Not sure of where the parties stand on public education?

Three ideas –

1) Invest an hour into watching the webcast of the Board’s April 4 Education Forum at http://www.livestream.com/edmontonpublicschools Many thanks to  Sue Huff (Alberta Party), Weslyn Mather (Alberta Liberals), David Eggen (New Democrats),  Thomas Lukaszuk (Progressive Conservative), and Vitor Marciano (Wildrose)  for their participation and interest in public education issues…  to all those who submitted questions ahead of time (which were combined into five questions on five key issues for the candidates) …. to our “question-asking” students  … to Leslie MacDonald for moderating the Forum … and to our Communications staff for all their hard work in arranging it all.

2) Check out the party platforms online  http://catherineripley.ca/links/democratic-participation/

3) Contact your local candidates.   http://daveberta.ca/alberta-election/

For your further consideration, here are the issues that the Board has been raising during the Election period :

1)     The importance of Adequate, sustainable, predictable funding for public education  –  In terms of predictability, the recent three-year commitment by the Province is a great start.  Meeting the needs of all students continues to be complex, challenging, and rewarding work.  It requires, however, enough funding to build staff capacity and supply the supports and resources needed in the classroom to meet the varying needs of students (from gifted and talented students to FNMI students to English Language Learners to special education students, etc.).

2)      Funding for public education needs to be viewed an investment, not an expense  – investing today will lead Alberta to greater prosperity in the future. It will also reduce crime and unemployment in the future.

3)      More flexibility in both infrastructure funding and formulas is needed – this would enable us to create meaningful long-term partnerships  and better allow our schools to operate as community hubs.

4)      Mandated Half-Day Kindergarten for all students AND fully funded Full-Day Kindergarten for students with socio-economic vulnerabilities  – because early learning is critical to students’ lifelong success and we want to ensure all kids are “ready to learn” when they hit Grade 1.

Finally, on a personal note, I was very disappointed that Bill 2 did not pass in the last Legislative Session.  This is a good enabling and empowering Act for communities, parents, students, staff and school boards.  You can read what the Public School Boards Association of Alberta, whose members represent  228,000 school children across the province here, had to say about this unexpected turn of events.  Will the Act — and all the work that went into it — come back, and when?

I ask you to consider these points and also, the perspectives and plans of each party on public education carefully and then on April 23… please vote!

Also, please encourage your neighbours to vote!

If you are not sure about where to vote, please visit Elections Alberta.

Other Resources

CBC

Edmonton Journal

Primetime Alberta

Spring Break is fast approaching, and due to this break, we will not have another Public Board Meeting until April 10.  In the interim, I wanted to alert you to a few opportunities that are looming early in April, and I hope you will mark your calendars with these dates.

I also wanted to update you on the Education Act and its progress through the Legislature plus the Board’s 2013-16 Capital Plan decision (and how that impacts the increasing student population pressures in the southerly areas of our ward) and the motion with respect to a long-term “go forward” plan for the district from our last board meeting.  (See UPDATES below.)

But first….

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4:  EDUCATION FORUM at THE CENTRE FOR EDUCATION

Although we don’t yet know the exact date of the looming Provincial Election, I was delighted to see that Education was picked by the Edmonton Journal as a top election issue over the weekend.  I couldn’t agree more!  The Board is keen to keep public education issues at the top of our communities’ minds during the Election period (well… and forever more!), and on April 4 we are hosting an Education Forum with representatives from all political parties. Lesley Macdonald will moderate the evening, and I hereby invite you to attend – and to bring a neighbor with you!

Whether or not you are able to attend, you can submit questions for the forum by visiting:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J592QHW

To attend, register by March 30:

http://www.epsbeducationforum.eventbrite.ca

If unable to attend personally, you can view the webcast of the forum at:
http://www.livestream.com”/edmontonpublicschools

The Board would like to raise four important issues during the Election period with all candidates from all parties and build greater understanding around the importance of these issues to the success of our students in Edmonton Public Schools.

1)      Adequate, sustainable, predictable funding for public education  –  In terms of predictability, the recent three-year commitment by the Province is a great start.  Meeting the needs of all students continues to be complex, challenging, and rewarding work.  It requires, however, enough funding to build staff capacity and supply the supports and resources needed in the classroom to meet the varying needs of students (from gifted and talented students to FNMI students to English Language Learners to special education students, etc.).

