2010 Report to the Community

share the smile

Please help us evaluate this annual report. Share your feedback by completing a short online survey posted at www.peelschools.org/annualreport.htm.

smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile

share the smile

A smile is the shortest distance between two people. – Victor Borge

12010 Report to the Community

Who are you?

I have a question— who are you? I don’t just mean what I see when I meet with you, but who are you as a person?

I have the privilege of being director of education of the Peel District School Board—that is my title at work. I am also a stepfather, husband and immigrant from Portugal.

These life experiences have shaped who I am. It’s by sharing these experiences that I’m better able to connect with people and have people connect with me. Like my experiences, the students, staff and families we serve each have unique life experiences that have helped to shape who they are and who they can become.

In education, we have a great opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our students, their families and the world. Every day in schools, students discover who they can become—this is thanks to the incredible efforts of our staff and volunteers, and the involvement of parents and caregivers. By taking time to understand and nurture each individual, we are better able to succeed together—we have more smiles to share.

Together, we make Peel a great place to learn and grow. We celebrate our Peel board pride, build authentic relationships and realize the ability each of us has to make a wave—to have a profound, lasting impact on those around us. Like individuals, there is so much more to the Peel board than what you see—I hope the stories in our Report to the Community 2010 help you discover who we are, and why we have so many reasons to smile. Tony Pontes, Director of Education

2 Share the Smile

celebrate our pride

Number of STudeNTS: 152,095 107,514 elementary

44,581 secondary

Number of full-Time STaff: 14,101Primary claSS SizeS: 90% of primary classes have

20 students or less

10% of primary classes have between 21 & 23 students

0 primary classes have more than 23 students

Number of SchoolS: 233 196 elementary & 37 secondary

Brampton 80 elementary & 14 secondary

Caledon 12 elementary & 2 secondary

Mississauga 104 elementary & 21 secondary

NeW SchoolS iN 2010:

Louise Arbour Secondary School

NeW SchoolS iN SePT. 2011:

David Suzuki Secondary School, Brampton Hartsdale Avenue Public School, Mississauga James Grieve Public School, Caledon Mount Pleasant Village Public School, Brampton

STudeNTS WiTh Primary laNguage oTher ThaN eNgliSh:

76,748

ToP laNguageS: English Punjabi Urdu Hindi Tamil

Arabic Gujarati Vietnamese Mandarin Cantonese

WhaT you See

32010 Report to the Community

Who We are

New secondary school first in world to be named for human rights advocate louise arbour

Our Peel board pride was showcased on Sept. 7 at the opening of our newest secondary school, Louise Arbour Secondary School. Right from day one, students were given the celebrity treatment—literally. They entered the building on a red carpet to the cheers of their teachers and support staff, and were greeted by their school’s namesake, Canadian human rights advocate Louise Arbour. It was an excellent start for what is sure to be an excellent school—and a definite source a pride for students, staff and the entire school community.

Students unlock leadership potential

Over two days in October 2010, more than 600 students who are new to Canada or are in our English Language Learners program came together for New North: Exploring youth identity in Canada. This popular event is designed to empower, educate and encourage our newcomer and ELL students to embrace leadership roles in their communities and schools.

a warm welcome to our newest families

Three We Welcome the World centres provide a range of services to help make the transition to school a smooth one for newcomer students and their families.

All students from kindergarten to grade 12 receive an orientation interview, which give schools useful information to help support new students. As well, the centres offer settlement services and parent institutes in many languages. Parents can also learn about adult education opportunities—all in one place.

The centres are located at:

• 25 Kings Cross Road, Brampton

• 3131 Morning Star Drive, Mississauga (Malton)

• 100 Elm Drive West, Mississauga

For more information, call 905-366-8791 or visit www. peelschools.org.

4 Share the Smile

Peel students and teachers celebrate diversity, legacy, opportunity at annual heritage events

On Feb. 22 and 23, 2010, 500 students and teachers from across the Peel board gathered for Spotlight on Black Heritage events – The Journey: Black in Time. Participants learned about the rich past, proud present and bright future of African heritage through an interactive, dramatic presentation.

