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

Posted on October 8, 2011 by catherine

Hello!  And Happy Thanksgiving!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And please note, this is a PUBLIC meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend at One Kingsway (opposite the Royal Alex) in the Centre for Education, 2nd 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 25th

“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

 

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

Posted on September 24, 2011 by catherine

Hello and a good Saturday to all! 

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

 EDUCATING CHILDREN IN EDMONTON’S NEWEST NEIGHBOURHOODS – HOW?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOARD MEETING, TUESDAY, September 27,  2 pm

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

Enabling All Students to Complete High School: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 ALSO, UPCOMING

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

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

 Thursday, September 29, 11:45 to 1 pm

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

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

 October 3 – 7  International Walk to School Week!

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

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 25th

“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

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INSIGHTS: Policy Review, Budget, Foundation News….

Posted on September 16, 2011 by catherine

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

BUDGET, CLASS SIZES, ETC.

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

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

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

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

FANTASTIC NEWS FROM THE EDMONTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION! 

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

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

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

UPCOMING

 

Saturday, September 17  Community League Day

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

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

Saturday, September 17th @ 1:30 pm

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, September 27, 2 pm

Public Board Meeting  (details to come next time)

 

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

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

Thursday, September 29, 11:45 to 1 pm

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

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

October 3 – 7  International Walk to School Week!

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

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.

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 25th

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

RESOURCES FOR YOUR CHILDREN

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

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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

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

Catherine

 

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INSIGHTS: Welcome back, Remembering Mr. Nicholson, and September 14

Posted on September 2, 2011 by catherine

WELCOME BACK TO A NEW SCHOOL YEAR!

I hope all of you had a restful and rejuvenating summer and for those who have children in school or who are working in schools or with schools,  I hope the first few days of school have gone smoothly. 

I am excited to be kicking off the school year by hosting a meeting with Trustee Michael Janz to bring together people to talk about one of my favourite subjects:  PUBLIC EDUCATION!   This community conversation will look at public education through the lens of the proposed new Education Act, but before I get into the details, I wanted to pause for a moment and reflect on a remarkable life well lived and one passionately committed to public education. 

IN MEMORIAM

For those of who may have missed this news, I regret to let you know that Mr. George Nicholson died mid-summer.  As Ward H trustee for 15 years and Board Chair for several of those years, Mr. Nicholson served his constituents, students,  schools and public education thoughtfully and honorably.  Prior to trusteeship, he had devoted his career to education (largely within Edmonton Public Schools) where he served as teacher, curriculum coordinator, associate superintendent, and the principal of several schools – last but not least, Harry Ainlay. Professionally and as a trustee he made a difference to the quality of education for both students and staff right across the district for well over 50 years, and I know he will be sorely missed by his friends, colleagues and family. I, too, will miss him. After my election, he graciously met with me on several occasions and was generous with his advice and support, and I am deeply grateful for his time and wisdom as well as being thankful for all that he gave to the world, specifically to the world of public education. 

YOU’RE INVITED TO HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE.

A Community Conversation on the new Education Act

 @ Harry Ainlay, September 14, 7 -9 pm

As mentioned before, the new Education Act is a major piece of legislation that, once passed in the legislature, will impact education for a number of years to come.  Thus, it is worth paying attention to and ensuring “we”  (the Government and the citizens who will live and work, teach and learn under the legislation) get it right. So please … come on our and contribute your thoughts.

Our special guest will be The Honourable Dave Hancock, MLA for Edmonton-Whitemud and the Minister of Education, and the evening will be composed of two parts.  The first half will consist of Table Conversation on the Responsibilities for Students, Parents and School Boards.  The second half will give you a chance to ask a question or make a comment to the Minister.  For full details, please visit www.catherineripley.ca/education-act and if you are excited to attend (and I hope you are!)….

PLEASE RSVP by next Friday, September 9

to me by email or by phone 780-887-1002. Once you do that, you will receive a participant’s package. 

