Catherine Ripley

INSIGHTS: January 17 Board Meeting, Healthy Kids summary, and MORE!

Posted on January 14, 2012 by catherine

Happy 2012 to all, and here’s hoping the first couple of weeks of the new year have been good to you.

It was great to jump back into trustee life after the Christmas holidays with a full and interesting first week back. My week consisted of …

reviewing the almost final draft of the Community Sustainability Task Force Report (to be released on February 2);
a Board of Governors meeting for the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation at which we celebrated the $10,000 raised at the Adam Gregory concert for Full Day K plus future plans (save the dates: April 25—Student Fashion Show; May 24: Ready for Life Fundraising Breakfast);
a Board and Superintendent Evaluation Committee meeting where we finalized a new Superintendent evaluation document and process;
a SWAC (Southwest Area Council of Community Leagues) meeting;
a Board Conference Meeting;
a meeting with the Minister of Education and the full Board where we presented some of our successes to him along with our key needs;
a meeting of an Early Childhood Development coalition that is forming in the southwest (The coalition is taking a look at the results of an Early Childhood Development Mapping Initiative called ECMap (http://web.extension.ualberta.ca/extcms/index.php/ecmap1/), discussing what the results are telling us, and will be developing strategies to improve areas of weakness. If you are interested in knowing more, please contact me); and
last but not least, two school council meetings. Thanks to both Duggan and Johnny Bright Councils for their warm welcome and their insights into life “on the ground” in their school communities.

UPCOMING….

PUBLIC BOARD MEETING (Tuesday, January 17, 2 -6 PM)

Everyone is welcome to attend either in person at the Centre for Education, One Kingsway or online at http://www.livestream.com/edmontonpublicschools

You can find links to all the reports and motions mentioned below at http://www.epsb.ca/board/january172012_agenda.shtml.

We will be discussing whether or not it would be a good idea for all four Metro Boards to engage in some collective research in the areas of FNMI, ELL, or Early Learning.

We will be giving Third Reading to the following policies:

Student Programs policy
Authority of Human Resources Decisions
Capital Projects policy
Student Accommodation policy – NOTE – This includes principles around setting Attendance Boundaries. I have received a number of emails over the last five years about attendance boundaries, so please be sure to take a look at this policy and let me know what you think.
Communications Framework (formerly News Media Relations)

We will look at a slightly revised version of the Fall Update on our 2011-12 Budget, which is projecting a very serious end to our fiscal year. As of August 31, it is estimated we will have only $1.7 million in our operating reserve.

We will review the following reports – full of rich information on a variety of topics:

Number of Results Review Meetings attended by trustees under the new system introduced this fall
Metro Boards Student Engagement Practices
Budgetary Implications of Opening Bessie Nichols, Michael Strembitsky and General Griesbach Schools in September 2012
Alignment of the National Mental Health Strategy Framework and our District work
The Lieutenant Governor’s Circle on Mental Health and Addiction
Comparison of Metro Boards Unused Space
Section 11.1 of Alberta Human Rights Act
How Communications Supports all Schools in the District
Bereavements
Participation in Commit to Kids, and last but not least….
Summary of “Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities” (from Trustee Janz and me) – find out what we learned from the intimate group of parents and community members who gathered with us at the end of October to brainstorm, share ideas and be inspired by Erin Wright of APPLE Schools and Bev Esslinger of SHAPE.

Thursday, February 2

Release of the Community Sustainability Task Force Report

City Hall, 10 am. Everyone is welcome!

Wednesday, February 8

Winter Walk Day.

To register or find our more, visit www.shapeab.com

Wednesday, February 27

Parent Keynotes (Teacher Convention)

Choose one parent keynote to attend, courtesy of Edmonton Public Schools “Parents as Partners” program, Edmonton Catholic Schools and the Greater Edmonton Area Teachers Convention. Choose either Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture or BoySmarts. For complete information and to register, visit http://www.epsb.ca/familiescommunity/events.shtml

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The Value of Parents Setting Goals and Modelling Positive Behaviour

Teachers have to write up goals for each class for each subject, and it is evaluated. What if, as a new year begins, parents wrote up the goals they have for each of their children in school and how they plan to achieve these goals with each child?

For example, schools are focussing on anti-bullying. How can parents support this goal? One idea is to model positive social behaviour themselves, particularly in front of their children. What do children learn when they see parents using a parking lot at least twice a day, five days a week, to turn around in – even when they have been told not to do that? What do children learn when their mom or dad is rude to the owners of said parking lot when they ask the parent not to do that?

As another example, what if a goal were to help their children to learn to take responsibility for their actions and to exercise good time management? Are parents ready to support teacher administration of consequences of not completing their homework? I believe too many parents write up excuses, defend their children and cover up for incomplete homework, and some also do homework for their kids.

Thanks, Helma, for sharing these ideas.

The Value of Mistakes.

Why let kids experience the frustration of botching something when you can prevent it? Here’s why: such frustration is a precursor to deep, lasting learning. That’s right, students’ grasp of new concepts and skills is often better when they struggle through the process of learning those concepts and skills than when teachers error-proof that process.

From David Ginsburg in a blog posting “Don’t Prevent Students’ Mistakes, Prepare for Them” You can read the full blog posting at http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/coach_gs_teaching_tips/2012/01/dont_prevent_students_mistakes_prepare_for_them.html?utm_source=feedburner

As always, I am happy to receive any comments, great ideas, or experiences you may wish to share!

Catherine

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Posted on December 22, 2011 by catherine

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INSIGHTS: District Financial Position & Budget Update, Calendar, Policy Work and ….MORE!

Posted on December 12, 2011 by catherine

December Greetings to all….

Last Thursday evening, it was my pleasure to take part in our Annual District Recognition Awards night and to recognize the outstanding service and contributions of individuals and teams in bettering our schools, the district, public education, and … the world.

HATS OFF to the following Ward H-ers who were recognized –

Neil Bargen (Community Volunteer, Rideau Park School), Charlotte DeCicco (Parent Volunteer, Rideau Park School), Barbara Jean Lake-Ramnath (Parent Volunteer, George P Nicholson), Brian Nolan (Parent Volunteer, Ainlay and Vernon Barford Schools), Cheryl Siegel-Logan (Parent Volunteer, Keheewin), John Huot (Teacher, Ainlay), Rideau Park School’s Inclusive Team, Greenfield’s “Fruit for a Friend” Donation Team, Ainlay’s “Me to We” Student Team, …. And THANK YOU to them for their great work and great example to us all.

For those who are thinking “Hey, I know someone deserving of recognition by the Board of Trustees!” – great! You can find out the criteria, deadlines, etc. at http://www.epsb.ca/staff/districtAwards.shtml

ALSO, CONGRATULATIONS to…

The Harry Ainlay Titans Football team for winning the provincial championships!
The students of École Greenfield School for their participation in the 7^th annual Kids’ Walk to Cure Diabetes This year the school community raised $9,807.52, bringing their grand total to $64,255.84 to help find a cure for Type I Diabetes.

And THANK YOU to ….

D.S. MacKenzie School Council for a warm welcome and discussion….
Children and Family Services for hosting a presentation from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection on their new program Commit to Kids, a step-by-step plan to help prevent sexual abuse from happening within child-serving organizations (http://www.commit2kids.ca/app/en/) and giving us a tour of the Zebra Protection Centre.

UPCOMING….

LAST PUBLIC BOARD MEETING OF 2011!

(TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2 -6 PM)

You can find links to all relevant reports and motions from the agenda page. http://www.epsb.ca/board/december132011_agenda.shtml

This week we will be reviewing our Financial Statements, Auditor’s Report and Budget Report.