On May 10 and 17, 2010, hundreds of students and teachers took part in Spotlight on Asian Heritage events, which helped participants dispel myths about Asian heritage and learn more about its traditions and achievements.

Students celebrate canadian heritage, environment at field centres

Tapping maple trees, testing courage on a high ropes course and practicing arithmetic on an abacus are just some of the experiential learning activities students participate in at the Peel board’s five field centres. Field centre programs are curriculum-related. They enrich classroom programming, build character, and raise awareness and appreciation of the natural environment.

Locations:

• Britannia Farm Field Centre 5520 Hurontairo St. in Mississauga

• Britannia Schoolhouse 5576 Hurontario St. in Mississauga

• G. W. Finlayson Field Centre 20917 Mississauga Rd. in Caledon

• Jack Smythe Field Centre 14592 Winston Churchill Rd. in Caledon

• Riverwood Conservancy 4300 Riverwood Park Ln. in Mississauga

Field centre staff also work with teachers to develop community-based field trips. For more information about these programs, contact the field centre co-ordinator at 905-890-1010/1-800-668-1146 ext. 3150.

52010 Report to the Community

Peel district School board grade 9 eQao scores increase

Grade 9 EQAO scores in the Peel District School Board have increased significantly for 2009-10 and results are relatively stable in most primary and junior test areas. Three-year trends show significant increases. Scores are at or above the provincial average in most areas.

percentage of students at or above the provincial standard

50%

60%

70%

80%

2009-2010

2008-2009

2007-2008

2006-2007

2005-2006

math

reading

writing

JUNIOR (GRADE 6)

ProvincePDSB

fully participatingfirst-time eligible students

passing the test

OSSLT ASSESSMENT

60%

80%

100%

20092010

2008-2009

2007-2008

2006-2007

2005-2006

math

reading

writing

PRIMARY (GRADE 3)

50%

60%

70%

80%

2009-2010

2008-2009

2007-2008

2006-2007

2005-2006

applied

academic

GRADE 9 MATH

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2009-2010

2008-2009

2007-2008

2006-2007

2005-2006

For complete EQAO results, view our online report at www. peelschools.org/annualreport.htm.

6 Share the Smile

ESL program teaches more than language—pride, confidence among outcomes for students

When Ji Sung chae looks out at her students, she sees the world. Her students come from all parts of the globe, bringing with them their own unique experiences, cultures, stories, languages and knowledge of the world. They now sit in class, hoping to either learn or improve their English—just as she did 20 years ago.

Chae came to Canada from Korea when she was 13-years-old. Her family settled in Peel, where she attended Earnscliffe Sr. Public School and was enrolled in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. “It was a tough time for me,” says Chae reminiscing about her experiences. “I remember feeling anxious, not only about struggling with the language, but socially as well. But I felt a whole lot better after meeting my ESL teacher. She made me feel smart and important, and taught us to value our differences. I’ll never forget the way she made me feel, and much of what I learned from her I model in my own classroom.”

Chae’s classroom is a place where students are encouraged to celebrate and learn from each other. “I want to make sure everyone feels confident and comfortable to be them-selves,” she says. “Our classroom thrives on these differences. Language, background and culture—these things count—they are part of who we are.”

You don’t have to look far to see Chae’s philo sophy in action. It’s the week of Remembrance Day and in the hallway out-side the classroom, a large poppy hangs on the wall. Surrounding the poppy are words from students in over a dozen languages that are symbolic of Remembrance Day. Chae says proudly as she points out the languages, “We’re all learning from each other.”

For more information about the Peel board’s ESL program, contact Curriculum and Instruction Support Services at 905- 890-1010/1-800-668-1146 ext. 2531.

“ Our classroom thrives on these differences. Language, background and culture—these things count—they are part of who we are.”

