Catherine Ripley

INSIGHTS: Advocacy positions, District Cost Savings Initiatives… and MORE!

Posted on May 18, 2013 by catherine

Happy Victoria Day!

My community meeting, held last Monday, was an inspiring way to begin the week. Thank you to all those who presented, attended or helped out with “Celebrating Progress: What Next?” It was especially great to have two Greenfield students, Catlin and Andrew, kick us off and VB’s BLAST students facilitate our table conversations. Complete appreciation to all involved and the notes about the meeting will be forthcoming! Stay tuned!

LOOMING QUICKLY IS OUR 22ND BOARD MEETING OF THE YEAR on TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2 pm.

I hope you will be able to join us either online or in person at McCauley Chambers (One Kingsway; parking usually available underground). The webcast of the meeting is available in real time at: http://www.livestream.com/edmontonpublicschools It is also archived if you wish to watch it later.

You can access the Reports at http://epsb.ca/board/may21_2013/05212013.pdf

ON THE AGENDA

Celebrating Talent: Congratulations to Robin Glover of MacKernan School for winning the Margaret T. Stevenson Award this year! A mystery writer in the making, I am thinking

Recommendations

As always, your thoughts are welcomed on any and all issues that will be voted on. (For example, I appreciated the people who wrote in support of the banning of the non-essential pesticide motion several Board meetings – several for, one against.)

From the Caucus Committee: 1) Approve one-year appointments for Asst. Supt’s Ligouri and Pallet? 2) Spend the remaining Board Initiative Fund on Superintendent Search expenses?

Approve the ASBA Budget (?) – which includes a decrease in spending of about 5%.

Advocate for the following positions through ASBA Zone 2/3? NOTE – if accepted at Zone 2/3 (which is comprised of 29 school boards), then these motions will go forward to the Fall General Meeting of ASBA for discussion and deliberation by all school boards.

That the Provincial Government develop a stable revenue source to find fund K-12 education as an alternative to fluctuating, non-renewable resource revenue.
That, when ASBA proposed polices are supported by a two-thirds majority vote, the Association develop action plans to support provincial and local advocacy and that resource materials and recommended strategies for advocacy be provided to member boards.
That the provision for accommodations for English Language Learners on Provincial and Diploma exams be increased to include the provision of a reader and scribe so that they may have fair and equitable access to educational opportunities, including the writing

Information

Seven Oaks (Manitoba) – a look at why their graduation rates have increased so much to almost 90%. The approaches are similar, I believe, to EPSB in many ways. The Universal Teacher Advisory Program is something little different and I would like to ask more about that.

Cost Savings Initiatives in the District – Thank you and congratulations to staff across the District for achieving “$9 million of projected one-time and ongoing cost and efficiency savings … since 2011. While the list is not all inclusive, the examples provide a good overview of successes throughout the organization. … The initiatives listed were identified as having the greatest potential for efficiency and cost savings while also improving services. While many show an investment in technology, others include organizational and administrative efficiency, procurement savings and changes to processes.”

Education Property Tax (how it works at provincial level, how this works out in Edmonton, changes to tax for 2013-14 year)

Feasibility of Junior High Arts Core Program for North East Edmonton

UPCOMING

Sunday, May 26: TRAC 10K, 5K, 3K Run/Walk and Spring Family Fun Fair @ Mother Margaret Mary Catholic High School, 2010 Leger Road. Race begins at 9 a.m. but come earlier for a pancake breakfast and to enjoy the Mini-Farmers’ Market and a Mini-Fair of resources. Sign up to run through http://tracspirit.ca or register at the TRAC booth this coming Wednesday (May 22) at the South West Farmer’s Market now underway. Everyone is welcome!

Thursday, May 30, 7:30 am. Fourth Annual “Ready for Life” Fundraising Breakfast for the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation, being held this year at Harry Ainlay. If you would like to come out and support this great cause, which works to provide Full Day K for children in socially vulnerable neighbourhoods, please let me know.

Monday, June 3, 1 -3 pm. “Building Capacity” around the Early Years @ Riverbend Public Library. Join into the discussion with the South West Early Years coalition. More info available from sweecdcassistant@hotmail.com or on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/SWEECDC Everyone is welcome!

Monday, June 3, 6-8 pm. Leaders in Training (LIT) drop in @ Terwillegar Rec Centre. For Youth aged 13-17 who are interested in volunteering and teaching in a fun environment. Come by to learn more about the L.I.T. program, drop off an application or participate in an interview. Call 780-944-7413 for more information. Interviews take about 15 minutes, with the total registration taking around an hour.

By June 14, for youth 13-23, apply to be part of the City of Edmonton Youth Council. CEYC’s mandate is to advise City Council on youth issues and they do this through community initiatives, presentations, special events, and focus groups. The application form can be located online on our webpage http://www.ceyc.ca/about-ceyc/applications

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

How important is zzzzz SLEEP for kids? VERY! Read what the January issue of Tips 4 Parents had to offer. Thanks to The Learning Partnership! And please note you can sign up to receive their newsletter directly. http://www.thelearningpartnership.ca/document.doc?id=464&erid=423766

As always, I am happy to hear from you at any time. Please feel free to contact me by email (Catherine.Ripley@epsb.ca ) , by phone (780-887-1002), on Facebook, on Twitter (@cripleyepsb) or through my website (catherineripley.ca). A coffee is always good, too!

Catherine

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INSIGHTS: Special Education Annual Report, TAX LEVY Survey this week only….and MORE!

Posted on May 13, 2013 by catherine

Greetings!

TONIGHT: Celebrating Progess: What Next? @ Greenfield School, 6:45. Thanks to all those who RSVPed. If your schedule has freed up unexpectedly and you can make it, please come on over to Greenfield! I would love to have you participate and … be inspired!

TOMORROW (Tuesday, May 14): BOARD MEETING. You can access the Reports at http://epsb.ca/board/may14_2013/05142013.pdf

SPECIAL EDUCATION ANNUAL REPORT: Those interested in progress in what the District is doing to serve our children with exceptional needs and how the children are doing will want to take the time to read the Special Education annual report.

UPDATE ON PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK work that Superintendent has been engaging in. Very interesting.

2013-14 BUDGET INFORMATION : If you missed the Budget teleconference last Wednesday evening, you can listen to it here: https://soundcloud.com/epsb/budget-teleconference Challenging times, and very difficult decisions being made.

TAX LEVY SURVEY: Also, related to the Budget, is the upcoming tax levy discussion. Please take the time to provide your input on seven possible uses for such a levy. The results of the survey will be brought to Public Board on June 11 and will help to inform our decision about whether or not to proceed with putting a plebiscite on the October 2013 ballot. The more people who fill out this survey, the better, and I encourage you to spread the word. The survey is open for a very short time period: May 13 through May 17. Please fill it out today! http://news.epsb.ca/2013/05/board-of-trustees-seek-public-input-for-special-tax-levy/

UPCOMING

Thursday, May 16th. 6:00-7:30 pm with light snack 5:30 pm Create beautiful jewellery (necklaces and earrings) together with your child. Presented by: Amanda Sinclair (Arts and Chinese Culture ) @ Lansdowne Child Care & Family Centre, 12323-51Avenue (South West Side of the School) To register 780-437-5654 or lansdownei@interbaun.com

Monday, June 3, 6-8 pm. Leaders in Training (LIT) drop in @ Terwillegar Rec Centre. For Youth aged 13-17 who are interested in volunteering and teaching in a fun environment. Come by to learn more about the L.I.T. program, drop off an application or participate in an interview. Call 780-944-7413 for more information. Interviews take about 15 minutes, with the total registration taking around an hour.

Thursday, May 30, 7:30 am. Fourth Annual “Ready for Life” Fundraising Breakfast, being held this year at Harry Ainlay. If you would like to come out and support this great Edmonton Public Schools Foundation cause, which works to provide Full Day K for children in socially vulnerable neighbourhoods, please let me know.

By May 31 – for any students K-12 living in Edmonton –design a NEW logo for the Literacy and Learning Day Society. Visit for www.literacyday.ca for more details. Also, ADULTS — the Society is also looking for volunteers, financial commitments and in-kind help to ensure this annual event (coming your way on October 26 at the Shaw Centre) is as great as ever. Please contact the Society by June 15 – www.literacyday.ca

THANK YOU to ….

…. JOHNNY BRIGHT! Such a pleasure and privilege to bring greetings on behalf of the Board to the kick-off of Johnny Bright’s 3^rdAnnual Walk to School Week last Monday and to drop in later in the week and meet SHAPE’s Walking School Bus! It was super inspiring, too, to meet Mr. Spencer West and Mr. Craig Kielburger of Free the Children as the Edmonton to Calgary “We Walk 4 Water” walk took off from Johnny Bright. You can read more here: http://www.freethechildren.com/2013/05/walking-4-water/

…DS MACKENZIE! So proud to tour MLA Matt Jeneroux around DS this past week with Principal Dave Devin as our tour guide. Lots of good things happening, for sure! Thanks so much for the warm welcome, DS!

… JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT! Great to attend JA’s annual Business Hall of Fame event last week, and congrats to Frederica of Lillian Osborne for a great key note address about what JA has meant to her. Came home with a mini-composter, duct tape I-Phone container, mini notebook, and computer screen cleaner on sale from the young entrepreneurs in attendance. Many thanks to all the JA volunteers who give of their time and energy to 20,000 students each year to help them develop their entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Thanks to Daylin for sending along a new Ted Talk by Sir Ken Robinson… http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_how_to_escape_education_s_death_valley.html?utm_source=newsletter_weekly_2013-05-10&utm_campaign=newsletter_weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_content=talk_of_the_week_image

I believe Sir Ken would approve of Minister Jeff Johnson’s announcement about the shift from the Provincial Achievement Tests to Student Learning Assessments, which will start for Grade 3s in September 2014. You can read a description of what the new assessments will be like at http://alberta.ca/NewsFrame.cfm?ReleaseID=/acn/201305/3413389E6F172-A58E-3543-821C27F503CDA92B.html

Catherine

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INSIGHTS: Tough budget, new schools, Board meeting this Tuesday…and MORE!

Posted on May 4, 2013 by catherine

Hello!

What a couple of weeks it has been… with highs and lows.

LOW: Tough, tough budget, and my heart goes out to our leaders who are having to make some very difficult decisions and to staff who are facing changes, lack of positions, etc. Given reduced funding levels from the Province – and given the fact that we are likely to have exhausted our operating reserves by the end of 2012-13 — all schools and all central departments are facing a very tough budgeting process this year. While our leaders are working to preserve the very best educational opportunities they can for all students, the same level of service will not be able to be maintained. Discontinuing the after-school Music Enrichment Program (which you may have heard about in the news) is an example of one extremely difficult decision that has been made.

To provide a chance for people to gain greater understanding about how the make-up of the budget – how it continues to support Board priorities and ensuring all students learn to their full potential and complete high school – and its implications, the Board invites you to a teleconference this coming Wednesday, May 8, from 7- 8 pm See below for details of how to call in (under UPCOMING) Everyone is welcome! Please call in!

HIGH: Two new schools announced for SW Edmonton! The schools, one for Terwillegar Heights and one for Heritage Valley, should see many more students served close to where they live plus see Esther Starkman and Johnny Bright return to a K-9 model in a few years. Hurray! Thank you to the Government of Alberta, and also, to all the people who communicated the need for more schools in this area.

LOW: No announcements for any other projects on our Capital Plan (as approved on April 23) – including 600 person addition for Lillian Osborne, several schools for Ambleside Windermere, several more schools for Heritage Valley and a host of other new schools for other parts of our growing city plus a number of modernizations.

HIGH x 2 : Fine Arts Celebrations at Westbrook and Richard Secord Schools this past week. WOW! So wonderful to see the creativity and pizazz of each and every student displayed throughout both schools. Thank you to both schools for inviting me.

HIGH: Attending the Excellence in Teaching Awards evening honouring our EPSB semi-finalists. Congratulations to all semi-finalists, but especially to those teaching in Ward H – Lorelei Campbell (GPN), Yannick Jean-Proulx and Paul Copeland (Ainlay), Jenni Shwetz and Davey Thompson (Lillian Osborne) and Art Zhang (Esther Starkman).

UPCOMING

May 6 – 12: Mental Health Awareness Week

BOARD MEETING: May 7, 2 pm

The agenda and accompanying reports can be found here: http://epsb.ca/board/may07_2013/05072013.pdf. Please join us – live in McCauley Chambers or by webcast at your leisure.

UP FOR DECISION – what do you think?

Should the Board develop a policy to eliminate the application of non-essential pesticides on school property?
Should the Board develop a measure of optimal enrolment for all elementary and junior high schools be developed?
Should the Board approve the draft Board Policy CNA.BP – Information Security – and post online for stakeholder feedback?
Should a series of locally developed courses be approved for delivery within EPSB? (Some have been created within EPSB, others in other districts.)
Should the JC Bowen site be declared surplus to the District’s needs?

FOR INFORMATION – these reports give such insight. Wonderful!

Annual Report on Diversity and Equity
Annual Report Health and Wellbeing of Staff and Students
Annual Report on Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Wednesday, May 8 School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! If your children ride on a bus, please take the time to say thank you to their driver(s). My husband once drove a school bus and from listening to his stories, I know it can be a challenging experience, requiring much patience and good cheer!

Wednesday, May 8, 7- 8 pm. BUDGET Teleconference. The Board of Trustees invites students, parents, community members and staff to take part in a teleconference on the district budget for 2013-2014. It will be held on Wednesday, May 8 from 7 to 8 p.m. Participants can call 1-866-696-5910 and use code 9750106 to take part. Prior to the teleconference, participants can review the Distribution of funds report (scroll down to Report #6 http://epsb.ca/board/april23_2013/04232013.pdf), upon which the budget will be based.

Wednesday, May 8 – PLEASE let me know if you can come on Monday, May 13 for my “Celebrating Progress: What Next?” meeting. Please RSVP to Catherine.Ripley@epsb.ca All are welcome!

Monday, May 13, 6:45 pm. CELEBRATING PROGRESS: WHAT NEXT? A Community Meeting hosted by ME! Guest speakers include: Brander Gardens ROCKS, BLAST (Barford Leadership and Service Team), SWEC (South West Edmonton Collaborative), Edmonton Police Services & Community Liaison, Principals Dave Jones and Karen Linden, South West Early Years Coalition, Kathryn Burke (Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta) …. It will be an evening rich with inspiration! Please join me! Please RSVP to Catherine.Ripley@epsb.ca All are welcome!

By May 31 – for any students K-12 living in Edmonton –design a NEW logo for the Literacy and Learning Day Society. Visit for www.literacyday.ca for more details. Also, ADULTS — the Society is also looking for volunteers, financial commitments and in-kind help to ensure this annual event (coming your way on October 26 at the Shaw Centre) is as great as ever. Please contact the Society by June 15 – www.literacyday.ca

FOOD FOR THOUGHT, courtesy of the District’s “Need to Know News” in recognition of Mental Health month:

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” ~ Mother Teresa

As always, I am happy to hear from you at any time. Please feel free to contact me by email (Catherine.Ripley@epsb.ca) , by phone (780-887-1002), on Facebook, on Twitter (@cripleyepsb) or through my website (catherineripley.ca). A coffee is always good, too!

Catherine

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INSIGHTS: Budget 1 (Distribution of Funds), Capital Plan, Aboriginal Ed and ELL Annual Reports…and MORE!

Posted on April 20, 2013 by catherine

Hello!

First off, please save Monday, May 13 on your calendars for a special community meeting, hosted by me, called “Celebrating Progress: What Next?” You are all welcome! (See more detail below – my last huzzah huzzah hurrah on public education!)

Second, we have a rich and interesting Board meeting on tap for TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2 pm.

I encourage you to take a look at the reports and to attend the meeting in person or via the Internet (in real time or at your convenience) http://www.livestream.com/edmontonpublicschools

Two major decisions will be made at this meeting: Distribution of Funds and the Three Year Capital Plan. If you have any comments or questions, please let me know.

The agenda and most of the accompanying reports can be found here: http://epsb.ca/board/april23_2013/04232013.pdf

Please note that the Distribution of Funds report (initial budget recommendation) will be posted on Monday afternoon.

UP FOR DECISION

Given the change in our economic circumstances, should the Board re-visit its honoraria? (Originally we voted in favour of the newly elected trustees receiving a 7.69% increase over a three year period – commensurate with what some of other staff groups had agreed upon last June.)
Should the Board approve the absence Trustee Michael Janz for two consecutive Board meetings in May?
Should the Board approve the revised Student Assessment, Achievement and Growth policy as it comes forward for the Third Reading?
Should the Board approve the Superintendent’s proposed “Distribution of Funds” for 2013-14? The recommendation report (to be posted Monday afternoon) will show the Board in broad brush strokes how our revenue will be spent. First, we will gain understanding around what funding needs to be set aside off the top to cover District Fixed Costs (such as Utilities, Insurance) and District Commitments (transportation, audit fees, etc.). Then we will examine what monies will be allocated out to schools and to central departments. In a difficult budget year, I will be looking to see if the Superintendent done everything he possibly can to support all students receiving the educational opportunities they need to “learn to their full potential” Are the reductions in the right places and what are the ramifications of the cutbacks?
Should the Board approve the proposed Three Year Capital Plan for submission to Alberta Education for funding support? Does the plan make sense? Are we missing something? The Plan includes both modernization and new construction requests, and the rationale for the choices of projects is provided in the report.