ALSO, UPCOMING

Thursday, September 8

International Literacy Day

Friday, September 9:  Don’t forget to RSVP for Education Act Discussion (mentioned above)

Tuesday, September 13, 2 pm

Organizational Board Meeting (at which the Board will decide on who will serve on what Board committee, Board Chair, Board representatives on external organizations)

Plus there will be discussion of several  policies deferred from June 14 board meeting, namely Guidance & Counselling Services, School Learning Resource Centres, Field Trips, Instructional Fees, Instructional Time and Student Attendance.  To read those policies please visit http://www.epsb.ca/board/june142011_agenda.shtml

 

I am particularly happy that the School Learning Resource Centres (i.e. School Library) policy has been revised and is being reviewed!    What do you think? Did the Board get it right?  Is the policy right/bang on/ perfect? 

 

September 13, 7 – 9 pm 

Moratorium Committee meets to look at   Space Utilization 

McCauley Chambers, Centre for Education, One Kingsway

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

Saturday, September 17  Community League Day

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

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

 

Tuesday, September 20. 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

 

Tuesday, September 27, 2 pm

Public Board Meeting  (details to come)

 

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

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

October 3 – 7 READ IN WEEK!  

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.

By October 15:  Nominate someone for a YMCA Peace Medallion Award
Do you know an individuals or group in your local communities who — without any special resources — inspire and affect the lives of others through their peaceful endeavours and commitment? The annual YMCA Peace Medal Awards honour youth and adults who volunteer their time to advancing peace in their own communities or abroad. For more information, contact Joleen Schmitt at JSchmitt@edmonton.ymca.ca.

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

Thursday, November 24th & Friday, November 25th

“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

Thanks to Ms. Paula Simons for this thought-provoking essay on the value we place on children and public education…. http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2011/08/05/of-peter-pan-ponzi-schemes-and-public-education/   (And thanks to Pat for bringing this to my attention while I was away from Edmonton during the summer.)

DID YOU KNOW?

Edmonton Public Schools and ACCESS Television collaborated to produce a DVD (in English and Somali) that explains basic facts about the education system and Edmonton Public Schools for Somalian families.  Accompanying print resources were developed to complement the DVD. EPSB appreciates the partnership with ACCESS that allowed for the production of this DVD and hopes that viewers will find it useful.  http://www.epsb.ca/familiescommunity/families.shtml

You can stay up to date with all the great things happening in our district by subscribing to the Edmonton Public Schools news site. http://news.epsb.ca/category/in-the-news/

You can keep tabs on what is happening at the Community Sustainability Task Force (on which I serve as a representative for the Board) by visiting this page:  http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/city_wide_initiatives/newsletters-and-updates.aspx

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

Catherine

 

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INSIGHTS: Summer Reading!

Posted on June 30, 2011 by catherine

Welcome to Summer!

 Summer is a great time for reading – ideally under the shade of a lovely big old tree, a hot cup of tea, and no mosquitoes… .ahhh!  

 I invite you to join with me in diving into the following –

 Bill 18, the new Education Act

A great place to start is online at http://ideas.education.alberta.ca/engage/current-initiatives/action-on-legislation  You can read about the Act here and if you look at the menu bar on the left, you can zero in on certain parts of the Act such as Community Engagement, Governance, Student Success. 

 There are many, many positive things contained in this legislation but will it, for sure,  “underpin the transformation of the education system…enhance student access to education and empower local school boards to be more responsive to the diverse learning needs of students and their communities”?  We (the village it takes to raise a child) will have until about mid-October to register our views with the Minister of Education.   

 This is a critical piece of legislation that affects the future for all of us.  I encourage you to take the time to see what’s inside. 

 ****ALSO, please save the date: 

September 14 @ Harry Ainlay, 7 -9 pm

“Let’s Talk … the New Education Act (Part 2)!”   