2)      Funding for public education needs to be viewed an investment, not an expense  – investing today will lead Alberta to greater prosperity in the future. It will also reduce crime and unemployment in the future.

3)      More flexibility in both infrastructure funding and formulas is needed – this would enable us to create meaningful long-term partnerships  and better allow our schools to operate as community hubs.

4)      Mandated Half-Day Kindergarten for all students AND fully funded Full-Day Kindergarten for students with socio-economic vulnerabilities  – because early learning is critical to students’ lifelong success and we want to ensure all kids are “ready to learn” when they hit Grade 1.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LITERACY AND LEARNING DAY,

CELEBRATING ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY ON APRIL 14.

After ten years, this Free Parent Conference is still going strong,  and this year it will feature two guest speakers (Barbara Colorso and David Bouchard).  Congratulations – and thank you – to former trustee Wendy Keiver and her core team for their ongoing dedication and commitment to engaging, enlightening and phenomenal parent education!   Check out http://www.literacyday.ca/ to see the wide range of workshops available  and then…register!  Apparently, spaces are filling fast.

Also UPCOMING

Wednesday, March 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

What are you doing to mark this day? Look for ideas at:  http://marchforunderstanding.com/

Wednesday, March 21

EPSB PARENTS – Your child or teen’s District Pre-Enrolment Passport is due back to your school TODAY!

March 26 – 30  SPRING BREAK!

Monday, March 26, 5 – 6 pm  Free Parenting Lecture: Strengthening Couple Relationships & Fathers’ Involvement: Good for Parents & Children
This open University of Alberta 2012 Empey Lecture is FREE and will be held at the University of Alberta TELUS Centre Room 150 (87 Avenue and 110 Street). No registration required.

Saturday, March 31, 8:30 – 9:30  Celebrate Earth Hour and discuss energy usage, climate change, etc. with your kids, grandkids, nephews and nieces…. Turn out the lights! http://www.edmonton.ca/environmental/programs/earth-hour.aspx

Tuesday, April 3, 7 – 9 pm “Creating Opportunities for Friendship” Sponsored by Edmonton Regional Coalition for Inclusive Education,  Dr. Heather Raymond, Director, Inclusive Learning, Edmonton Public Schools will lead participants in exploring the value and role friendship plays in our lives. Strategies for supporting children with disabilities to be in meaningful and reciprocal relationships will be explored.  Location: The GRIT Program, 14930 – 114 Avenue, Edmonton

Wednesday, April 4, 7 pm.  You’re Invited:  EPSB’s Education Forum! (as mentioned above)

Tuesday, April 10, 2- 6 pm.  Public Board Meeting:  All are Welcome!

Friday, April 13, 11:50 am to 1:10 pm. Enjoy Lunch with the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation @ Tipaskan School.  For more info, visit http://foundation.epsb.ca/events

Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Literacy and Learning Day – 10^th Anniversary! (as mentioned above)

Wednesday, April 25 (evening)  Ready to Shine Fashion Show @ Kingsway Garden Mall An Edmonton Public Schools Foundation Event:  I will be attending to marvel at the fashions created by teams of students from seven Edmonton Public high schools.  Last year was fabulous!  If you would be interested in attending with me, please let me know.

Thursday, April 26, 11:50 am to 1:10 pm Enjoy Lunch with the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation @ Tipaskan School.  For more info, visit http://foundation.epsb.ca/events.

UPDATES

EDUCATION ACT

The Education Act has now moved through First and  Second Readings, and is now in the the “Committee of the Whole”;  two amendments were introduced recently.  You can see these amendments and the dates on which Bill 2 was discussed at the following link http://www.assembly.ab.ca/net/index.aspx?p=bills_status&selectbill=002

Today the Public School Boards Association of Alberta (PSBAA) issued a press release urging our MLAs to see the Bill through Third Reading in this legislative session. As does Edmonton Public Schools, PSBAA believes, overall, the Bill will be excellent for our students, education, and Alberta’s future.  This enabling legislation will give greater flexibility to school boards, which will allow us to meet the needs of our local communities more nimbly, and calls for greater responsibility and partnership with students, parents, and the community.  We hope it passes!

