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Special Education Board Plan 2009 Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board

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Part 17

Special Education Advisory Committee


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Special Education Advisory Committee

Who are the current members of the Special Education advisory Committee?

MEMBERSHIP Superintendent Bruce MacPhersonCatholic Education Centre

Programme Principal Patricia MorleyCatholic Education Centre

Trustees Norm BethuneR.R. #3, Owen Sound N4K 5N5372-1645

Sam FinnieR.R. #3, Ripley N0G 2R0395-5918

Student Services/ Catherine PennerLiteracy Catholic Education Centre

Chairperson/ Cris BouillonABC R.R. #2, Wiarton N0G 2T0

534-3206 / 534-5090 (work)534-5458 (fax)

Autism/PDD Tizianna CardilloR.R. # 4,Hanover N4N 3C1367-3267

Maurice VoisinSouth East Grey Support Group

In addition guests are invited to present topics of interest and asrequired to share necessary information.


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What are the meeting times and locations?

Meetings are held once per month alternating between St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound, and theCatholic Education Centre, Hanover, Ontario. These meetings are open to the public.

What are the procedures for selecting members?

The selection of SEAC members is governed by Regulation 464, with consideration given to thebest practices found in the Handbook for Members of the Special Education AdvisoryCommittee. Members are nominated in writing by the respective association and approved bySEAC and the Board by means of a Board motion.

How do Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and other members of the public make their viewsknown to the SEAC?

Name and contact information of SEAC members is posted in the Board’s website. SEACmembers make reports to their respective associations regarding SEAC meeting items for thepurposes of providing information and receiving subsequent feedback.

How did SEAC fulfill its roles and responsibilities during the school year and ~what documentation was provided to SEAC to enable it to fulfill theseresponsibilities?

The Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board’s Special Education AdvisoryCommittee continues to be an integral part in the establishment and development of specialeducation programs and services for all exceptional pupils in the system. The committee ismandated to make recommendations to the Board on any issues affecting the programs andservices for all exceptional pupils.

Through active involvement on the Special Education Advisory Committee, memberseducate their specific local associations pertaining to the proceedings of S.E.A.C. and theongoing developments and procedures with respect to special education programs and services.

As noted in both Regulation 464 and in the Ministry document Special Education Standards forBoards' Special Education Plans, the roles and responsibilities of SEAC are as follows:

• make recommendations to the Board with respect to any matter affecting theestablishment, development, and delivery of special education programs and servicesfor exceptional students within the board

• participate in the Board's annual review of its special education plan • participate in the development of the Board's annual budget for special education • review the financial statements of the Board as they relate to special education


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As noted in the Board consultation section of this document, SEAC members requested andreceived presentations on the following topics over the course of the school year:

• Draft Board Special Education Plan • Draft Board Budget • Teacher Performance Appraisal Process • LDAO/WBTT• Ministry Update on Special Education Issues (Ministry Staff) • Autism Resource Team • Intensive Support Amount Funding Process Updates • Minister's Advisory Council on Special Education Minutes/Discussions • Anti-Bullying/Safe Schools Document• Character Education

By way of these presentations, SEAC members are provided with the opportunity to fulfill theirroles and responsibilities as listed above.


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BRUCE-GREY CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

Special Education AdvisoryCommittee

BP: 9-6

Approved: 83-040Reviewed: 04-218

REFERENCES• Reg. 464/97 – Special Education Advisory Committees• Standards for School Boards’ Special Education Plans, 2000 - Ministry of Education,

Ontario

RELATED FORMS/PROCEDURES/DOCUMENTS• Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board Special Education Plan

POLICY STATEMENTIt is the policy of the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, in accordance with theEducation Act, to establish a Special Education Advisory Committee.

POLICY REGULATIONS1. Voting Membership

a) Two trustees appointed by the Board from among its members.

b) Up to twelve (12) members from local associations as defined in the Education Act.

i) The local associations in both Bruce and Grey counties shall be invited toappoint members to the Advisory Committee.

ii) Where there is more than one local association in each county affiliated to thesame provincial association, one representative shall be jointly appointed by thelocal associations concerned.

iii) Where a local association is established for both counties, it shall be invited toappoint a member to represent each county.

2. Executive SecretaryThe executive secretary of the committee will be the supervisory officer responsible forstudent services.

3. QualificationsThe members of the committee appointed by the local association or associations, andappointed by the board, shall have the qualifications required by the members of the Board(i.e. they must be Roman Catholic and resident separate school supporters.)

4. Term of OfficeThe term of office will be three years and will be concurrent with the term of office forelected trustees.


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5. Allowances and ExpensesMembers of the Special Education Advisory Committee who are not members oremployees of the Board shall receive allowances as follows :

a) A travelling allowance based on the rate paid to trustees.

b) When travelling on authorized business of the Board, reimbursement for authorizedexpenses.

6. Terms of Referencea) The Special Education Advisory Committee may consider any matter affecting the

establishment and development of special education programmes and services.

b) Recommendations made by the Special Education Advisory Committee regardingspecial education programmes and services shall be referred to the Board.

7. Proceduresa) Members of the Special Education Advisory Committee shall elect a chairperson

from among themselves.

b) A simple majority of the committee is a quorum.


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Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)

Wednesday, September 24th, 2003 1:30 p.m. St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound

— MINUTES —

Present: Karen Brown, Cris Bouillon, Michael Lemme, Catherine Penner, Patricia Morley,Bruce MacPherson, Heather Starrs, Marlene Yen

1. Bruce read Nancy Weatherhead’s letter of resignation as Chairperson for the Board’sSEAC Committee. Cris Bouillon agreed to be the Chairperson for the school year 2003-2004.