I was pleased to see the good news of an unqualified audit opinion for the district, and it is important to note the recommendation to transfer $6.6 million from our operating reserve to offset our net deficit in unrestricted net assets. I also note that our financial flexibility is decreasing with our operating surplus now only able to support 6.4 days of operation compared to 8.3 days in 2009-10, and should our schools and central departments spend their $45.6 million in reserves, we would be looking at $18.1 million deficit. There is some thinking to do here in regard to our finances and determining how we can best retain flexibility and the ability to support all of our students well.

The Updated 2011-12 Budget Report shows how the reinstated (and much welcomed) funds from the Province have been allocated (primarily to placing 120 more teachers into classrooms and supporting the retention of 100 support staff…) plus it reflects the extra funds related to an enrollment increase this fall, extra transportation fuel contingency dollars and Action on Inclusion funding. Again, of concern, is a $33.9 million operating deficit (which fortunately, this year, ix expected to be covered by transfers from our accumulated operating reserves).

We will also be making a decision about the 2012-13 Calendar – i.e. whether or not to accept Trustee Shipka’s idea of starting back one week earlier than Labour Day and including a week-long break in November or accepting the Administration’s recommendation that the first day of school for 2012 would be September 4, 2012 and final day June 27, 2013.

Background reports include http://www.epsb.ca/board/november29_2011/item09.pdf (Survey results) http://www.epsb.ca/board/march08_11/item06.pdf (Calgary Board of Education use of two calendars) , http://www.epsb.ca/board/april26_11/item09.pdf (Benefits and Drawbacks), http://www.epsb.ca/board/may24_2011/item12.pdf (Advantages and Disadvantages), and http://www.epsb.ca/board/sept27_2011/item15.pdf (Cost Benefits).

Thank you to those who have already shared their opinions on this matter, and if you have any final thoughts for me, please let me know.

Lots of Policy Work

Should the Board develop a policy related to Student Placement and Retention? (The current Regulation regarding Student Placement is attached plus information on the pros and cons of “retaining” students in a grade rather than promoting them.)
Review of Student Programs policy
Review of Authority of Human Resources Decisions (Revising this policy to give the Superintendent the authority to appoint and assign principals, which has been previously retained by the Board)
Review of Capital Projects policy
Review of Student Accommodation policy – NOTE – This includes principles around setting Attendance Boundaries. I have received a number of emails over the last five years about attendance boundaries, so please be sure to take a look at this policy and let me know what you think.

Motion: Ask the Minister to Repeal Section 11.1 of Alberta Human Rights Act (ie. requirement for Boards to notify parents of any religious, sexuality or sexual orientation education and giving parents the right to ask for their children to be excluded from these classes) Thoughts?

Information

Update on Status of Anti-Bullying Work. In conjunction with the work on the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Safe Caring and Respectful Learning Environments policies, I have heard a lot about bullying. Is bullying happening in our schools? Unfortunately and sadly, yes – but as per this update, action is being taken to strengthen the ongoing work already underway in schools and to ensure ALL students and staff are safe (http://www.epsb.ca/board/december13_2011/item15.pdf )

Process for Supervising and Evaluating Teacher Performance (Over the years, I have received concerns related to how can we deal effectively with teachers whose performance appears to be poor. There are some answers in here about the current district processes to assist all teachers in growing their expertise and skills. )

ALSO UPCOMING….

Monday, December 19, 7 pm

ADAM GREGORY CONCERT AT JASPER PLACE HIGH SCHOOL

in support of the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation

If you are a country fan, please contact me re: very reasonable tickets… $25 to support a great cause! I believe there are still a few tickets left, but they are almost gone. I will be attending… Hope to see you there.

LOOKING BACK

I don’t often report back on the final decisions made by the Board. The major decisions are reported on in the media, and of course, approving the minutes of the previous Board meeting is always among the first order of business at every Board meeting. You can always check on how the votes went on decisions by reading the minutes or feel free to contact me for an update.

I did, however, want to follow up on the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Policy. As I’ve mentioned before, the Board received a lot of feedback on the draft policy posted last May. This was all taken into account before the policy was brought back to the Board, which has now unanimously approved all three readings of this policy. The Superintendent will now develop the regulations and has committed to then consulting with a representative advisory group about the implementation of the policy in all schools across the district (likely to roll out in the springtime). About 18 months from now the Board will receive a report on progress in the implementation of the policy.

During the last six months, I have reflected on the strong desire by people who contacted me or spoke at public board meetings to see and support safety, caring, and respect for ALL students and staff, and I am cheered by that. Welcoming everyone warmly and genuinely into our schools is something I have long advocated for, and living this out in our district will show our children and young people that these characteristics can be a reality for our world and their future. I also heard concerns expressed that if we focus in on one group of students and staff, we will somehow ignore or dismiss others or respect them less. My belief is that this will not happen as I have witnessed how much the staff care for the well-being of all children in our schools as well as for each other. If, as this policy and the Safe, Caring, Respectful Learning Environments policy are implemented, you experience otherwise, please let me know.

I also wanted to let you know that the Board decided not to consider the report on the Greenfield Cell Phone Tower. The decision to approve the siting of a new cell phone tower falls within the mandate and jurisdiction of Industry Canada and the City of Edmonton. As such, the Board decided that the issue fell outside the scope of the school board’s mandate, and chose not to take a position at this time.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT as a New Year approaches…

From The Honourable Gerry St. Germaine, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Aboriginal Education in his Forward to a recently released report on Aboriginal Education….

This report makes two key recommendations that we believe are crucial to achieving structural reform and moving First Nations education from a situation of crisis to one of hope. Education is the vehicle that lifts us all up. Our first recommendation, which calls for a First Nations Education Act, is intended to design a new and better vehicle. The second recommendation puts the necessary fuel in the vehicle, to get us where we need to go. The cost — in lost opportunities —-of not meeting this challenge is unacceptably high, both for First Nations and for Canada. This is a Canadian issue, not an Aboriginal issue, and we must all shoulder our responsibility as Canadians. This is an urgent moment in our shared history. Together, Canadians must act decisively, and boldly. Canada must succeed.

To read the full report, visit

http://parl.gc.ca/Content/SEN/Committee/411/appa/subsitedec2011/reports-e.htm

As always, I am happy to receive any comments, great ideas, or experiences you may wish to share!

Catherine

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INSIGHTS: Tracking Continuous Improvement, Results and Plans Review…and MORE!

Posted on November 28, 2011 by catherine

Hi …

What needs to be done so each and every child attending an Edmonton Public Schools program can “learn to their potential and develop the skills, passion, and imagination to pursue their dreams and contribute to their community”?

As a trustee, this is a question that I continue to ask – particularly at this juncture of the year when the Board reviews the results from the previous year and considers the plans and budgets of the Superintendent and his staff (i.e. principals & school staff, central department leaders & staff) going forward.

THREE-YEAR DISTRICT PLAN & 2010-11 RESULTS REPORT

From a broad overview perspective, the answer is found in the Three-Year District Education Plan and the 2010-11 Results Report, which I mentioned last time and which will come for approval this Tuesday. This is a key document, and really gives trustees (and Alberta Education) (and you!) a good overview of the results, successes and challenges of educating children as measured against the Province’s expectations plus the plans and strategies moving forward in 2011. http://www.epsb.ca/board/november29_2011/item06.pdf

REVIEW OF 2010-11 RESULTS, 2011-14 PLANS & 2011-12 REVISED BUDGETS

As an added measure of accountability, it is a long-held Edmonton Public Schools practice for trustees to divide up and go out into the district to ascertain “on the ground” how things are going. What were the successes? What were the challenges? What will “we” be doing differently next year to get those 3 – 40% more kids achieving at the acceptable standard? How will we make our schools safer, happier places? How will leaders ensure all their staff feel valued and have the chance to grow and improve?

These review meetings are, of course, public meetings, and I want to thank Erla, one parent who joined us in Ward H, who left me the following message: “I really appreciated being invited to the meeting. Out of everything I have attended with the district, this really helped to hit home for me what our school is doing for EVERY student and what other schools are doing for EVERY student. It made me much more aware of what’s going on at our own school and I don’t think I would have got that in any other forum. Again, thanks!”