In a letter to Minister Lukaszuk, the Board …

• Endorsed without qualification the second preamble statement (Whereas education is the foundation of a democratic and civil society),
• Valued the commitment to inclusive education in the Ninth Preamble statement as well as the commitment to offering students “flexible timing and pacing through a range of learning environments to meet diverse student needs and to maximize student success” (Eleventh Preamble statement) (We believe these statements of principle and policy affirm an increased commitment by Government and appreciate the recognition of the increased funding that these commitments will necessitate.),
• Supported the addition of Section 35 (Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week), and Sections 38 and 39 (Establishment of a student advisory council for the Minister),
• Pointed out that the change of residency requirement from parent to student will have significant implications for Edmonton Public Schools,
• Reiterated our view that the promulgation  of ministerial regulations should be kept to a minimum so that changes in legislation can be addressed with full public debate in the legislature,
• Suggested that a new section should be added to Bill 2 to promote healthy food choices and increased opportunities for physical exercise in all schools.

What do you think?

2013-16 CAPITAL PLAN INCLUDES FIVE NEW  SW CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

The 2013-16 Capital Plan was passed by the Board last Tuesday.  For the southwest, the following are included in the Plan:

Year One

#6 Terwillegar Heights K-9 (900)

#7 Heritage Valley K-9 (600)

#11 Lillian Osborne (addition) (600)  (A Value Management Study would be done to confirm need and configuration)

Year 2

#16 Windemere K-9 (600)

Year 3

#22 Heritage Valley K-9 (600)

The Capital Plan now goes forward to the Province for its consideration, support and funding.  If the Province funds the construction of these new schools and we can get building right away, then the District should be well-placed to accommodate the ever-increasing numbers of students in our newer areas. (And increase they will according to the development maps and projections  included as background for the Capital Plan!)  You can see the full Plan at http://www.epsb.ca/board/march13_2012/item07.pdf

In the interim, our two newest schools in the SW (Esther Starkman and Johnny Bright) are already at and past their original capacity.  To manage the current student growth pressures at these schools, two additional modular have been received and are now being installed.  In addition, last fall, the District requested support from the Province for the installation of six portable classrooms at both schools.  Currently, the Province is reviewing this request and we are very hopeful that a decision will be made in a few weeks, which will mean that these portables can be installed by September 2012.

Only in the event that the portables were not supported would other options be looked at; the range of possibilities was detailed in a February 14  Board Report http://www.epsb.ca/board/february14_2012/item16.pdf My most recent understanding is that the options of changing the attendance area or grade configuration would only be considered for the 2013-14 school year, not this upcoming year, and if such changes needed to be considered, there would be a public meeting to share information and gather feedback on any proposed changes. But, as I said, we are hopeful the Province will support the installation of the portables.   I will keep you posted.

Ten-Year Facilities and Infrastructure Plan to be Updated and Renewed!

After a lengthy debate, the Board decided to review and update the Ten Year Facilities Plan (in conjunction with communities, other levels of government and school boards) and which may include modernizations, right-sizing, expansions, consolidations, replacement schools, etc. Again, I will keep you posted on this, as part of the work will include data and planning for the SW.

OTHER

On March 7, Edmonton Public Schools was invited to present to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and answer questions from the Committee.  I attended and it was very interesting.  You can see the transcript here: http://www.assembly.ab.ca/net/index.aspx?p=pa&section=doc&fid=29

As always, I am happy to receive any comments, great ideas, or experiences you may wish to share!  For those of you who are taking a spring break next week with your children, I wish you a wonderful holiday, and special thanks to the Richard Secord School Council for a warm welcome earlier this evening.

And oh yes, Happy Spring!

Catherine

Over the past couple of weeks I have kept bumping into what makes me proud to be an Edmonton Public Schools trustee –

·        Imagine marking a million papers/assignments! That’s what Alice Ayre, teacher at DS MacKenzie, has done over her teaching career. Ms. Ayre is now in her 40^th year of service to Edmonton Public.  Congratulations and THANK YOU to Ms. Ayre and to all the other staff whose 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of excellent service to the district the Board celebrated several weeks ago. Your dedication and commitment is greatly valued.

·        Hearty minnestrone soup, melt-in-your-mouth rouladen, and heavenly chocolate mousse!  This was the meal that culinary teams from high schools around the region prepared for Chef Simon and his fellow judges in the Fifth Canadian Culinary Federation High School Challenge.  Congratulations to the Harry Ainlay team that placed second in the competition!

