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

 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

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)

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

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

 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!

Register at www.shapeab.com! 

 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

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.   More details to come.

 
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

Today as I share the agenda for the public board meeting tomorrow night, I wanted to let you know that I have been reflecting a lot lately on the fundamental core value of public education and how we express that in our district, our schools, our classrooms.  Former trustee Don Fleming often said that Public Education = “You are Welcome” and I have also heard the Superintendent say on a number of occasions, “At Edmonton Public Schools, everyone is in.” 

This core value of inclusivity has been captured in various ways by past Boards (beginning in 1881 when all kids in the Edmonton settlement were acknowledged as being important to educate through to the establishment of programs of choice through to recent policies on Aboriginal and Multicultural Education, etc.) and it has been re-confirmed through the new Vision, Mission and Priorities (http://www.epsb.ca/about/mission.shtml ) passed by the Board in early March. I am looking forward to focusing the Board’s governance, advocacy and community work in these specific priority areas with my fellow trustee colleagues over the next two years of our term. 

One of the major annual governance tasks we undertake is to allocate resources to support the success of our students, the work of our staff, and our priorities, and we will be having our final discussion on the budget tomorrow night.  You can see the budget at http://www.epsb.ca/board/june14_2011/item10.pdf and I encourage you to look at Appendix 6 (page 16) to see how the budget supports the directions set by the Board.  You may also find Appendix 7 (Q&A on the Budget) interesting, too. I did!  If you have any comments to make on the proposed budget, please let me know. It is not an easy budget to be considering given the expected cutbacks to staffing, and I take my hat off to all those district leaders who dug deep into their reserves to help boost our allocation budget by over $18 million.  This means that they will be putting some of their projects on hold; it also means we can retain more staff than originally expected.    

I digress, and back to my original train of thought — how does the value of “you are welcome” play out, exactly, for each and every student? 

Earlier this year I was fortunate to attend the U.S. National School Boards Conference. While there I took in some sessions on creating a positive school climate in every school as well as creating “welcoming schools” (particularly with reference to LGBTQ students and families). Then last week I attended the Public School Boards Association of Alberta’s (PSBAA) Spring General Meeting and the Alberta School Boards Association’s (ASBA) Spring General Meeting in Red Deer. The PSBAA theme was Designing our Future and the ASBA theme was Walk a Mile in My Shoes.  Both were thought-provoking, and I especially appreciated the opportunity to listen to several key note addresses from Hutterite author Mary Ann Kirkby and First Nations speaker and educator Bee Calliou Shadeck,  and a workshop put on by iHuman called Uncensored Youth (street kids and their challenges with school). 

 These experiences were followed up at the end of last week with my attendance at Day 2 & 3 of some anti-racism and equity education provided to Edmonton Public Schools senior executive staff and some trustees by the Center for Race and Culture & Zenev Consulting.  Our three days of training were challenging – and full of hope.  The challenge for me was about understanding the place of privilege that I have enjoyed during my life simply because I am white, and considering the dynamics of “power” and privilege at play in my current position of trustee. My hope lies in the fact at a leadership level we have been willing to take an honest look in the mirror – to both recognize the many good things that are happening in the district with respect to equity and diversity and to acknowledge that we still have lots of work to do to ensure the “system” is flexible and open and fair for all, and that we can truly value the differences  and be enriched by them.  I look forward to the continued work here at the policy and governance level, and it is great to see our Superintendent so committed to this work.  

 By the way, the leadership team is not the only group in Edmonton Public Schools working on anti-racism.  You can read about what else has been happening across the district to support the Racism Free Edmonton campaign — http://www.epsb.ca/board/june14_2011/item11.pdf

 With respect to serving the needs of ALL children in an excellent and responsive way, there are two other very important reports coming to Public Board on Tuesday night. One report is from the Inclusion Working Group http://www.epsb.ca/board/june14_2011/item07.pdf , and the other is a series of recommendations from the Special Needs Task Force http://www.epsb.ca/board/june14_2011/item08.pdf . The Task Force (and the Advisory Group it established) has worked hard to listen, absorb, and chart a path forward for Edmonton Public Schools in the area of special education.  Please take a peek and let me know if you have ideas or thoughts to add. 

