Board Meeting Highlights - October 28, 2025
Land Acknowledgement
Communications Manager Chera Longston presented a video from a Bedford PS French Immersion class. Merci Madame Sbarra!
Good News
North Huron Hosts School Fair
Vice Chair Patricia Smith highlighted the School Fair that invited North Huron area schools and a number of local dignitaries. Students participated in a variety of activities and learned about baking, fire safety, police services and visited a number of displays as well as interacted with animals.
An Indigenous Feast to Celebrate
Trustee Sheila Armstrong-Marshall was pleased to share that she attended the Indigenous Feast on October 5. The event showcased three guest speakers (Chief C. Ritchie, Kris Keeshig, and Paul Nadjiwon), a lunch provided by Chiblow Fish, and workshops including beading, outdoor learning, corn doll making, dancing and more!
Events to Support the Terry Fox Foundation
A number of AMDSB schools hosted events to support the Terry Fox Foundation and its efforts to raise funds for cancer research. In 2024, over $72,000 was raised, and overall, our schools have raised an incredible $1.5 million!
Meetings with Local MPPs
Chair Michael Bannerman highlighted recent meetings with Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae and Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson. He, along with Vice Chair Patricia Smith, Director Graham Shantz and Superintendent of Corporate Services Cheri Carter, discussed their appreciation for their support and recent provincial capital funding, but also pointed out funding shortfalls for staffing that impact other programs like special education and transportation. The meetings laid the foundation for meeting on an annual basis to continue the discussions. Other recent advocacy efforts included a media release to highlight Local Government Week and the importance of the trustee role.
School Showcase
Communications Manager Chera Longston highlighted Hullett Central Public School, located in Londesborough (Central Huron - Trustee Deb Logue), which serves approximately 240 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. While it has no designated feeder school, students transition to Central Huron SS for secondary education. The current building opened in 1966 and is led by Principal Lori Stevens under the supervision of Superintendent Riley Culhane.
Highlights from Hullett Central PS include:
- Indigenous learning: grade 2 to 8 students write personalized land acknowledgements so they have a personal connection to reconciliation efforts.
- Peer mentorship/leadership: older students act as "big buddies" and develop relationships that are mutually beneficial. The leadership team is very active in providing student opportunities as well as community outreach through events like food drives.
- Outdoor learning: Hullett students enjoy amazing outdoor spaces that the School Council members help to enhance.
- Unique learning spaces: Staff are very proud of the variety of learning spaces, including seating options and arrangements, as well as other engaging spaces.
Launch of the Strategic Planning Process
The Board of Trustees are embarking on a strategic planning process throughout the 25-26 school year. The process will involve a full community engagement process and will be looking for feedback from students, staff and families. Stay tuned for more information!
Days of Significance Wrap-Ups (September and October)
Schools celebrated a number of relevant days/weeks/months throughout September and October. The short videos below provide a sampling of these activities!
September DOS Wrap-up Video by AMDSB Communications
October DOS Wrap-up Video by AMDSB Communications
Student Trustee Update
Student Senators recited their Declaration of Office/Oath of Allegiance (pictured below). Student Trustees shared that the senate is about to launch a social media campaign introducing each of the student senators and highlighting what they would like to achieve throughout the school year. They are also continuing the equity fund project that will ensure students across secondary schools have equitable access to extra-curricular activities. Senior Staff Updates
Long-Term Accommodation Plan
Superintendent Cheri Carter provided an overview of the 2025 Long-Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP). The LTAP provides an overview of the student accommodation and capital planning needs in the district. The LTAP culminates with recommendations that will be used to guide work plan priorities and initiatives over the short, medium, and long-term horizons, and is a tool used by AMDSB to facilitate communication and collaboration in support of planning for student accommodation needs. Visit the Pupil Accommodations and Enrolment Projections page to view the full LTAP.
North Perth Transition Process
The transition process for relocating grade 7 and 8 students from the Listowel Eastdale PS and North Perth Westfield ES catchment areas to Listowel District SS has begun. Two committees have been formed - one that involves board staff members that is arranging all of the logistical details for the move and another that involves students, school staff and parents/caregivers. Full details about this process are posted on the board website: amdsb.ca/northperthboundaryreview2425.
Future Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings are held in person unless otherwise noted. Links to join the meetings online will be posted on the Board Meeting page the day before the meeting.
- Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 4:45 p.m. (Organizational Meeting followed by the Regular Board Meeting and Committee of the Whole, Closed Session)
- Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 4:45 p.m. (Regular Board Meeting, followed by Committee of the Whole, Closed Session)
Future Meetings/Events with Trustee Representation
- Ad Hoc Policy Committee – Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. (online)
- Parent Involvement Committee – Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. (online)
- Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) – Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (online)
- Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) – Monday, November 24, 2025