·        The dedication and care with which our staff help the Board craft, wrestle with,  and develop our policies (Stay tuned – the final version of the Inclusive Education policy is on its way to public board!)

·        Be it resolved that the 21^st century will be China’s century…. This was the resolution that was debated last Saturday by junior high debate teams, and it was so great to see the students’ research efforts shine through and their strong ability to argue their case with passion and clarity.  Congratulations to the students who participated, and thanks to all the teachers involved in supporting junior high debate teams across the district and to the team at Vernon Barford for hosting this Regional Tournament for the fifth year.

·        This past week Grade 1 students from Westbrook School got a peek into their future!  They walked with their teachers and parent volunteers to Harry Ainlay, the designated high school where many of them will be attending someday. They were greeted by Grade 12 leadership students who took them on a tour of the school following the school’s timetable including visits to classrooms and the school’s welding shop.

·        What precision of rhythm and pitch, robustness of sound, and joy in performance was seen last Wednesday night at the 48^th Annual Night of Music, “United in Song”!  Thanks to all the musicians and performers involved …and their teachers!  Students from several Ward H schools were involved this year including individual students who participated in the Honour Bands and Choirs plus the Lillian Osborne House Band plus classes from Esther Starkman and Johnny Bright …PLUS ….Greenfield students who created the artwork for the program and posters.

·        Last week some Keheewin classes went global in their learning by competing in World Education Day in three different categories (math facts, spelling, science). Cool!

·        And on it goes…. But  now it is time to stop looking back and look to the week ahead….

PUBLIC BOARD MEETING (Tuesday, March 13, 2 -6 PM)

All Agenda Items and Related Reports can be found here:

http://www.epsb.ca/board/march132012_agenda.shtml

Several big items of discussion this week

·        A motion from Trustee Spencer about creating a 20-year infrastructure plan for the district (including replacement schools, consolidations, expansions, right-sizing, etc.) and to be developed in the spirit of the Elevate Report

·        A motion from Trustee Janz about asking the Administration to prepare for the end of the Moratorium by bringing forward a series of recommendations re: schools and programming to be put into effect by September 2013. (Read more at:  http://www.michaeljanz.ca/2012/02/what-happens-after-the-school-closure-moratorium-expires-in-november-2012/)

·        A motion from Trustee Janz about creating active transportation plans for all schools in the district (who should do this work – the district or school communities

·        2013-16 Capital Plan Recommendation Please take a look and see what you think. As per the Board’s instruction through its Moratorium Committee recommendations, renewal projects have been prioritized. That said, new schools for Terwillegar Heights and Heritage Valley are been suggested for Year One (Priorities 6 & 7) with an addition for Lillian Osborne as Priority 11, a new school for Windermere in Year Two as Priority 16, and another school for Heritage Valley in Year Three (Priority 22) .

PLUS INFORMATION ON

·        Modifying the School Calendar for High Schools only

·        Maps of Schools that Have Reached or Surpassed Their Capacity

·        JUA Report (JUA users –please read and let me know if you have any questions about what the district is thinking with respect to trying to improve how the JUA works from a school perspective as well as from a community user perspective.)

·        Feasibility Report on Implementing Financial Literacy courses

·        Provincial and Federal Funding for ELL

·        What Did We Learn from the 2010 ASAP Schools

AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST…. OUR EDWIN PARR AWARDS

§           Join us in celebrating four outstanding first-year teachers and find out who will be our Edwin Parr candidate to go forward into the Alberta School Boards Association Zone 2/3 selection process.

As always, everyone is welcome to attend our meetings, which are held at the Centre for Education, One Kingsway. Can’t join us in person? Then please consider joining us online either in real-time or online at http://www.livestream.com/edmontonpublicschools. You can also view archived versions of all board meetings here.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS (PLEASE!)

Thursday, March 15, 7 to 9 p.m.

Extraordinary Supports for Extraordinary Students

This is session is for parents or caregivers of children within Edmonton Public Schools who have severe disabilities. Includes presentations from Family Support for Children with a Disability, Disability Tax Credit, City of Edmonton – recreation/ camps/programs, Parent Perspective, and Q&A, and information resource tables. Held at the Centre for Education, One Kingsway. To register — http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LWTBYJK

Saturday, March 17, 9 – 2 p.m.

