Peel District School Board

• Peel District
School Board
"'-"
December 8, 2015
TO:
Janet McDougald
RE:
Regular Meeting of the Board - Agenda Update
REGRETS:
REGRETS FOR LATE ARRIVAL:
ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA:
6.5
9.4
Letter from the Chair to the Minister of Education regarding support for the
development of curriculum and learning resources on Aboriginal peoples in
Canada for students in kindergarten to grade 12
Peel Elementary Teachers Tentative Local Agreement- REVISED
(replaces
page 73-104)
10.1
Inspire Hope: Ensuring a warm welcome and successful school experience
for refugees from Syria and beyond
12.2
OPSBA Fast Report: Vol. 27, No. 32
Regular Meeting of the Board
December 8, 2015
6.5
District
Peel
........,
•
School Board
5650 Hurontario Street
Mississauga. ON, Canada L5R 1C6
t 905.890.1010 1.800.668.1146
f 905.890.6747
www.peelschools.org
December 8, 2015
The Honourable Liz Sandals
Minister of Education
Mowat Block
900 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M7 A 1L2
Dear Minister Sandals:
I am writing to express the Peel District School Board 's support for the development of curriculum
and learning resources on Aboriginal peoples in Canada for students in kindergarten to grade 12,
as suggested in the Calls to Action from the find ings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
brought forward by Mr. Justice Murray Sinclair on June 2, 2015.
The board recognizes that encouraging , inclusive and respectful environments help students
achieve to the best of their ability. As part of this work, we continue to look for ways to improve the
capacity of the board to respond to the learning and cultural needs of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit
students. In September 2013, we launched Policy #81 Voluntary, Confidential Self-Identification
Policy for First Nation, Metis and Inuit Students to help support improvement planning and
accountability, inform policy and funding decisions, and ensure measurement and reporting . This
was a significant step toward ensuring that First Nation , Metis and Inuit students receive the
highest possible quality of education, and that all Ontario students benefit from an appreciation of
the richness of First Nation, Metis and Inuit cultures and the important contributions of First Nation,
Metis and Inuit communities to Peel's, Ontario's and Canada's cultural, economic and social future.
We appreciate the work of the Ministry's Aboriginal Education Strategy, which includes initiatives
that support learning and achievement for Aborig inal students and helps raise awareness about
First Nation, Metis and Inuit cultures, histories and perspectives in all Ontario classrooms.
Your consideration of this matter is appreciated. We look forward to working together to help
ensure our First Nations, Metis and Inuit students feel completely included and welcomed in our
schools.
Sincerely,
~.<::$/;:2
Janet McDougald
Chair
c:
Paul Officer, Co-Chair, First Nation, Metis and Inuit Education Advisory Circle
Joy Uniac, Co-Chair, First Nation, Metis and Inuit Education Advisory Circle
Peel MPP's
Michael Barrett, President, OPSBA
Ontario School Board Chairs
Director of Education and Secretary
Trustees
Janet McDougald, Chair
Suzanne Nurse, Vice-Chair
Carrie Andrews
Stan Cameron
Robert Crocker
Nokha Dakroub
David Green
Sue Lawton
Brad MacDonald
Kathy McDonald
Harkirat Singh
Rick Williams
tSO 9001 CERnFIEO • CUSTOOW. ~IMCES AND M.A!NTENANCE SERVICES
Tony Pontes
Associate Director,
Instructional Support Services
Scott Moreash
Associate Director,
Operational Support Services
Jaspal Gill
PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Regular Meeting of the Board
9.4
December 8, 2015
PEEL ELEMENTARY TEACHERS
TENTATIVE LOCAL AGREEMENT
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Peel Elementary Teachers tentative local agreement be
ratified upon ratification by the ETFO, Peel Elementary Teachers' Local.
Background
The Peel District School Board and the ETFO Peel Elementary Teachers' Local
reached a tentative local agreement on November 27, 2015. The ETFO Peel
Elementary Teachers' Local is scheduled to conduct their ratification vote on
December 10, 2015.
Prepared & Submitted by:
Dawn Beckett-Marton, Director of Human Resources Support Services
Shelley Bortolotto, Assistant Director, Human Resources Support Services
PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Regular Meeting of the Board
10.1
December 8, 2015
INSPIRE HOPE: ENSURING A WARM WELCOME AND SUCCESSFUL
SCHOOL EXPERIENCE FOR REFUGEES FROM SYRIA AND BEYOND
Recommendation
It is recommended that this report be received.