I also want to thank the host schools of the meetings that I attended for accommodating us so graciously – Keheewin and Esther Starkman (Ward H), Britannia (Ward C), John A MacDougall (Ward D) and Edmonton Christian Northeast (Ward B).

So, now, at our Board meeting on Tuesday, we will be sharing the trends and issues we discovered – and for me, I will be thinking about whether or not the “on the ground” information supports what we are saying in our Three Year Education Plan. In a nutshell… Yes!

Here is some of what I learned (in no particular order),

Lots of innovation happening in many areas – through the impact on students by collaborative work by teachers, through the reorganization of the way in which supports and expertise from Student Learning Services is being delivered to schools, though the district leading the way with creating and using a totally digital student records system (could it be also used provincially?), through asking questions about why students are more successful at certain times (for example, during summer school) and then trying to replicate that…..
There are concerns over transportation and ease of access to assessment for ELL students, which is happening at McCauley now for people in the southwest.
The importance of food for hungry kids in terms of learning capacity
The work around the “pyramid of interventions” (or other systemic ways of tracking and helping children in timely ways) holds great promise for lifting up achievement and success of ALL students
Professional development for all staff is an investment …. Getting the word out effectively about the opportunities is a challenge.
There is much good work being done on “transitions” for students (between grades, between schools, between elementary, junior high and high school divisions, into schools)
Transiency is an issue at some schools as is regular attendance; building the capacity for staff to be flexible and adaptable is really important in this regard
Prior level of achievement results can help us understand the effect of great teaching and intervention of school on student performance – should we be seeing this data for every school?
Contributing factors for success: Onsite literacy coach; in a school with high immigrant population, a room set aside or parents to meet, get help with resumes, meet with agencies, sew….; the inclusive services team and breadth of support coming regularly into school; ensuring school is welcoming so it is a safe place where parents and students can express their needs; the passion of teachers
Discrepancy between schools in terms of “stuff” (resources) that children get is unsettling. Kids should have all the same opportunities, resources, etc.
Interesting project by Outreach to follow up with students leaving high school
Communications support for all schools through templates etc. – excellent!
Building leadership capacity (part of Superintendent’s plan that all units/schools are responding to) – the potential of “seeing” and “supporting” everyone as leaders
More and more opportunities for students to be leaders in schools…. Great in terms of building independence and engagement in school life

What the Board can do?

Look at, acknowledge and take action on the big picture of the pressing space and program needs of student population in the growing southwest
Advocate for increased bandwidth and enhanced digital infrastructure
Advocate for a provincial digital student record (which would allow much more ease for a new school to quickly understand a student and programming needs as soon as he or she walks in the door)
Advocate for sustainable predictable funding so we are not always planning and then readjusting at the last minute or having to put an initiative aside
Help showcase all the good things happening across 197 schools and within Edmonton Public Schools to the community and the Province
Advocate for children & learning and the value of public education.
Remember the teachers – they work really, really hard. Consider their compensation re all the extras they do.
Advocate for more support from the Government to pursue our Health and Wellness ambitions and plans.
Appreciate and support what we are doing in our schools and central departments.
Advocate to the government for even more to meet the needs of our students. The financial challenge of Inclusive Education and welcoming special needs children appropriately is huge (especially within a school with a small population)

PUBLIC BOARD (TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2 -6 PM)

EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Centre for Education , One Kingsway or find us online at http://www.livestream.com/edmontonpublicschools (during the meeting or archived).

Here is the agenda: http://www.epsb.ca/board/november292011_agenda.shtml

It includes:

(Recognition)

Congratulations to our Purchasing & Contract Services Department for an Outstanding Agency Accreditation Achievement from the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing!

(Monitoring Progress In Achieving our Priorities, Progress in Student & District Achievement, and Educational Plans/Budgets)

The District’s Work Around Developing Community Partnerships.
Three Year Education Plan and 2010-11 Results PLUS Board discussion on trends and issues identified during recent results and plans review sessions. (as mentioned above)
Update on Board Motion to Receive Annual Reports in a Variety of Areas. Some issues identified here for some of the requested reports.

(Exploring Potential Ways to Improve Student Achievement and Wellness)

Results of Survey on Modified District Calendar. (Over 13,000 responses; 46.9% NO, 45.1% YES, 8.0% undecided. Report contains further breakdowns)

(Policy Review and Development)

Third Reading of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity policy, which passed First and Second Reading. We had 35 people speak to the policy at our last board meeting, and like the feedback we received to the posting of the draft policy in May, the speakers represented a diversity of views.
Analysis of what would be required to undertake a full review of all policies.

(Community Issue… feedback required)

Proposed Telus Cell Phone Tower in Vicinity of Greenfield School. Does the Board wish to defer the decision to Industry Canada or write a letter of objection to Industry Canada, Telus and the City of Edmonton?

(Increasing Board Understanding)

West 8 Project re: Professional Development
Criteria and Qualifications of Staff Providing Services for Mental Health and Addictions Counselling
District Survey Historical Information

(Representing the Board, aka Trustee Reports)

As the Board rep on the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation, I will be reporting on the “Green Eggs and Ham” Launch of the Full Day K at Mee Yah Noh School and the “Create in Eight” showcase of art (done by teams mixed from various high schools) and the upcoming Adam Gregory concert at Jasper Place High School on December 19.

ALSO, UPCOMING

By November 30, Nominate a Teacher for a Prime Minister’s Teaching Award

Monday, December 19, 7 pm, Adam Gregory Concert at Jasper Place High School in support of the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation

If you are a country fan, please contact me re: very reasonable tickets… $25 to support a great cause! I will be attending… See you there?

OUT AND ABOUT

It is always a pleasure to be out and about in Ward H (and throughout the district), and thanks to Greenfield School for inviting me to their Remembrance Day Assembly and also, to their school council meeting this month.

I was also pleased to drop in to a Habitat for Humanity Open House at Johnny Bright School and find out more about their new development coming to Rutherford over the next few years.

Attending a South West Community Network meeting was most interesting and Trustee Janz and I learned about the southwest results of an Early Childhood survey that was administered last year. The survey looks at the development readiness of children by neighbourhoods in five main areas such as Emotional/Behavioural, Language Skills, etc. Fascinating and stay tuned for more on this. This will be great information for all of us to understand and share and to act on – Thanks to all the kindergarten teachers in our schools who administered the survey.

The New Teacher Induction Ceremony, hosted by our teachers’ local, was inspiring as was the conversation around the table on Saturday at the “Getting It Right” session on the Education Act. It was also good to see a few of you there, too! Thanks for your interest and giving up your Saturday. It was also good to see a few of you at the informative School Council Training night a few weeks ago.

CONGRATULATIONS !

Congratulations to the fledgling “Dads Matter” group at Greenfield School for getting up and running! You can read more about this group (which was inspired by the speaker brought in by the Greater Edmonton Teachers Convention Association and the two school boards last spring for the Parent Night) here:

http://www.canada.com/life/Back+school+active+dads/5748095/story.html?id=5748095

As always, I am happy to receive any comments, great ideas, or experiences you may wish to share!

Catherine

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INSIGHTS: Education Act consultation, November 26

Posted on November 16, 2011 by catherine

Hello all,

As you know, the potential of a new Education Act to positively impact the education “we” provide to our students is something near and dear to my heart.

Over the last several years, it has been my great privilege to participate in the Inspiring Education and Setting the Direction for Special Education dialogues, to contribute to Board discussions both around our Edmonton Public Schools table as well as with other boards across the province, and to host two community conversations in southwest Edmonton on the Act. I very much appreciate, too, the time and energy by community members to wrestle with the principles found in Bill 18 and the practicality of living up to them.

The discussion continues on Saturday, November 26, in Edmonton, courtesy of the new Minister of Education … and you are invited!