 There are a host of other items on Tuesday’s agenda, and you can access the full agenda (and the corresponding reports) here:  http://www.epsb.ca/board/june142011_agenda.shtml  As always you are welcome to join us either in person or online  http://www.livestream.com/edmontonpublicschools.  We will begin at 6 pm with a special recognition item for National Aboriginal Day, and then other items include motions to receive certain annual reports each year, to leave the Public School Boards Association of Alberta, to appoint an external member to our Audit Committee, to approve non-resident fees for 2011-12, and to hear the first reading on a variety of policies ( Guidance and Counselling Services, Integrated School Library Learning Commons, School Attendance, Instructional Fees, Instructional Time. Field Trips).

 UPCOMING

 Tuesday, June 14  2 -4 pm

Moratorium Committee Meeting (open to public) on District Enrollment Trends, McCauley Chambers

 Ongoing:  Share your thoughts on Community Sustainability (and how education and schools play into that) with the Task Force at www.CommunitySustainability.ca

 Until June 30, help TSNAP raise $$$ for the Esther Starkman/Monsigneur William Irwin playground.

Everyone is encouraged to visit http://www.refresheverything.ca/tsnapplaygroundproject and vote once a day. The TSNAP playground is now in #19 position.  Aiming for the  top position to gain the $5000 prize!   Apparently, you don’t need to live in the area to vote for the project

 CONGRATS to…

 ….Kyril Mueller (Greenfield) and Corrie Yuspychuk (Ainlay) for being recognized among the top teachers in Alberta in the Excellence in Teaching Awards program this year!

… Sameer Dhar, recent graduate of Harry Ainlay, for being recognized by the Globe and Mail, for his work to support families in need.  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/managing/top-20-under-20-tackle-big-issues-with-creative-ideas/article2043348/page2/

…to the fledgling Greenfield DADS MATTER group for having their initial meeting and taking flight.

….to the Southwest Edmonton Mapping Group, Newcomers Committee, for  bringing together a variety of service agencies and groups in one place for people to connect with. It was a great resource day for families, which speaks to taking action on a key community-identified way to move forward on developing great schools and great communities – aka STRENGTHEN FAMILIES….

 As always, I am happy to receive any comments, great ideas, or experience you may wish to share!  (Contact information above, or please leave a comment! )

Catherine

The proposed new Education Act is out for consideration and deliberation!  It was my honour to be in the Gallery for the tabling of this new piece of legislation on April 27, and also my privilege to join the Board Chair, Vice Chair and Superintendent in an informative Primer session on the Act with other school boards in Nisku on Wednesday.  You can see what the changes are here: http://www.education.alberta.ca/department/policy/education-act/new.aspx  and you can contribute your thoughts on some key strands of  “change” directly to Alberta Education by visiting http://ideas.education.alberta.ca/engage/current-initiatives/action-on-legislation

As another way to start thinking about the implications of these changes, I encourage you to revisit the ideas and questions posed by SW residents in early January on a draft version of the Act. http://catherineripley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Questions-on-the-New-Education-Act-FINAL.pdf

The Minister has made it clear that there is now lots of time for discussion and further deliberation and improvements, and stay tuned for a Ward H session (probably early fall). 

Second, KUDOS….   

….to Rideau Park’s Principal Brenda Giourmetakis!  On Tuesday Ms. Giourmetakis will be confirmed as a principal to the district after the traditional two-year trial period that all new principals undergo.

…and also to Principal Heather Kennedy, who used to the AP at Steinhauer, who will also be confirmed on Tuesday.   

…to Naeem Nanji, a Grade 11 Lillian Osborne student, who did a super job at the recent Junior Achievement Alberta Business Hall of Fame banquet introducing Ms. Audrey Luft (one of this year’s inductees to the Hall of Fame).