What does the Act say about YOUR role and responsibilities with respect to education?  What questions do you have? 

Honoured guest:   Dave Hancock, MLA for Edmonton-Whitemud and the Minister of Education.

 

The Narcissism Epidemic by Jean Twenge

Thanks to the Learning Our Way initiative co-sponsored by the ATA, Cambridge Strategies and James Murgatroyd ( http://learningourway.ca/ ), I was privileged to hear author Jean Twenge speak to this subject earlier this year. I am looking forward to reading her book. In an age of increasing narcissism in our youth, how will we (trustees, teachers, parents, community members) focus on “instilling empathy and an understanding of equity as key citizenship traits in our students”  over the next couple of years?  This is one of the priorities passed in the late winter.    

Common Purpose by Lisbeth Schorr

I am almost done this book, which I have been reading in conjunction with my work as the Board’s rep on the Community Sustainability Task Force.  There is much food for thought here on how true collaboration works (and what impedes it), how bureaucracies can better and more flexibly serve the public (Edmonton Public Schools is doing so much right), and how we measure and evaluate progress in any social endeavor – all of which are complex by nature and thus not easily measured by simple measures. 

The Leader in Me:  How Schools and Parents around the World are Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time by Stephen R. Covey

Some of our Ward H schools are implementing The Leader in Me student leadership program  — find out what it’s all about!  Are there lessons for all of us here?  Could parents and councils also follow this program in their work? 

PLUS
I will take this opportunity to thank everyone for a great school year. Thank you to all the skilled, dedicated and caring staff who serve our children in our schools every day. … Thank you to the wonderful parents who support the work of teaching and learning in our schools through volunteering or doing homework with their children or getting kids to bed on time or coming out to school council meetings….  Thank you to the supportive community that keeps an eye on what is happening around and in our schools…. And thank you to our children for their joy, their curiosity, and their inspiration! 

A wonderful summer to you all…

Catherine

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INSIGHTS: Public Education = You are Welcome!

Posted on June 13, 2011 by catherine

 Happy Monday!

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

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Insights: Happy Victoria Day!

Posted on May 23, 2011 by catherine

 Hello and Happy Victoria Day! 

 FIRST, BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY

 First, I wanted to let you know what is upcoming at the Board meeting this coming Tuesday night, starting at 6 pm.    You can access all reports here: http://www.epsb.ca/board/may242011_agenda.shtml . And as ALWAYS…your comments are welcomed OR even better, your presence at the meeting.   (Underground parking is accessible from Kingsway – although please note that you can only access Kingsway from the east/ 101 Street.)

It will be a pleasure to recognize this year’s winner of the Margaret T. Stevenson Award for Young Writers and to receive a presentation from Evansdale School on its multi-cultural work (in advance honour of Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27).

In addition, there is a lot up for discussion and consideration and decision, including….

The Introduction of the Budget.  Now that all the schools and central units have worked with the allocations that came out to them after the Board’s preliminary approval of the expenditure budget, this will be a chance for the Board to consider the impacts of the budget (for example, on staff levels) and understand how the Superintendent and his leaders propose allocating our dollars to achieve the 2011-14 Priorities. 

NOTE:  this report will be posted on Tuesday afternoon, and the ultimate approval of said budget will be made at our June 14th meeting.  I am happy to receive any comments you might have on the proposed budget between now and then.

Transportation Fees for 2011-12  

Third Reading on our Community Use of District Buildings policy that now includes two amendments – 1) to exclude publicly funded corporations from providing day care or child care services in our buildings and 2) to ensure all businesses or groups leasing space are pursuing socially responsible and ethical practices.  I voted against the first two readings of the policy with these amendments, and I will be asking my colleagues to consider removing the first as well as modifying and/or removing the latter. Possible implications of the “exclusion” addition are found within the report at http://www.epsb.ca/board/may10_11/item06.pdf  You can also the implications and the challenges of the second amendment. http://www.epsb.ca/board/may10_11/item15.pdf  (Trustee Request 82, page 2). Thoughts? 