Parents, students and teachers are especially encouraged to attend, and you are invited to RSVP as soon as you can. Space is limited. .

The consultations will be exploring four themes:

1. Making schools safe and welcoming

2. Making learning relevant for all students

3. Keeping students engaged in learning

4. Setting students up for success in life

To register, visit: http://ideas.education.alberta.ca/engage/current-initiatives/education-act-getting-it-right

For those unable to attend, there will be an online opportunity to submit your views but that is not available just yet. I will keep you posted.

For additional background on the work to date on the Education Act, please visit http://catherineripley.ca/education-act/

Hope to see you there! Please let me know if you will be able to attend and I will keep an eye out for you.

Posted in Community Engagement, Insights E-letter, Inspiring Education dialogue, New Education Act, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

INSIGHTS: Annual Education Plan, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity policy, PATs… and MORE!

Posted on November 5, 2011 by catherine

Hello! And Brrrrr…. When I put on snow pants to walk our dog for an hour, I know that winter is definitely on its way!

LOTS OF “HIGHS” SINCE I LAST WROTE –

Participating in the Board approval of how to allocate our restored funding from the province: 95% will go out to schools, which will allow for more assistance to special needs students, more teachers and more support for them, and extra assistance for Grades 4-6 classrooms. The remainder will be used to develop resources to support schools. For full details, see Attachment 1 of http://www.epsb.ca/board/november082011_agenda.shtml. YEAH! Now to continue on with our Board advocacy for sustainable, predictable and adequate funding so our district leaders have the money at the start of their planning work and don’t have to re-think their planning mid-year!
Hosting an informative Ward H School Council Network meeting—great to hear about a success and challenge from each school in attendance. Take a peek: http://catherineripley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Meeting-Minutes-Oct24-11-FINAL.pdf Thanks to all those who attended!
Attending George P Nicholson’s School Council meeting with a focus on healthy eating – and seeing three student/mom teams prepare healthy lunches. Great fun!
Hosting “Healthy Kids! Healthy Schools! Healthy Communities!” with Trustee Michael Janz – stay tuned for the results of that meeting, and special thanks to Erin Wright of APPLE Schools and Bev Esslinger of SHAPE for sharing their work and wisdom.
AND the launch of a Full Day K classroom at Lauderdale School, thanks to the work of the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation and the generous support of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation. The Oilers Foundation has made a five-year commitment to this classroom – THANK YOU!

PUBLIC BOARD (TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2 -6 PM)

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Lots of interest and import on this Tuesday’s agenda! And so…I hope you can join us either in person or by webcast. Our meetings are held at the Centre for Education, One Kingsway (opposite the Royal Alex), 2^nd floor. Online you can find us at: http://www.livestream.com/edmontonpublicschools (during the meeting or archived).

Finally, just a reminder, that members of the public are always welcomed to share views of a general educational nature at any board meeting (See Section G and J on the agenda) or to speak directly to any agenda item. If you wish to do the latter, however, please register in advance through the Board office at 780-429-8021.

All reports mentioned below can be accessed at http://www.epsb.ca/board/november082011_agenda.shtml

I want first to bring your attention to the Feedback Report on the Annual Education Plan (Item 11). This is a key document that the Board reviews each year before it goes to the Minister of Education at the end of November. Combined with a summary of our results, the Education Plan then outlines how EPSB will build on district strengths and address our challenges and areas of weakness. Given the identified trends and issues (page 4) and our accomplishments (page 5) and our results (page 6 and on), the prime question is: Will the strategies mentioned lead us forward in improving success for our children and youth? What do you think?

The proposed policy on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity is coming for First and Second Reading. (Item 10) There has been great interest in this policy, which is intended to further the Board’s commitment to safe, caring and respectful environments for all students and staff, and the Board appreciates people taking the time to share their thoughts by email, phone and through the survey that was posted last May. All the feedback has been considered and integrated into the proposed policy now being brought forward (Attachment 1). What do you think? If you have thoughts to share, or questions about the proposed policy, please send them along so I may consider them before the Board discussion on Tuesday.

We will debate a motion around Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) (Item 7) and whether or not EPSB should support Premier Redford’s idea of replacing the Grade 3 (and Grade 6) tests with another type of assessment. You can see some information on this topic in Item 6. Again…what do you think?

We will receive an update on the APPLE Schools initiative and REAL Kids survey (Item 5), give final approval to a new “terms of reference” for our Audit Committee (detailed under Item 3) as well as select two trustees to sit on the Audit Committee for this year (Item 4).

Finally, our meeting will begin with a Remembrance Service led by some students from Vimy Ridge Academy. This is always a powerful and moving ceremony.

ALSO, UPCOMING
Monday, November 7 (appetizer reception 5:30 p.m., sessions to follow until 9 p.m.) – School Council training (Centre for Education) . http://www.epsb.ca/familiescommunity/events.shtml

Wednesday, November 9, 7 – 9:30 pm

Bullying Prevention Resource Information Fair

Barnett House, 11010 142 Street

Sponsored by the Bullying Prevention Project Team of Edmonton’s Community Initiative Against Family Violence (CIAFV). http://www.epsb.ca/familiescommunity/events.shtml

______________________________________________________________________

November 14 -18 ANNUAL TRUSTEE REVIEWS: 2010-11 Results, leading into 2011-12 Plans & Budget

On Monday morning, November 14, I have asked Trustee Ken Shipka if I may join him to review some of the Ward B schools in the northeast. Would you like to come with me? Let me know!

Tuesday, November 15 Central Reviews (1 to 3:30 pm)

See page 11 of the following report for the various departments being reviewed by whom and where. It will be my pleasure to review Corporate Services (HR, Communications, Foundation, District Records, and Technology) with Trustee Spencer. Everyone is welcome! http://www.epsb.ca/board/sept27_2011/item09.pdf

On Wednesday morning, November 16, I have asked Trustee Dave Colburn if I may join him to review some of the Ward D schools in the centre of Edmonton. Would you like to come with me? Let me know!

Thursday, November 17 Ward H School Reviews (Home Sweet Home!)

Everyone is Welcome!

AM (at Keheewin School) with Asst. Supt. MacNeil: Greenfield, GP Nicholson, and Keheewin Schools
PM ( at Esther Starkman School) with Asst. Supt. Coggles: Esther Starkman and Johnny Bright Schools

On Friday morning, November 18, I have asked Trustee Christopher Spencer if I may join him to review some of the Ward C schools in the west central area of the city. Would you like to come with me? Let me know!

_________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. How to get your children to do what you want them to do!

FREE workshop offered by Edmonton Public Schools Inclusive Learning Services @ Newton School: 5523 – 122 Avenue. Address parenting and behaviour concerns with Cameron Buchanan, Education/Behavior Consultant. For EPSB parents, guardians and caregivers of Early Learning, Kindergarten and Grade 1 to 3 students. (No child care provided.) Please RSVP to Isabelle at isabelle.boisvert@epsb.ca by Friday November 18.

Thursday, November 24th & Friday, November 25^th

“Transcending Barriers: Leveling the Playing Field for All,” the Annual Conference of the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta, http://www.ldalberta.ca/conference

By November 30, Nominate a Teacher for a Prime Minister’s Teaching Award

http://www.epsb.ca/board/april26_11/item09.pdf

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD! AND THANK YOU!

EPSB is proud to partner both formally and informally with many organizations in its efforts to educate the children we are privileged to teach and serve. Click here http://www.epsb.ca/familiescommunity/community.shtml to view a list of our 2010-2011 partners. And a sincere thank you from this trustee for joining with EPSB in our work to support our children and youth. (By the way, EPSB believes this is a full listing, but may have inadvertently missed someone. If you are a community partner, or know of a community partner, whose name is missing from this list, please contact janice.bell@epsb.ca with corrections.)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT…. On Bullying from an article by Todd Babiak, Edmonton Journal.