….to the Rideau Park choir who sang O Canada beautifully at the same event

…to the Harry Ainlay Fashion teams (and all the teams from the district) who strutted their fabulous creations down the runway at the first Ready to Shine? Fashion Show sponsored by the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation and Kingsway Garden Mall. http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/Designed+shine/4702600/story.html

…to Ms. Kerri Neitsch of Lillian Osborne who choreographed a Flash Mob event at the City Centre today at lunch time – featuring students from four schools (J Percy Page, Florence Hallock, Victoria and Lillian Osborne).. and The Honourable Dave Hancock.  See some pics at http://twitter.com/#!/gopublic_  This was a joint initiative of Alberta Education and Edmonton Public Schools to raise awareness about the importance of completing high school and how it takes everybody to encourage high school completion…  It was great to see the enthusiasm and energy of all the dancers!

Third, UPCOMING

Until May 9, Submit your feedback on the following policies. 

Instructional Time,  School Library Learning Commons, Field Trips, Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Programs and Services, Student Attendance, and Instructional Fees.    You can access the surveys on these policies here:  http://www.epsb.ca/policy/policyReviewListings.shtml

Public Board Meeting Tuesday, May 10,  6 pm, Centre for Education, One Kingsway.  A busy agenda!  Background reports and all materials related to the meeting can be found here:  http://www.epsb.ca/board/may1011_agenda.shtml

Three recommendations are coming back from previous meetings for a final discussion:

1)      Taking out a district membership in the Alberta School Councils Association so that all our school councils may become members in this organization. Thanks to those who sent me some feedback on this…. http://catherineripley.ca/2011/04/22/insights-budget-capital-plan-thoughts-needed/#comments  (see second strand under comments).  Any more wisdom?

2)      Three Year Capital Plan.  There was an amendment made to remove all capital projects in new areas from the aggregated list of capital projects, and the decision was then deferred to get information on the implications of doing so as well as the implications of an alternative idea around re-ordering the aggregated list (this would see Terwillegar & Heritage Valley Schools drop from Priority 7 & 8 to 13 & 14, a Windemere school go from #19 to #25, and another Heritage Valley School from #29  to #36.  You can see the additional information and the original recommendation here: http://www.epsb.ca/board/may10_11/item03.pdf.  Thoughts?

3)      Community Use of District Buildings policy.  There is an amendment (in italics) on the floor for this item as well – that “Members of the community, excluding publicly-traded companies providing day care and early education, can access space through the following methods: …”  Possible implications of the addition are found within the report at http://www.epsb.ca/board/may10_11/item06.pdf  You can also the implications of another amendment, which was already passed, about ensuring that all leasers follow ethical and sustainable practices. http://www.epsb.ca/board/may10_11/item15.pdf  (Trustee Request 82, page 2)

Two new motions on the floor:

1)      To change the time of Board meetings to 2 – 6 pm (rather than 6 – 9 pm)

2)      To add a regular item to the Board agenda titled “Tracking Progress and Excellence in the 2011-14 District Priorities” 

We will welcome four presenters:  Edleun;  the Strategic Alliance for the Advancement of Immigrant and Refugee Children, Sub-Committee on Refugee Transportation Loans; the Canadian Cancer Society (on pesticides); and the YMCA (one of EPSB’s valued partners).

And finally, there will be some information presented on the progress of the 2020 Cohort of Children (i.e. those who entered K in 2007) as well as information on the Opportunity and RAP programs and the stats on our district libraries. 

May 10, 7 pm, EFCL Community Sustainability Workshop

Contribute to the Community Sustainability Task Force by participating in this EFCL event.  Register by contacting Bev.Zubot@efcl.org or 780-437-6930. Additional information will be sent to you.

May 11 & 12, 9 am – 3 pm  19^th Annual Provincial Skills Canada Competition, open to the public @ Northlands.

With the support of hundreds of teachers, industry contacts and government partners 700 Alberta students will showcase their skills in an experience of a lifetime. Check it out!

Monday, May 16:  6:30 – 8:30 pm Ward H School Council Network meeting

I will be sharing information on the Budget, District Plan, Central Reorganization, Education Act, Policy Work of the Board with reps… and most importantly, hearing their thoughts, comments and ideas.   