Prepared and Submitted by Inspire Hope Action Team
Brian Woodland, Director of Communications and Community Relations Support
Services (chair)
Zaiba Beg, Instructional Coordinator, English Language Learners ESUELD
Ted Byers, Superintendent of Special Education Support Services
Louise Clayton , We Welcome the World Coordinator
Poleen Grewal, Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Support Services
Maureen McKay, Coordinator, Student Wellbeing
Cathy Roper, Coordinating Principal, Elementary
Carol Suhay, Coordinating Principal, Secondary
Jim Van Buskirk, Chief Social Worker
Background
The Peel District School Board is where the world comes to learn: This year alone, our
We Welcome the World Centres have assessed and registered over 5300 newcomer
students. Our schools have vibrant ESL programming, staff experienced in receiving
newcomers, and a wide variety of supports and services such as social workers,
psychologists and MSEP workers.
In the next several months however, we will welcome a potentially large number of new
students from Syria and beyond. The provincial government has said it will settle 10,000
refugees from Syria by the end of 2016. At this point, there has been no confirmation of
the number that will settle in Peel, but we do know that our community is a major
destination for many newcomers.
To date, we have supported refugees through the We Welcome the World Centres.
Generally, they have come to us from Syria, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. Though it is
hard to generalize, it is fair to say that many have far higher needs than other welcome
centre families. Specifically, factors might include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Many families have lost one or both parents in conflict situations
Students have deep trauma, to the point that some cannot speak
There are significant special education needs-often undiagnosed
There are large gaps in formal schooling-often a number of years. Some middle
school-aged students arrive with no formal schooling at all
Students and families speak little English
Some students often have little or no literacy foundation in their home language
Our schools and support staff have done an amazing job to support these refugee
families. At the same time, there needs to be consideration of the need to provide such
service not to five or ten families in Peel schools, but potentially to hundreds.
Inspire Hope Action Team
To plan for the arrival of large numbers of refugees, and ensure our supports are
focused and schools are prepared, an Inspire Hope Action Team has been created. The
purpose of this team is to:
•
•
•
•
•
Inventory existing supports and services
Identify potential needs/areas for required provincial funding
Ensure coordination of services
Identify how we can provide arriving refugees with a warm welcome and
successful school experience
Connect with community agencies serving refugees
2
At the first meeting, the team identified the following as important supports:
•
Our We Welcome the World Centres in Mississauga, Brampton and Malton
provide reception, registration, assessment, orientation, interpretation and
referral that help us make strong connections with newcomer students and
families immediately at the point of entry in our system for grades K-12. The
centres are co-funded with Citizenship and Immigration Canada and have
Arabic-speaking staff members.
•
We are a founding partner of the Multicultural, Settlement and Education
Partnership (MSEP) program in the Region of Peel. Citizenship and Immigration
Canada funds the program facilitator position centrally and settlement workers in
our schools. We have Arabic-speaking workers.
•
Through our work in the community, we have strong connections with agencies
serving the newcomer community.
•
We have vibrant school-based ESUESD programming, with skilled and
knowledgeable central resource staff to support schools.
•
We have expert school-based and central staff to support students including
social workers, psychologists, speech language pathologists and ISSP teachers.
•
Our school staff have proven structures in place to welcome and support
newcomer refugee students and families .
•
Schools can draw on support for interpreters and translators.
Immediate Actions
•
Staff in Curriculum are working on new resources and supports for schools
specifically to assist ELD students.
•
Tip sheets for principal and school staffs are being developed by the Special
Education department to provide strategies for supporting students (and
families), whose needs may include referral to professional services and/or
special education supports.
•
Beyond these supports, the team identifies a key need to coordinate support for
schools for ESL and ELD students. Based on volume, and on the levels of
language proficiency, schools may need advice and assistance in fully serving
refugee students. A central resource teacher will be assigned this work until the
end of the school year. The role will help schools assess need, provide guidance
and support, and serve as a clearinghouse for requests from schools. This role
will be funded from within the department.
•
WWTW staff have been collecting clothing and bedding for refugee families and
schools and the community have been generous in their giving.
3
•
Staff are connecting with our child care partners to explore possible
supports/subsidies for before and after school care for refugee families.
•
The We Welcome the World Centres have negotiated a formal agreement with
the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture. They will offer one to two days a
week of free counselling services at the Elm Drive location to support those who
have experienced trauma from war and conflict.
•
Staff are working with our technology equity of access partners to identify free or
low-cost technology options for refugee families.
•
We are working with Peel Health to ensure needed supports-including dental
screening-are available to refugee families at the centres
•
The WWTW centres will offer additional parent sessions in Arabic such as
Understanding the School System, Getting Ready for Kindergarten, the ESL
Advantage and Making My Way.
•
MSEP workers who are Arabic speaking will be redeployed to schools with
higher numbers of refugees .