Preventing Conflict in Special Education

Hosted by Kathryn Burke, Executive Director of the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta and author of The Accidental Advocate @ the DS Mackenzie Library ($40 registration fee) For more information and to register, visit www.LDExperince.ca

March 21  International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

What are you doing to mark this day? Look for ideas at:  http://marchforunderstanding.com/

Wednesday, March 21

EPSB PARENTS – Your child or teen’s District Pre-Enrolment Passport is due back to your school TODAY!

March 26 – 30  SPRING BREAK!

Monday, March 26, 5 – 6 pm

Free Parenting Lecture: Strengthening Couple Relationships & Fathers’ Involvement: Good for Parents & Children
This open University of Alberta 2012 Empey Lecture is FREE and will be held at the University of Alberta TELUS Centre Room 150 (87 Avenue and 110 Street). No registration required.

Saturday, March 31, 8:30 – 9:30

Celebrate Earth Hour and discuss energy usage, climate change, etc. with your kids, grandkids, nephews and nieces…. Turn out the lights! http://www.edmonton.ca/environmental/programs/earth-hour.aspx

Wednesday, April 4, 7 pm

You’re Invited:  Education Forum!

Please join the Board at the Centre for Education (One Kingsway) to hear Q&A with the representatives of five political parties and  Moderator Lesley Macdonald. RSVP to Kim McEwan at kim.mcewan@epsb.ca or 780-429-8040, and if you have questions for the candidates to contribute, please visit www.tinyurl.com/ElectionsForum.

OTHER

NEW ONLINE SITE FOR PARENTS

This new Alberta Education site informs parents about what their child is learning and how their child might be assessed for every subject and grade level at school. http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/mychildslearning/

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

Catherine

 A couple of major things to point out to you this week….

Policy Work!

As you know, one of the ongoing major tasks for the Board is to set policy – and thus, direction – for Edmonton Public Schools on behalf of the community. There are two things related to policy on tap this week:  A motion that the Board should undertake a major review of all its policies and update them using a standardized framework is on the table.  While the Board reviews its policies on a continual basis (i.e. every policy is reviewed every seven years at minimum), the intent, I believe, is to move through the entire policy book within one to two years.  Any thoughts on this?   

 And second, the Policy Review Committee is inviting feedback on several policies currently under review before they are formally brought to the Board for First, Second, and Third Readings.  This is a great opportunity to have your say, and please see below for the link to access each of the policies, the suggested changes, and associated electronic survey (See Feb 22 notation below).

Moratorium Committee Update

As you may remember, in November 2010, the Board instituted a two-year moratorium on school closures and established a committee to explore all the issues related to school closures as well as to generate ideas to keep schools open. After a series of meetings and presentations, the Committee is now bringing 13 recommendations to Public Board about next steps this coming Tuesday.

 There is lots to discuss here, thanks to the diligent work of the Committee, and I am looking forward to exploring the recommendations in depth.   Some questions for the Committee are already forming in my mind. For example: Was there any consideration to what the Board should be doing in terms of working with communities themselves on these issues?  How will giving first priority to modernizations on our capital plan help keep schools open? Do families move because they are seeking newer schools, closer proximity to an excellent program, or for other reasons?  

 How about you?  If you have any questions or comments you would like to pass along to me on any or all of the 13 recommendations, that would be appreciated. 

 Board Report and Recommendations (page 3)

http://www.epsb.ca/board/january31_2012/item04.pdf

For background on the various issues, all meeting minutes and presentations can be found here:  http://www.epsb.ca/trustees/ClosureMoratorium.shtml

 Public Board Meeting (Tuesday, January 31, 2 -6 PM) 

Speaking of Public Board, as always, everyone is welcome to attend our meetings either in person at the Centre for Education, One Kingsway or online at http://www.livestream.com/edmontonpublicschools. 

 In addition to the Recommendations from the Moratorium Committee and the Policy Review Motion, also on tap are some interesting information reports on…

• Instructional Fees (average appears to be $69/student/year),

• Financial Literacy Training (I want to ask about the Junior Achievement work that is done in many schools by dedicated volunteers and how this contributes to “financial literacy.”)  Also, thanks to Richard who sent me this link to a Globe and Mail article quite a while ago — http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/preet-banerjee/kids-shouldnt-have-to-learn-about-money-the-hard-way/article2229230/, which provides further food for thought.