Wednesday, May 18, 5:30 pm:  SW Farmer’s Market’s Opening Day (Lillian Osborne Parking Lot)  Congratulations to all involved from Terwillegar and Aspen Gardens (and others I may not know about), but especially to Corrina Chetley-Irwin (Chair) and Cynthia Reckhard.  A great addition to the SW scene (and full of fresh healthy fresh fruits and veggies, I am thinking)!

Tuesday, May 24, 6 pm, Public Board

Tuesday, May 31  Moratorium Committee meeting on PO&M funding and Student Instructional Funding

2 – 4 pm, McCauley Chambers. All are welcome

Until June 9,   Three Policies Up for Review

• Students Programs (do you think the considerations for the Board in establishing a program or deleting it are the right ones?)
• Student Admission to the District
• Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity

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

Until June 30, help TSNAP raise $$$ for the Esther Starkman/Monsigneur William Irwin playground.

Everyone is encouraged to visit http://www.refresheverything.ca/tsnapplaygroundproject and vote once a day. The TSNAP playground is now in #19 position.  Aiming for the  top position to gain the $5000 prize!   Apparently, you don’t need to live in the area to vote for the project

OTHER

Contribute your Thoughts to the  Community Sustainability Task Force on School Revitalization Zones and other topics

http://edmonton.ca/city_government/city_wide_initiatives/community-sustainability.aspx

(Look under Public Input)

Here is a thought a Ward H resident sent to me on “Local Schools” that is connected to what the Community Sustainability Task Force is looking into:   “I understand that budget pressures will continue to challenge the use of smaller, community-based schools in favour of larger schools with more economies of scale. I hope the board will maintain its new position of preserving existing small schools, and that you will further look for ways to include smaller schools in the city’s growth plan. The neighbourhood school offers significant advantages to communities, to our city, and in many cases to students, which are worth the sacrifice in operating costs. We are willing to see compromises in other areas before more closures of community schools are considered.”

You may also be interested in the Presentation on Aging Infrastructure that was given last Tuesday, which paints a pretty grim picture of our current situation with respect to maintaining school buildings.  http://epsb.ca/datafiles/AgeOfBuildings_4May2011.pdf

Looking Back

Thanks to those who sent their opinions on Lowering Speed Limits and the idea of consulting with the public about the idea of changing the School Calendar (i.e. to start back to school in the last week of August and take a week off in November).  The Board voted in favour of both items.  You can see the comments I received on my website here:

http://catherineripley.ca/2011/04/22/insights-budget-capital-plan-thoughts-needed/#comments  (first and third strands of comments). I will let you know when the Calendar Consultation happens. 

Finally, the Budget .   At our last meeting the Board voted in support of the Superintendent’s recommendation to live within our allocation of $818 million from the Province, to allocate funds out to the schools that are 1.2% less than their allocation last year and funds to Central departments that are 3.7% less than last year.  With increases in costs in both staffing and operations, this means our leaders across the district are in the midst of some very challenging decisions.  We will hear more about how this budget will play out “on the ground” from the Superintendent at our May 24 public board meeting. 

Have a great weekend!  And as always, I am happy to receive any comment, great ideas, or experience you may wish to share!  You can post directly on my website as a comment to this e-letter (which is also posted there) or by email to me. 

Catherine

 Monday, March 21, marks the first day of spring and it is also the International Day for the Elimination for Racial Discrimination.  And this year, for me, it marks a celebration at DS MacKenzie that I am very much looking forward to. 

 On Monday, the whole school community will be welcoming five students from Fushimi Junior High School, Sapporo, Japan and given the tragedy in Japan, it is an honour that students are able to visit at this time. The official welcoming ceremony will also be celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the Fushimi Exchange.  This exchange has its beginnings in the twinning of the provinces of Alberta and Hokkaido in 1981 and is the longest running student exchange in Alberta. What a remarkable achievement –one that has flourished thanks to the strong commitment and dedication of teachers, principals and families on both sides of the Pacific. Thank you to all who have been involved over the years! Here’s to 30 more!

