Public education affects us all. With my three children now out of the K-12 system, I am now one of the 70% of the public who have no children in school. I firmly believe, however, that 100% of us need to be paying attention to the quality of our public education system. Literally, our future depends on it! It is thus my privilege and pleasure to invite anyone who is interested to participate in community meetings related to education.
I appreciate the time given and the wisdom generated at these meetings and use these thoughts to inform my decision-making at the Board table. Thank you to all who have participated!
Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities
On October 28, 2011, Trustee Janz and I hosted a meeting focused on the Board’s fourth priority (promoting health and wellness for students and staff). Special thanks to Erin Wright of APPLE Schools and Bev Esslinger of SHAPE for joining us to present on nutrition and active living, respectively. Participants shared what their schools are up to regard to nutrition, active living, and emotional health, and we brainstormed ideas for possible measures to track progress in this area. A summary report came to Public Board on January 17, 2012.
You’re Invited to Shape the Future! (Meeting on Bill 18)
On September 14, 2011, Trustee Michael Janz and I hosted a meeting on Bill 18, the proposed Education Act. Thirty-five people attended in a two-part evening: 1) An Examination of the Roles and Responsibilities outlined for Students, Parents and Boards, and 2) a Q&A with The Honourable Dave Hancock, Minister of Education. There is a section on my website currently devoted to the Education Act and you can find both resources and links there as well as the Meeting Summary http://catherineripley.ca/education-act/
Let’s Talk…Vision, Mission, Beliefs and 2011-14 Priorities for Edmonton Public Schools!
On February 1, 2011 12 people gathered at Johnny Bright School to look at a draft Priorities statement. I posted the feedback provided in a recent blog posting and on March 8, 2011, the Board finalized its Vision, Mission and 2011-14 Priorities. You can find them here in this press release!
Let’s Talk the New Education Act!
On January 17, 2011 18 people gathered together to discuss an October 2010 draft framework of the new Education Act, which is expected to be introduced into the Legislature in Spring 2011. People had some great questions and will be helpful when the “real thing” is introduced. Stay tuned! Questions on the New Education Act FINAL
LET’S DIG DEEPER! into Strengthening Families, Improving Communication, Enhancing Innovative Citizenship Education
On January 14, 2010, about 45 people attended the Let’s Dig Deeper! meeting, which built directly on the May 2009 meeting (see below). To read their thoughts and the Q&A with the three special guest speakers, check out the Let’s Dig Deeper! Final Report . The three special guest speakers were Susanne Frolek from Community Services who spoke about the SW Community Mapping Project and how it will help to Strengthen Families over the next few years, Principal Karen Linden who spoke about the Innovative Citizenship Education happening at Greenfield School as the school works to develop our future leaders, and Councillor Don Iveson who spoke on the concept of Open Data as a way forward in Improving Communication.
Sunday, January 10: A package of pre-reading material was sent to all registered attendees: Let’s Dig Deeper! Community Meeting Pre-Reading Package.
As an offshoot, and with respect to Strengthening Families, I met with a small group in April/May 2010 to read and discuss Hold On To Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate. This was profitable for me and those who attended. I encourage you to read this book and/or study it as School Councils, parenting groups, faith groups etc.
I also created a community wiki to experiment with the idea of everyone in the southwest having a common space to share ideas and events related to these three themes. So far, there has been little uptake! Carry on the conversation by visiting: http://swedmontonittakesavillage.wikispaces.com/
Let’s Talk Schools! Let’s Talk the Future! Let’s Talk Community! (May 2009)
“On the evening of May 20, 2009, 34 people gathered in the Riverbend Community Centre in southwest Edmonton to participate in a community conversation entitled Let’s Talk Schools! Let’s Talk the Future! Let’s Talk Community! …” So begins the summary report of this exciting and engaging community conversation. I invite you — encourage you! — to read the full report and then send me your comments: Let’s Talk the Future! Final Report (May 2009).
It Takes a Village” Community Meeting (March 2008)
This meeting included:
- Introduction of the New District Priorities
- Q&A with Mr. Edgar Schmidt, Superintendent of Edmonton Public Schools
Here are some ideas generated in the small Group Discussion of how individuals and community groups, including school councils, can support these priorities: It Takes A Village! Community Meeting Ideas (March 2008).
