GUELPH, Ontario – The March meeting of the Upper Grand District School Board was held on March 27, 2018. The following provides highlights from the meeting.
First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education – Board Action Plan
Colinda Clyne, the UGDSB’s Curriculum Lead for First Nations, Métis, Inuit (FNMI) Education, presented highlights from the Board Action Plan for FNMI Education.
The UGDSB remains committed to ensuring the inclusion of First Nation, Métis and Inuit histories and perspectives in our schools, our system and our school communities. By recognizing and promoting an awareness of these histories and contemporary realities, the UGDSB supports the holistic success of all our students, in particular our First Nation, Métis and Inuit students.
Highlights of the Board Action Plan for FNMI include:
Creating welcoming spaces for Indigenous families and community members by including a land acknowledgement at all UGDSB sites
Giving youth the opportunity to meet with elders and traditional knowledge keepers through class visits and youth forums
Building capacity in staff through meaningful professional development to increase understanding across the system of FNMI histories and perspectives
For more information on the work being done in the UGDSB in FNMI Education and to download a copy of the Board Action Plan, visit First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education.
Draft School Year Calendar for 2018-19
Trustees were presented with the draft school year calendars for elementary and secondary schools in the UGDSB for next year.
The calendars were reviewed by a committee of stakeholders, including representatives from all bargaining units, principals, human resources staff, board staff, student transportation services, and parents.
The proposed calendars meet all of the requirements under Ontario Regulation 304 and abide by the elementary and secondary teachers’ collective agreements. Both calendars have 194 instructional days, including seven professional activity days. Ten instructional days have been scheduled for secondary exams.
With trustee approval, the proposed school year calendars will now be submitted to the Ministry of Education for final approval. Once approved by the Ministry, the finalized calendars will be posted on the UGDSB website.
Summary of Input from Phase 1 of LTAP Public Engagement
Trustees received a summary of the feedback received during the first phase of public engagement in the UGDSB’s Long Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP).
Phase 1 took place throughout the month of February in the form of regional public workshops, presentations at the UGDSB’s Advisory Committee meetings, and online surveys and feedback forms.
The public workshops provided an opportunity for board staff to share information in the LTAP Background Report, providing the public with a broad understanding of the facts related to school accommodation such as population and enrolment trends, school utilization and facility condition. Feedback provided by the public touched on different school related themes such as program, resources, facilities and school communities.
A significant amount of input was provided by stakeholders. Although parents and guardians were the predominant source of the feedback, input was also collected from community members and staff.
To read the summary on feedback received during Phase 1, visit LTAP.
Policy Updates
Trustees approved the following revised board policies: Policy 210 Environmental Education and Management and Policy 315 Privacy Protection and Information Access. Trustees also approved a new policy: Policy 111 Use of Corporate Resources for Elections.
Trustees released the following draft policies for public consultation: Policy 518 Students with Life-Threatening Medical Conditions (Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes, Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder) and Policy 214 Accessibility Standards. Feedback on these two draft policies will be accepted until April 26, 2018.
To view all UGDSB policies and procedures, and to provide feedback on draft policies, visit Policy.
The next regular monthly meeting will be held on Tues. April 24, 2018, at the Guelph Board Office, 500 Victoria Road North. Everyone is welcome to attend. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.
About the Upper Grand District School Board
The Upper Grand District School Board serves approximately 34,000 students through 65 elementary schools and 11 secondary schools in the City of Guelph, County of Wellington and County of Dufferin. The UGDSB covers the ancestral and traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Six Nations of the Grand River, and Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territories. Student success is the goal of over 3,000 dedicated teaching and support staff who are aided by the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners.
Learn, Lead, Inspire…Together
-30-
Media contact:
Heather Loney, Communications and Community Engagement Officer
Upper Grand District School Board
519-822-4420 ext.725
Email Heather Loney
Megan Sicoli, Administrative Officer, Communications
Upper Grand District School Board
519-822-4420 ext.764
Email Megan Sicoli