 Community Sustainability Task Force – Ideas? Thoughts?

It is my very real honour to be representing the Board on the Community Sustainability Task Force, chaired by Michael Phair. The exploratory and discovery phase of the Task Force’s work will take place during April and May (and possibly into June).  Recommendations are expected to come forward during the Fall. The work is focusing on “mature neighbourhoods” (built before 1972). In Ward H, Westbrook, Aspen Gardens, Royal Gardens, Greenfield, Rideau Park and Duggan fall into this designation.  

 Mr. Peter Wong (who is a Past President of the Edmonton Chinese Bilingual Education Association), Trustee Cindy Olsen, and I are chairing a Working Group focused on School Revitalization Zones.  What do you think the Working Group should investigate? How do you think “school revitalization” should be approached?  Would you like to be involved at all?  Other Working Groups include Businesses in Community and Achieving Mature Neighbourhood Sustainability, and if you have an interest in these groups, I would be happy to pass your name along. 

 UPCOMING

Public Board Meeting on Tuesday night, March 22.  6 pm, Centre for Education, One Kingsway. 

Please note that the agenda and all associated reports can be found at  http://www.epsb.ca/board/march2211_agenda.shtml and includes: 

1)      Celebration of this year’s Edwin Parr nominees. (The Edwin Parr Award is given out by the ASBA to a first year teacher from each zone in the province. Each school board can bring forward one candidate.  On Tuesday we will meet all the nominees in the district and find out which one will go forward as our nominee to Zone 2/3. )

2)      A motion on Trustee Per Diems (to pay trustees for any committee work that exceeds 6 meetings/committee)

3)      A motion to Review the Lunchtime Fees policy  (See background information related to this motion in the Trustees Request for Information item.)

4)      Report from the Moratorium Committee on their work to date and a proposed workplan.  Until October, the Committee will explore seven issues that contribute to school closures. This exploration will be done in a public setting with presentations from Administration, dialogue and the opportunity for the public to speak to the issue of the day.  Great idea!  All are welcome and I will remind you of the upcoming topics closer to the date.  The first one is set for April 19^th and will be on Urban Sprawl. (See below)

5)      Recommendation to Dispose of Bellevue School (Bellevue was closed in 2003 and Distinction Employment Counselling Services of Alberta (DECSA), the tenant since that time, would like to purchase the property.)

6)      Presentation from Exempt Staff on their thoughts about the upcoming budget

Your thoughts on any or all of the above are welcome.  And if you are able to attend the meeting in person, great!  Please be sure to let me know you are in attendance.  Parking is available underground or stay warm at home and  watch the webcast of this meeting at  http://www.livestream.com/edmontonpublicschools. 

March 25, 11:50 am,  Information Session on the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation

Come on down to Youngstown School for lunch and some information on what is happening in public schools today and what the Foundation is all about.  No $$$ required!  Just a smile and some curiosity!   Two more sessions will be offered on April 7 and April 21 but at John A. MacDougall School.  Full details here:  http://foundation.epsb.ca/events

 Thursday, April 7 – A Ward F discussion

How do we get more families back into the core of our city?  A Ward F discussion hosted by Trustee Michael Janz. Please RSVP.  For the details, see: http://www.michaeljanz.ca/2011/03/how-do-we-get-more-families-back-into-the-core-of-our-city/

Saturday, April 9

Literacy and Learning Day, http://www.literacyday.ca/ 

Hear Robert Ocker speak on “The Parent Shift  – Empowering Our Children Today and Building the Families of Tomorrow!” and attend your choice of great workshops. This is a FREE event especially for parents. The Literacy and Learning Day Society was recently at Public Board to request help with distribution of materials  and a financial contribution (which was granted).   Donations are key to keeping this event going as are volunteers.  If you can help out in any way, please contact the organizers.   