Here are the SW projects included in the “ask” — YEAR ONE: K-6 Heritage Valley (Priority #2), K-9 Terwillegar Heights (#3), K-9 Windemere (#7), Lillian Osborne addition (#8), K-9 Heritage Valley (#9). YEAR TWO: K-9 Windemere (#17). YEAR THREE: K-9 Heritage Valley (# 31)

FOR INFORMATION

Budget Presentations/Input from our Support Staff (CUPE 3550) and our Maintenance Workers (CUPE 784)
Annual Report on Aboriginal Education
Annual Report on English Language Learners

TAX LEVY UP FOR DISCUSSION ON JUNE 11

At our last Board meeting (April 9), the Board agreed to discuss the possibility of putting a plebiscite question on the October 21, 2013 election ballot related to a Special School Tax Levy at its June 11 Board Meeting. IF – and this is still a big IF – the Board was to go ahead, the plebiscite must state very clearly what such a Levy would be used for, how much it would cost, and for how long the levy would be. Between now and June 11 the Board will seek input on possible purposes from you, the public. Stay tuned! I will let you know how and when as I know more. In the interim, if you have ideas on what you might be willing to pay more out of your pocket for, please let me know.

THANK YOU!

To PARENTS….

@ DS Mackenzie School Council for welcoming me to their recent Council meeting. It was good to hear how the school is preparing to welcome an influx of new Grade 8 and 9 students and their parents from Johnny Bright.

@ George P Nicholson Council for its leadership in arranging a Parent Education evening – The 5Rs of Self Esteem by Julie Freedman Smith of Parenting Power – and to Steinhauer, Richard Secord, Greenfield and Westbrook Councils for their support of this evening. A super evening! Ms. Freedman-Smith stated, “If there is only one thing you take away from this evening, it is to ask yourself “What am I doing for my child that my child could be doing on his or her own?” Capability, resiliency, responsibility grows through practice!

TO STUDENTS and THEIR TEACHERS…..

@ Steinhauer, where I spoke with the Grade 6s about the role of school boards and trusteeship. We talked about the big decision the Board will make in the next few months in terms of hiring the “perfect” new Superintendent. Here are some of the characteristics they would like to see in a new Superintendent: caring, smart, courageous, responsible (making the right decisions for good reasons), willing (to do whatever he needs to get his job done), committed, determined….

@ George P. Nicholson learning at the Edmonton Oilers ICE School. It was great to learn what ICE School is all about and the investment Northlands makes into this wonderful learning experience for students. Thank you, Northlands!

@ Westbrook, where I had the honour of attending the Grade 6 DARE Program Graduation. Westbrook is so fortunate to have this program offered each year – thanks to support from Edmonton Police Services and volunteer Constable Tammy Buchberger.

TO COMMUNITY

Specifically…. The Southwest Edmonton Early Childhood Development Coalition (SWEECDC ) and Greenfield Community League for hosting a PARENTS NIGHT OUT last night, and to Cora Woodman for a fun and informative presentation on “The Power of Play” We also talked about what has been useful in various neighbourhoods in raising young children and what is missing.

UPCOMING

April 21 – 27…. Support Staff Appreciation Week! Be sure to say thank you to your favourite admin assistant, library technician, lab person, food preparer, and/or educational assistant for all their support to children in our schools.

Monday, April 22 EARTH DAY! Across the District, schools and district central departments have been challenged to celebrate Earth Day by practicing energy conservation. … turning off their lights and other energy consuming devices for one hour or more that day. This event is intended to increase awareness of our district’s impact on the environment, and help bring about actions to reduce it.

Thursday April 25, 5:30 (light supper) followed by Health Matters workshop (6 – 7 pm) at Lansdowne Childcare and Family Centre. Find out about the proper use of medication; Allergies and Epi Pens; Diaper Rash, Preventing and Treating Pin Worms; and Head Lice. Child care will be provided. 780-437 5654

Friday, April 26, 7:00 p.m. ASBA Trustee Candidate Information Session. If you are pondering the idea of running for trustee, great! Find out more from the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) experts by attending this information session on trusteeship and what is entailed. The Edmonton session will be held at at the Royal Glenora Club; other sessions will be held in other parts of the province on other dates. Check it out! http://www.asba.ab.ca/trustee_election13.asp

Monday, April 28, 1 – 3 p.m. South West Edmonton Early Childhood Development Coalition meeting @ Riverbend Public Library. Strategic Planning Session # 2: “Improving Outcomes” If we know that one in four young children is struggling in one or more developmental areas, what can we as a community do to improve these outcomes? We’d love to have you join us to brainstorm ideas. Please email Sheryl at sweecdcassistant@hotmail.com for further information. Everyone is welcome!

Monday, May 13, 6:45 pm. CELEBRATING PROGRESS: WHAT NEXT? A Community Meeting hosted by ME!

In 2009 SW residents identified three main ways to achieve the schools and communities “we” envisioned in 2030. What progress has been made in 1) Strengthening Families, 2) Enhancing Innovative Citizenship Education, and 3) Improving Communication? Review what “we” said the federal, provincial, and municipal governments and school boards should be doing in these areas in 2010 at http://catherineripley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Lets-Dig-Deeper-Report-FINAL1.pdf Now what? What are the next steps our new Board of Trustees and City Council should be taking in these areas? Please RSVP to Catherine.Ripley@epsb.ca All are welcome!

As always, I am happy to hear from you at any time. Please feel free to contact me by email (Catherine.Ripley@epsb.ca) , by phone (780-887-1002), on Facebook, on Twitter (@cripleyepsb) or through my website (catherineripley.ca). A coffee is always good, too!

Catherine

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INSIGHTS: Superintendent Survey, Student Assessment policy Round 2, Tax Levy….and MORE!

Posted on April 6, 2013 by catherine

APRIL GREETINGS!

What is most important to you in our next Superintendent?

The Superintendent Search is on! Before Spring Break the Board approved the candidate profile as well as the key opportunities and challenges facing the District, and last Saturday ads appeared in the Edmonton Journal, the Globe and Mail and the National Post. Other notices will be placed in educational networks across Alberta and the country.

While the search is happening, the Board is also taking the occasion to ask what YOU feel are the most important opportunities and challenges facing a new Superintendent, as well as the leadership qualities and competencies you believe are the most vital for him/her to bring to this critical role, so the District can move successfully forward. I encourage you to participate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WQ6ZVJ3 The survey closes April 15.

Also, if you know of any potential candidates, they can apply at: http://www.conroyross.com/opportunities/6876-superintendent/

Capital Plan and Budget Looming….

Invigorated by a rest and break over the spring holiday, the Board is now ready to tackle the spring business that comes across its plate every year: the three-year Capital Plan is expected April 23 and then we will be into the budget deliberations.

The first part of the budget discussion is likely to happen on April 23, too, when we look at the “Basis of Allocation” recommendation from the Superintendent – how much will be retained centrally to support key services like technology, facilities, maintenance, inclusive learning services, etc. and how much will go out to schools? In terms of revenue and our expected costs, what is the budget looking like for 2013-14? We know our revenue will be about 3% less but how exactly will this play out? Some areas have been targeted for greater reduction by the Province than others. Stay tuned!

BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2 PM

Up for Decision

 (Report 2) Should the Board have a discussion on June 11 about holding a plebiscite during the October 2013 election for a Special School Tax Levy? What do you think? Should the Board take the time to discuss this or is it a non-starter? And if we were to go ahead in June with the discussion, what purpose would you entertain as worthy of more taxes out of your pocket? I have already received a “No, No, No” email – what do you think?

 (Report 3) The Student Assessment, Achievement and Growth policy returns for Second Consideration! Is the revised draft now perfect? Take a look at people told us about the first draft (see attachments to report), and many thanks to anyone on this e-list who filled out a survey or attended my “Your Two Cents on Policy” meeting. You can also see what SW residents said when looking at Draft 1 at http://catherineripley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Your-Two-Cents-on-Policy-SUMMARY-draft.pdf I believe many concerns raised during the survey process, the teleconference and in my meeting have been addressed in this revised version, and it is IMPROVED! Do you agree?

For Information

 (Report 4) Presentations from Edmonton Public Teachers Local 37, CUPE 474 (Custodial) and our Exempt staff on the how money should be allocated in the upcoming budget.

All reports and documents for the above decisions and discussion can be found at http://epsb.ca/board/april09_2013/04092013.pdf You are welcome to join us in person at McCauley Chambers (One Kingsway) or by webcast at: http://www.livestream.com/edmontonpublicschools

UPCOMING

Monday, April 15 REGISTRATION PASSPORTS due!

Monday, April 8, 1 -3 p.m. SW Edmonton Early Childhood Development Coalition (SWEECDC) meeting @ Whitemud Crossing Public Library….. Strategic Planning Session # 1 – How will we “inspire momentum” about the importance of the Early Years in SW Edmonton? Who should be involved? What should we be doing from June 2013- December 2014? For more info and to confirm location, contact sweecdcassistant@hotmail.com Everyone is welcome!