In his article, Mr. Babiak shared an experience that shows that bullying is not just a phenomenon related to childhood. He contacted Shelley Hymel, a professor in the Faculty of Education at UBC, and a bullying researcher, for his article, and here is an excerpt:

“What is bullying?….[Ms. Hymel asks] Is it a natural phenomenon? A social tendency? Simple abuse of power? Or is it psychopathy? It’s so prevalent — up to 50 per cent of kids in that key age group will tell us they have bullied others — that it can’t simply be explained as a mental-health issue.”

Hymel ….thinks bullying peaks between grades six and nine because kids try on different personas, as they create an identity. The frontal lobe development isn’t quite there yet. ….“We’re learning, at that age, about give and take in society. There’s the ‘me, I, my’ mentality and there’s also a growing sense of empathy, a deeper understanding that all this could lead to chaos.”

To read the full article, visit http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/Babiak+Unfortunately+bullies+usually+prevailing/5445125/story.html?cid=megadrop_story

Also, on the same subject of bullying, and if you are the parent of a child with autism, you may wish to participate in a survey, launched October 18, by Interactive Autism Network (IAN Project). “Children with ASD are believed to be especially vulnerable targets due to their social deficits and other challenges,” and the survey will explore the issues. For more on the survey, http://www.newswise.com/articles/national-survey-will-measure-how-bullying-impacts-children-with-autism Thank you, Lori, for passing this opportunity along.

FINALLY, A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE EDUCATION ACT!

This week the Minister of Education announced that Bill 18 will not come back to the Fall Session of the Legislature. He wrote to Boards to say that Alberta Education will be engaging students, parents, teachers and members of the community in further discussion. He also stated that “enabling school boards to be more responsive to local needs, a focus on increased high school graduation rates, better support for inclusion and ensuring that schools are caring, respectful and safe environments all remain important priorities for this government.”

You may also be interested in reading Premier Redford’s mandate letter to Minister Lukaszuk at http://alberta.ca/premier_cabinet.cfm. You will see he has been given two priorities: to develop minimum three-year funding cycles for education and to “table a new Education Act reflecting a principled, learner-centred, inclusive, competency-based education system proposed in the Inspiring Education.”

Let the conversation continue! I will keep you informed as to opportunities for further input, and I will be keeping the thoughts gathered at the January and September 2011 community meetings on this topic very much top of mind.

As always, I am happy to receive any comments, great ideas, or experiences you may wish to share!

Catherine

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INSIGHTS: Healthy Kids! Invitation, Satisfaction Survey Results & More!

Posted on October 23, 2011 by catherine

Hello!

Last week was a busy week of learning for me – The week began with a Board session on Policy Governance by Mr. George Cuff, followed by some trustees attending the Public School Boards Association of Alberta (PSBAA) “University 2” – “Starting with/out the End in Mind” with Dr. John Wiens from Manitoba. I also enjoyed an evening with Southwest Area Council (SWAC) for their AGM as well as an evening with Lillian Osborne School Council where, among other things, I listened to the Athletics and Phys Ed Department Heads speak about their vision for developing a health/fitness program at a brand new high school.

Tomorrow night (Monday) I look forward to learning some more from the Ward H School Council Network Representatives as we meet to hear one success/one challenge from each of them plus hear from Assistant Superintendent Ron MacNeil about recent organizational changes at the district level. What has changed, why, and how will it improve service and support to our kids and schools? Mr. MacNeil is a key person for Ward H as he takes responsibility for all the schools feeding into Harry Ainlay, and with the exception of Lillian Osborne and Esther Starkman, these are all “my” schools. I am grateful for him taking time to share with us. By the way, Mr. Bruce Coggles is the Assistant Superintendent for all schools feeding into Lillian Osborne (and Strathcona).

HEALTHY KIDS! HEALTHY SCHOOLS! HEALTHY COMMUNITIES!

Have you registered yet for this community meeting, which will be centred around our fourth Board priority – health and wellness for our staff and students – and hosted by Trustee Janz and me. Find out what’s happening in some Edmonton Public Schools, share your school, family or community initiatives, and let us know how we can track progress in this area…. What measures will let you know students and staff and schools are getting healthier and happier?

Don’t delay! RSVP today …. Michael@michaeljanz.ca

PUBLIC BOARD MEETING, TUESDAY October 25, 2 – 6 pm

On the Agenda — Any comments to share on any of these items? Please let me know!

The Milk Revolution at Westglen School (Progress and Excellence in Promoting Health and Wellness)
Report from Conference Committee, including recommendation to seek approval from the Minister of Education to re-appoint our Superintendent Edgar Schmidt
Motion to Support Premier Redford’s pledge to replace Grade 3 PATs with more appropriate assessment mechanisms….
2010-11 Satisfaction Surveys from Students, Parents, Staff and Community (“one measure of gauging success in meeting our Priorities”) – You can see the results organized by 2008-11 Priorities as well as by target group and see how people think Edmonton Public Schools are doing in a variety of areas. Lots of positive results – some areas to be looked at more deeply and improved.
Africa Centre Parent Information Sessions – issues raised, lessons learned, follow up and next steps.
Update on Edmonton Public Schools Foundation work: successes, opportunities & challenges, financial picture

All reports are accessible through the online agenda found at

http://www.epsb.ca/board/october252011_agenda.shtml

And please note, this is a PUBLIC meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend at One Kingsway (opposite the Royal Alex) in the Centre for Education, 2^nd floor. Or drop in electronically by visting http://www.livestream.com/edmontonpublicschools

ALSO, UPCOMING

By November 3, Provide Input on the Idea of Modifying our School Calendar to begin school several days earlier in August and take a mid-fall break in November (around Remembrance Day). What do you think? http://viawebsurvey.epsb.net/vws/Surveys.cfm?A=2477&B=4257

Before you answer you may wish to read through this information: Benefits and Drawbacks of Modified School Year (See page 3, Trustee Request 76) http://www.epsb.ca/board/april26_11/item09.pdf and Would staff sick time be decreased? http://www.epsb.ca/board/june14_2011/item19.pdf (See page 2, Trustee Request 89)

Thursday, November 3, 7 pm (Once again! Come on out!)

Healthy Kids! Healthy Schools! Healthy Communities!

A Ward F/Ward H Community Meeting related to our Fourth Priority around Health and Wellness, hosted by Trustee Michael Janz and me. Riverbend Community League, 258 Rhatigan Road East. RSVP to Michael@michaeljanz.ca

Monday, November 7 (appetizer reception 5:30 p.m., sessions to follow until 9 p.m.)

School Council training (Centre for Education) . http://www.epsb.ca/familiescommunity/events.shtml

Wednesday, November 9, 7 – 9:30 pm

Bullying Prevention Resource Information Fair

Barnett House, 11010 142 Street

Sponsored by the Bullying Prevention Project Team of Edmonton’s Community Initiative Against Family Violence (CIAFV). http://www.epsb.ca/familiescommunity/events.shtml

Tuesday, November 15 Central Reviews (1 to 3:30 pm)

See page 11 of the following report for the various departments being reviewed by who and where. It will be my pleasure to review Corporate Services (HR, Communications, Foundation, District Records, and Technology) with Trustee Spencer. Everyone is welcome! http://www.epsb.ca/board/sept27_2011/item09.pdf

Thursday, November 17 Ward H School Reviews

Everyone is Welcome!

AM (at Keheewin School) with Asst. Supt MacNeil: Greenfield, GP Nicholson, and Keheewin Schools
PM ( at Esther Starkman School) with Asst. Supt Coggles: Esther Starkman and Johnny Bright Schools

Thursday, November 24th & Friday, November 25^th

“Transcending Barriers: Leveling the Playing Field for All,” the Annual Conference of the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta, http://www.ldalberta.ca/conference

By November 30, Nominate a Teacher for a Prime Minister’s Teaching Award

http://www.epsb.ca/board/april26_11/item09.pdf

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

From Louise Hayes, Chair of the Board of Governors of the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation. Louise received an Honourary Doctorate from the University of Alberta in the Spring and spoke to the Graduating Classes of Phys Ed and Education. http://www.news.ualberta.ca/article.aspx?id=B21F8D21783D4BA9AD46A2BAE6F9C035

“The Aboriginal population is the fastest growing population in Canada, and though many Aboriginal communities still wrestle with many societal issues, there’s one monumental issue that each of you graduating today can help eradicate. Poverty. At its simplest form, education is the path out of poverty. It’s essential that public education and literacy are supported by government and community.