2. Everyone participated in a prayer.

3. Bruce welcomed everyone and introductions were made.

4. APPROVAL OF JUNE 19th MEETINGMotion by Cris Bouillon to accept the minutes of the June 19th meeting; seconded byMichael Lemme.

Item #5 - Regional Special Education Committee Update - Bruce noted that our Board hadnow been accepted as one of the 10 Boards chosen to pilot the newly created standards forSpecial Education.

Item #6 - Ontarians With Disabilities Act - With Nancy Weatherhead’s resignation, aposition is now available on this committee. Bruce asked that members consider thisposition.

5. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS BOARD MEETINGS (information item only)

6. AUTISM CONFERENCE INFORMATIONEnclosed in the package was a description of some of the workshops that were presented atthe September 10th-12th Autism Conference. Patricia said that the speakers were veryknowledgeable and that it gave the participants a better understanding of how to help ourAutistic students.

Marlene Y. reported that the presenters weren’t just professionals in this field, but werehands-on presenters, e.g., parents, teachers, etc. Because of the challenges of Autism, it ismore important to see what strategies and approaches are most effective because learningis hard for these students and comes in small steps. Marlene said she learned that there isexpertise available within our Province for children with Autism and Aspergers. It wasnoted that the number of children with Autism is increasing dramatically. Marlene will belooking at where supports are in Grey-Bruce counties, and how we can provide the bestpossible opportunities and learning strategies for children with Autism.


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7. GIFTED PROGRAMME ~ WHAT’S NEW?Bruce mentioned the October 6th Parent Meeting which is scheduled for parents of childrenin the gifted program. Bruce presented a schedule outlining activities for these students.

September - grade 8 students - students who have completed the grade 7 & 8 mathprogram will have the opportunity to participate in the Grade 9 Math course offeredthrough Avon-Maitland. Students will download the assignments on Monday and thenfax back their completed assignments. Our Board is paying the cost this on-linecourse. For support students have a classroom teacher in the Avon-Maitland Boardwho is a half time classroom teacher and a half time online teacher.

October - grade 7/8 students - 2-day Robotics presentation by Donna Roppel, a teacherwithin our system.November - grade 7/8 students - 1-day Drama/Music workshop presented byVeronica Davidson, Joy King, Greg Schnurr, and Donna Vanderwal, teachers atSacred Heart High School.December - grade 7/8 students - 2-day Computer/Video Editing session presented byDenise Buttenaar, a teacher at St. Mary’s High School.January - grade 8 students - online math course continuesFebruary - grade 7/8 students - Science/Technology session with Brad Lacey, ateacher at St. Mary’s High SchoolMarch - grade 8 students - online math course continuesApril - grade 7/8 students - 1-day Art/Dance workshop with Greg Schnurr and DonnaVanderwal, teachers at Sacred Heart High School.May - grade 7/8 students - 3-day Leadership Camp held at Brock University

8. LITERACY UPDATEPatricia M. spoke briefly about the training for Early Numeracy and Early Reading. Theteams that attended the Early Reading and Early Math training in Haliburton in May/Junewill now be providing 3 days of training for the Lead Teachers in Reading and Numeracy. The Early Numeracy training is scheduled for Sept 30th, Oct. 1st & 2nd with the EarlyReading training scheduled for Oct. 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. As this is our fifth year in EarlyReading it is not a new concept for most of our teachers but it will be for the EarlyNumeracy.

Catherine P. reported that the Board is off to a good start with Laura Conlon presenting aworkshop at the end of August. It was an excellent workshop and a great way for theteachers to get together again. Laura took them through a Balanced Literacy plan and howto set it up in classrooms. With the input and feedback from teachers it was encouraging tosee how far our teachers have come.

This year our Literacy focus will be on assessment and tracking, where we are and whatwe’re going to do.

9. BRUCE GREY CHILDREN’S SERVICES SINGLE SESSION THERAPYPROGRAMThe handout from Bruce-Grey Children’s Services was a response to funding cutbacks andthe services that will be provided to students and to help parents and children deal withissues that they will be facing. On the back of the pamphlet there is a number to call toinquire about a 1½ hour counselling session. The waiting period will depend upon thedemand. There are three locations - one in Owen Sound, Markdale and Walkerton. It wasnoted that it is not guaranteed that participants will get the same counsellor on a return


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visit.

10. GREY-BRUCE COMMUNITY CARE ACCESS CENTREThe Board deals with Community Care Access (CCAC) to provide our students withOccupational Therapy and Physio Therapy support as well as some Speech and Languagesupport. CCAC used to be affiliated with Therapy Plus but are now using Rehab Express. At this point in time Rehab Express is unable to provide all of the support that wasprovided by Therapy Plus., e.g., Brenda Leahy now has picked up another school forspeech and language.

Due to a lack of employees with Rehab Express, students are now to be ranked 1-4 basedon the severity of their need for OT or PT.

11. COACHING TO INCLUSION CONFERENCE SERIES ~ Thursday, October 9th,2003Fort Papalia, a teacher at St. Joseph’s School, Port Elgin has been nominated to receive thisaward.