Ministry has announced potential additional funding
On Friday, December 4, the Ministry of Education communicated to boards, initial plans
to support refugees. In terms of funding, they said:
"Syrian refugees are being admitted to Canada with the status of "permanent resident",
as defined by Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Ontario's Education
Act (subsection 49. (7)) includes a provision that such pupils are exempt from paying
any fee. These pupils will be identified in OnSIS as permanent residents.
Funding through the 2015-16 GSN will therefore adjust, to some extent, to any increase
in the number of students resulting from the resettlement of Syrian refugees, depending
on the timing of when the students enter the boards.
At the same time, the ministry recognizes that these newcomer students may require
additional supports from schools to address language proficiency needs and a wide
range of other needs in areas such as extraordinary special education costs, social
work, mental health and translation/interpreters. In particular, the ministry recognizes
that school boards may incur additional expenses and face cost pressures in providing
appropriate programs and services that go beyond current planned programming and
service levels.
Boards are encouraged to track these one-time extraordinary expenses. The ministry, in
partnership with the federal government, will ensure that school boards have the
resources and support required to successfully integrate Syrian refugees into our
education system. The Financial Policy and Business Division of the ministry will
provide a template to guide the collection of data in the near future."
4
More funding is needed
While the size and scale of the need is not fully known, what is clear is the requirement
for additional funding to support schools to ensure a warm welcome and successful
school experience for refugee students. This includes:
•
The board has offered Ashgrove and Lakeview Park schools to the Region of
Peel as potential sites to house refugee families. There will be significant funding
required for the retrofit of these schools, and for operational costs, to ensure that
the refugee families are comfortable and have an appropriate standard of living.
•
If large numbers of refugees arrive with limited foundational first language skills,
there will be a need to deploy additional supports and potentially to create
clusters of students for 4-6 weeks of intensive ESUELD support.
•
There will be a need in general for additional teaching staff, teaching assistants,
resource staff, ISSP staff and more.
•
The special education needs will mean the addition of social work, psychologist
and speech language supports.
•
The federally co-funded programs such as WWTW and MSEP will need
additional staffing, including more Arabic MSEP workers.
Next Steps
The Inspire Hope Action Team will continue to meet, and identify how best to support
schools to warmly welcome refugee families. The team will work to coordinate services,
collect information, and identify funding gaps.
The goal is simple-to Inspire Hope in our refugee students and families. We want to
ensure that they are warmly welcomed, and have a successful school experience. In
other words, we want them to experience the same success, confidence and hope we
provide each day to our students.
5
Ministry of Education
Ministere de !'Education
Minister
Ministre
Mowat Block
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1L2
Edifice Mowat
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1L2
Memorandum To:
School Board Chairs
From:
Minister
Liz Sandals
Date:
December 4, 2015
Subject:
Syrian Refugee Settlement in Ontario
~
~
Ontario
Ontario is home to one of the most diverse populations in the world, where generations
have come to build new lives. With thousands of Syrian refugees expected to come to
Ontario, this is a great opportunity to show we are a welcoming and inclusive society.
We are working with the federal government to ensure seamless, co-ordinated and
responsive support for refugees arriving in Ontario. The revised federal government
plan says they will identify 25,000 Syrian refugees (a mix of privately-sponsored and
government-assisted) by December 31, with a target of 10,000 arriving by December
31, and the remainder by the end of February.
Ontario regularly receives and settles 12,000 refugees a year, and we will continue to
work with the federal government and their partners over the coming weeks to finalize
our emergency response and settlement plans. With added resources from both
ourselves and the federal government, we know we can settle the Syrian refugees we
receive, and help integrate them into our communities. While we are still working with
the federal government on various details, we will provide regular, up-to-date
information as we continue to finalize plans.
As you know, we have been working with school boards during the past month to gather
information, identify resources already in place, and determine what resources will be
required. The ministry, in partnership with the federal government, will ensure that
school boards have the resources and support required to successfully integrate Syrian
refugees into our education system, including language and mental health supports.
While this is the first in ongoing communications on this topic, I am attaching a memo
from my deputy minister to directors of education with further details on our plans.
. ../2
-2Our track record in helping newcomers adjust to Canada and succeed in school is
exceptional. As the OECD report Ontario, Canada: Reform to Support High
Achievement in a Diverse Context pointed out: "Not only do its students perform well,
they perform well despite their socio-economic status, first language or whether they are
native Canadians or recent immigrants." In fact, the gap in student achievement for
many of our new students learning English or French has dropped dramatically since
2003.
We are confident that the strategies and programs that have helped deliver those
results will do the same for new students from Syria. I look forward to working with you ,
your boards and staff, and sharing more information as it becomes available.