• Sharing of Qualitative Data,

• An update on the Student Learning Services Reorganization, and

• District Award – Social Studies and Language Arts. 

You can find links to all the reports and motions mentioned below at   

http://www.epsb.ca/board/january312012_agenda.shtml

ALSO, UPCOMING

Thursday, February 2

Release of the Community Sustainability Task Force Report

City Hall, 10 am.  Everyone is welcome! 

By February3, Nominate an outstanding teacher for a provincial “Excellence in Teaching” Award

http://www.education.alberta.ca/teachers/excellence.aspx

Wednesday, February 8:  Winter Walk Day. 

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

Thursday, February 9

Ward H School Council Network meeting

TOPIC:  Involving More Parents: How?  with special guest speakers Vanessa Desa (Working with and for Immigrant and Refugee families), Paul Leung (Parent member, EPSB Inclusive Education Working Group), Lew Knetchel and Bill Baillie (Dads Matter group, Greenfield School) and Debbie Mineault (FNMI Branch, Alberta Ed). 

Until Wednesday, February 22 – provide your input on one or all of the following policies

• Alcohol and Tobacco Use on School Property and District Events
• Organization for Instruction
• Student Admission to the District
• Community and Parent Involvement
• (new) Funding and Endorsement Requests from External Organizations

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

Wednesday, February 29, 11:50 – 1:10 pm

“Free” Lunch Sponsored by the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation!

I will be joining the Foundation for lunch this day.  Would you like to join me?  It’s a super opportunity to find out firsthand about the great work being done for socio-economically disadvantaged children in our full-day Kindergartens!  Please let me know. 

If you are interested but the 29^th is difficult for you, other information lunches are being held on  February 3, February17, and March 6.  Please let me know.

Wednesday, February 29

Parent Keynotes (Teacher Convention) 

Choose one parent keynote address 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

UPDATES and REPORTS

Annual Report:  JUA  (Joint Use Agreement)

This report just came across my desk.   I know the fair use and access to school space is of ongoing interest to many in Ward H where space for community activities continues to be at a premium.  Some relief was had when four new schools opened up in the southwest in September 2010 and the new Terwillegar Rec Centre opened in Winter 2011, but the pressures remain due to the continuing rapid population growth in the southwest.   I encourage you to read the report, especially the Executive Summary (page 1) and the Facilities Plan for 2011/12 (page 8), Land Use Plan (page 11)   It was great to read about the Summer Access pilot project, for example, and to know that late notice cancellations are being monitored and reviewed and vacant school sites will be reviewed again in 2012.  You can access the full report at www.edmonton.ca/JointUse 

Update:  Inclusive Education

It has been just over six months since the Special Needs Task Force reported to the full Board on its work and with a series of recommendations. . The work on responding to the recommendations is being led by an interdepartmental Working Committee, which has been meeting regularly each week since October. The results of this work, which is ongoing, will be communicated to the Board in June 2012 as part of the annual report on Special Education.  In the interim, here is an update report on where the work stands with respect to the various recommendations at : http://catherineripley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/January-2012-Special-Needs-Status-Update.pdf

In addition, did you know that Edmonton Public Schools is one of the school districts across the province that was selected to be a “change agent” for the provincial Action on Inclusion Project?  A handful of schools across the district will have a demonstration “best practice” classroom, where inclusive practices will be explored and assessed. These practices include assistive technology for learning, school-based collaboration processes, and strategies that are focused on fostering positive attitudes in students whose peers have special education needs. All aspects of this work will be completed by June 30, and the information shared with other school districts, so they can learn from the work undertaken by the District. It will also help us strengthen a core strategy included in the District Plan: creating inclusive learning environments for all learners.

Around the World at GPN

On Friday night I attended a great drop-in evening at George P. Nicholson School at which families or groups of families proudly profiled their cultural background with flavours, displays (electronic and otherwise!), traditional clothes, and conversation.  In addition, as one wandered through the countries, kids and community members performed various dance, karate, music…. Fabulous!  Thank you to the GPN “flight attendants” who greeted me on board and all the table hosts and performers for their hard work and enthusiasm, and to the School Council for the invitation.   

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

Catherine

 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  

 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

 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

 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.

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

 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