12. HANDOUTS÷ Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ~ Fall Training Days ~ Sept. 26th & Oct. 29th ÷ Suicide-Epidemiology, Risk Assessment and Postvention ~ Oct. 17th, 2003÷ Autism Spectrum Disorders in Adults ~ Exploring the Myth ~ Oct. 23rd & 24th ÷ ADHD Strategies & Training Days ~ Oct. 26th

13. NEXT MEETINGDate: Thursday, October 23rd, 2003Time: 1:30 p.m.Location: St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound


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Wednesday, October 23rd, 2003 1:30 p.m. St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound

— MINUTES —

Present: Karen Brown, Cris Bouillon, Tiziana Cardillo, Michael Lemme, Catherine Penner, Bruce MacPherson, Heather Starrs, Marlene Yen

Regrets: Patricia Morley

1. Introductions were made by all members.

2. Samantha Pitre led the prayer entitled “We Take Responsibility”.

3. APPROVAL OF SEPT. 24rd MEETINGMotion by Michael Lemme to accept the minutes of the September 24th meeting; secondedby Karen Brown.


5. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 23rd AGENDAAmendment: Add Samantha Pitre as agenda item 12a.Motion by Michael Lemme to accept today’s agenda; seconded by Karen Brown.

6. REGIONAL SPECIAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE (RSEC) UPDATEBruce highlighted some of the items discussed at the recent RSEC meeting• Presentations regarding gifted programs, were made by Warren Kennedy - Lambton Kent

Board; Michelle Forge “Trail Program - Bluewater Board; and Heather Lifton -Grant Erie Board

• Bruce and Patricia made a presentation on behalf of our Board. Other Boards wereimpressed with the approach our Board has taken this year and the fact that we areconnecting programs with the high school

• Requirements of the ThamesValley Board for entrance to the gifted program- full scale score of 132 on the Otis Lennon and a score at or above 95% on one of the

subtests on the Woodcock Johnston; or- full scale score of 126-131 on the OSAT and a score at or above the 95th percentile on

one of the subtests on the Woodcock Johnston program, and a full score of 130 on theWISC; or

- full score of 140 on the WISC• Round Table Discussion centred on an update of the Autism Project. Many Board are

still at the initial stage. • Finances - boards talked about their approach to receiving/spending their special

education money. In many Boards the special education money goes to theSuperintendent, who in turn, determines where the money goes.

• The main focus of the RSEC meeting was to share ideas and suggestions for peopleworking with the gifted.


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7. STANDARD-BASED SPECIAL EDUCATION PILOTMarlene Yen reported that she has now visited all our schools. Across the system there are15 students (13 boys, 2 girls), ranging from grade 1 to 12, identified withAutism/Aspergers. Marlene is learning what these students’ strengths are, what some oftheir challenges are, and what supports/resources are available for these students. Shestressed that it is very important to provide one-on-one teaching for these students. Hernext step is to look at the resources and print materials that is available within the Boardand to look to improving these resources.

Marlene reported that a meeting has been scheduled with the Ministry Resource Person,Julia Arnold, to determine where our Board is currently at.

8. BULLYINGBruce shared a presentation on bullying recently made to the School Advisory CouncilCommittee. A committee has been formed to provide schools, children and parents withstrategies for dealing with bullies and bullying behaviours.

“A bully is ... a person is being bulled when he or she is being exposed,repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or morepersons ...”

Professor Dan Olweus

Copies of this Bullying presentation will be provided for each principal to share with staffand school council.

9. WOMEN’S HOUSE/WOMEN’S CENTRE

The Women’s House of Bruce County and the Women’s Centre in Owen Sound have justrenewed their school-based services contract with us. They will be having resource peoplecome to the schools to deal with different topics, e.g., bullying.

10. LITERACY UPDATECatherine reported that Mariam Trehearne is scheduled to present to grade 1 and 2teachers, resource teachers, principals and literacy teachers on January 28th, 2004 onBalanced Literacy for Grade 1 & 2 Teachers based on her new Resource Book onLanguage Arts.

Catherine said teachers are still working to get guided reading up and running and alsoworking on the writing block as well and connecting the reading and writing blocks. TheBoard is looking at purchasing more resources. Teacher training and support will continueto be ongoing.

For the new members on the committee, Catherine explained the Four Blocks. FourBlocks is a framework that we’re using in Literacy and it helps to assure that our teachersare dealing with the various foundational skills that help children learn good reading skills. The program looks at phonic skills, phonemic awareness skills, reading comprehension,independent reading, and writing skills. Our Board is experiencing great success with thisprogram.


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11. INTENSIVE SUPPORT AMOUNT (ISA)Bruce reported that a Board team has been formed to audit our 22 claims. This teamperforms an audit in the same manner that the Ministry will audit our Board on November18th. Our team goes through the claims to make sure they include all relevant reports,doctor evaluations, and professional statements. If not, the claim goes back to the school toreceive necessary information.

12. GIFTED UPDATE (PARENT MEETING)Bruce reported that he presented to the parents of our gifted students the approach andlearning opportunities that are going to take place this year. Cris B. reported that themeeting was well attended and parents were positive and happy with the new program. This year offers a mixture of drama, math, music, science and computer. Some parentsasked to meet again to share where children are at. Parents gave email addresses so thatthey can be notified in advance of upcoming events and also receive follow-upinformation.

13. LET’S LEARN CLINICMichael Murphy, Principal of St. Basil’s School distributed a copy of the “Welcome ToKindergarten” package which was distributed to incoming parents of kindergarten students. He then presented an on-screen presentation of the “Let’s Go To School” program whichinvites parents to come in and visit the school, meet the people who work there, and toreceive information for the coming school year. The Let’s Learn program is a cooperativeeffort of the Let’s Learn Coordinator, Public Health Unit, Community Resource Groups,School Board, and Schools.