I also know that many of your colleagues and community members are asking how they
can volunteer to help. The following links provide information that can be helpful in
understanding how Ontarians can welcome our newcomers, and how we can help:
•
http://www .cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/welcome/index.asp
•
http://www.ontario.ca/page/syrian-refugees-how-you-can-help
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Liz Sandals
Minister
12.2
Regular Meeting of the Board
December 8, 2015
Fast Report: December 7, 20151 Vol. 27, No. 32
Weekly information for decision-makers in Education
Inside the Current Edition
•
2015 Holiday Message from OPSBA
•
2016 Public Education Symposium
•
2016 Summit on Children & Youth Mental Health
•
OPSBA November 2015 Executive Council and Board of Directors
•
EatRight Ontario•s Kids Recipe Challenge
•
Legislative UPDATE
•
Ontario NEWSROOM
•
From Education PARTNERS
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Career BOARD
•
Upcoming Events
December 2015
Dear Friends in Education,
Each day, we have the privilege of helping to build cultures of success and student well-being. This inspirational work
isn't the product of any one group. It is built on strong partnerships and relies on the collective contribution of dedicated
individuals. You know this well and you nurture it, with all your heart and steadfast commitment.
We at OPSBA are honoured to share our goals with so many people who are passionately engaged in shaping a world
in which children can thrive and dream and grow from strength to strength.
This time of year inspires reflection and we hope you will feel a sense of accomplishment in the many ways in which
you put Ontario's children at the core of your efforts. It is a time as well when we wish every good thing for our families,
our friends, our colleagues, our community, and for all those in need across the world. This year we continue our
tradition of making a charitable contribution instead of sending greeting cards. On your behalf, OPSBA will make a
donation to Save the Children in support of child refugees and continue to work to ensure all newcomers to Canada
receive the education they need to succeed.
We wish you peace and joyful moments among your family and friends this holiday season and we thank you for your
commitment to our children and youth, and hope that 2016 will bring you inspiration and fulfillment in equal measure.
Gail Anderson, Executive Director
Michael Barrett, President
2016 Public Education Symposium
January 28-30, 2016
Sheraton Centre Hotel, Toronto
In partnership with ACEPO
NEW
Student Trustee Workshop- "The Leader In You" on Friday, January 29.
REGISTER NOW
Pre-Symposium - Thursday, January 28: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Main Symposium- Thursday, January 28: 7:00p.m. to Saturday, 30: 12:00 noon
P RE-SYMPOSIUM
•
Minister of Education, Liz Sandals
•
Nancy Matthews, ADM Early Years Division, Ministry of Education
•
Session on improving the relationship between the principal and individual teachers in a
school and how that relationship impacts on student learning
•
Labour Relations
•
Leadership and Succession Planning
MAIN SYMPOSIUM
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
•
RICHARD GERVER - "Change: Learn to Love It, Learn to Lead"
Educator, innovator, advisor to the U.K. Goverment
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NATALIE PANEK- Rocket Scientist & Advocate for Women in Technology
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CLOSING KEYNOTE- to be confirmed
2
PLENARY SESSIONS
•
Daniel Ansari - "Mind, Brain & Education"
Professor, Canada Research Chair in Developmental Cognitive
Neuroscience, Department of Psychology Brain and Mind Institute, The
University of Western Ontario
•
Shelley White, President and CEO, United Way, Peel Region
Effective Strategies for Reducing Poverty
•
The New Role of the Ombudsman
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Poverty Blueprint for Ontario Schools
•
Legal Issues
•
Internal Audits and The Role of the Audit Committee
•
Student Trustee Workshop- "The Leader In You"
•
OPSBA Regional Meetings
•
First Nations Meeting
•
Directors of Education
WORKSHOPS
MEETINGS
Where:
Sheraton Centre Hotel
123 Queen Street West, Toronto
Sheraton Centre Hotel - reservations
Who:
Trustees, Directors of Education, supervisory officers, student trustees and other school board
members are encouraged to attend this annual OPSBA/ACEPO event.
Hotel rate:
$200.99 single/double, plus taxes and $230.99 triple, plus taxes.
Please contact the hotel directly and identify the OPSBA/ACEPO Group Rate
HOTEL CUTOFF DATE:
•
Online hotel reservations {link above)
•
Telephone: 416-361-1000 {Reservation Office) or
Toll free {Central Reservation Office) 1-888-627-7175
Friday, January 8, 2016
After the deadline, the special rate will be provided on a space available basis only.
3
Program Outline
Online Registration
For more information: Susan Weinberg, Policy and Professional Development Coordinator, ext. 128; or Ernesta
Graham, Events Coordinator, ext. 115; or email the Webmaster
2016 Summit on Children & Youth Mental Health
April 7-8, 2016
Allstream Centre
105 Princes' Boulevard, Toronto
NEW
Main Summit workshop choices are now available
Pre-Summit Sessions: Thursday, April7, 2016
Main Summit: Thursday, April 7 to Friday, April 8
To view Pre-Summit Sessions and Friday Main Summit Workshops, click here.