72010 Report to the Community

multi-year planning turns goals into action

Everything we do as a system is driven by our strategic plan—our Report Card for Student Success. This proven, research-based method helps us turn our goals into action and focuses our resources where they will have the greatest impact to improve student achievement.

Through the Report Card for Student Success, we measure and report on our progress in meeting our goals:

set high expectations for achievement of students and staff, and measure the outcomes

ensure students and staff have safe and appropriate places to learn and work

encourage positive board/staff and school/community relationships

maximize student achievement through School Success Planning

use resources effectively use technology effectively with students and staff

achieve equity for students and staff

attract, develop and retain a diverse staff of committed, dedicated and caring people

When we align and focus our work at all levels of the board, we harness the energy of the whole board to achieve our goals. For more information about the Report Card for Student Success, including a description of each goal, and its indicators and targets, visit www. reportcardforstudentsuccess.org.

8 Share the Smile

build authentic relation- ships

PerceNTage of STudeNTS iN Their SecoNd year of high School Who have comPleTed 16 or more crediTS:

71.4%

STudeNTS eNrolled iN alTerNaTive ProgramS (2009-10): 1,700

characTer aTTribuTeS: Caring Showing compassion and kindness toward others

Cooperative Working together with others for one goal

Honest Being truthful, trustworthy and sincere in what you say and do

Inclusive Treating everyone fairly and equitably

Respectful Treating others, yourself, and the environment with high regard and value

Responsible Being accountable for and reliable in your actions and commitments

WhaT you See

92010 Report to the Community

Who We are

New policy helps achieve equity for all students and staff

The Peel board’s Equity and Inclusive Education Policy reflects the board’s commit-ment to provide and maintain safe and healthy environments conducive to learning and working for all. The policy affects all areas of the board’s programs, guidelines and practices, ranging from curriculum and assessment to religious accommodation, creating a welcoming school climate and preventing discrimination and harassment.

The full policy is available at www.peelschools.org by clicking on “Policies” in the “Get the Facts” section.

aboriginal education key component of inclusive schools

All students, staff and families need to feel included and respected in our schools. We have partnered with the Peel Aboriginal Steering Committee and its members to develop appropriate resources to help students gain knowledge and appreciation of contemporary and traditional First Nation, Métis, and Inuit traditions, cultures and perspectives. We have also purposefully worked to establish a stronger relationship with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation. For more inform ation about how the Peel board is implementing the Ministry of Education’s Ontario First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework, contact the instructional coordinator for social science and humanities at 905-890-1010/ 1-800-668-1146 ext. 2569.

breakfast programs help ensure students are ready to learn

It’s hard to concentrate when you’re hungry. To help ensure students are ready to learn, the Peel board works with the Region of Peel and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services through Breakfast for Kids to provide nutritious breakfasts, lunches and snacks for students at 94 Peel schools. About 8,900 students participate in the program, which serves about 660,000 meals annually.

build authentic relation- ships

10 Share the Smile

Every little bit counts when it comes to parent involvement

Karen mcdonald has been working hard for the last 10 years, but hasn’t earned a cent—and she’s happy to do it.

McDonald, a married mother of three boys, started her career as a volunteer when her eldest son was in kindergarten at Palgrave Public School. “My son’s kindergarten teacher treated her volunteers like they really mattered—she made me feel welcomed and included,” McDonald explains. “Her encouragement and support helped me to see the tremendous value of parent involvement, and I’ve been volunteering ever since.”

After starting out in the classroom, McDonald joined the school council and eventually became chair. Three years ago, she became co-chair of the Peel board’s Parent Involvement Committee and then took on the role of volunteer instructor with the Roots of Empathy program. “Volunteering helps me build connections in the community and keeps me intellectually stimulated. It helps me to stay informed and make a personal contribution to student success.”

Even though her boys are growing up, they still think their mom’s involvement is great—including her 14-year-old son Sam McDonald, “Getting involved in the community is a good experience for everyone. It’s obvious my mom cares a lot about our community and school—and about us.”