“You may be asking yourself where to begin, how you as an individual, can possibly make a difference.

“Start by learning more. Help dispel the myths. Share your new-found knowledge with your students and friends.”

As always, I am happy to receive any comments, great ideas, or experiences you may wish to share!

Catherine

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INSIGHTS: District Results, Creativity, Summary of September 14 and MORE!

Posted on October 8, 2011 by catherine

Hello! And Happy Thanksgiving!

We have a new premier since I last wrote, and it is so wonderful that Premier Redford appears to be making public education a priority in her work. Long may this continue – not only for the Progressive Conservatives but for all political parties and all Albertans! Investing in our children and their education is the wisest investment of all.

T’IS THE SEASON TO PURSUE ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT! CONGRATS TO OUR STUDENTS AND STAFF!

Although the Board is always asking the Superintendent questions about how our students are doing, we especially concentrate on results and accountability every fall. Why? Because this is when Alberta Education releases our district results on the provincial Accountability Pillars (including academic results, high school completion rate, Rutherford Scholarship attainment, citizenship, etc.) and Edmonton Public Schools releases our own satisfaction survey results from students, parents, staff, and community members.

This annual review of results kicked off on Wednesday with Board Chair Colburn and Acting Superintendent Parker meeting with the media.

PRESS RELEASE: http://news.epsb.ca/2011/10/edmonton-public-schools-releases-2010-2011-student-achievement-results/

As the press release states, “we” have lots to be proud of – our high school completion rates continue to trend upward (yeah!), our results at Grades 6 and 9 in all core subjects also show an upward trend, and a “percentage of students meeting the acceptable standard for the Grade 3 English Language Arts test is above 80 per cent for the first time in five years.” Although not yet at 100% (!), the results in the lower grades bodes well for achieving the Board’s vision of “ALL students fulfilling their potential and developing the ability, passion and imagination to pursue their dreams and contribute to their community” in years to come. There was a decline in our Grade 12 diploma results for Math, English, Social and strong results in Science and French Language arts — and district staff will be working to better understand the reasons behind these results. Overall, the results are one demonstration of the hard work of both staff and students – and so, congrats to all those involved!

ACTUAL TEST RESULTS: If you wish to take a look at the results for your schools, you can find them here: http://epsb.ca/about/testrslts.shtml

But this is just the beginning of our review process. Over the next six weeks, the Board will review our results in more depth at the Board table, in smaller review meetings of schools across the City, and also in review meetings with our Central Departments.

At the smaller public school review meetings, trustees and assistant superintendents will discuss the results with principals and also, review the plans that principals are intending to put into action to 1) build on a school’s strengths and address the weaknesses (as seen in the results) and 2) move forward on the district priorities the Board established last winter. In addition, now that the final working enrollment numbers are in (as of September 30), which is foundational to the budget a school receives, we will discuss the budget that our leaders are working with and consider how that budget supports the intended plans.

Similar discussions will happen at the Board table with the Superintendent about our overall district results and his performance, and we will also present our own evaluation of the Board’s performance over the past year.

These meetings are all public. The Ward H dates are mentioned below in UPCOMING as is the date for the Central Departments reviews. You are more than welcome to join in. In addition, I will be signing up to attend review session in other wards. This is a GREAT way to learn about schools and communities in other parts of the City, and if you would be interested in accompanying me, please let me know. Perhaps we could travel together!

PUBLIC BOARD MEETING, TUESDAY October 11, 2 – 6 pm

All reports on the agenda items are accessible through the online agenda found at http://www.epsb.ca/board/october112011_agenda.shtml

And please note, this is a PUBLIC meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend at One Kingsway (opposite the Royal Alex) in the Centre for Education, 2^nd floor.

At the meeting, we will have a “first” – a discussion and learning opportunity online with another school board! This past year Board Chair Colburn has worked hard to develop a relationship with the Ottawa-Carleton School Board, which is doing some interesting work in the area of creativity. One result will be this “real time” conversation between two boards on creativity. If you are interested in finding out what Ottawa-Carleton is up to, please either drop in to the Centre of Education from 5 – 6 pm on Tuesday or tune in to our webcast: http://www.livestream.com/edmontonpublicschools.

Other items on the agenda include:

A motion related to a decision made last Board meeting to appoint two external members to our Audit Committee, including the idea of changing the Audit Committee structure from a Committee of the Whole (all of us) to a committee composed of three trustees and the two external members.
Policy recommendation re: Student Admission to the District
Presentation from EGALE on “Every Class in Every School: Final Report on the First National Climate Survey on Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia in Canadian Schools”
Information on Student Advisory Councils
Information on Number of New Schools Anticipated for New Neighbourhoods over the next 20 years (This is a good companion piece to the report we received last Board meeting on possible options for going forward in serving the children in new neighbourhoods in the immediate future)

EDUCATION ACT MEETING SUMMARY NOW ONLINE

Trustee Janz and I have now compiled a summary report of the meeting we held on September 14 on the Education Act. You can access this report through our Board agenda package for October 1 1 at http://www.epsb.ca/board/oct11_2011/item10.pdf or online at http://www.epsb.ca/board/oct11_2011/item10.pdf We have also shared the reports MLAs Dave Hancock and Fred Horne.

It is an unfiltered record (created to the best of our facilitators and our ability) of the comments made that evening and for me, provide much food for thought as the Board continues to consider its position on the Act, so thanks to all who attended.

I have received a few already from people who attended the meeting and received a copy of the report yesterday. One person commented that in the parent group, there was talk of taking a “best practices” approach to parent responsibilities rather than a legislative approach. Another person has commented that she would be worried about the enforceability of the Act and the personal legal implications for trustees.

What are you thinking about Bill 18? Your comments are welcomed. I encourage you to share them in the comments section of my website related to the report and more importantly, to share them with our MLAs who will make the final decisions on the Act.

ALSO, UPCOMING

Tuesday, October 11, 7-9 pm (Centre for Education)

Moratorium Committee: Public Input Session. Come on out and provide your ideas for keeping small schools open, etc. You can see all the presentations made to date on various related topics (such as Alternative Programs, Leasing, Facilities, etc) and the minutes of past meetings at http://epsb.ca/trustees/ClosureMoratorium.shtml

Wednesday, October 12, 7 – 9 pm

Edmonton Regional Coalition for Inclusive Education Presentation: “Advocacy Through Collaboration” Gateway Association, 18304-105 Avenue. For more information, visit http://sites.google.com/site/edmontonregionalcoalition/Home

Thursday, November 3, 7 pm

Healthy Kids! Healthy Schools! Healthy Communities! A Ward F/Ward H Community Meeting related to our Fourth Priority around Health and Wellness, hosted by Trustee Michael Janz and me. Riverbend Community League, 258 Rhatigan Road East. RSVP to Michael@michaeljanz.ca

Monday, November 7 (appetizer reception 5:30 p.m., sessions to follow until 9 p.m.) – School Council training (Centre for Education) . Details to Come!

Tuesday, November 15 Central Reviews (1 to 3:30 pm)

Thursday, November 17 Ward H School Reviews

AM (at Keheewin School): Greenfield, GP Nicholson, and Keheewin

PM ( at Esther Starkman School): Esther Starkman and Johnny Bright

Thursday, November 24th & Friday, November 25^th

“Transcending Barriers: Leveling the Playing Field for All,” the Annual Conference of the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta, http://www.ldalberta.ca/conference

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Dr. Ben Levin, on the role of parents in the education process:

“Parents and families are very important. Family background continues to be the single most powerful predictor of student outcomes. That’s been the case as long as we’ve been measuring and it continues to be the case in every study. We know a lot about how to engage parents more effectively in students’ education but we don’t always use that knowledge.”