Online Registration
View the Save the Date flyer for more information (English)
Save the Date flyer (French)
Hosted by the Ontario Coalition for Children and Youth Mental Health- a multi-sector group committed to urgent and
positive change for children and youth mental health services in Ontario.
The Summit on Children and Youth Mental Health is a unique event that unites the voices of educators, professional
student services personnel, mental health and health professionals, children service agencies, children service
advocates, families and students.
The focus of the 2016 Summit is Moving From Policy to Practice Through Collaboration. Acclaimed speakers will offer
evidence-informed practices, programs and resources that have been shown to work and can make a real difference in
the lives of children, youth and their families. A highlight for the 2016 Summit is the first release of the preliminary
results of the 2014 Ontario Child Health Study.
Participants will have a unique opportunity to network across sectors. It is recommended that you register a multisectoral team from your community to continue the dialogue beyond the Summit.
For questions on program content, please contact Judith Nyman, OPSBA Director of Program
Policy, jnyman @opsba.org.
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Pre-Summit Sessions
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Registration: 1:30 p.m.
Workshops: 2:00-5:15 p.m.
1.
Together to Live I Vivons, ensemble I Maamaawi Bimaadiziwiin: Supporting Whole
Community Approaches to Address Youth Suicide
2.
Leading Mentally Healthy Schools: Practical Resources for Principals and Vice-Principals to
Enhance Student Mental Well-Being
3.
Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces: We all Have a Role to Play
4.
Resilient, Active and Flourishing
Main Summit
Thursday, April 7 (5:00p.m.) -- Friday, April 8 (4:00p.m.)
Friday 1 :30 p.m.
1. Care for Children and Youth with Mental Disorders
2. Youth Mental Health and Addictions Champions: A Student Engagement Initiative
3. The YTP: Transitioning Youth into Adult Services
4. Communications and Mental Health: Planning for Strategic Success
5. Creating Spaces of Belonging: Aboriginal Perspectives on Mental Health and Well-Being
6. Community Collaboration to Meet French Language Children and Youth Mental Health Needs
7. Evidence-Based Practices in Promoting Mental Health in Primary School Children to Prevent Suicides in Future
Generations by Teaching Children Coping Skills
8. Working Effectively in 5 Sessions or Less! An Evidence-Based Review of the Brief Services Literature in Child and
Youth Mental Health
9. Creating Effective Learning Environments through Project-Based Learning
10. Single Ceiling: Lessons Learned from a Community-Wide Assessment of the Mental Health Strengths and Needs
of Children and their Families
11. Developing and Sharing Online Resources, Tools and Strategies with Teachers and for Teachers to Promote
Mental Health and Build Resilience for Students and Teachers
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Friday 2:45 p.m.
1. Collaboratively Transforming the System in your Community- Supporting Youth through their Transition to Adult
Services
2. B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Devices) -Clinical Implications in Living in a Digital World
3. From Clinic to School: Delivering the Integra Mindfulness Martial Arts Program within the Trillium Lakelands District
School Board
4. Working Better Together: The Peel Service Collaborative Project
5. Developing a System of Supports for Transition Age Youth in Simcoe/Muskoka
6. Sustaining Resilient, Positive School Climates with a Systemic Approach to Self-Regulation
7. Collaborative Approaches to Promoting Positive Permanency Outcomes in Openness and Adoption
8. Evaluation of a Population-Based School Mental Health Promotion Program for Young Adolescents in Ottawa- The
Healthy Transitions Program
9. Intersections: Right Support, Right Provider, Right Time
10. Feathers of Hope: A First Nations Youth Action Plan
11 . Promoting Resilience for Children's Mental Well-Being- Use of "Reaching in .. .Reaching Out" in Early Education
Classrooms
OPSBA November 2015 Executive Council and Board of Directors Meetings
http: I /www.opsba.org/index.php?q=print/ 4345
The OPSBA Executive Council and Board of Directors held meetings on November 27 and 28, 2015. Items and issues
that were discussed by members at the meeting are summarized below.
Presentation from Irwin Elman, Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
Irwin Elman gave an overview of the Office of the Provincial Advocate's work supporting Ontario's vulnerable
children and youth . A brief Q&A with board members was also held.
Copyright
The Executive Director gave an update on behalf of Cynthia Andrew, OPSBA Copyright Representative, regarding
ongoing copyright activities. It was noted that the Copyright Board has not yet filed a decision regarding the proposed
Access Copyright Tariff Proceeding that occurred more than a year ago. A decision is expected in 2016. School boards
should continue to operate under the current guidelines. The report also highlighted the importance of being vigilant to
protect the education community's definition of fare dealing amendments in the Canadian Copyright Act. This fair
dealing affects classroom use of copyrighted materials.
