Board Highlights September 28th
Highlights – Board of Trustees’ Meeting – September 28, 2011
Board meetings always open with remembrances of the deceased, followed by an opening prayer. Here is a quote from the prayer last evening: “Lord, help us to live our mission to: “go, and teach,” so that the Gospel message will spread to the ends of the earth. Help us to remember your promise that you are always with us in that task.”
Presentations
In-service Plan
Superintendent of Programme and Services Jane Dillon-Leitch walked trustees through the comprehensive professional development and in-service plans for the 2011-2012 school year. She highlighted the theme for the year and the main focus of the plan on the four pillars of our Catholic community - care and culture, pathways, literacy and numeracy.
Reports
EQAO Results for Grade 3 and 6 Reading, Writing and Mathematic
Details of the results of assessments by EQAO for Grades 3 and 6 in reading, writing and mathematics were presented to the trustees.
EQAO Results for Grade 9 Mathematics
Details of the results of the Grade 9 assessment of mathematics for academic and applied students were presented to trustees.
North Barrie Elementary Pupil Accommodation Review (PAR) – Status Update
Controller of Plant Glenn Clarke’s report provided an update on the PAR for schools within the Barrie north area including Monsignor Clair, St. Marguerite d’Youville, St. Mary’s, St. Monica’s, Sister Catherine Donnelly and The Good Shepherd Catholic Schools.
Our Catholic Trustees – Stewards of Faith
Director of Communications and Public Affairs asked trustees for feedback on the booklet designed to describe the role of the Catholic trustee in the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board in anticipation of a re-print of the booklet.
Catholic School Community Council Regional Commissioning Meetings
Director of Education Brian Beal’s report outlined the plans for the fall regional meetings for parents of the Catholic School Community Councils and their commissioning. Invitations were extended to the trustees to attend.
Elementary School Enrolment and Staffing 2011-2012
The report highlighted the increase in enrolment of approximately 200 students in elementary schools over projections. This resulted in an additional 12.5 FTE teachers. It was also noted that the Ministry of Education’s primary class targets were met as were the junior intermediate class-size average requirement. It was noted that these provincial targets must be met. It was noted that the elementary enrolment is only down 22 students over the previous year’s numbers.
Secondary School Enrolment and Staffing 2011-2012
The report highlighted the increase in enrolment in Catholic high schools over projections. The increase of approximately 145 students will result in additional staff in most of the high schools. It was noted that overall, while the enrolment is up over projections at budget time, the enrolment is down from the previous year.