 Until April 13, submit your input on the time of Public Board Meetings

The Board of Trustees currently holds its regular Board meetings in public every second and fourth Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the school year. The Board is considering holding its regular Board meetings during the day and is seeking your input. http://viawebsurvey.epsb.net/vws/Surveys_aI1.cfm?A=2213&B=4197

 Tuesday, April 19, Moratorium Committee meeting on Urban Sprawl

2 – 4 pm, McCauley Chambers, Centre for Education 

 Wednesday, April 27, 7 pm

Let Your Light Shine!  Fashion Show

An Edmonton Public Schools Foundation/Kingsway Garden Mall event  

See what student teams from district high schools have designed and created!  Can’t wait to see what comes strutting down the runway!  Would you like to attend with me?  Let me know and maybe we can carpool. 

 EDUCATION WEEK  May 1 – 7

Tuesday, May 3  Moratorium Committee meeting on Aging School Buildings and Plant Operations & Maintenance (PO&M) Funding

2 – 4 pm, McCauley Chambers. All are welcome.

 Thursday, May 12, 7:30 am   Edmonton Public Schools Foundation’s  Get Ready for Life” Fundraising Breakfast 

Would you like to join me at my table?   It is my privilege to represent the Board on the Foundation’s Board of Governors and I would love for you to join me in supporting the great work the Foundation is doing to support early learning in our district.  The breakfast is free, it is a great way to start your day  (I hosted a table last year), and please note, people will be asked to make a contribution.  Let me know if you are interested.  

 LOOKING BACK on LGBTQ MOTION

On March 3 I mentioned that the Board would be deliberating on a motion to create a new policy to affirm the provision of a welcoming environment for all students and staff who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual/transgendered, or queer (LGBTQ). We did indeed deliberate and the Board voted 8-1 in favour. As such, Edmonton Public Schools is the first in the Prairie Provinces to commit to developing such a policy. 

 I was the vote against and several people have asked me to explain my reasoning. I am happy to do this (or on any other vote, for that matter – never hesitate to ask!).  In November the Board passed the third reading of a policy called Safe, Caring, and Respectful Learning Environments (which is a complementary policy to a similar one focused on staff).  It states that discrimination, harassment, bias and bullying for any reason (including sexual orientation) will not be tolerated, and schools have an obligation to be safe places where these types of issues can be raised and resolved.  The Superintendent is currently developing regulations on how this policy will “come to life” on the ground in schools across the district in a consistent way. I enquired whether the new regulations would have any provisions for LGBTQ issues. The answer was yes.  Believing that we need to be streamlining our policy book, and believing that the current policy is strong in terms of protection for all students and given the new regulations were still in development, I felt a new policy was not necessary. The rest of the Board disagreed, however, and now we move forward. 

 As a member of the Policy Committee I am looking forward to developing a strong policy in this area. The initial draft policy should make an appearance for public input and advice later in the spring/early summer. Stay tuned!  In the interim, if there are elements you feel should be included in this policy, please let me know.

 Until next time, all the best!

 Catherine

So, if you haven’t done so, I encourage you to read through the statement and answer the questions — online now until midnight on Sunday, February 6.  http://epsb.ca/datafiles/PrioritiesConsultation.shtml  Did we get it right? What is missing?

As a member of the District Priorities Committee, I have now attended two student consultation sessions and one district wide community consultation PLUS a session held in Ward H.  Thank you, Principal Miller and Johnny Bright School, for hosting the Ward H session and to the twelve people who attended. Great!  One more distict wide session will be held tomorrow morning, and then all the results (in person and online) will be brought together and we will look for themes in terms of how to improve the Vision, Mission, Beliefs and Priorities.  

 Based on what I have heard so far, I know there is work to do!  While there is lots of basic agreement with the work so far, there have been some thought-provoking comments simplifying  the language, emphasizing the spirit of collaboration throughout more, the need to provide context for why these priorities have been chosen, etc. 

Here are the results from the Ward H session, for example: 

Question 1:  Do the draft Vision, Mission, Beliefs and Values, and Priorities reflect your expectations for Edmonton Public Schools?  If no, what needs to change in order for them to meet your expectations?