McDonald is grateful for the level of involvement she’s able to have, but she in no way expects all parents to do what she does, “What I do would not fit with everyone’s interests and lifestyle. I think it’s so important that we value each of the ways parents and caregivers support their children. Reading with your child at home counts and so does asking about the school day. Any little bit you do—whatever works for your family— is great.”

School councils, Parent involvement committee focus on student success

Every Peel school has a school council— a group focused on helping students succeed. School councils provide a voice for parents and the community and offer advice to the school principal on a number of topics. The Peel board welcomes and encourages the participation of parents and community members in our schools, and on councils. Learn more at www.peelschools.org/councils.

The board’s Parent Involvement Committee meets at least four times a year to support, encourage and enhance meaningful parent involvement within schools and across the district. Members serve two-year terms—positions become available every spring. For more information about the committee, visit www.peelschools.org and click on “Get Involved” in the “Parents Boost Learning” section.

School volunteers share passions, talents with students

Volunteering at your child’s school is a great way to stay informed and contribute to your child’s success. For information about volunteering, speak to your child’s principal or visit www.peelschools.org and click on “Get Involved” in the “Parents Boost Learning” section.

112010 Report to the Community

“ I think it’s so important that we value each of the ways parents and caregivers support their children. Reading with your child at home counts and so does asking about the school day.”

12 Share the Smile

TEAM program paints a different picture of success

Success looks different for different people. For cheyenne Steep-Joshi, success is a happy toddler, a high school diploma and the pursuit of her goal to open a chain of hair salons. But if it weren’t for the Teen Education and Motherhood Program (TEAM), 18-year-old Steep-Joshi may not have this picture of success. “I probably would have dropped out of school and may not have gone back for a while,” she explains. That’s because she became pregnant while a student— a situation that brings with it a wealth of challenges for teens.

Blinking back tears of pride, Karen Goodeve, TEAM teacher at Peel Alternative School West, describes why she loves to teach students in the program, “I think it’s an honour to work with such intelligent and motivated young women. These girls have not listened to society, but to their hearts. They have realized their pregnancy is not a shut door—it’s another door they can go through.”

Students attend the TEAM program through-out their pregnancy and after their babies are born—and their babies can come to school with them for up to three months. TEAM teachers help students complete the credits they need to graduate. Once a week, a Peel Public Health nurse visits the class and works with students to explore various topics related to their physical and mental health, and the health of their babies.

Steep-Joshi completed her high school diploma through the TEAM program in 2010 and is now studying at the Marvel Beauty School in Toronto. Her son Elijah is smiley, personable and ener getic—qualities he shares with his mom. Her drive and the TEAM program are two of the reasons for her success, but she was sure to mention her family and friends. “I’m so thankful for the support I have—I couldn’t have done this with out them.”

Peel Alternative School has three main campuses, as well as satellite locations throughout the Peel region. For more information about alternative programs, call 905-890-1010/1-800-668-1146 ext. 2429, or speak to your school’s guidance counsellor.

132010 Report to the Community

alternative programs designed with student success in mind

We know every child has the ability to learn and succeed, which is why we are always looking for new ways to make sure we are able to engage our students. Peel Alternative Schools run many programs focused on meeting the needs of each student:

Foundations Program

Students in the Foundations Program are 16 to 20 years old, in grade 9 or 10, and are considered at risk of dropping out of school, or are returning to school with few compulsory credits. Students benefit from small class sizes and individual attention while they work towards an average of three credits per semester.

Fresh Start Suspension and Expulsion Programs

Students under suspension or expulsion from a Peel board school who are motivated to change their behaviour can attend Fresh Start. Through the programs, student continue academic studies while learning the skills required to be successful in school, in relationships and in the community.

Senior Elementary and Intermediate Alternative Programs

These programs are designed for students who are at risk of dropping out of school. Through smaller classes and more individual attention, students develop improved social skills and attitudes towards school and society.

Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL)

Students in the SAL program are 14 to 17 years old. Through the program, students complete a life skills course and gain practical experience through working at an approved job. Students can also continue academic studies during the program, and can return to their home school at any time.