Report on the first year of implementation of our Multicultural Education Plan.  (There are many good things happening here – check it out!)

Update from the Special Needs Task Force (what people said during the recent consultations)  Based on all this input I am looking forward to the recommendations from the Task Force, which are tentatively on track to come forward on June 14. 

Motion that a series of annual reports should come to Board to monitor outcomes and improve student success. 

Recommendation to support the advocacy of the Strategic Alliance for the Advancement of Immigrant and Refugee Children, Sub-Committee on Refugee Transportation Loans with respect to cancelling the outstanding loans of refugees related to transportation and cease requesting repayment of loans in this regard. 

Recommendations re: Motions coming forward to ASBA Spring General Meeting (first week of June) (Budget, staggered appointment of trustees to Board of Directors, transparent voting on motions at meetings)

SECOND, UPDATE ON DECISIONS MADE LAST TIME

The Board will try out a district membership in the Alberta School Councils Association for one year and ask for feedback from Councils in a year before proceeding with a permanent membership.

We approved the Capital Plan, with new construction projects moved further down the list. The  additional modulars for Johnny Bright and Esther Starkman  remain at the top of the priority list, and  the Board will be eagerly waiting to hear news of a commitment to all of our capital projects from the Provincial Government.  

We will try out a new time for Board meetings for the 2011-12 year – 2-6 pm on second and fourth Tuesday – to be evaluated in a year.   Although several people contacted me with concerns that this change in time would negatively impact the participation of  those working in the daytime and also, disenfranchise people working fulltime from being able to put forward themselves forward as trustee candidates, I voted for this motion.  I believe this is worth a try.

The main purpose of our Board meetings is to make decisions, and this will permit us to be making those decisions during the day when people are fresher. The bulk of our most loyal attendees are actually senior staff  and staff group representatives,  and this timing will mean that this will be part of their working day, not additional to it.  There are also some cost savings due to not having to provide dinner in advance of evening meetings. 

With respect to engaging the public in our decision-making work, the reports for the meetings are posted almost a week in advance of the meeting for all to access and then send comments to their trustees, and the webcasting of Board meetings allows anyone and everyone to see how we make our decisions 24-7. I recognize that if someone (who works fulltime during the day) wishes to make a comment at the board meeting itself, this will present challenges (such as our staff in schools, for example).  However, conversely, the new timing will allow others to attend who have been unable to in the past due to shift work or other evening commitments.  With respect to engaging the public more fully in the work of public education, I believe there are better ways to do this than through the public board meeting format. 

With respect to this timing making it more difficult for people to consider running for trusteeship, I respectfully suggest that the ability to attend meetings and events during the day during part of the week (as well as many evening engagements) comes with the territory, but I will think some more about this as we work our way through next year.

THIRD, “READY FOR LIFE” BREAKFAST A SUCCESS

At the recent Edmonton Public School Foundation’s Ready for Life Breakfast over $200,000 was raised.  One hundred per cent of funds raised by the Foundation will be used to subsidize full-day Kindergarten programs in schools with the most vulnerable student populations, meaning that the original investment into Tipaskan School can continue this year…and then some. Yeah!  An inspirational video about the work at Tipaskan this past year can be seen on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs044_glnqg.  Check it out … and think about contributing to help more children “get ready for life” – Donations accepted year-round.

FOURTH, UPCOMING…

Until Thursday, May 26, provide feedback on a definition of bullying and help out the Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee with its work. The survey can be accessed at : http://viawebsurvey.epsb.net/vws/Surveys_aI1.cfm?A=2213&B=4221   

Saturday, May 28  Community Resource Fair For Newcomers

11:00am – 3:00pm @ Riverbend Junior High School. The fair will be an opportunity for all community residents in southwest Edmonton, but especially newcomers to Canada, to gather information regarding mentorship opportunities and other services. Sponsored by the Southwest Edmonton Mapping Project (SWEMP), Newcomers Sub-Committee.  Please let your neighbours know! 

