Board Meeting Highlights - December 10, 2024

Superintendent Paul Langis provided a summary of the various activities related to Pathways programming. A group of AMDSB Guidance, Career Studies and Student Success Teachers attended TradeUcation at Conestoga College. They participated in various trades-based workshops on carpentry, masonry, CNC machining, electrical engineering, and welding. Also, the LevelUp! career fair was hosted at the Western Fairgrounds in London and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) provided transportation for over 1,000 grade 7 and 8 students to attend. Trades and Tapas was a two-night event for students in grades 9 or 10 to experience the culinary and carpentry worlds along with a significant adult in their lives. Participants made a charcuterie board, pickled red onions, and grainy mustard. They also learned about OYAP and the apprenticeship pathway and how they can access pathways programming in high school.

       

 

In addition, Langis reported that AMDSB continues to surpass provincial averages in Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) participation and completion. New partnerships with Gauge Hydraulics in St Marys and Equipment Ontario in Listowel enable additional opportunities for our students. 

 

Finally, 14 young women from across AMDSB successfully completed the inaugural Electrical for Women Dual Credit course. This ground-breaking program welcomed young women to explore Residential and Industrial Electrical studies, including an introduction to the requirements for entering the Powerline Technician program. This new program was recently featured in a Stratford Beacon Herald news article. 

   

 

Director Graham Shantz provided a sincere thank you to the staff who supported students throughout the snowy weather last week. Several bus cancellations occurred throughout the week but educators and support staff continued to ensure students who were able to arrive safely were engaged. He wished to particularly acknowledge our custodial and facilities staff as they are the first to arrive at school buildings and ensure that the facilities are safe for staff and students. Trustee Robert Hunking also pointed out that clearing the snow from buildings (roofs, etc.) was crucial throughout this time and shared his sincere appreciation. 

 

 

Student Trustee Alexandra Haviaras shared that the Student Senate continues to work with the equity group at LDSS in order to develop a survey for students and staff. They are also working on a student mental health initiative that will be rolled out in the New Year. 

 

Chair Michael Bannerman expressed a sincere thank you to staff and warm holiday wishes to our AMDSB community. 

 

Superintendent Cheri Carter indicated that the board is actively recruiting parents/guardians from the affected schools to join the North Perth Boundary Review Committee. The recruitment survey closes December 13 and the first meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2025. Full details about the project are posted on the board website: North Perth Boundary Review 24/25.  

 

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. The public portion begins at 4:45 p.m.