Thursday, April 11, 7 pm The 5Rs of Self Esteem @ George P. Nicholson School….. For parents of children attending George P Nicholson, Greenfield, Steinhauer, Richard Secord and Westbrook Schools – please look for information on your bulletin boards on this great parent education event, and be sure to RSVP by April 9th to terri.rolfson@gmail.com Special thanks to GPN for their leadership in bringing in Julie Freedman Smith of “Parenting Power” to speak to Edmonton parents on this topic.

Wednesday, April 17, 6 pm, Parenting Under Pressure: Rescuing Childhood in the 21st Century…. “It is not just kids who are under pressure now; it’s parents too. We feel we have to push, polish and protect our offspring with superhuman zeal – or else we’re somehow falling down on the job. We start from the noble and natural instinct to do the best for our kids but end up going too far. Social and cultural pressure drives a lot of this.” Well known for his TED talk on “In Praise of Slowness,” Carl Honoré is the guest speaker. Tickets are $10 each and can be ordered online at www.learningourway.ca

Thursday , April 18, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Organize, Mobilize, Succeed! Campaign School for Public School Trustee Candidates, organized by the Public School Boards Association of Alberta. To register, visit: https://publicschools.wufoo.eu/forms/governance-session-edmonton/

Friday, April 19, 7 pm Parents Night Out @ Greenfield Community Centre. C’mon on out! Explore the power of play, hear how the children in your neighbourhood are doing, and tell us about the child resources in your area (or what is missing). Co-sponsored by the Greenfield Community League and the South West Edmonton Early Childhood Development Coalition. Seating is limited so please e-mail SWEECDCassistant@hotmail.com by April 16th to register.

Saturday, April 20, 9-6 pm 2nd Annual Edmonton Youth Talent Show @ Mother Mary Margaret High School. Sponsored by TRAC. Entrance for spectators is FREE. To register as a performer, go here.

Friday, April 26, 7:00 p.m. ASBA Trustee Candidate Information Session. If you are pondering the idea of running for trustee, great! Find out more from the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) experts by attending this information session on trusteeship and what is entailed. The Edmonton session will be held at at the Royal Glenora Club; other sessions will be held in other parts of the province on other dates. Check it out!

Monday, April 28, 1 – 3 p.m. South West Edmonton Early Childhood Development Coalition meeting @ Riverbend Public Library. Strategic Planning Session # 2: “Improving Outcomes” If we know that one in four young children is struggling in one or more developmental areas, what can we as a community do to improve these outcomes? We’d love to have you join us to brainstorm ideas. Please email Sheryl at sweecdcassistant@hotmail.com for further information. Everyone is welcome!

Monday, May 13, 6:45 pm. CELEBRATING PROGRESS: WHAT NEXT? A Community Meeting hosted by ME! In 2009 SW residents identified three main ways to achieve the schools and communities “we” envisioned in 2030. What progress has been made in 1) Strengthening Families, 2) Enhancing Innovative Citizenship Education, and 3) Improving Communication? Review what “we” said the federal, provincial, and municipal governments and school boards should be doing in these areas in 2010 at http://catherineripley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Lets-Dig-Deeper-Report-FINAL1.pdf Now what? What are the next steps our new Board of Trustees and City Council should be taking in these areas? Please RSVP to Catherine.Ripley@epsb.ca All are welcome!

By May 31 – for any students K-12 living in Edmonton –design a NEW logo for the Literacy and Learning Day Society. Visit for www.literacyday.ca for more details. Also, ADULTS — the Society is also looking for volunteers, financial commitments and in-kind help to ensure this annual event (coming your way on October 26 at the Shaw Centre) is as great as ever. Please contact the Society by June 15 – www.literacyday.ca

FINALLY, THANK YOU!

I was privileged to to attend the High School Culinary Challenge luncheon in mid-March. It was great to meet the Harry Ainlay student team, Chef (and teacher) Jared Murray as well as proud parents and administrators… and what a meal! Merveilleux! Thank you to Ainlay for this tasty and fun experience.

Thank you, too, to Keheewin School Council for letting me listen in to one of their meetings just before Spring Break, and thanks to all the parents involved for their commitment and dedication to the school!

As always, I am happy to hear from you at any time. Please feel free to contact me by email (Catherine.Ripley@epsb.ca) , by phone (780-887-1002), on Facebook, on Twitter (@cripleyepsb) or through my website (catherineripley.ca). A coffee is always good, too!

Catherine

Posted in Community Engagement, Funding, Governance, Insights E-letter, Student Success | Leave a comment

INSIGHTS: First Take on Budget Realities, First Year Teachers, Campaign Disclosure Bylaw…and MORE!

Posted on March 18, 2013 by catherine

GREETINGS!

I spent much of the weekend feeling greatly discouraged and disheartened.

Details on what the March 7 Provincial Budget means for the students, families and staff of Edmonton Public Schools are becoming clearer as are the implications of the ATA/Provincial Government deal proposed last Friday. Board Chair Hoffman addressed the emerging budget realities with the media on Friday afternoon, and you can read what she had to say here: http://news.epsb.ca/2013/03/board-expresses-concerns-over-budget-and-proposed-agreement-with-teachers/

But enough with discouragement! Thanks to skiing in the woods yesterday and reflecting on a Lenten meditation on “giving up,” I am working on being thankful, full of hope and positive! These three “give up” ideas out of fifteen really spoke to me in my work as a trustee: “Give up complaining… focus on gratitude/ Give up discouragement…be full of hope/ Give up negativism…be positive.” So through the lenses of being hopeful, thankful and positive, I am interested to see how the budget realities unfold and how our communities ultimately receive the ATA/Government deal. Today School Board Chairs and Superintendents were meeting to discuss together the short-term and the long-term implications of the teacher deal for our students and our communities, and we will be discussing the final distribution of funds out to our central departments and schools on April 23. I will keep you posted on both these fronts.

In the interim, we have a Board meeting tomorrow…. Full steam ahead!

BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2 PM

Edwin Parr First Year Teacher Award Nominees
Five first year teachers have been nominated this year for this prestigious honour and will be attending our Board meeting tomorrow. The winner will be announced tomorrow. He or she will then be interviewed by an ASBA Zone 2/3 Committee for possible selection for selection as one of Zone 2/3’s two candidates. I look forward to hearing the “stories” behind the names as I am always inspired by the creativity, drive and skill of these brand-new teachers.

Congratulations to all of them and special congrats to two Ward H first year teachers: Bernadette McMechan of George P. Nicholson School and Ellen Reid of Greenfield School!

Up for Decision
1) A motion from Trustee Mackenzie: That beginning in the 2013-2014 school year, the District host an annual event to publicly showcase the social and environmental justice initiatives taking place across our District.

Thoughts?

2) That the School Trustee Candidates Election Campaign Disclosure Bylaw Number 2012-2013-1 (the “Bylaw”) be approved (Background information on campaign disclosure can be found at http://www.epsb.ca/board/february19_2013/02192013.pdf (Report 6); Trustee Janz’s motion to this effect was discussed and passed unanimously at our last Board meeting.

Any concerns or lack of clarity around the wording of the Bylaw?

Information on….
3) “Active Transportation Plan” work over the past year
4) Pesticide Regulations in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Quebec as compared to how this happens in Alberta

All reports and documents for the above decisions and discussion can be found at http://epsb.ca/board/march19_2013/03192013.pdf Please remember that you are welcome to join us in person or by webcast at any time! These are public meetings and open to all.

THANK YOU!
A BIG thank you to Sweet Grass School Council for their welcome last week and for the good work they are doing to support the kids and staff.

And thank you to all those who have shared their thoughts, concerns, questions and ideas with respect to the Johnny Bright and Esther Starkman student accommodation plans announced last week. It is a challenging time for these school communities and especially for those who have been directly affected by the necessary decisions made to control the number of children in each of these schools. You can read more about the plans and steps going forward here: http://news.epsb.ca/2013/03/accommodation-plans-for-esther-starkman-and-johnny-bright/

UPCOMING

OPEN HOUSE season continues! Find out specific dates at http://openhouse.epsb.ca Visiting a school is one of the best ways to determine if a school is a good fit for your child and this site will give you dates of Open Houses as well as some solid tips on making the most of your visit.

March 22 – April 1 (inclusive) SPRING BREAK! Happy Easter on March 31!

Sunday, April 7, 2013, 6:30 pm. Dr. Gordon Neufeld on “Raising Kids in a Digital World” @ the Royal Alberta Museum. Thanks to Wendy for alerting all of us to this event. Dr. Neufeld is the author of Hold On to Your Kids – the book a small group of us discussed several years ago at the Bogani Café! Tickets are required. http://www.tixonthesquare.ca/event/detail/6024/

Monday, April 8, 1 pm. SW Edmonton Early Childhood Development Coalition (SWEECDC) meeting @ Whitemud Public Library. Strategic Planning Session # 1 – How will we “inspire momentum” about the importance of the Early Years in SW Edmonton? Who should be involved? What should we be doing from June 2013- December 2014? For more info and to confirm location, contact sweecdcassistant@hotmail.com Everyone is welcome!