May 29, Noon.  Don’t Drop the Ball on Alberta’s Future Rally

Holyrood School Council is leading a rally for parents and councils at noon on Sunday, May 29, 2011 on the steps of the Legislature. Everyone is encouraged to come out and voice their concerns about the levels and stability of education funding. Bring a lunch and a ball! For more information contact holyroodschoolcouncil@gmail.com.  

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

2 – 4 pm, McCauley Chambers. All are welcome

Tuesday, May 31, 7 pm  Action on Inclusion:  Where are we now?  Where are we going?

Yearly Update and Conversation with Alberta Education hosted by the Edmonton Regional Coalition for Inclusive Education.  For details, email gritprog@gritprogram.com

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

Have a wonderful holiday, and as always, I am happy to receive any comments, great ideas, or experience you may wish to share!  I am still away, but will be glad to respond upon my return.

Catherine

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INSIGHTS: New Education Act, the Capital Plan revisited, etc!

Posted on May 6, 2011 by catherine

First, BIG (now OLD) NEWS! 

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  19th 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

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Insights: Budget, Capital Plan… Thoughts needed!

Posted on April 22, 2011 by catherine

Happy Earth Day!  

At our last Board meeting, the Board Chair spoke about the ways in which the district uses Earth Day/Earth Month to raise the environmental awareness of our students, staff and families.  For example, this year, all schools and district departments were encouraged to participate in the third annual Lights Out Challenge, held yesterday on April 21.  Last year, 58 district sites participating in the one-day event managed to turn off 46,700 lights, over 1650 computers and monitors, as well as 445 Smartboards to reduce the district’s energy consumption by 7300 kilo-watt hours. This was the equivalent of planting over 990 trees to help reduce CO2.  We’ll see what transpires this year!  To check out Edmonton Public Schools environmental footprint and other activities it is supporting, visit:  http://enviromatters.epsb.ca/

The Edmonton Public Schools Foundation “Ready for Life” Breakfast is almost here…. Three weeks and counting down to May 12!  As the Board rep on the Foundation’s Board of Governors, I was pleased to tour McNally High School last night and get an understanding of how the Breakfast will unfold. Would you like to attend and find out more about what the Foundation is doing to support vulnerable kids with respect to early learning?  If so, please let me know !

 

UPCOMING

Public Board Meeting WEDNESDAY. April 26.  6 pm, Centre for Education, One Kingsway. As always, everyone is welcome – either in person or by webcast.  If you decide to attend in person, please let me know!  I would love to say hello. Background reports and all materials related to the meeting can be found here:  http://www.epsb.ca/board/april2611_agenda.shtml

There are several motions on the table from Trustees:

1)      Support the EFCL initiative to lobby for reduced speed zones to increase safety and walkability of our neighbourhoods,

2)       Take out a district membership in the Alberta School Councils Association so that all our school councils may become members in this organization,

3)      Defer the decision about our 2012-13 calendar and undertake consultation to discover what the reaction of staff, students and parents would be to starting the school earlier (late August) so that we could take one week off in November (probably connected with Remembrance Day). 

Any thoughts on these ideas?  Please let me know by Tuesday morning.

 In addition, we will be discussing two very important recommendations: 

1)      Proposed Distribution of 2011-12 Funds (based on our projected revenue) (aka THE PROPOSED BUDGET)  

2)      Three Year Capital Plan.

Finally, in “Trustee Requests for Information” you may wish to read

1)      The results of the survey about moving our board meetings from the evening to the daytime.  

2)      What it would take to bring our class size levels at the K-3 level down to the ideal size of 17.  “Thus to move to the ACOL suggested class size for K-3 of 17.0 would require a significant increase in funding, ($22.7 million) for Division I classrooms.”