You can see the full interview with Dr. Levin, who is Professor and Canada Research Chair in Education Leadership and Policy at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, at

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/c-m-rubin/the-global-search-for-edu_13_b_979366.html

FYI: If you would like to receive occasional emails about events/issues of interest to parents/families, please email Kim.McEwan@epsb.ca and ask to be added to our Partners in Education database.

As always, I am happy to receive any comments, great ideas, or experiences you may wish to share!

Catherine

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

INSIGHTS: Education in the Suburbs, High School Completion work, and more!

Posted on September 24, 2011 by catherine

Hello and a good Saturday to all!

I have several things to bring to your attention today – first, the Board meeting agenda for Tuesday (see below) and the second is some thinking and questioning around how the Board is going to provide excellent education to children in the newly expanding suburbs when there is no school nearby or not enough space in the nearest school to where you live. This is directly relevant to many Ward H residents who live in a number of Edmonton’s newest neighbourhoods and why I bring this to your attention. Your views and perspectives – and creative ideas — are welcomed! Please let me know what you think.

EDUCATING CHILDREN IN EDMONTON’S NEWEST NEIGHBOURHOODS – HOW?

Item 14 on Tuesday’s Board agenda provides some information with respect to possible options for the district to accommodate the growing numbers of children wanting to attend our very newest schools (such as Johnny Bright in Rutherford and Esther Starkman in Terwillegar). As of their second year of operation, these two southwest schools are already full – so the question for me is … Now what? Although no concrete plan of action is laid out in this report, you can see some of the options (with pros and cons) — it is indeed a challenging problem. http://www.epsb.ca/board/sept27_2011/item14.pdf

Coupled with that report, you may also be interested to read a recent article in Avenue Edmonton Magazine: “A Class Struggle” by Eliza Barlow. http://avenueedmonton.com/articles/a-class-struggle Ms. Barlow works to bring out the various challenges facing the Board with respect to providing education in the suburbs, which are overflowing with families and young children, as well as keeping education lively and vibrant in Edmonton’s more mature neighbourhoods, which have fewer children living in them. Mr. Dave Colburn, our Board Chair, The Honourable Dave Hancock, Minister of Education, and Councillor Bryan Anderson were all interviewed for this article and provide much food for thought.

When I read Ms. Barlow’s article, I was reminded about the six planning principles of our Board’s Capital Plan, particularly the first and fourth principles:

(Principle 1) Equitable Access to Quality Learning Environments and Choice of Programs – Students at all grade levels are entitled to equity of access to high quality, modern facilities and a balanced range of regular, alternative and special programs regardless where they live in the city.

(Principle 4) Accommodation and Program Needs Met Within Sectors – The District will ensure that we have sufficient schools and programs in each sector to accommodate student demand, eliminating the need for students to travel great distances to access programs.

I believe these and the other four principles are solid and yet how to deliver on them with our deferred maintenance budget sitting at about $250 million and uncertain levels of capital funding from year to year? (i.e. one year we receive nothing and then the following six new schools are funded, and so it goes!). The principles can be found at (http://www.epsb.ca/datafiles/TenYearFacilitiesPlanboard.pdf

(pages 3 and 4). Again, your thoughts are welcomed.

BOARD MEETING, TUESDAY, September 27, 2 pm

There are many interesting items on the agenda and you can find the agenda and all related reports are posted at http://www.epsb.ca/board/september272011_agenda.shtml ALL are welcome! If you are not able to attend the meeting and are interested in any of the items mentioned below, you can always tune into our webcast after the fact and see what was presented. To do so, visit http://www.livestream.com/edmontonpublicschools.

Enabling All Students to Complete High School:

I am greatly looking forward to understanding more about the high school flexibility pilot. (Report 2) M.E. LaZerte is part of a provincial pilot initiative happening across the province and directly supports Edmonton Public Schools’ work around our first priority, which is to provide supports and programs that will enable all students to complete high school. Do all students need to have 25 hours of face-to-face instruction in a subject? What if you need more hours? How does the “personalization” of learning work on a practical level in a big high school?

Third Reading of the following policies: Guidance and Counselling Services, Field Trips, Student Attendance, Instructional Fees and School Library Learning Commons. Any final thoughts or questions on these policies? Please let me know.

Proposed Results and Planning Review Process: We will also discuss and approve (or not approve) the proposed Results and Planning Review process. One proposed change this year is for ward trustees to review one-third of their schools once in their three-year term only, not every year. And this year, it is proposed that the ward trustee and assistant superintendent work together to review the schools with other trustees in attendance as they wish. Thoughts?

Audit Committee: Last spring the Board voted to include an external member (or several) on its Audit Committee. This report gives the Board some options for going forward, and also asks the question if the Audit Committee should be a “committee of the whole” (which it is right now) or a committee of three or four trustees plus several external members. Thoughts?

Potential Names for New 2012 Schools: Michael A. Strembitsky and Bessie Nichols Schools!

Leasing Summary: It is excellent to understand the many different groups and companies that are use space within Edmonton Public Schools. Many of them are directly involved in supporting families and students (such as daycares, nurseries, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, etc.). Take a peek. While you do so, please think about the notion that lots of people have suggested – leasing out more portions of less-than-full schools might be a way to resolve the district’s surplus space issue. What do you think? If the subject of leasing is of interest to you, you may also be interested in attending the Moratorium Committee’s evening meeting on September 27 on this very subject. Again, all are welcome.

Also, coming to Board is some information on sleep deficit and impact on students as well as whether there could be both cost savings to the district and extra PD opportunities for staff if we modified our calendar to have no early Thursday dismissals and extended the school day slightly.

ALSO, UPCOMING

Tuesday, September 27, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Moratorium Committee meets to look at Leasing
McCauley Chambers, Centre for Education, One Kingsway

The public is welcome to attend and/or address the Committee on this issue by registering with the Board Office at 780-429-8021

Thursday, September 29, 11:45 to 1 pm

Edmonton Public Schools Foundation Information Session @ John A. MacDougall School. For more information and to register: http://foundation.epsb.ca/events

October 3 – 7 READ IN WEEK! Who will you read with this week?

October 3 – 7 International Walk to School Week!

In Alberta – SHAPE encourages, supports and records your participation!

Monday, October 3, 7 – 9 p.m.

David Bouchard (www.davidbouchard.com) will present on The Gift of Reading – Practical strategies that are real and achievable for every family – a great way to kick off Read-In Week! Details on place etc. to come.

Until October 4, PROPOSED POLICY open for YOUR input on…

Inclusive Education
Capital Projects
Authorization for Human Resource Decisions
Student Accommodation (AKA principles for setting attendance boundaries)
Communications

http://www.epsb.ca/policy/policyReviewListings.shtml

By October 10: Express your Appreciation! Nominate someone for a District Award !

Staff awards: http://www.epsb.ca/staff/districtAwards.shtml . Student awards: http://www.epsb.ca/students/eps_awards.shtml . Detail and application forms are posted.

Wednesday, October 12, 7 – 9 pm

Thursday, November 3, 7 pm

Monday, November 7 (appetizer reception 5:30 p.m., sessions to follow until 9 p.m.) – School Council training (Centre for Education) . Details to Come!

Thursday, November 24th & Friday, November 25^th

“Transcending Barriers: Leveling the Playing Field for All,” the Annual Conference of the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta, http://www.ldalberta.ca/conference

As always, I am happy to receive any comments, great ideas, or experiences you may wish to share!

Catherine

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

INSIGHTS: Policy Review, Budget, Foundation News….

