Environmental Advisory 1 Doub Equity and Inclusive Education 3 Bennett Grant Sattler Homework Study 3 Exley Jaffe Polhili PrincipalA/ice-Principal 1nterviews 2 as required Bennett Exley Roberts COMMUNITY/PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION Ontario Public School Boards'Association 2 +alternate Roberts Sattler Alts.Doub,Tisdale Children's Safety Village 1 +alternate Bennett Exley - alt City of LondonSafety &Crime Prevention Advisory Committee 4-year term 1 Polhili Cityof London Accessibility Advisory Committee 1 Polhlll k s I ^"J 2009 December 08...9 Cityof London AccessibilityAdvisory Committee 1 Polhlll Cityof London Advisory Committee on the Environment 1 Doub Parent Involvement Advisory 1 Bennett Thames Valley Education Foundation 4 London/Chair -Roberts Oxford -Hart Middlesex -Peters Elgin - Exley Thames Valley Home and School Association 1 Polhlll Western Fair Representative 1 Peters Thatthe following persons be appointedsigning officers on behalfofthe Boardforthe period 2009 December 08 to 2010 December 07: Terry Roberts, Chair ofthe Board Joyce Bennett, Vice-Chairof the Board Bill Tucker,Director of Education and Secretary Brian Greene,Executive Superintendent of Business Services and Treasurer Thatthe Chairperson's Inaugural Address bespread upon the minutesand posted tothe Board's website.