Thursday, April 11, 7 pm The 5Rs of Self Esteem @ George P. Nicholson School. For parents of children attending George P Nicholson, Greenfield, Steinhauer, Richard Secord and Westbrook Schools – please look for information on your bulletin boards on this great parent education event, and be sure to RSVP by April 9th to terri.rolfson@gmail.com Special thanks to GPN for their leadership in bringing in Julie Freedman Smith of “Parenting Power” to speak to Edmonton parents on this topic.

Thursday , April 18, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Organize, Mobilize, Succeed! Campaign School for Public School Trustee Candidates, organized by the Public School Boards Association of Alberta. To register, visit: https://publicschools.wufoo.eu/forms/governance-session-edmonton/

Friday, April 19, 7 pm Parents Night Out @ Greenfield Community Centre C’mon on out! Explore the power of play, hear how the children in your neighbourhood are doing, and tell us about the child resources in your area (or what is missing). Co-sponsored by the Greenfield Community League and the South West Edmonton Early Childhood Development Coalition. Seating is limited so please e-mail SWEECDCassistant@hotmail.com by April 16th to register.

Friday, April 26, 7:00 p.m. ASBA Trustee Candidate Information Session @ the Royal Glenora Club. If you are pondering the idea of running for trustee, great! Find out more from the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) experts by attending this information session on trusteeship. Other sessions will be held in other parts of the province on other dates. Check it out! http://www.asba.ab.ca/trustee_election13.asp

Catherine

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INSIGHTS: Superintendent Retirement, Decisions on managing enrollment challenges coming this week, Pennies, Budget Process….and MORE!

Posted on March 2, 2013 by catherine

GREETINGS!

The BIG news this week is the announcement by Superintendent Schmidt that he will be retiring effective the end of August. This is a surprise for everyone, and although I received the news with sadness, I look forward to participating in the Board’s decision about how best to move forward.

It has been my great privilege to serve at the same time as Superintendent Schmidt and personally, I have appreciated his caring, committed, thoughtful, and humble leadership. I will also quote from the Board’s evaluation of his work for 2011-12, which was read out loud on February 19: The Superintendent’s integrity is undeniable, and his ongoing commitment to equity and supporting vulnerable children shines through in all of his recommendations and actions. For this focus on vulnerable children and his integrity, for his commitment to the importance of building the professional capacity of all staff to serve our students within a rapidly changing world, and for his courage in instituting some major organizational change to better support students and staff on the ground, I thank him.

UPCOMING DECISIONS TO BE ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK
I wanted, too, to share some information for those on this list who live in the communities of Skyrattler, Chapelle, Rutherford, MacEwan, Blackburne, Southbrook, Terwillegar Towne & Gardens, Mactaggart, Magrath, South Terwillegar and Leger — I know you have all been waiting for the Superintendent’s decision on possible re-adjustments to attendance boundaries and/or school re-configurations, etc. Coming to a decision on how to address the enrolment pressures at Ellerslie, Vernon Barford, Westbrook, Esther Starkman, and Johnny Bright Schools has been difficult and a number of complex factors have had to be considered. My understanding is that the final decisions, reflecting the best path forward for each particular case, will be shared in the coming week. This timing allows families ample time to consider the options open to them before the final registration date of April 15 for the 2013-14 School Year.

Unfortunately, particularly in the Southwest where the growth pressures are extreme, certain schools are facing a reality that there is simply no more space to accommodate more students. To ensure the best learning environments for ALL students, the District has been implementing measures to control the number of students entering a school or program for a number of years and will have to continue to do so.

It goes without saying that some of you will be relieved with the decisions that have been made and some of you will be disappointed. Over my time as a trustee, I have spoken with a number of parents who believe that only SCHOOL X will be right for their children. I respect their desire for their children to be in the very best learning environment and their belief that SCHOOL X will provide that optimum situation. However, that said, I want to ask everyone who may be impacted by the final decisions, to reflect on something that a former Strathcona principal stated during a 2003 Open House (when I was then a mum trying to decide with my daughter about Ainlay versus Scona) – all Edmonton Public Schools are excellent; your child will be well served wherever he or she attends. My trusteeship has shown me the truth of this statement. I strongly believe that whatever EPSB school your children end up attending, there are excellent principals and staff waiting for your children to arrive so they can support their learning with caring, creativity and skill. Starting at a new school is always a time of transition, and the District focus in the days ahead will be on ensuring smooth and successful transitions for all and making certain that students and families get the support they need. If for some reason, experience tells you otherwise, I encourage you to let me know so I can bring this to the attention of the Superintendent and his staff.

PENNIES, PENNIES! FILL MY SMART CAR!
If you have any pennies to spare, please consider donating them to the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation so as to support socially vulnerable children who could benefit from Full Day K. I will be picking up pennies in the South West next Friday afternoon (March 8 ) – please contact me if you have pennies to donate. Sarah and Angela, I will be in touch directly with you now I have ascertained a date and time!

UPCOMING BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2 PM
Please note that all reports and supporting information mentioned below can be found at http://www.epsb.ca/board/march05_2013/03052013.pdf I invite your thoughts, questions and ideas, and as always, I encourage you to join us either in person or by webcast. You are always welcome!

Up for Decision
1) Should EPSB institute a bylaw requiring all trustee candidates to disclose their campaign details (similar to the current requirements for councilors)?
2) Should EPSB approve and renew a series of courses it has developed for the period 2013-16?
3) Should the proposed 2013-14 Budget Process and Timeline be approved? (The process begins with the announcement of the Budget on March 7, followed by a discussion on the Basis of Allocation in mid April, schools and central departments working on their budgets in early May, a first look at the budget in late May, and a final approval of the budget on June 18.)

Information on….
1) Practices by other Boards in appointing FNMI trustees
2) Restorative Justice practices used in the district to resolve conflict
3) Costs and Considerations related to creating a Campaign Disclosure bylaw

THANK YOU!
Over the past couple of weeks as a ward trustee, I have had the pleasure of attending meetings with Steinhauer School Council, the South West Edmonton Early Childhood Development Coalition, and the Brander Gardens ROCKS Collaborative. Thank you to all for the good work being done for children (and their families) in your respective spheres. I am always inspired by people’s interest, passion and action for children.

Also, as part of the Board, it was good to meet with the Minister of Education this past Wednesday evening along with his colleagues from the Legislature: Mr. Naresh Bhardwaj and Mr. Matt Jeneroux. Such meetings allow the Board to communicate our successes, our needs, and our challenges and to talk with the Minister about how we can work together to effect positive change for our students. The Minister’s time and his careful attention to our perspectives and issues is certainly appreciated. Thank you!

UPCOMING

OPEN HOUSE season continues! Find out specific dates at http://openhouse.epsb.ca/ Visiting a school is one of the best ways to determine if a school is a good fit for your child and this site will give you dates of Open Houses as well as some solid tips on making the most of your visit. In addition parents may wish to check out the actual results and plans of the school(s) you are considering. Search by school at http://www.epsb.ca/budget/schlRsltRev.shtml First comes the school profile, followed by the educational plan for the previous year, comments on the results achieved and then the implications for the education/school plan going forward. The results as reflected on the Provincial Accountability Pillar are toward the end of each Results package. Finally, you can see the Plan for going forward by clicking on the schools from this page: http://www.epsb.ca/budget/schlPlansRevisedBudgets.shtml
Sunday, March 10 2–4 pm, ARTES (Association for Responsive Trusteeship in Edmonton Schools) Wine & Cheese Mixer For anyone interested in local education issues, including potential trustee candidates in the fall election. The focus of the event will be on building connections. North Glenora Community Hall, 13535 – 109A Avenue

Friday, March 8 I WILL PICK UP YOUR PENNIES!

Tuesday, March 12: NOTE: BOARD MEETING IS CANCELLED

Monday, March 18, 1 pm. SW Edmonton Early Childhood Development Coalition (SWEECDC) meeting. Strategic Planning Session # 1 – How will we “inspire momentum” about the importance of the Early Years in SW Edmonton? Who should be involved? What should we be doing from June 2013- December 2014? For more info and to confirm location, contact sweecdcassistant@hotmail.com Everyone is welcome!

Tuesday, March 19, 2 pm: BOARD MEETING

March 22 – April 1 (inclusive) SPRING BREAK! Happy Easter on March 31!