Labour Relations
The Director, Associate Director and Manager of Labour Relations provided a comprehensive report on progress at
the various collective bargaining tables where OPSBA is representing its member boards.
6
Communications and Media Relations
The Director of Communication's report provided an overview of school board communications and response related to
Ontario's assistance with regards to the Syrian refugee crisis. The Board of Directors supported a motion to have
OPSBA work with member boards to welcome and support the successful settlement of refugee families by supporting
Syrian children and youth in our public education system.
Finance
The Director of Finance reported on the recently released list of 2015 Capital Priorities, the School Energy Coalition
Status Report, Student Transportation RFPs, and OPSBA's feedback to the current 0. Reg. 444/98 {Disposition of
Surplus Real Property) and 2016 Grants for Students Needs consultations.
Early Years Update
The Director of Policy reported about a recent OPSBA-hosted technical advisory between Ministry of Education Early
Years Division Staff and several early learning leads from member boards. The meeting was undertaken to discuss
Phase 2 Regulatory Proposals stemming from the Child Care and Early Years Act. The regularity posting will be
displayed on the government's registry website in early January for a mandatory period of 45 days. OPSBA will
respond to the posting. OPSBA will be attending the December 9 meeting of the Ministry' Early Years Advisory
Committee.
Legislative Updates
The Director of Policy provided a summary of current legislation including the recent Municipal Elections Act Review
and the Municipal Legislation Review. Other bills of note include: Bi/1113, Police Record Checks Reform Act; Bill
115, Electoral Boundaries Act; Bi/1139, Smoke-Free Schools Act and Bi/1149, Rowan's Law Advisory Committee Act.
She also provided verbal updates with regards to recent school board activities in Quebec and PEl.
Community Hubs Strategic Framework and Action Plan
The Communications and Policy Officer provided an update on the current status of the Community Hubs Strategic
Framework and Action Plan, noting inparticular recent meetings with AMO staff and partner school board
associations, and OPSBA's participation, through staff and First Vice-President Laurie French, at the November 30
Minister's Forum on Integrated Planning for Community Hubs.
AODA Update
The Communications and Policy Officer provided an update on the ongoing implementation of the Accessibility for
Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation noting in particular that school
board compliance reports are due by the end of 2015 and that OPSBA has filed its report. Recent proposed
housekeeping regulatory changes to three accessibility regulations were mentioned, as well as consultation regarding
the Government's proposed accessibility certification program.
First Nations Council Update
Alternate First Nation Director Karen Sandy, Grand Erie DSB, gave a report on the activities of the First Nation
Trustees Council, including advocacy on First Nation, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) curriculum, the Working Group of the
Minister's Advisory Council on FNMI, First Nation Director Peter Garrow's presentation at the People for Education
7
Conference and the building of trustee capacity through the new FNMI Education Professional Development Module
now available online at http://ontarioschooltrustees.org
In addition , the Board of Directors passed a motion calling for OPSBA support of the Calls to Action set out in the
report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and continuation of advocacy for implementation of the Calls
to Action.
Policy Development and Education Program Work Teams
The Director of Policy gave a report on the November 18 Policy Development teleconference. Of note, OPSBA will be
writing a letter to the federal government requesting that the reinstatement of the long-form census be accelerated.
The Education Program Work Team is meeting on December 4.
Child and Youth Mental Health Coalition
The Director of Program Policy presented the minutes of the previous Coalition meeting and mentioned the
organization's new co-chair, Dr. Patrick Carney, a psychologist with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School
Board. The next Coalition meeting is on Tuesday, December 4. Representatives from the four Ministries regularly
involved in related work will be in attendance. Board members were encouraged to attend the Summit on Children
and Youth Mental Health in April2016.
Public Education Symposium
The Board of Directors was encouraged to attend the pre-symposium and symposium from January 28 to 30, 2016.
Keynote speakers for PES 2016 were also outlined.
MACSE
Cheryl Lovell, OPSBA's representative to the Minister's Advisory Council on Special Education, gave a report on the
council's recent activities, mentioning the appointment of the new Director, Special Education Policy and Programs
Branch, Louise Sirisko.
CSBA
President Michael Barrett announced that he has asked First Vice-President Laurie French to serve as the OPSBA
delegate to future CSBA meetings. VP French reported on proceedings from the October 4 and 5 meetings of the
CSBA board and encouraged members to attend the association's 2016 AGM in Winnipeg.