Temporary External Learning Link (TELL)

The TELL program provides an alternative learning environment for students who are 16 to 20 years old, in grade 10 to 12, and who require a flexible schedule because of family or work commitments. Students work independently and normally attend school for two hours per course per week.

“ It’s an honour to work with such intelligent and motivated young women.”

14 Share the Smile

make a wave

Number of STudeNTS eNrolled iN full-day KiNdergarTeN:

3,005 (as of Oct. 31, 2010)

SchoolS offeriNg The full-day KiNdergarTeN Program (2010-11):

Brampton Hanover P.S. Madoc Drive P.S. Massey Street P.S. Queen Street P.S. Ridgeview P.S. Sir Winston Churchill P.S. Springdale P.S. Thorndale P.S.

Mississauga Brandon Gate P.S. Brian W. Fleming P.S. Brookmede P.S. Cooksville Creek P.S. Dixie P.S. Ellengale P.S. Elmcrest P.S. Floradale P.S. Marvin Heights P.S. Plowman’s Park P.S. Riverside P.S. Thorn Lodge P.S.

Number of STudeNTS iN SPecial educaTioN: 15,421

ecoSchoolS: 49 Peel board locations received EcoSchools certification in 2010

oTher greeN iNiTiaTiveS:

• payroll goes paperless

• board’s internal print shop is FSC certified

• the cleaning solution custodians use to clean Peel board schools comes in tablets, not jugs—these tablets contain less packaging and are lighter, so shipping produces fewer emissions

• all board locations use 100 per cent recycled toilet paper that dispenses from recyclable containers, which are then used to collect empty rolls

WhaT you See

152010 Report to the Community

Who We are

free family festival celebrates ecoSchools, promotes sustainable living

The Peel board’s 49 certified EcoSchools were recognized in a big way at Ecofest, a free, family festival that took place on Saturday, June 19 , 2010 at the Britannia Farm in Mississauga. Through live entertainment, interactive activities and workshops, Ecofest highlighted the great work happening in schools and across the region to protect our environment, and offered more ideas for sustainable living.

The award-winning event is a collaborative project with support from organizations across Peel, including the Region of Peel, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, Toronto and Region Conservation and more.

youth can make a difference

5,000 students unite for global change at Leadership Now!

On Nov. 18 and 19, 2010, 5,000 Peel board students came together at the Peel board’s Leadership Now! conference to be empowered to make a difference in the world. The conference is part of the Peel board's Student Leadership for Global Development program which is produced with the support of the Government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

16 Share the Smile

Peel students, staff, families quick to respond when global disasters strike

Since 1999, Peel board students, families and staff have worked together to raise more than $1.27 million to help communities around the world affected by disasters or conflict—much of the funds raised have been matched by the federal government.

• September 2010 – $133,350 raised to help flood-affected areas of Pakistan

• January 2010 – almost $400,000 raised for Haiti earthquake relief

• 2009 – nearly $12,000 raised for three separate natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific

• 2008 – $37,000 raised for victims of the Myanmar Cyclone, plus schools worked together to support earthquake victims in China

• 2005 – $500,000 raised to assist victims of the South Asian tsunami and nearly $17,000 for victims of Hurricane Katrina

• 2004 – $11,600 raised for Caribbean hurricane relief

• 2002 – $90,000 donated for India earthquake relief and $70,000 to assist victims of the Sept. 11 attacks

• 1999 – students collected donations, clothing and personal items to support the Kosovo relief fund

“ A huge part of growing up is having the whole world opened up in front of you.”

172010 Report to the Community

I’m a big kid now—full-day kindergarten here I come

When asked what she thought kindergarten would be like, four-year-old Natalie budhai shrugs and says, “Like Dora the Explorer’s house—filled with lots of colours and decorations.” Although matthew Smith and Jennifer Santori’s full-day kindergarten classroom isn’t as animated as Dora’s hacienda, and Boots is nowhere to be found, it’s alive with contagious energy and laughter.