With respect to the Planning/Budget discussion, a couple of things to mention.

http://www.epsb.ca/board/april26_11/item07.pdf

Included  in the Budget report is the Superintendent’s District Plan “at a glance,” which Mr. Schmidt and his leaders have been working hard on.  This plan – very exciting, I think! — will bring to life the Vision, Mission, and Priorities recently set by the board. Please take a look at it!  And now that the plan is set, the Superintendent has taken the projected revenue and thought carefully about how to allocate the funds to support the plan, which supports the achievement of the Priorities. 

 This has been challenging.  You will note that, overall, our revenue is down 0.6%.  Last year the Board supplemented the revenue from our Operating Reserve. This year the Superintendent is recommending a balanced budget – i.e. that we not use any operating reserve money (which is held by schools across the district to support their plans).  This means that we are actually going to operating the budget with 1.7% less revenue than this year (or on about $14.4 million less). The Superintendent is recommending that schools will receive 1.2% less than last year and central departments will receive 3.7% less. 

 The fundamental premise has been to minimize the impact on students and classrooms.

 It is not yet known what will happen re: staffing.  Once the Board approves the planned distribution of funds, then the funds will be allocated out to schools and central departments for their decision-making on how best to meet student needs within the context of the District Plan/Priorities.  It is at that time that the staffing picture will become clearer.

 If you have thoughts on the Plan or the budget, please let me know.

 With respect to the Capital Plan 

http://www.epsb.ca/board/april26_11/item08.pdf

Of particular interest is an aggregated list of capital priorities – please see Appendix II.  You will note that four projects in the top ten priorities are related to the southwest sector (basically Ward H) including additional portables for Esther Starkman (Priority #1)  and Johnny Bright(#2) , K-9 school for Terwillegar Heights (#7), K-6 School for Heritage Valley (#8) .  A K-9 school for Windemere falls as Priority 19 and a K-6 school for Heritage Valley as Priority 29. 

 Everyone should also note the comment in the covering report that the investment by the Alberta Government into school infrastructure is significantly reduced going forward – from $729 million in 2009-10 to $177 million expected in 2013-14, and that with respect to our Preservation/Renewal Projects – no funding has been received since 2007. So, once the Capital Plan is approved by the Board, which will signify our readiness to move ahead on all our plans for new schools, preservation/modernization projects, and leases and other projects (such as asbestos remediation), we are dependent on funding from the government to do so.

 April 27:  Minister of Education Dave Hancock will introduce the new Education Act in the Legislature.   Hope to be there!  Looking forward to seeing what will is proposed officially for the new legislation. 

 April 29 (3:30 – 7 pm) and April 30 (11 am – 4 pm):  Art in the Heart

Support the City Centre Education Partnership Schools by visiting the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts:  9225 – 118 Avenue. See some great student art! Buy some!   

 May 1 – 7  EDUCATION WEEK   

May 1-7  MENTAL HEALTH WEEK.

Thanks to Keheewin for bringing this week to my attention.  On May 4, there will be a Hats On! Event at the school to raise awareness about the mental health needs of our students. One of our new priorities is to promote health and wellness for all students and staff, so hats off to Keheewin! 

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.

 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.    Access the surveys on these policies here:  http://www.epsb.ca/policy/policyReviewListings.shtml

 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  19th 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!

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

2 – 4 pm, McCauley Chambers. All are welcome

 OTHER

 Update on My Work on the Community Sustainability Task Force

 

In my last e-letter I asked for people to why they chose the schools they did for their children.  Thanks to Colleen for her thoughtful response. I have posted this as a comment to my last Insights e-letter blog posting. If you have a story to share about your reasons for choosing a school, please visit my website and add it to this conversation thread! 

http://catherineripley.ca/2011/04/10/insights-needed-including-what-attracts-you-to-a-school/#comment-220

At the last School Revitalization Working Group meeting (for the Community Sustainability Task Force), five successful EPSB community schools and five ECSD schools were presented and discussed. Two of the EPSB schools cited as strong community supported schools were George P. Nicholson and Westbrook.  No firm conclusions yet from these presentations but one common underlying contributing factor to all ten schools appears to be the strong involvement by parents and community. This makes me want to say THANK YOU once again to all those who are actively involved in supporting public schools.