By March 31, Nominate a Teacher or Principal for a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/pmate-ppmee.nsf/eng/Home and/or for Excellence in Early Childhood Education http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/pmaece-ppmepe.nsf/eng/home

Friday, April 26, 7:00 p.m ASBA Trustee Candidate Information Session. If you are pondering the idea of running for trustee, great! Find out more from the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) experts by attending this information session on trusteeship and what is entailed. The Edmonton session will be held at at the Royal Glenora Club; other sessions will be held in other parts of the province on other dates. Check it out! http://www.asba.ab.ca/trustee_election13.asp

FOOD FOR THOUGHT : “Education is not an expense, it’s an investment”
Read what Board Chair Hoffman has to say on this topic in her new “Board Connection” posting. http://epsb.ca/BoardConnection/index.shtml

As always, I am happy to hear from you at any time. Please feel free to contact me by email (Catherine.Ripley@epsb.ca) , by phone (780-887-1002), on Facebook, on Twitter (@cripleyepsb) or through my website (catherineripley.ca). A coffee is always good, too!

Catherine

Posted in Governance, Insights E-letter, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Posted on February 18, 2013 by catherine

Greetings!

Two Board meetings have come and gone since I last emailed, and another is just around the corner! Time flies, and my apologies for not emailing in advance of the last two meetings. I will now let you know what is coming up at our meeting on Tuesday, February 19, and briefly “look back” at the February 5 and 12 meetings. As always, your comments are welcomed on any item… and appreciated!

UPCOMING ON TUESDAY AT THE BOARD MEETING

Decision –

To invest $1.8 million into fixing the roof of MacKay Avenue Museum and Archives (with $800,000 likely available through City and Provincial grants to support historic buildings)?

Information –

Evaluation of the Superintendent’s Work in 2011-12 (Report 3) — Evaluating the Superintendent is a key Board governance responsibility, and the process for evaluation is rigorous. It allows the Board and the Superintendent to look at areas of strength as well as areas for growth. The complete evaluation (which will be read out loud at the meeting) will be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
Any Time, Pace and Place Learning (Report 4)
Status of the Vision 2020 Cohort (Report 5) – When Mr. Schmidt became Superintendent in 2007, he asked: What would it take to ensure that every single Kindergarten child today completes high school in 2020? Here is a check-up on how those children are doing….!
Trustee Campaign Disclosures (Report 6)

All the reports can be accessed at http://www.epsb.ca/board/february19_2013/02192013.pdf You are welcome to join us in person at McCauley Chambers (One Kingsway) or online. Please note, if you wish to speak, we are experimenting with a new process right now. You need to register with the Board office by noon on the meeting day.

LOOKING BACK AT FEBRUARY 5 and 12 MEETINGS

You can access the reports from these meetings (or any others back to 1999!) at http://www.epsb.ca/board/agenda.shtml

Interesting Information you may wish to check out –

(Feb 5) Dual Credit programs that allow students to earn college/university credits while still in high school,

(Feb 12) Enhancing Staff Knowledge of Newcomer Experience and How the FNMI Advisory Committee works/what it does.

Decisions Made —

(Jan 22) Yes, we will purchase the modulars for Strembitsky, Massey and MacPherson schools. We also keep the ward boundaries as they are for Election 2013 and we changed our policy to allow for 25% plus or minus in the number of voters represented by a trustee from the average.

(Feb 5) We agreed to appoint the City of Edmonton to be our Returning Officer for 2013 Election.

(Feb 12) We voted for the Administrations of Edmonton Catholic and Edmonton Public to do a feasibility study on joint transportation and to report back by January 31, 2014.

NOTE: The Capital and Infrastructure Planning Principles draft policy was pulled from the agenda. It will return at a later date for First Consideration.

“YOUR TWO CENTS ON POLICY” Ward H Meeting

Speaking of the Planning Principles policy, this one of two policies that about 12 people discussed on January 30. You can see what people had to say about this policy and also, the Student Assessment, Achievement and Growth policy at http://catherineripley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Your-Two-Cents-on-Policy-SUMMARY-draft.pdf . Thanks to all those who attended. If you have thoughts on either policy, there is still time to send your ideas and comments to me. I look forward to hearing from you.

TRUSTEESHIP : Is it for you?

In my last e-letter, I mentioned that I will not be running for Ward H Trustee in October. If you are passionate about quality public education plus have flexibility in your time and commitments (job or otherwise), perhaps trusteeship is for you! I have put together a few resources for trustee “wannabes” and I am happy to meet with interested people. http://catherineripley.ca/quality/election-2010/

MANY THANKS!

I have been visiting with a number of school councils during January and February and sincere thanks to Esther Starkman, Duggan, George P Nicholson, Harry Ainlay, Rideau Park, Lillian Osborne, and Greenfield Councils for their warm welcome. It is always good to visit and hear parent and staff thoughts and ideas on a variety of things.

Thank you, too, to Steinhauer for hosting one of the Community Relations Committee of the Board recently. The Committee is visiting a school in each ward this winter to understand more deeply how schools support vulnerable children and it was great to get Steinhauer’s approaches to this this work.

Thank you , too, to the South Edmonton Business Association. They have selected the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation as their charity of choice this year. This is FABULOUS news for the Foundation and more importantly, for all those children waiting to benefit from Full Day Kindergarten. Fifteen schools still to go!

UPCOMING

Monday, February 18 FAMILY DAY “Disconnect to Connect with … yourself… family…. community!” Log the hours you spent “unplugged” and register them at http://www.fcssaa.org Family time counts! Did you know that teens who have more than thre family dinners a week are likely to do better at school? (CASA 2009)

Wednesday, February 20 6:30 – 8:00 pm Outstanding Families… Outstanding Children! Held at Whitemud Public Library, presented by Bill Gordon, and sponsored by the Millwoods Family Resource Centre in collaboration with the South West Edmonton Collaborative, Crawford Plains School, and Whitemud Crossing Public Library. Children 8 and up are welcome to attend with their parents. To register, visit http://www.ecdss.ca

Monday, February 25, 3 to 4:30 pm. SW Edmonton Early Childhood Development Coalition (SWEECDC) meeting. On the Agenda – Updates on Strathcona Farmer’s Market initiative, Greenfield “Parents Night Out” April event, Student Nursing Program at Michener Park (what they are doing for families and how they might promote the Early Years with us) PLUS HOW to best use our time and WHO we should be inviting to the table…. We would love to see you! Everyone is welcome. The meeting is at Riverbend Public Library. For more info, contact sweecdcassistant@hotmail.com

Wednesday, February 27 (11:50 am to 1:10 pm) Edmonton Public Schools Foundation Information Lunch @ Lauderdale School, 10610 – 129 Avenue NW. For your free lunch, contact Alva Shewchuk at 780-970-5238 or alva.shewchuk@epsb.ca

Wednesday, February 27, 7-9 pm Drop the Worry Ball: How to Parent in the Age of Entitlement (Dr. Alex Russell) To register, click http://2013getca.eventbrite.ca or call Jean at 780-429-8039. A Parent Night co-sponsored by Greater Edmonton Teachers Convention Association (GETCA), Edmonton Catholic Schools, and Edmonton Public Schools.

Sunday, March 10 2–4 pm, ARTES (Association for Responsive Trusteeship in Edmonton Schools) Wine & Cheese Mixer For anyone interested in local education issues, including potential trustee candidates in the fall election. The focus of the event will be on building connections. North Glenora Community Hall, 13535 – 109A Avenue

Friday,March 8 I WILL PICK UP YOUR PENNIES! Support the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation by donating your pennies. All proceeds go toward helping kids at risk access Full Day Kindergarten. You can also drop off your pennies until March 14 at Kingsway Garden Mall (Customer Service) or at the Centre for Education (One Kingsway) http://foundation.epsb.ca/events Please contact me if you can help out!

By March 31, Nominate a Teacher or Principal for a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/pmate-ppmee.nsf/eng/Home and/or for Excellence in Early Childhood Education http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/pmaece-ppmepe.nsf/eng/home

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Thanks to Colleen, who is doing some research into Father Engagement, for sending along a little taste of what she is discovering : “There is a significant and surprising negative phenomenon that is referred to as ‘maternal gatekeeping’, which effectively keeps dads from positively contributing in the parenting role; as well as participating in the educational system, and with literacy in the home. This phenomenon is especially disadvantageous for male children, and their learning and valuing of their education. Research is also showing that same-sex parental attachment is significant for well-being, and reducing anxiety and delinquency in adolescence. Maternal gatekeeping is well documented, and is surprising. It is also very important to address. Moms need to be made aware of the importance of both parents being engaged in parenting and education of their children!”

This reminds of what the Greenfield School’s DADS MATTER dads, who spoke last year at my “ Involving More Parents: How? “ session, said. They commented that “ Newsletters etc. are generally handled by the Moms and may never get to Dads. Finding a mechanism to get Dads reading school-related materials would be beneficial so Dads could increase their knowledge about how school works.” For more , see…. http://catherineripley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Involving-More-Parents-MINUTES.pdf

All the best and please let me know if you have any questions or thoughts to share….