Discussed what VISION/MISSION was  (Vision – where we want to be,  destination;  Mission – how we will get there, practical )

VISION

• Needs to include an understanding/sense of where students could be going  (and that lots of paths are worthy  — university, work, apprenticeship etc.) 
• Missing – sparking life-long learners. 
• “Completing high school” — seems like a low achievement goal, makes it sound as if it’s the end, so final. 

MISSION

• RE:  “success.”  What is the definition of success?  Is it the achievement of the vision? 
• Should success be considered “personal success”  — i.e. set up framework that allows students to set their own vision of success. 
• Missing –  we are missing sense of PARTICIPATION  by the student /parents/teachers.   This is all about what we are doing TO students. 
• What about “to provide learning environments and  leadership necessary to support AND ENGAGE all students in achieving PERSONAL success in a complex and changing world.”   (ie. The addition of these words emphasizes or brings out the need for participation by the student) 
• RE: “leadership”    What is the definition of leadership? 
• Missing – sense of collaboration between parents/teachers/students/etc.   Yes, it is in the Beliefs section but should be here. 
• “ing” words imply more action. 
• What about ….  “Providing opportunities for learning and leading in collaborative ways so that all students can….”  

BELIEFS/VALUES

• There should be a value around the importance of communication/engagement.
• Whole notion of preparing for college/for one’s future needs to be in here. 
• Need to have a value around HONESTY – around marks, abilities etc. 
• For inclusiveness to work, don’t we need a value around celebrating the uniqueness and talent of each students plus ACCEPTANCE of everyone despite their differences?
• Didn’t like the phrase “public education underpins a successful future.”  Underpins not a good word and makes meaning unclear.  “Public education is the foundation for a successful future” would be better.
• Need to recognize value of making an effort.  (persistence?  Catherine’s suggestion)
• Appreciate the belief around everyone sharing responsibility and accountability – but still, there is no sense of “working together” or being collaborative.  Need to be more direct about this. 
• Add in to learning environments
  • honest? 
  • Open communication? 
  • Really glad to see “creative and innovative” 

PRIORITIES

• (former staff member)  Really glad to see fourth priority still in place.
• Someone commented that these are all good but what are the realities in getting there given current economic/political climate?  “Are these champagne tastes on a beer budget?”    This led to a whole reflection on the fact the priorities are worthy no matter what the budget.  For our kids, we need to tackle these goals in good times/bad times.  What we need is COMMITMENT.  Innovation also becomes really important in a hard time. 
• Priority 1:  Innovation is a euphemism for creative thinking – why use it?  How do you measure innovation anyhow?  Innovation was not clear to one person at all. 
• Priority 2:  Questioned the word “instill”  — would encourage or cultivate be better?
• Priority 3:  Enable inclusive and accepting environments where…   This better implies that achieving this priority will have to be two-way street.  Everyone will need to respond to  or participate in the inclusive environment for it to work. 

OVERALL COMMENT

This Vision, Mission, Beliefs and Priorities will give people 20 years from now a sense of what was important or going on in 2011.  (i.e. they are responses to things like bullying, increasing rate of change, increasing parent involvement, desire for transparency etc.)  But what are the new issues coming up?  Can we look forward and try to capture some of that in our priorities/vision…. ? 

Question 2  (What can you do to help us achieve the Priorities? )

• Teachers will need to prioritize their time/activities/efforts
• Need commitment from everyone 
• Parents could help out with extra-curricular and/or with their expertise. The principal commented that this is already possible.  But do parents KNOW they can be a volleyball coach or drama leader or whatever? 
• BETTER COMMUNICATION is key and critical. 

Question 3:  How will we know we are making progress? 