 Finally, I attended the Board’s Moratorium Committee’s first public meeting last Tuesday.  The subject was Urban Growth (or Urban Sprawl, depending on how you look at it!)  You can see the presentation provided by the Administration here: 

http://epsb.ca/datafiles/UrbanGrowthPatterns_19apr2011.pdf

 Until next time, all the best!   Happy Easter!

 Catherine

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INSIGHTS NEEDED, including What attracts you to a school?

Posted on April 10, 2011 by catherine

Hello from the National School Boards Conference!

 It is great to be here in San Francisco learning and gathering ideas about how to improve board policymaking, how boards can support the all-important work on student achievement, how to develop a positive and welcoming school climate, etc.  On Friday I joined the Council of Urban Education Boards (CUBE) for a tour of a successful K-6  in San Francisco and then heard about the types of budget decisions boards (primarily in the USA) are making to weather  tough economic times .

Your input is needed!

There are a number of feedback and input opportunities mentioned below (with dates attached) for you related to current Board work including the idea of moving Board meetings to the daytime, six policies up for review (including one on School Libraries, a subject close to my heart!), and building an inclusive education system. I encourage you to provide your views.  

 Also, please check out the agenda for next week’s Board meeting.  There are a couple of polices coming to the Board (Assisting Community Organizations, Community Use of District Buildings), a proposal to take forward the idea of all school boards creating LGBTQ policy across Alberta to ASBA, and a motion about changing the parameters about what gets discussed within our Conference (in camera) meetings.  The Alberta School Council Association will also be presenting to us.  Looking forward to it!

  As always, if you have thoughts to share on any item please let me know. 

 Attractors/Detractors to Successful Schools?

Next week the School Revitalization Zone Working Group (supporting the work of the Community Sustainability Task Force) will be looking at what makes a successful school. What made you choose the school that your child attends (or attended)?  Please let me know! 

 Congratulations!

And last but not least, congratulations to three staff members, working in Ward H, who are semi-finalists in the 2011 Excellence in Teaching Awards Program:  Karen Linden and Kyril Mueller of Greenfield School and Corrie Yusypchuk of Harry Ainlay.  I look forward to celebrating their nomination with them in a few weeks at a district celebration (along with all those other teachers and principals nominated). 

 UPCOMING

Public Board Meeting WEDNESDAY. April 13.  6 pm, Centre for Education, One Kingsway.  http://www.epsb.ca/board/april1311_agenda.shtml

April 12, Speed Limit Reduction Report being presented

Those interested in Student Pedestrian Safety may be interested in attending the April 12 meeting of the Transportation and Public Works Committee of City Council, which will look at Speed Limit Reduction pilot/work that has been underway (among other items). The meeting starts at 9 a.m. at City Hall in the Committee Room and at that time the agenda is set.  This means that this item may be set to be presented at any time of the day.  If someone wishes to speak on the item they must register in advance with the City Clerk’s Office.  The report that will be presented is found here  http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/OTS_Speed_Limit_Reduction_Report.pdf

Until April 12,  submit your input on Improving Special Needs Education

There was a fantastic turnout for the consultation sessions organized by the Board’s Special Needs Task Force but if you were unable to attend, there is one more chance to contribute your thoughts and ideas about how the district can effectively support the Minister of Education’s goal of an inclusive education  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SpecialNeedsTaskForce

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.

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.    Access the surveys on these policies here:  http://www.epsb.ca/policy/policyReviewListings.shtml

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.

 

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.  

Until next time, all the best!

Catherine

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