EatRight Ontario's Kids Recipe Challenge
EatRight Ontario is a provincially funded nutrition telehealth line where Ontario residents can connect with a registered
dietitian for free. Every year, Eat Right runs a Kids Recipe contest that encourages parents and kids to work together in
the kitchen to create healthy recipes or share their family favourites. This contest has also been a popular activity for
teachers to do with their students when talking about healthy eating principles.
The deadline for submissions is December 7, 2015.
Who can enter
Ontario students in grades 1-8
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What to do
Kids need to create an original, kid-friendly recipe for breakfast, school lunch, snacks and dinner. Traditional family
favourites and recipes from around the world are encouraged!
Prizes
Participants have a chance to win prizes like iPods, gift cards and cookbooks! All winning recipes will be posted on the
EatRight Ontario website.
Download entry form (3.52 MB PDF)
For more information, visit eatrightontario.ca
Legislative UPDATE
The following is a summary of recent activity in the Legislature:
The Premier's Office announced some staffing changes and included was Howie Bender, currently the Chief of Staff to
Liz Sandals, Minister of Education. In January, he will move and become Chief of Staff to Deb Matthews, Deputy
Premier and President of the Treasury Board. She is also the Minister responsible for the province's Poverty Reduction
Strategy.
Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk released a nearly-BOO page annual report. The report contains 14 value-for-money
audits of various government programs, as well as sections on access to government agencies' reports and on
government debt. The recommendation for student transportation calls for the government to strengthen its oversight of
school buses.
Student Transportation: The ministry of Education, along with Ontario's school boards, are largely responsible for
providing daily school bus service to more than 830,000 students each year. The Ministry of Transportation enforces
laws and regulations that relate to the safe operation of school vehicles. The audit assessed whether there were
effective systems and procedures to safely and efficiently transport elementary and secondary school students; ensure
service across the province is equitable and based on need; and measure and report on performance.
The Parliament of Canada was resumed in Ottawa. The first item on the Orders of the day will be the election of the
Speaker of the House of Commons and this was Geoff Regan (Halifax-West). The Throne Speech will be delivered by
Governor General David Johnston. The federal government has released its parliamentary secretary assignments. Of
note, Kate Young (London West) is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport. Kate was the Manager of
Public Affairs and Community Relations at the Thames Valley DSB.
Also, the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs will meet to conduct Pre-Budget consultations. The
Committee intends to hold public hearings in Hamilton, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Toronto, and Windsor
during the weeks of January 18 and February 1, 2016. Details will be provided as soon as they are available.
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Bill 113, Police Record Checks Reform Act
Introduced on June 3, 2015 by Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. The legislation
establishes and standardizes three types of record checks: a criminal record check, a criminal record and judicial
matters check, and a vulnerable sector check. It will allow a person to transfer their "check" approval if they were to
move to a different area instead of having to get a new check. The bill received Royal Assent.
Bill 115, Electoral Boundaries Act
Introduced on June 4, 2015 by Madeleine Meilleur, Attorney General. The bill creates 15 new ridings in southern
Ontario, mostly in areas that have seen significant population growth, such as Toronto, Peel, York, Durham and
Ottawa. The existing 11 northern ridings will be maintained, despite the federal government reducing its riding
redistribution to 10 in the north. The new electoral map will be in place for the next general election scheduled for 2018.
The bill received Royal Assent yesterday.
Bill 117, Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Amendment Act
Introduced on September 4, 2015 by NDP Monique Taylor. This legislation includes an obligation on agencies and
service providers to inform the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth promptly if they become aware of the death
or critical injury of a child or youth and a children's aid society has been involved with the child or youth, or with the
child's or youth's family, within 12 months of the death or critical injury. The bill has received Third Reading and is
expected to receive Royal Assent.
Bill 139, Smoke-Free Schools Act
Introduced on November 16, 2015 by PC Todd Smith. The bill proposes to amend the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the
Tobacco Tax Act. The legislation would require the government to establish a public education program about the
health risks associated with smoking and to add schools as places where the sale of tobacco is prohibited. In addition,
Bill139 would increase fines for those who make and sell contraband cigarettes to high school students. The bill has
been referred to the Standing Committee on General Government.
Bill 149, Rowan's Law Advisory Committee Act
This afternoon Bill149, Rowan's Law Advisory Committee Act, was introduced by PC Lisa Macleod and co-sponsored
by Liberal John Fraser and NDP Catherine Fife. Rowan Stringer was a student at the Ottawa-Carleton DSB who died
from head injuries while playing rugby in 2013. Last spring, an inquest was conducted and a jury released 46
recommendations directed to the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Ontario Ministry of Education and
the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, OPHEA, and OSBIE. Many of the recommendations reference
PPM 158, School Board Policies on Concussions. School boards were to have their concussion policy fully
implemented no later than January 30, 2015.The bill asks for an advisory committee to review the inquest's
recommendations. First Reading debate is to begin on December 10, 2015.