Posted on September 16, 2011 by catherine

THANK YOU to all those who attended “You’re Invited to Shape the Future!” (aka Education Act) meeting on Wednesday night. It was good for Trustee Janz and me to listen to the table conversations around student, parent and board responsibilities as well as the Q&A with The Honourable Dave Hancock, Minister of Education. Trustee Janz and I will be sharing a summary of the comments in the future.

And SPECIAL THANKS to those who helped out to make the meeting run smoothly and successfully –

Principal Dave Jones of Ainlay who let us use the Student Services Centre for the meeting and Ms. Pat Baker for making sure we had everything we needed,
Ms. Pat Sawatzky for providing the refreshments, and
our six table facilitators: Dr. Angele Beaudoin, former Trustee Sue Huff, Ms. Sara Heibert, Trustee Cheryl Johner, Ms. Cheryl Miller and Mr. Jeffrey Shin.

Loved this one comment by the Minister – the transformation of our education system will happen because of people (not an Act) and only if education becomes a strongly held societal value. Public education is already a strong value for me… is it for you? What do you think about this?

FIVE POLICY REVIEWS now underway. What input do you have?

Check out the proposed new policy on Inclusive Education and the policy review of our Capital Projects, Authorization for Human Resource Decisions, Student Accommodation (which, please note, deals with principles for setting attendance boundaries) and Communications policies. http://www.epsb.ca/policy/policyReviewListings.shtml

You have until October 10^th to provide your thoughts on these draft policies. Based on the feedback, possible changes will be considered by the Policy Review Committee and then the policy is likely to come to Public Board for First Reading. After the policies pass Three Readings, then the Administrative Regulations (ARs) are reviewed or created by the Superintendent.

BUDGET, CLASS SIZES, ETC.

I received the following note from one of my Insights e-letter readers: “Catherine, wouldn’t it be helpful for residents in your ward to know how many teaching and support positions were cut and impact for the current teaching year?” Yes, I think so, but right now, the final numbers are not yet in. At Tuesday’s Board meeting, the Superintendent told the Board our enrollment is up (largely in our newest neighbourhoods) and that teachers / educational assistants, etc. were being hired. The final count on students happens on September 30, and when I know the final numbers, I will share this with you.

I have also received a few calls with concerns about large class sizes. Yes, some classes are very large. Principals are working to look at how best to handle these situations (some of which are due to increased enrollment). Whatever the class size, the goal is to support excellent education for each and every student.

On a related note, the ATA, Alberta School Councils Association (ASCA) and the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) continue to advocate for adequate, sustainable, predictable funding for education. Round 2 of the “Stop the Cuts” campaign was launched last week. For more information, please visit: http://www.myalbertaschool.ca/index.php

WELCOME…to two newest principals in Ward H: Mr. Colin Willows has been appointed Principal to Sweet Grass School and Ms. Carol Van Kuppeveld as Principal for Steinhauer School. I look forward to working with you and your school communities!

FANTASTIC NEWS FROM THE EDMONTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION!

Last year’s friend-raising and fund-raising activities have supported three full-day K classes this year, which are additional to the 21 Full Day Ks that the Board of Trustees already supports. (FYI: Provincial funding is only available for the regular half-day Kindergarten program.) The full-day K at Tipaskan School (Millwoods), begun last year, will carry on and a second class will open at Mee-Yah-Noh School (north side). PLUS “the Oilers” Full-Day K will open in Lauderdale School. WOO-EEEE! This is excellent news and means that about 50 more children will be more “ready to learn” than without the efforts of the Foundation and its generous donors. Thank you to all who donated last year!

If you would like to know more about the Foundation, why not attend an information session (no $$$ required!)? Please visit http://foundation.epsb.ca/events

If you have an idea for generating funds for the Foundation, please let me know. I am once again the Board’s rep on the Foundation’s Board of Governors and would be glad to take your ideas forward.

UPCOMING

Saturday, September 17 Community League Day

Get out and see what’s happening in your community!

http://www.efcl.org/NEWS/September17/tabid/268/Default.aspx

Saturday, September 17th @ 1:30 pm

For black youth interested in arts and leadership, The Keshotu Leadership Academy will be holding its first session of the school year at U of A, Education North Building, Room 2-262 (2nd Floor). For more info visit, http://www.cfrac.com/programs/youth/keshotu-leadership-academy

Tuesday, September 20. 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Moratorium Committee meets to look at Alternative Programs and Open Boundaries
McCauley Chambers, Centre for Education, One Kingsway

The public is welcome to attend and/or address the Committee on this issue by registering with the Board Office at 780-429-8021

Saturday, September 24. 6 pm Working Mans Blues Bash
Support the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation by attending this Building Trades of Alberta fundraising event. Tickets are $80 and include dinner, a silent/live auction and lots of blues music! For event details, visit www.buildingtradesalberta.ca. I will be there, so please let me know if you are attending. Love to say hello!

Tuesday, September 27, 2 pm

Public Board Meeting (details to come next time)

Tuesday, September 27, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Moratorium Committee meets to look at Leasing
McCauley Chambers, Centre for Education, One Kingsway

The public is welcome to attend and/or address the Committee on this issue by registering with the Board Office at 780-429-8021

Thursday, September 29, 11:45 to 1 pm

Edmonton Public Schools Foundation Information Session @ John A. MacDougall School. For more information and to register: http://foundation.epsb.ca/events

October 3 – 7 READ IN WEEK! Who will you read with this week?

October 3 – 7 International Walk to School Week!

In Alberta – SHAPE encourages, supports and records your participation!

Monday, October 3, 7 – 9 p.m.

By October 10: Express your Appreciation! Nominate someone for a District Award !

Staff awards: http://www.epsb.ca/staff/districtAwards.shtml . Student awards: http://www.epsb.ca/students/eps_awards.shtml . Detail and application forms are posted.

Wednesday, October 12, 7 – 9 pm

Edmonton Regional Coalition for Inclusive Education Presentation: ”Advocacy Through Collaboration” Gateway Association, 18304-105 Avenue. For more information, visit http://sites.google.com/site/edmontonregionalcoalition/Home

Thursday, November 3, 7 pm

Monday, November 7 (appetizer reception 5:30 p.m., sessions to follow until 9 p.m.) – School Council training (Centre for Education) . Details to Come!

Thursday, November 24th & Friday, November 25^th

“Transcending Barriers: Leveling the Playing Field for All,” the Annual Conference of the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta, http://www.ldalberta.ca/conference

RESOURCES FOR YOUR CHILDREN

“Cool School” (Metro Continuing Education’s enrichment programming for elementary and junior high students in Math, LA, and Science) will operate between October 22 – and December 3, on Saturdays at D.S. Mackenzie. For more information, visit http://metrocontinuingeducation.ca or phone 780-428-1111.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Find out what is happening at the Argyll Centre of Edmonton Public Schools in terms of “virtual education” — which helps to support student learning “any pace, any place, any way” (as mentioned in Bill 18, the proposed new Education Act) http://www.virtualcampuses.eu/index.php/Argyll_Centre

As always, I am happy to receive any comments, great ideas, or experience you may wish to share!

Catherine

Posted in Community Engagement, Insights E-letter, New Education Act | Leave a comment

INSIGHTS: January 17 Board Meeting, Healthy Kids summary, and MORE!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

INSIGHTS: District Financial Position & Budget Update, Calendar, Policy Work and ….MORE!

INSIGHTS: Tracking Continuous Improvement, Results and Plans Review…and MORE!

INSIGHTS: Education Act consultation, November 26

INSIGHTS: Annual Education Plan, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity policy, PATs… and MORE!

INSIGHTS: Healthy Kids! Invitation, Satisfaction Survey Results & More!

INSIGHTS: District Results, Creativity, Summary of September 14 and MORE!

INSIGHTS: Education in the Suburbs, High School Completion work, and more!

INSIGHTS: Policy Review, Budget, Foundation News….

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