14. EARLY LITERACY LEAD TEACHER TRAININGSamantha Pitre was part of the group that received Early Reading Strategy Training in Junein Haliburton. For the last three days, Samantha and the Board’s other 3 literacy teachers,have been presenting this information to the Lead Teacher and Resource Teacher fromeach school. This Lead Teacher will be responsible to answer questions and offersuggestions when the Literacy Teacher is not in the school. Information Presented• the research and where it came from• role of the belief statement• brainstorming on how these early strategies came about for reading• oral language and how important it is throughout the primary division - not just

kindergarten and grade 1 but continuing on• Phonemic Awareness (auditory) and phonics (symbols, visual as well as auditory)• Word Study • Working with words, making words, playing with words• Read Aloud (reading aloud to the children) - very high teacher support because teacher is

reading to the students• Shared Reading and Guided Reading - teacher and student read together. • Shared reading is where you use a big book and 6 small books with the children. The

teacher reads with the children using a pointer to guide them. • Guided Reading is what the Board continues to focus on. Guided reading is the heart of

the program where teachers read with a group of children and are there to providesupport for them.

• Independent Reading - children are doing the reading themselves.


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• Centres - what the rest of the class is doing when the teacher is working with anotherstudent on Guided Reading. Literacy centres are a practice area - anything that theteacher has already done previously in their program, e..g, shared reading, guidedreading, word blocks - students can practice these items in centres.

• Literature Circles - something for our fluent readers• Make & Take and fun time

15. MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS • Children’s Mental Health Quilt of Honour offered by the Bruce Grey Children’s Services

October 23rd, 2003 - 9:30 a.m. - Bruce County Children’s Aid SocietyThe Quilt pays tribute to children who have successfully received mental healthtreatment, recognizes those who are waiting for help and honours the memory of thosechildren in Ontario who have completed suicide as a result of their fight against mentalillness.

• Canadian Mental Health Association - Todd Anderson (information item)• Creative Strategies for Working with ODD Children and Adolescents (Oppositional

Defiant Disorder)Winter 2003 - December 8th - TorontoIntroduction to Mental IllnessA four-evening series 2003-04 - November 4th, 12th, 19th, & 24th, 2003Location: Hanover, but must pre-registerTime: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Registration: FreeFor More Information: Community Network Support Team, Owen Sound - 371-4551

• Community Care Access

16. NEXT MEETINGDate: Wednesday, November 19th Time: 1:30 p.m.Location: St. Basil’s School


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Wednesday, November 19th, 2003 1:30 p.m. St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound

— MINUTES —

Present: Karen Brown, Cris Bouillon, Tiziana Cardillo, Michael Lemme, Catherine Penner, Bruce MacPherson, Patricia Morley, Marlene Yen

1. Bruce led the prayer entitled, “Beatitudes Restated”.

2. APPROVAL OF OCT. 23RD MEETINGMotion by Karen Brown to accept the minutes of the October 23rd meeting; seconded byMichael Lemme.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS BOARD MEETINGS (information item only)Bruce commented on the following 2 items in the recent Board Meeting minutes:Item #4: Ontarians Disability Report - Reminder to Cris B. that she had volunteered to

attend these meeting.Item #6: St. Mary’s High School - construction of the new addition has started. Alan

Hastings, the contractor, also did the renovations at St. Basil’s School.

4. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 23RD AGENDAMotion by Michael Lemme to accept today’s agenda; seconded by Karen Brown.

5. LITERACY UPDATEPatricia mentioned she will be meeting with the Literacy Teachers on Friday to get theirfeedback regarding what is going on in each of our schools.

Mariam Trehearne’s books have been ordered for the January workshop. This workshop isfor all grade 1-2 teachers, resource teachers, and principals.

Schools are continuing to work on strengthening their guided reading and writing in allclassrooms. The Board is offering support to the literacy teachers and they, in turn, areoffering support to the schools.

6. STANDARD-BASED PILOT PROJECTMarlene Yen did a powerpoint presentation on “A Standards-Based Approach to SpecialEducation: Teaching Students with Pervasive Developmental Disorders/Autism SpectrumDisorders”. A Project Team has been formed consisting of participants who attended theconference in September, plus other partners within the Board and community. TheStandards relate to all aspects of special education, e.g., learning disabilities, gifted,developmental disabilities, etc.


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Across our system there are 15 students (13 boys, 2 girls), ranging from grade 1 to 12,identified with Autism/Aspergers. Marlene is hoping to get the numbers from theBluewater Board so that a true ratio can be determined for the Bruce-Grey area.

The are three types of Autism: (1) PDD - Pervasive Development Disorder; (2) ASD -Autism Spectrum Disorder; and (3) Aspergers Syndrome

Marlene has been visiting the schools looking at current practices, getting information fromOSRs, talking to teachers and principals, and looking at assessment reports. She nowneeds to get more information from the resource teachers and student services. She plansto support this standard-based change process by meeting with teachers and conductingsurveys to get information. She needs to look into the areas where the current practices donot match up with the new standards and how to fill those gaps. Some of the implicationsof moving from our current practices to the standards-based approach are what the cost willbe and where the money will come from. She is hoping some new funds will be madeavailable. At the end, a report must be written, which will then go to the planning team fortheir confirmation and then to board for their final approval.

Marlene gave an overview of our Board in relation to the standards. The 20 standards forspecial education fall under the following five headings:#1 Assessment and Program planning

S1: Assessment of the strengths and needs of exceptional students are conducted forthe purposes of program planning.

S2: Informal assessments are administered selectively to individual students whenmore information is needed to plan and develop programs and services for astudent.