Catherine

Catherine Ripley, Trustee for Ward H, Edmonton Public Schools

MAIL: Centre for Education, One Kingsway, Edmonton, AB T5H 4G9

PHONE: 780-887-1002 or 780-429-8084

TWITTER: cripleyepsb

FACEBOOK: Catherine Ripley

Posted in Governance, Insights E-letter, Parent Engagement | Leave a comment

INSIGHTS: RSVP today, Capital Reserve expenditure, Electoral boundaries, 2013 Election…. and MORE!

Posted on January 21, 2013 by catherine

Hello all, and happy snowy evening.

BY NEXT MONDAY, PLEASE RSVP for my January 30 community meeting “Your Two Cents on Policy” so I have a sense of numbers. Everyone is welcome! Please come on out and share your views on the Student Assessment, Grwoth and Achievement and the Planning Principles for Capital/Infrastructure Projects draft policies.

ON THE BOARD AGENDA for TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2013, 2 PM.
All associated reports can be found here: http://www.epsb.ca/board/january22_2013/01222013.pdf

Everyone is welcome!

(Report 3) Recommendation from Caucus re: Capital Reserve (Report 3) – i.e. That the use of up to $3,162,353.00 of Capital Reserve funds to relocate eight portable classrooms and to purchase six Modus modular classrooms for A. Blair McPherson, Dr. Donald Massey and Michael Strembitsky schools, be approved.

(Report 4) Recommendation to review our Student Health and Wellness policy by June 2013

(Report 5) Recommendation that the Board make an exception to its current Trustee Electoral Ward Design Criteria to retain the current ward boundaries for the upcoming municipal election.

(Report 6) History and Current Status of Trustee Results and Budget Review Sub-Committee Process.

Despite the late notice, your thoughts are welcomed! I will be in a meeting tomorrow morning, but will check my email between noon and 2 pm. Thanks!

UPCOMING

From now through March: http://openhouse.epsb.ca
Read what the Superintendent has to say about our Open Houses: http://www.edmontonexaminer.com/2013/01/16/superintendents-notebook-discover-the-possibilities-at-an-open-house

Thursday, January 24, 2013: Parenting in the New Millennium Presentation by Cameron Buchanan, Education Behaviour Consultant, Edmonton Public Schools, held at Centre for Education, One Kingsway, with a mini resource fair held between sessions. 6:00 – 7:30 pm : Elementary School Parents 8:00 – 9:30 pm : Junior and Senior High Parents To register: http://bit.ly/Behaviour-WorkshopJan24

Sunday, January 27: Family Literacy Day The theme this year is “15 minutes of Fun!” – how will you celebrate? http://abclifeliteracy.ca/fld/family-literacy-day

Tuesday, January 29, 7-9 pm Teleconference on Student Assessment, Growth and Achievement policy. Please join the conversation and register at http://goo.gl/nBrPD Where the form requests a company name, please enter as a parent, student, staff or community member. All are welcome!

Tuesday, January 29, 2013 from 5:30-7:30pm. Public Education Focus Group
The Sheldon Chumir Foundation for Ethics in Leadership is conducting research on public education in Alberta. Discussion topics will include the purpose of public education and the type of community and democracy public education should encourage. For more information and to register, visit http://www.chumirethicsfoundation.ca/main/page.php?page_id=391

Wednesday, January 30, 7- 9 pm A Ward H Community Meeting: Your Two Cents on Policy! Come on out and share your opinions on the two important policies under development: 1) Student Assessment, Growth & Achievement and 2) Planning Principles draft policies. Please RSVP to me at Catherine.Ripley@epsb.ca or 780-887-1002 by Monday, January 28. Thanks!

Wednesday, January 30, 6 – 8 pm. Proposed Attendance Boundary Change “Drop In” for JUNIOR HIGH for Magrath, Mactaggart and Hodgson .
At the drop in, the Planning department will share information with interested members of the public, regarding proposed attendance area changes. Currently, Magrath, Mactaggart , Hodgson 7-9 students are designated to Esther STarkman. The proposal is to re-designate these students to Riverbend Junior High. Students currently attending Esther Starkman Junior High from these areas would be allowed to remain in the school The rest of the K-9 attendance area for Esther Starkman is not currently affected. This drop-in session will be held at Riverbend School, 14820 – 53 Avenue from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Until January 31….Provide Your Thoughts on the Student Assessment, Growth and Achievement policy https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZZP6RDK

Wednesday, February 6: Winter Walk Day. Will you gather a group together and walk for 15 minutes or more? Go for it and celebrate winter, the great outdoors, keeping fit! For more information and to register your activity, visit www.winterwalkday.com or find them on Facebook.

(For Youth) Saturday, February 9, 9 am – 4 pm Career Symposium put on by the City of Edmonton Youth Council http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/jobs/2013-youth-career-symposium.aspx

Wednesday, February 13 6:30 – 8:00 pm. The Power of Kindness
Held at Crawford Plains Schools, presented by Bill Gordon, and sponsored by the Millwoods Family Resource Centre in collaboration with the South West Edmonton Collaborative, Crawford Plains School, and Whitemud Crossing Public Library. Children 8 and up are welcome to attend with their parents. To register, visit http://www.ecdss.ca

Tuesday, February 20 6:30 – 8:00 pm Outstanding Families… Outstanding Children!
Held at Whitemud Public Library, presented by Bill Gordon, and sponsored by the Millwoods Family Resource Centre in collaboration with the South West Edmonton Collaborative, Crawford Plains School, and Whitemud Crossing Public Library. Children 8 and up are welcome to attend with their parents. To register, visit http://www.ecdss.ca

Wednesday, February 27, 2013, 7-9 pm Drop the Worry Ball: How to Parent in the Age of Entitlement (Dr. Alex Russell) To register, click http://2013getca.eventbrite.ca or call Jean at 780-429-8039. A Parent Night co-sponsored by Greater Edmonton Teachers Convention Association (GETCA), Edmonton Catholic Schools, and Edmonton Public Schools.

NINE MONTHS TODAY… ELECTION DAY 2013! MY FUTURE… YOUR FUTURE?
It is hard to believe that nine months today, on the third Monday of October, we will be going to the polls to elect school board trustees (and oh yes, city councilors, too!). I wanted to let you know that I will not be seeking another term as trustee. It has been my very real honour to serve the residents of Ward H for the last six years, and I look forward to passing on this privilege to a new committed “voice” for quality public education for ALL children at the Board table. I am both sad and happy to make this announcement. It will be a big change as I have very much enjoyed my involvement with public education issues in Edmonton since 1999 when I first got involved with the Whitemud Coalition of Schools. However, it is time to move on so I can write a little more for children, pray a little more, and welcome family and friends (and strangers?) into our home a little more often — my husband and I are looking forward to beginning a new adventure in Fernie, BC! If you or somebody you know is passionate about public education and might be interested in trusteeship, I am happy to share more details.

A number of you have travelled with me on my journey by receiving this e-letter for the full duration of my trusteeship (and even before!) – I thank you for your endurance, interest and attention, and thank you, too, to those who have joined in along the way. As always, I look forward to hearing from you during the remainder of my term. There are many decisions ahead for the Board over the next eight months and your advice and perspective will be welcomed and appreciated. You know where to find me!

Sincerely,

Catherine

Posted in Governance, Insights E-letter, Parent Engagement | Leave a comment

INSIGHTS: Electoral Boundary changes proposed, community teleconference, Your Two Cents on Policy meeting….and MORE!

Posted on January 12, 2013 by catherine

Greetings!
Another Board meeting is upon us, next Tuesday (January 15) at 2 pm. For the details, please see below.

Also, several important consultation opportunities are looming. Please consider attending and providing your input

1) For residents of Chapelle: On Monday, January 21, 6-8 pm, there will be an ATTENDANCE AREA RE-DESIGNATION PUBLIC MEETING (drop-in format) held at Duggan School at 10616 – 36A Avenue. Chapelle students are currently designated to Ellerslie K-9. It is proposed that K-6 students be re-designated to Duggan, and 7-9 students be re-designated to DS MacKenzie.

2) For everyone: Teleconference on Student Assessment, Growth and Achievement policy: Tuesday, January 29, 7-9 pm. Those interested in taking part are asked to preregister for the event online at http://goo.gl/nBrPD You will be asked to provide your name and identify if they are a parent, student, staff member or community member. Once registration is complete, a call-in number and a pass code will be emailed to you. If you are not able to attend this evening’s teleconference, you can still provide your input at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZZP6RDK

3) For everyone: YOUR TWO CENTS ON POLICY, a community meeting hosted by me, on Wednesday, January 30, 7-9 pm. Up for discussion: a) Planning Principles for Capital Projects and Student Accommodation and b) Student Assessment, Growth, and Achievement draft policies. Please RSVP to me by Monday, January 28 at either Catherine.Ripley@epsb.ca or 780-887-1002 and I will provide further details.