Anyone who has worked with young children knows that learning is amazingly, astoundingly exciting for them. So, at the heart of Smith and Santori’s classroom philosophy is their belief that all learning should be fun and driven by students’ interests.

This year, Budhai and her peers are fascinated by construction. After visiting a neighbourhood construction site, with their hard hats on and clipboards in hand, they returned to their classroom to create their own construction zone. They cordoned off the area with a make-shift fence and engineered a cardboard

bulldozer they named Cat. The bulldozer is fully equipped and includes a seatbelt, which one student said they needed “for safety.”

“A huge part of growing up is having the whole world opened up in front of you,” says Smith, Budhai’s kindergarten teacher. “Play-based activities in kindergarten are just a great big part of that—they build on children’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm.”

On having an early childhood educator in the classroom with him, Smith says, “What’s great is that there’s two of us to engage students in their play and develop their thought processes. Nothing makes a kindergartener happier than showing you what they’ve learned—especially if dance moves are involved.”

The social interactions and tiny epiphanies that happen in kindergarten help students discover their place in the world. “My hope for Natalie this school year is that she becomes more outgoing and independent,” says her mom Swarsati Budhai with optimism. Her daughter is well on her way. “I already have four friends and Mr. Smith calls me sweetheart—because he loves me,” beams Budhai. “I feel happy.” She’s a big kid now.

18 Share the Smile

Social workers share smiles behind the scenes

Every school has a social worker assigned to it. They make weekly visits to assist wherever there is a need—from dealing with classroom behaviour, to connecting families to resources in the community, to helping students or staff cope with bereavement or separation and divorce and a wide range of other issues that impact on the ability of students to benefit from their educational experiences.

Through support and professional guidance, social workers make a profound and lasting impact. Often their work is unknown except to those who directly benefit from it—but its effects are felt across the region. Here’s just a sample of what they do:

• Peel board social workers have been involved in two home builds with Habitat for Humanity Mississauga. They provide support throughout the process by helping families understand and prepare for the responsibilities of home ownership.

• For nine years, Peel board social workers have paired schools, classes, trustees, departments and local businesses with families that are in need of extra support during the holiday season. Since Share the Joy began, more than 600 families have received gifts, foods, household items and clothes through the program.

• When a death or another critical incident occurs in a school community, the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT)

responds immediately. Made up of social work staff, school administrators and school support staff, the CIRT is trained to provide whatever on-site support is necessary to help the school community cope with the critical incident—anything from answering phone calls to providing counselling for students and staff.

• Since 1997, a small team of Peel board social workers have trained over 1,000 teachers, guidance counsellors, administrators, psycho-educational consultants and other social work staff through the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training program. The goal of the program is to help staff better understand and recognize a person who is having suicidal thoughts, assess the level of risk when trying to help, and to help reduce risk by using an effective intervention model.

• The social work team maintains the Dana Riddell Camp and Wellness Fund, named for the Peel board’s former chief social worker. Every year, each social worker receives a fixed amount that they use to assist families they serve. Funds are used to cover enrolment fees for camp, sports or other activities, provide bike helmets or purchase bus tickets—whatever need exists.

• The social work team hosts an information evening for parents and staff every May during Children’s Mental Health Week to highlight ways to promote mental health and reduce stigma.

For more information about social work in the Peel board, contact the chief social worker at 905-890-1010/1-800-668-1146 ext. 2316.

192010 Report to the Community

Pursuing her passion

What do the words determined, persistent, mature and leader have in common? They can all be used to describe West Credit Secondary School’s christerbell brown. The 15-year-old grade 10 student is currently in West Credit’s special education vocation 1 program, working towards a certificate of education.

Brown’s passion in school and in life is hairdressing—a skill her mother taught her as a child. Her family’s influence has helped make her the hard-working person she is today. Whether she’s washing, blow-drying, curling hair or cleaning up, she never stops working until the job is done.