S3: Referrals for Formal Assessment - Principals have an objective process for theevaluation of requests for formal assessments prior to referral.

S4: Parental Consent - Formal assessments are provided through a planning processthat includes appropriate, informed consent.

S5: Formal assessments are administered by professionals with the appropriatequalifications. There are alternatives to board assessments by board staff, ifneeded.

S6: Timelines for Assessment - Student’s needs are identified promptly and theresulting program recommendations are implemented in a timely manner.

S7: Range of Assessments - Assessments are completed that address the students’strengths and needs.

S8: Program Planning and the Ontario Curriculum - Assessments are used by schoolstaff to determine the extent to which the student’s program may be based onand/or build on learning expectations in the Ontario curriculum.

Standards under the following four headings will continue to be addressed at the nextmeeting(s).#2 Program Interventions#3 Levels of Service#4 Instruction#5 Professional Development


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7. ISA 2 & 3: EDU AUDIT RESULTS The ISA audit was conducted yesterday. There were 10 claims profiled intellectual, 10claims for learning disabled, 1 claim for PDD, and 3 claims for behaviour. All claims wereapproved. One claim went from a 1.3 to a 1.2 The Board is very pleased with the results.

ISA 1Next week all ISA 1 claims (for equipment) must be submitted. The ISA process looks atpractices and assessment materials. It is a very good process.

8. GIFTED UPDATE: STUDENT EVALUATIONThe second session of the Gifted Program was held last week at the high school butunfortunately no feedback has been received. Emails from the parents of gifted studentsindicate that the students were very happy with Session #1 - Robotics. Parents are alsohappy with the email process. The change in the program this year offers more variety andis being well received.

Michael Lemme commented that he would no longer be involved with SEAC due to thefact that he had not been re-elected as a Trustee for the Board. He did mention that he isvery pleased with the three new members and their participation in the school/programs.

9. NEXT MEETINGDate: January 21st, 2004Time: 1:30 p.m.Location: St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound


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Wednesday, January 21st, 2004 1:30 p.m. St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound

— MINUTES —

Present: Karen Brown, Cris Bouillon, Catherine Penner, Bruce MacPherson, Patricia Morley,Marlene Yen

Regrets: Norm Bethune, Tiziana Cardillo

1. Karen led the committee in prayer.

2. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 19th, MEETINGMotion by Karen Brown to accept the minutes of the November 19, 2003 meeting;seconded by Cris Bouillion.


4. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 21ST AGENDAMotion by Karen Brown to accept today’s agenda; seconded by Cris Bouillon.

5. VENDING MACHINES/NUTRITIONBruce mentioned a statement made by Mr. Kennedy ensuring that children would only beable to have healthy food in schools. Bruce responded to media query that this would notpose a problem within our schools. We have a contract with Pepsi and they have agreed toprovide juice in all schools offering Dole juices. These machines can either have the Pepsilogo or the School Board logo on them. The Bruce-Grey Health Unit has formed acommittee, consisting of Dr. Kristin Hallet and members of the Bluewater & Bruce-GreyDistrict School Boards and the Grey Bruce Partners in Health to meet periodicallythroughout the year to keep informed of nutrition matters.

6. AUTISM UPDATEMarlene Yen spoke regarding the activities and events related to the Implementation of aStandards-Based Approach to Special Education as they relate to students with aPDD/ASD.

November 25th, 2003An update for the Board of Trustees on the Standards and our progress to date.

Tuesday, December 9th, 2003A meeting of the Core Project Team to examine the standards and to makerecommendations.

December 10th, 2003Bruce and Marlene attended a tele-psychiatry conference as observers. Given that there isno child psychiatrist in the area of Grey and Bruce, we felt it was important to have a senseof how effective this approach is for diagnosis and consultation.


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December 15th, 2003Several members of the Project Team travelled to Toronto for discussions with the TorontoCatholic District School Board. They outlined how they provide service to Students withAutism.

December 16th, 2003A meeting was held with Geneva Centre to review services offered at their centre and onan ‘outreach’ basis. The Geneva Centre has the expertise and personnel to offer workshopsand training across the country. They provide training certificate programs on site andconsult to families and educators. They also provide a number of direct services tofamilies and their children, e.g social skills groups. On February 19th the Geneva Centrewill be providing an inservice session to our teachers, principals, and SEAC members.

January 12th, 2004Project Team Meeting• Presentation made by Karen Baker from Regional Support Associates providing an

overview of services offered in the Grey-Bruce area. • Presentation by Sheryl Marshall and Tracy Plackhom from Community Living,

providing an overview of supports and services offered by the Association forCommunity Living in the Grey-Bruce area.

January 14th, 2004Visit to Thames Valley Children’s Centre in London, for a presentation of servicesavailable to families in the Bruce-Grey area. Children’s Psychiatric Research Institute wasalso represented and reviewed their services as well. Personnel also offered an overview ofcurrent approaches to teaching communication approaches, the need for sensory integrationtraining, an overview of IBI training and augmentative communication systems.

Patricia mentioned that they are accessible but there is a huge wait to access their services. Good to have in our area but to be aware it’s not something that is going to happenovernight. If parents suspect that the children may have ASD, they should request to beput on the waiting list. Then when child is diagnosed, they have been on the waiting listand Thames Valley is aware of the problems the child is experiencing.

January 27th, 2004Project Team Meeting• Review of standards and recommendations

January 30th, 2004Travel to Burlington for a presentation by Kathy Pratt on Educating Students with Autism. We will also have an opportunity to meet with other pilot boards to discuss issues related tothe project.