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Consultation on Ontario Regulation 444/98 - Disposition of Surplus Real Property
The regulation was officially posted for public consultation on November 12,2015 via Ontario's Regulatory Registry.
Comments are due December 29, 2015. OSPBA will be providing a submission based on feedback from previous
community hubs discussion, the Policy Development Work Team and senior business officials at member boards.
Additionally, OPSBA staff participated in a consultation session with Ministry of Education Finance Branch staff on
November 6, 2015. It is expected that the revised regulations would be filed in spring 2016.
Proposed regulation changes include:
•
Extending the property circulation period; and
•
Expanding the list of public entities to receive notification of surplus property disposition.
Click here for more information.
TDSB By-election
The representation for Ward 21 Scarborough-Rouge River was vacated by trustee Shaun Chen when he was elected
to the House of Commons on October 19, 2015. A by-election will be conducted on January 25, 2016 to fill the office.
Nominations are now open, and can be filed until December 11, 2015.
Click here for more information about the by-election and the list of current candidates.
Ontario NEWSROOM
Ontario Building Capacity to Support Refugees, December 4
Ontario Passes Legislation to Promote Smart Community Growth, December 3
Ontario Passes Law to Ensure Fair Representation in the Legislature, December 2
Ontario Passes Police Record Checks Legislation, December 1
Premier's Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, November 25
Ontario Releases New Climate Change Strategy, November 24
Ontario Accepts Recommendations to Strengthen the Ontario College of Trades, November 20
Ontario Helping Young Entrepreneurs Kick-Start Own Business, November 20
Ontario Raises $1.83 Billion for Infrastructure Investments, November 12
Ontario Investing $13.5 Million in After School Program, November 10
Ontario Building 30 New Schools, Over 2,000 Licensed Child Care Spaces, November 9
Ontario Invests $27M in Youth Entrepreneurship, November 6
Ontario Honouring Fallen Soldiers Along Highway of Heroes, November 6
From Education PARTNERS
Curriculum Services Canada (CSC), Webcasts for Educators
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EatRight Ontario Kids Recipe Challege
Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO), Transitions Conference, March 23-24, 2016
Kids Help Phone, BroTalk, a new service that speaks directly to teen guys
Kids Help Phone, Youth Outreach Materials
Miller Thomson LLP, Education Law Newsletter
Ophea Healthy Schools Update
OASBO Diploma in School Board Administration
Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA)
Career BOARD
Career Board (from OPSBA members and education partners)
Upcomin g Events
JANUARY 2016
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Wednesday, January 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
OPSBA, Toronto
PUBLIC EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM
January 28-30, 2016
Sheraton Centre Hotel, Toronto
Hotel cut-off date: January 8
REGIONAL MEETINGS
Saturday, January 30 (during PES)
FEBRUARY 2016
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Friday, February 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
OPSBA, Toronto
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Friday, February 19, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. &
Saturday, February 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sheraton Centre Hotel, 123 Queen St W, Toronto
Phone: 416-361-1 000 or 1-888-627-7175
OPSBA Board of Directors Rate: $155
Hotel cut-off date: January 19
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,
NORTHERN REGION DIRECTORS
Friday, February 19, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
OPSBA, Toronto
MARCH 2016
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Wednesday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
OPSBA, Toronto
EDUCATION LABOUR RELATIONS & HUMAN RESOURCES CONFERENCE
March 31-April1, 2016
Sheraton Centre Hotel, Toronto
Hotel cut-off date: February 29
APRIL 2016
CHILDREN & YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT
Aprii7-April8, 2016
Allstream Conference Centre, Toronto
Novotel Hotel cut-off date: March 16
REGIONAL MEETINGS
Saturday, April 9
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Friday, April 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
OPSBA, Toronto
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Friday, April 29, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. &
Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sheraton Centre Hotel, 123 Queen St W, Toronto
Phone: 416-361-1000 or 1-888-627-7175
OPSBA Board of Directors Rate: $155
Hotel cut-off date: March 29
NORTHERN REGION DIRECTORS
Friday, April 29, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
OPSBA, Toronto
MAY 2016
EDUCATION PROGRAM I POLICY DEVELOPMENT JOINT MEETING
May 13, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
OPSBA, Toronto
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EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Friday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
OPSBA, Toronto
JUNE 2016
OPSBA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & PROGRAM
June 9-12,2016
Hosted by Eastern Region
About Fast Reports
If you have any comments about Fast Reports,
contact CARLA GARBAS, Editor
MICHAEL BARRETT, President • GAIL ANDERSON, Executive Director
OPSBA • 439 University Avenue, 18th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Y8
Tel: (416) 340-2540 Fax: (416) 340-7571
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