• Conversation around measuring innovation/creative thinking.  These are buzz words, but what dos they really mean?  Suggestion that we’re going to measure it by talking about it.  We’re going to tell stories about kids/teachers etc. thinking outside the box, being creative, etc.  
• Qualitative measures (like stories) are OK, but quantitative is important, too.
• Provincial Accountability Pillar results/parent & community & student & staff surveys are good starting places. 
• Narratives are great for those kids on either end of the spectrum  (super great kids, super awful kids) but we don’t tend to share stories of kids in the middle.  [ Thought from Catherine:  Need to find way in which all kids can share their own stories of progress.  Ask about status of Ready for the Future portfolios?] 
• How do we measure EFFORT?  Trying is what makes the big difference for one parent; grades are less important.   Another parent commented that you can try really hard (which is good) but it doesn’t necessarily make you successful.  (This goes back to what your definition of success is… what the vision is)  
• With respect to literacy:  if my child wants to sit down and read and enjoy a book, this would signal success to me. 
• We will know we are making progress through CELEBRATION. 
• With respect to numeracy /critical thinking.  If I can go into a store and the power goes out and the teen clerk can help me out and make change, that would indicate success.
• We certainly need measures, but how can we measure the inclusive environment? 

Question 4    How do you want to hear about our progress on the priorities?

a)      Traditional media (3/12) (but at what cost?)

b)      School newsletter (6/12)

c)       EPSB.CA  (3/12)

d)      Social media (2.5/12)

e)      Board meeting updates (1/12)

f)       Email updates (5)

OTHER   1)  Parent council meetings, 2) School ZONE  (8/12)  Could there be a “publicZONE”  (It was suggested that “Go Public” www.school4you.ca  is just that)    3) DO IT ALL!

As I said,  if you haven’t offered your thoughts, please do so!  All input gratefully recieved so we can make these the very best they can be.  Click on  http://epsb.ca/datafiles/PrioritiesConsultation.shtml  The survey is online until Sunday, February 6, midnight.

Thanks!

Please join me to take a look at the Board’s Proposed Directions and Priorities for Edmonton Public Schools for the foreseeable @ Johnny Bright School, 1331 Rutherford Road SW (just west of 111 Avenue and south of Ellerslie).  All ages and stages are welcome.  Please RSVP by Wednesday, January 26 to Catherine.Ripley@epsb.ca or 780-887-1002. 

Why should you come?  Because one of the most important tasks for the Board is to set the long-term direction and goals for Edmonton Public Schools on behalf of the community — that means you!   In the recent past, the Board has concentrated on the three-year priorities that fit under the umbrella of a mission set in 1999. The 2007-10 Board determined that it would be wise for the new Board to take a thorough look at the Mission this time round. Upon thinking some more about this, we have determined to also look at a Vision statement, Values and areas of possible emphasis for a longer-term Strategic Plan under which the new 2011-14 Priorities would fit.   The Board would like to hear your thoughts.  It will take all your thoughts under advisement and is aiming to bring a final statement to Public Board in early March.   Several district-wide consultations are being held (including two with students) and this Ward H one is supplementary to those.  All consultations will be similar. 

If you are not able to attend, you can still be involved.  Please take a look at the proposed statement, which will be accessible online at www.epsb.ca during the week of January 24 through February 6, and provide your feedback through the survey form.  Thank you!

After considering all the input, the Board will discuss a final statement at public board in early March.

Please come out and join the conversation about the new Education Act legislation expected to be introduced in the Winter Session of the legislature @ DS Mackenzie Junior High Library  (40 Ave and 106 Street).  Please RSVP by Wednesday, January 12 to Catherine.Ripley@epsb.ca or 780-887-1002.

In the Winter 2011 session, it is expected that The Honourable Dave Hancock, Minister of Education, will introduce a new Education Act into the Legislature. This is a major piece of legislation. The last time the School Act was reviewed and changed was about 20 years ago… so let’s talk about what appears to be coming.    What major changes are in store?  Will they support our children and youth in becoming the best they can be?  Will it help or hinder school boards in providing the best possible education for all students?  In 2009 (and reaffirmed in 2010) a group of Ward H residents determined that strengthening families, providing innovative citizenship education, and improving communication were three main ways “the village that it takes to raise a child” could achieve the ideal schools and communities we envisioned for 2030.  Will this new legislation provide a framework for that to happen?