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February 19th, 2004Information Session at St. Peter’s and St Paul’s Church Hall in Durham presented byGeneva Centre reviewing: • Overview of ASD• Diagnostic Criteria• Prevalence• Current Trends in Research• Communication/Expressive and Receptive• Visual Aids• Teaching Social Understanding

February 20th, 2004Information session for all Resource Teachers and Student Services presented by membersof the Autism Team from the Toronto Catholic District School Board to discuss:• From Assessment to programming• Programming for Students with a PDD/ASD• Working with students with Asperger’s Syndrome

March 1st, 2004Workshop session for all Special Education Resource TeachersFollow-up from the two information sessions: Implications re. the implementation of astandards-based approach to Special Education.Presentation by Bridges/Betacomb on current software for teaching students with aPDD/ASD.

8. ANTI-BULLYING UPDATEThe Anti-Bullying Committee is researching programs and intervention in preparation fordeveloping a program appropriate for our Board.

Patricia reviewed a presentation she made to the principals on “A Systemic Approach toBullying” with a checklist for Principals to use in regards to community, parents,classrooms, playgrounds, school, bullies and victims. Principals can readily see what isalready in place and which areas require more work.

9. LITERACY UPDATEPatricia reported that a new literacy position has been created bringing our total number ofliteracy teachers to 6 - 4 in a full-time position and 2 in a half-time position. This will nowallow our literacy teachers to spend more time in each school.

Mariam Trehearne will be presenting parts of her new Language Arts book to grade 1-2teachers, resource teachers, principals, and literacy teacher on Wednesday, January 28th. She will be focussing on writing, which is one of our focuses this year in our literacyprogram.

The Literacy Steering Committee has been established for this year. Their purpose is toexamine where we’ve been, where we plan to go with literacy and also to decide whatneeds to be done and how to get there. A meeting date has yet to be set.


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10. PROPOSAL FOR AUTISM CONFERENCE ~ JUNE 3RD & 4TH Bruce reported that the Ministry has sent proposals to all Boards requesting applications tohost a Conference on Autism. This 2-day conference would host 100 people within theBarrie District and feature guest speakers. Submissions must be made by January 28th withnotification of hosting Board by February 13th.

11. MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALST Administrator’s Guide to Balanced Literacy and the Four Blocks T Reaching For ResultsT Regional Support AssociatesT Through The Skylight With Foreign Languages - Providing All Students With

Challenging Elementary School Curriculum T Meeting The Needs of Talented Elementary Math StudentsT Our Voice

12. NEXT MEETINGDate: Wednesday, March 3rd, 2004Time: 1:30 p.m.Location: St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound


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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2004 1:30 p.m. St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound

— MINUTES —

Present: Norm Bethune, Cris Bouillon, Karen Brown, Tiziana Cardillo, Bruce MacPherson,Patricia Morley, Catherine Penner

1. Cris B. welcomed members and Bruce read a Lenten Reflection.

2. Motion by Karen Brown to approve the minutes of the January 21st, 2004 meeting;seconded by Tiziana Cardillo.

3. Motion by Karen Brown to approve today’s agenda, seconded by Norm Bethune.

4. Minutes of Previous Board Meeting (information item).

5. Steve Peck, Principal of Student Pathways• Steve explained that the Students Pathways Program is a grade 7-12 program targeting

students who may experience difficulty graduating • Ministry definition of “at-risk students” may include:

~ elementary students performing at level one or below grade level expectations;~ secondary students who would have previously studied at the modified or basic level;~ secondary students who are performing below the provincial standard (50's or low

60's mark)~ secondary students who do not have the foundations to be successful in the new

curriculum;~ students who experience very poor attendance.

• There is a possibility that 25% of students are unlikely to graduate• Aim of the program is that all pathways (workplace, college, university) are treated

equally• There are different pathways for students and not all tend to go the same path.

Approximately 50% of students coming out of high school opt for the workforce insteadof continuing on to college or university

• Schools need to look at the student and what is best for him or her• Student Pathways focuses on three areas:

~ Literacy and Numeracy~ Course Selections/Program Pathways~ School to Work Transition

• A Board Literacy and Numeracy Committee has been formed which created a brochureto provide parents with information regarding the Secondary School Literacy Test, e.g,what the test is like, how long it takes for students to write it, accommodations availablefor students, and students who are exempted (Note: if exempted, students do not meetthe requirement for graduation).


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• A software program entitled ”Reading and Writing Achievement” is available forstudents to take home and for personal use. This program models the literacy test,offers tutorials and other relevant information for students.

• A study was conducted from which it became apparent that many students needed helppreparing for the literacy test. Since then both our high schools have implemented asemester long literacy course which basically offers students the opportunity to do thesame kind of activities as on the literacy test. All students who took the course at SacredHeart High School in the first semester were successful.

• A Parent Information Night, in conjunction with Bluewater District School Board, isplanned for April 13th. Employers from the area will be speaking about what skills theysee students needing to go into different business sectors as well as what they should bedoing to prepare themselves for future employment.

6. Business UpdateCathy Colton gave an overview of the Special Education revenue/expenditures for 2002-03, 2003-04, and 2004-05.

She explained what grants the Board receives, e.g., ~ SEPPA - Special Education Per Pupil Amount - allowed for every student in the

school~ ISA 1 - Intensive Support Amount - very specific specialized equipment~ ISA 2 & 3 - Intensive Support Amount - grants generated on the specific needs of

students and what expenditures the Board has, e.g.,~ Teachers, Special Education Resource Teachers, Literacy Teachers~ Education Assistants~ Learning Materials~ Professional Support Services - Psychometrist, Speech Pathologist, Social Worker

Cathy mentioned that the Preliminary Budget for 2004-05 is estimated to receive less ingrants as the Board expects that enrolment will be down next year.