4) End of January – watch for a meeting hosted by Planning on options moving forward for the Johnny Bright and Esther Starkman communities. No details yet, but one is in the works. Stay tuned.

ON THE BOARD AGENDA, TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2013
http://www.epsb.ca/board/january15_2013/01152013.pdf (All reports and back-up documents can be found in this pdf file.)

1) MOTION: Delay the Eviction Notice to Sun and Moon Visionaries (currently tenants in Donald Ross School in Rossdale) to end of February

2) FOR FEEDBACK Should the electoral boundaries be shifted for Election 2013? Once again Ward H has surpassed (slightly) the threshold of me representing over 15% more of the public school supporters than other trustees (even with the adjustments made in the last election), so we need to consider this question. The Superintendent is presenting three possible options to the Board and seeking feedback. Once he has received the feedback, he and the Planning team will bring back their best recommendation for the Board to make a final decision. If you have any thoughts about the options presented in the report (Report 2), please let me know ASAP. While we are not making any decisions on this on Tuesday, any input or questions you have now would be useful to me. Here are the options:

OPTION 1 – Readjust all wards so that each trustee represents both new and old neighbourhoods.
This means that the current Ward H would be split up between the new Ward F and Ward G. In the report the specific neighbourhoods for each proposed ward are not listed but I have worked this out with a City Map. I will confirm on Tuesday that I am correct on how the neighbourhoods will fall.

The new Ward F would include the CURRENT WARD H communities of Glenridding, Ambleside, Windemere, Terwillegar, The Ridge neighbourhoods, Whitemud Oak neighbourhoods, Hodgson, Ogilivie Ridge PLUS the current WARD F communities of old Riverbend, Strathcona, McKernan, Parkallen, Lendrum, Malmo, Garneau, Belgravia, Windsor Park, Oliver, & Rossdale. (Before the last election, one concern about shifting old Riverbend and Brookview to Ward F from Ward H was the splitting up of the TRAC area into two wards. This proposal would see the TRAC area brought back together.)

The new Ward G would include the CURRENT Ward H communities of Chapelle, Desrochers, Allard, Callahagn, Rutherford, MacEwan, Richford, Twin Brooks, Sweet Grass, Yellowbird, Ermineskin, Duggan, Rideau Park, Greenfield, Royal Gardens, Westbrook, Aspen Gardens, Sweet Grass, Blue Quill PLUS the communities of Allendale, Pleasantview, Empire Park, and Queen Alexandra.

OPTION 2 Move Carter Crest, Falconer Heights, Haddow, Henderson Estates, and Ogilvie Ridge from Ward H to Ward F.

OPTION 3 Make an exception this time to our policy and retain the status quo.
And I quote from the report, “ the disadvantage is that over the next three years population growth in developing areas will continue to increase which could lead to a population imbalance between wards.”

Any thoughts or questions?

INFORMATION REPORTS:
a) Student Health: Information on how policy in this area could be improved and update on Comprehensive School Health unit’s work.
b) Providing more PD for Staff around Mental Health and Wellbeing.
c) The Inquiring Minds Site-based programs (City Hall School, Zoo School, Oilers School, etc)
d) Best Practices for Concussions
e) Increases in Revenues from Rental of Facilities

Again, any comments or questions related to the above reports?

UPCOMING

Monday, January 14, 3:15 – 4:45 pm. SW Edmonton Early Childhood Development Coalition monthly meeting. All are welcome! The meeting will be held at Riverbend Public Library, Programs Room. For more information, please contact Sheryl Paterson, Coalition Assistant, SWEECDCAssistant@hotmail.com or at 780-988-6064.

Thursday, January 24, 2013: Parenting in the New Millennium Presentation by Cameron Buchanan, Education Behaviour Consultant, Edmonton Public Schools, held at Centre for Education, One Kingsway, with a mini resource fair held between sessions. 6:00 – 7:30 pm : Elementary School Parents 8:00 – 9:30 pm : Junior and Senior High Parents To register: http://bit.ly/Behaviour-WorkshopJan24

Sunday, January 27: Family Literacy Day The theme this year is “15 minutes of Fun!” – how will you celebrate? http://abclifeliteracy.ca/fld/family-literacy-day

Tuesday, January 29, 7-9 pm Teleconference on Student Assessment, Growth and Achievement policy. Register at http://goo.gl/nBrPD All are welcome!

Until January 31….Provide Your Thoughts on the Student Assessment, Growth and Achievement policy https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZZP6RDK

(For Youth) Saturday, February 9, 9 am – 4 pm Career Symposium put on by the City of Edmonton Youth Council http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/jobs/2013-youth-career-symposium.aspx

THANK YOU to….

Esther Starkman School Council for warmly welcoming me to its meeting this past week. The Honourable Dave Hancock was also in attendance as was the EPSB Planning Department, which provided a presentation to Council on the history of school planning in the area, the current enrollment projections (to be finalized over the next few weeks), and some possible options in moving forward. I appreciated hearing the questions and comments that parents had. Again, thanks.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

What is the right age to send my child to Kindergarten? K Registration is around the corner (March/April) and over the years, I have received this question several times. One of our Early Years consultants in our Inclusive Education unit provided this answer to a constituent a few months ago and I thought other people might find it useful. If you know someone wondering about whether or not to send their child to K next fall, please feel free to pass it along:

Alberta Education provides funding for 475 hours of kindergarten for children who are at least 4 years and 6 months of age and less than 6 years of age on September 1 (Funding Manual for School Authorities). Based on this information, Edmonton Public Schools has established the cut-off date for age of entry into kindergarten to be March 1 as children meeting this age requirement are eligible to receive a kindergarten program. Some parents choose to postpone entrance into kindergarten of age-eligible children in order to allow extra time for socio-emotional, intellectual, or physical growth. Children must begin school if they are 6 years of age by September 1.

Regarding your question about data on later success in school and kindergarten start dates (Dec. 31 vs. Mar.1), the data on high school completion rates shows that age does not impact whether students successfully complete high school. There is also a considerable body of research looking at the impact of delaying a child’s entry into kindergarten. The research is inconclusive in determining the short-term or long-term effects and benefits for children who begin kindergarten in their birth year. In the long term, the academic and socio-emotional impact on children who start school later than their peers disappears over time. Research indicates that quality early learning supports and environment have a bigger impact on later success in school than a child’s age. In addition, appropriate curriculum and instruction are more important for student success than age, as every classroom has a wide range of students with diverse abilities and developmental levels.

For at-risk children, providing early educational supports and an enriched environment is critical for success. All children benefit from an enriched, play-based environment whether that is provided at home, in child-care, preschool or a kindergarten setting. As there is no conclusive evidence that proves the short-term or long-term effects of age of entry into kindergarten, parents are in the best position to determine what is in the best interests of their child.

(Comment from Catherine on the last paragraph: This reminds me of the work the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation is doing to support Full Day K opportunities for at risk children. They will be at the South Edmonton Business Association (SEBA) lunch this coming Thursday along with Mayor Mandel. Why not attend and find out more? http://www.sebaonline.ca/content/events )

Some thoughts from the Centre for Race and Culture’s Executive Director, Charlene Hay on the questions raised by the Idle No More movement and creating an inclusive environment for all. http://foraninclusivesociety.wordpress.com/2013/01/11/idle-no-more-a-learning-opportunity/ What is happening in your school or community to welcome, understand, and include everyone of every descent?

ANY COMMENTS?

As always, I am happy to receive any comments, great ideas, or experiences you may wish to share! You can contact me through email (Catherine.Ripley@epsb.ca), phone (780-887-1002), on Facebook (search Catherine Ripley); on Twitter ( @cripleyepsb) or any time you see me out and about in the community.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Catherine

Posted in Governance, Insights E-letter, Student Success | Leave a comment

INSIGHTS: Advocacy positions, District Cost Savings Initiatives… and MORE!

INSIGHTS: Special Education Annual Report, TAX LEVY Survey this week only….and MORE!

INSIGHTS: Tough budget, new schools, Board meeting this Tuesday…and MORE!

INSIGHTS: Budget 1 (Distribution of Funds), Capital Plan, Aboriginal Ed and ELL Annual Reports…and MORE!

INSIGHTS: Superintendent Survey, Student Assessment policy Round 2, Tax Levy….and MORE!

INSIGHTS: First Take on Budget Realities, First Year Teachers, Campaign Disclosure Bylaw…and MORE!

INSIGHTS: Superintendent Retirement, Decisions on managing enrollment challenges coming this week, Pennies, Budget Process….and MORE!

INSIGHTS: RSVP today, Capital Reserve expenditure, Electoral boundaries, 2013 Election…. and MORE!

INSIGHTS: Electoral Boundary changes proposed, community teleconference, Your Two Cents on Policy meeting….and MORE!

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