Board Meeting Highlights - September 10, 2024
Good News
We're Back!!
Director Graham Shantz sincerely thanked all AMDSB staff who worked hard over the summer to create a warm and welcoming environment for the return of students on September 4. Chair Robert Hunking added his thanks to all staff for their contributions in making the return to school a successful experience for students!
Student Extra Curricular Activities
Trustee Michael Bannerman expressed his appreciation to all the staff who commit extra time and energy to organizing and support student extra curricular activities. From sports to clubs and more, our staff go above and beyond to engage our students!
Summer Activities
Director Shantz highlighted several activities that occurred throughout the summer.
- Camp I AM
- Over 160 grade 1-3 students participated in a summer camp devoted to reading, writing and math skill building.
- Indigenous land-based learning
- Secondary students participated in eight half days of learning over July and August. They experienced outdoor and land-based learning, and skill development (e.g. traditional drumming, beading, moccasin making, etc.) and were guided by expert Knowledge Carriers and Indigenous instructors.
- Secondary summer school
- An amazing 536 secondary credits were granted, which included a 98% success rate
- Staff professional development opportunities
- Various sessions were offered to staff in the last two weeks of August.
- Western University Schulich X-labs
- A group of AMDSB students participated in an immersive two-week program designed to enhance science education in secondary schools, empower communities through youth leadership and increase diversity in students pursuing post-secondary education and careers in STEM and biomedical sciences. Full details.
- Mental Health Symposium for Staff
- About 40 staff, across employee groups, participated in workshops for ASIST (Suicide Prevention and Intervention training), Mental Health First Aid, or Circle Of Security training.
- Construction projects
- Over 60 projects were completed throughout the summer ranging from bathroom upgrades, roof installations and more.
Senior Staff Updates
Implementation of PPM 128
Superintendent Jane Morris provided an overview of the Ministry of Education's PPM 128, which was released on June 30. There will be a phased approach to the implementation of this PPM.
Phase 1 has been put in place and includes:
- Communication and training to all staff about:
- The new restrictions for the use of personal mobile devices by students unless needed for medical purposes or under the direction of an educator.
- New enforcement rules under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act relating to vaping and the use of cannabis.
- Information was posted on the board and secondary websites and emailed to all families (Ministry changes).
- Restriction of student access to social media platforms on board-owned networks.
Phase 2 will include:
- Updated requirements to the content of report cards including the communication of information to students and their parents about classroom distractions, where applicable, including those related to the use of personal mobile devices.
- Implementing amendments to the provincial code of conduct will involve updating the AMDSB Code of Conduct using consultation with students, parents and staff.
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. The public portion begins at 4:45 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 24, 2024: Regular Board Meeting at 4:45 p.m. and Committee of the Whole, Closed Session immediately afterwards.
- Tuesday, October 8, 2024: Committee of the Whole, Open Session
- Tuesday, October 22, 2024: Regular Board Meeting at 4:45 p.m. and Committee of the Whole, Closed Session immediately afterwards.
Future Meetings/Events with Trustee Representation
- Special Education Advisory Committee – September 11, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.