7. Anti-Bullying Committee Minutes OverviewBruce spoke about what the Anti-Bullying Committee has been working on and what theirfuture endeavours will be.

8. Literacy UpdatePatricia and Catherine would like to thank the board for continuing to support literacy. Next year the Board will be addressing the writing component within the literacy program.

The Literacy teachers are planning a workshop in April 2004 for Grade K-3 teachers to talkabout what teachers are doing in writing, especially in the non-fiction area.

Arrangements are underway for Laura Conlon to speak at the September 1st workshopwhich will also focus on writing. She plans to take the teachers through the writing blockand to show them how to set up a writers workshop.


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9. Autism Conference - June 3rd & 4th, 2004Bruce reported that the Ministry has selected our Board to host an Autism Conference forthe 9 School Boards and 3 Authorities within the Barrie District. This 2-day Conferencewill be held on June 3rd & 4th at the Talisman Resort with Dr. Michael Powers booked asthe Keynote Speaker.

10. Information ItemsT Developmental History of the ChildT The Pivotal Year [To be discussed at the next meeting]T Cutting - teenage girls slashing themselves

11. Next MeetingDate: Wednesday, April, 14th, 2004Time: 1:30 p.m.Location: St. Basil’s School, Owen SoundAgenda: The Pivotal Year

At Risk Form


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Wednesday, April 14th, 2004 1:30 p.m. St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound

— MINUTES —

Present: Cris Bouillon, Karen Brown, Sam Finnie, Bruce MacPherson, Patricia Morley,Catherine Penner

Regrets: Norm Bethune, Tiziana Cardillo

1. Patricia opened the meeting with a prayer entitled, “All Things New”.

2. Motion by Karen Brown to approve the minutes of the March 3rd, 2004 meeting;seconded by Cris Bouillon.

3. Motion by Karen Brown to approve today’s agenda, seconded by Cris Bouillon.The following two items were carried over from the last agenda - Pivotal Year and At RiskStudent Profile.Bruce mentioned that the “Pivotal Year” article in last month’s package was a worthwhilearticle, as it addresses the challenges grade 9 students can face when entering high school,i.e., not connecting with their high school which may lead to increased rate of drop out. Cris mentioned the success of the Grade 9 Orientation Program last year which wasincorporated into both our high schools, making students aware of the layout of the school,what courses they would having, where their lockers were located, etc.The “At Risk Student Profile” is a form which is to be used at Transition Meetings betweenthe elementary school and high school which notifies the high school of problems thestudent may be experiencing.

4. Minutes of Previous Board Meeting (information item).Bruce mentioned the “Graduates Educating At Risk Students” (Gears) Program which wascreated by Brad & Patti-Jo Lacey. The goal of this program is to provide at risk studentsfrom Grades 7-12 with the added support they need to meet the curriculum expectations asset out by the Ministry of Education.

5. Special Education Report CardBruce shared a Powerpoint Presentation highlighting the recommendations received fromthe Ministry on our 2003 Board Special Education Plan. The Ministry outlines areas inwhich we are meeting the standard, areas that need improvement, and items that are notmet. Last year’s plan showed improvement over the 2001 submission. These “part” or“not met” recommendations will be addressed when this year’s Special Education Plan issubmitted to the Ministry.

6. Literacy UpdateCatherine reported that our Literacy Teachers were at a conference in February andinformation on non-fiction writing was obtained. The Literacy Teachers will be presentingto Kindergarten, Grade 1-3 teachers and resource teachers on Friday.


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Patricia mentioned that she had spent some time this morning in the different classrooms atSt. Basil’s and noted that the focus was already on non-fiction writing. She noticed that theboys especially showed interest in non-fiction writing.

On April 27th a group of teachers from Huron-Perth will be coming to St. Basil’s to viewtheir literacy program. Because we are a small board we assume that larger Boards aremore advanced with their Literacy programs. However, we’ve learned that what we aredoing, we’re doing very well and are ahead of many boards.

Catherine mentioned that our Board has just purchased the next level of the PorcupineCollection, written by Canadian authors and based on Canadian Traditions.

Cris mentioned the problem of good reading material at the Grade 7 & 8 level. Bruceresponded that the Board does budget for library resources and this is one of the areas inwhich the schools cannot alter their allocation. Also, the Board attends a Book BuyingTrip each year, with resources bought based on parent, teacher, school feedback.

7. Autism Forum UpdatePatricia reported that speakers are booked (about 40) for our June 3rd-4th Autism Forum. The day will be divided into 4 blocks starting with a keynote speaker first thing in themorning after which participants will participate in three workshops. Teachers,Educational Assistants, Resource Teachers, Principals, and Vice-Principals are to beinvited from each of the Boards in the Barrie District.

8. Introduction to Ontario Ministry of Education SEAC e-Learning SessionCris reported that Bruce, Patricia, Norm and herself attended a workshop at which anexcellent special education website was introduced. Passwords for this website are mailedto participants, and Cris is not sure why it is being kept top secret. This site is where allspecial education information is going to be contained. There is some confusion as to whythe password is only targeted for SEAC participants, as this would be a very powerful sitefor anyone to check. The thinking is that the Ministry would like parents to contact SEACmembers who would then be able to answer their questions with information obtained fromthis website.