“Not only is she a perfectionist, but she genuinely cares about others and always goes the extra mile to make people happy,” says Technical Studies department head Traci Erkkila. “She’s the first one to help out a classmate in need and always the last one to leave the classroom.”

While she aspires to open her own salon one day, Brown is happy to be where she is right now. “I chose to come to West Credit because they offer cosmetology,” says Brown. “I look forward to coming to school everyday because the teachers really take the time to answer all of my questions and do whatever it takes to help me succeed.”

In addition to traditional academic courses and opportunities in the arts and physical and health education, West Credit offers a variety of programs to meet the needs of all students, including skilled trades in areas such as automotive, con struction, child care, cosmetology, manu facturing, landscape and horticulture, and hospitality and tourism. For more information about West Credit Secondary School, call 905-858-3087. For more information about special education programs in the Peel board, call 905-890-1010/1-800-668-1146 ext 2345.

“ I look forward to coming to school everyday because the teachers… do whatever it takes to help me succeed.”

20 Share the Smile

board appoints new director, associate director

In spring 2010, the Peel board welcomed a new director and associate director. Director of Education Tony Pontes started his role on March 1.

Notes Janet McDougald, chair of the board, “Though the candidates had many strengths, Tony Pontes was our clear choice. Not only does he bring an understanding of our organization, and critical continuity and stability, he also has a network of positive relationships throughout our board.”

Pontes, a 32-year employee with the Peel board, succeeded retiring director Jim Grieve who in November became the assistant deputy minister with the Ministry of Education. Between November and the end of February, Judith Nyman served as the interim director of education.

Associate Director of Instructional Support Services Pam Tomasevic began her role on May 17. Tomasevic joined the Peel board in 1984 as principal of Clark Boulevard Public School. Previously, she had served as teacher, special education consultant and vice-principal at the then Carleton, North York, Middlesex, London and Halton boards of education.

despite funding shortfalls, board approved balanced budget for 2010-11 school year

In June 2010, the board approved a balanced budget of $1.35 billion for the 2010-11 school year. For more information about the board budget or for complete audited financial statements, go to "Financial Statements" in the "Get the Facts" section of www. peelschools.org or call 905-890-1010/1-800-668-1146 ext. 2012.

212010 Report to the Community

A Bleadership committed to student success

The board of trustees governs the Peel board, like every public school board in Ontario. They are responsible for deter mining policies and main taining standards of excell ence in education for Peel Region. They are elected by taxpayers during municipal elections and are directly accountable to the community.

Public school trustees are the critical link between communities and school boards. Trustee respon sibilities include the following:

• govern and set policy for the Peel board

• govern for the provision of curriculum, facilities, human and financial resources for the board

• advocate for the needs of their communities

• as a constituency representative, to explain the policies and decisions of the board to residents

Trustees are available to help taxpayers, parents and others address any issues they may have about the public school system. Visit the "Meet your Trustee" section at www.peelschools.org for more information.

a STaN cameroN Caledon, 905-880-1162

b beryl ford Brampton Wards 7/8, 905-793-0800

c david greeN Brampton Wards 1/3, 905-495-4579

d merediTh JohNSoN Mississauga Wards 9/10, 416-706-9215

e STeve KavaNagh Brampton Wards 4/5, 905-457-3132

f Sue laWToN Mississauga Wards 3/4, 905-625-8084

g brad macdoNald Mississauga Ward 2/8, 905-828-6929

h hariNder K. malhi

Brampton Wards 9/10, 416-659-0813

i JaNeT mcdougald chair Mississauga Wards 1/7, 905-278-1402

J SuzaNNe NurSe vice-chair Brampton Wards 2/6, 905-495-3423

K Jeff WhiTe Mississauga Wards 6/11, 905-267-0764

l ricK WilliamS Mississauga Ward 5, 905-814-6180

m JaxSoN KhaN Student Trustee South Gordon Graydon Secondary School 905-890-1010, ext. 3174

N chriSTiNe uNg Student Trustee North Bramalea Secondary School 905-890-1010, ext. 3175

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Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. – Mahatma Gandhi

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