9. Board Improvement PlanBruce shared his PowerPoint presentation for the 2004-05 Board Improvement Plan. Eachyear the Board is required to prepare a Board Improvement Plan addressing key areas ofimprovement and from this plan, principals prepare their own School Improvement Plan. The goals and targets, as set out in the Board’s Improvement Plan are as follows:A. Goal:

To increase positive student behaviour to reflect Provincial Expectations of the OntarioCatholic School Graduate within the Code of Conduct.Performance Target:There will be a 10% reduction in the number of students involved in suspensionscompared to 2003-2004.

B. Goal: To raise the overall level of students’ literacy skills as measured in formal assessments.Performance Target:


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The Board average of Grade 3 & 6 EQAO results in reading and writing will increaseby at least 1% to the levels below:

Grade 3 Reading 50% - 04-05 Grade 6 Reading 53% -04-05

Grade 3 Writing 53% - 04-05 Grade 6 Writing 50% - 04-05Grade 10 OSSLT: By the end of 2005, the Grade 10 Assessment of

Reading and Writing will be at or above ProvincialLevel.

C. Goal:To increase parent involvement as active participants in their children’s learning withinthe Catholic community.Performance Target: By the end of 2005, 70% of parents indicate they provide learning support for theirchildren as determined from data gathered.

Discussion ensued around Goal C in which 70% of parents are expected to providelearning support for their children. Cris felt the number was much too high but Bruce saidthis is a goal that principal’s felt may be attained as parental involvement is achievedthrough many opportunities/avenues in our schools.

10. CAT 3 ~ Grade 1Catherine mentioned that our Board will be tracking our Grade 1 students this year usingthe Cat 3 assessment tool. This testing will be done the end of May or early June by theclassroom teacher and will be completed in the classroom by all students at the same time. Part of the testing will be done individually and part with teacher assistance. Karenwondered if parents would get the results and Catherine responded that in previous yearswhen we tracked student progress, in-school parent meetings were held for parents whorequested assessment information to discuss the assessment results. These results will alsobe presented to trustees, principals, and the teachers involved with the testing.

11. Next MeetingDate: Wednesday, May 19th, 2004Time: 1:30 p.m.Location: St. Basil’s School, Owen SoundAgenda: Miriam Trehearne’s Kindergarten and Grade 1 & 2 Teacher Resource

Books


Page -484-


Wednesday, May 19th, 2004 1:30 p.m. St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound

— MINUTES —

Present: Norm Bethune, Cris Bouillon, Karen Brown, Sam Finnie, Bruce MacPherson,Patricia Morley, Catherine Penner

Regrets: Tiziana Cardillo

1. The committee shared the Special Education Advisory Committee prayer.

2. Approval of AgendaMotion by Karen Brown to approve today’s agenda; seconded by Sam Finnie.

3. Approval of April 14th Minutes Motion by Sam Finnie to approve the minutes of the April 14th, 2004 meeting; seconded byKaren Brown.

4. Minutes of Previous Board Meeting (information item ~ attached)

5. ISA1 ClaimsBruce reported that the Board submitted twelve ISA1 claims for a total of $120,000 worthof equipment and has received approval of all claims. Part of the claim consisted of 11 laptops, a desk top, 13 scanners, 13 printers, 13 kurzweils, and 3 FM systems.

6. Autism UpdatePatricia presented the package that was sent to each of the delegates from the 9 SchoolBoards and 3 Authorities in the Barrie District for the June 3rd & 4th Autism Forum atTalisman. This forum is open to principals, teachers, and educational assistants. Sheexplained that a limited number of additional participants can attend from each Board but itis at a cost to that Board and no accommodations are available. It was decided that in lieuof a gift for presenters, a donation in their name, will be made to the Canadian AutismSociety. This money will be put towards the Eleanor Ritchie Fund - a Scholarship forAutistic students. Catherine mentioned that there are 8 autistic students applying for thisscholarship this year and that our donation will allow for one extra student to receive thisscholarship.

7. WRAP ProgramJoyce Primeau and Jenn Greig presented a brief overview of the Working To Reinforce AllPartners (WRAP) program. WRAP is a partnership between the Bruce-Grey CatholicDistrict School Board, Bluewater District School Board, and the Bruce-Grey Children’sServices. Other partners involved include parents, guardians, school personnel, teachers,agencies, and any other individuals who want to provide services to support the child andfamily. Joyce stressed that you cannot educate a child who is suffering and undergoingemotional stress.


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Goals• reinforce all partners• enhance the strengths of the child• support the family• identify key persons who may assist that child• eliminate duplication of services, thereby allowing more programs/services for the child• view the child as a whole - student in the home, the school, and the community• help and support positive parenting strategies• build compatibility of school and community to better support the needs of studentsWho The Team Consists of• Social Worker - Ann-Marie Deas, Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board• Resource Worker - Joyce Primeau, Catholic District School Board• Community Youth Worker - Jenn Greig & Jackie Remers, Bruce Grey Children’s

Services• School Personnel• Parents• Community Personnel - other agencies to help support child• Child, depending upon their ageReferral Process• phone call to Ann-Marie, Jenn or Joyce• once contacted and there is a need, forms need to be completed - parental consent form

must be signed first thing• referral brought before team, and as a team, they decide whether the student meets the

criteria• if WRAP decides to accept the case, they call the school, and the school contacts the

parent or anyone else needed to be at the initial meeting• review WRAP with the parents to see what the parent is looking for• if student accepted, then an information gathering process begins - observation of the

home, school yard, classroom, and meet with the parent and child to get a trueassessment

• very intensive process because as much information as possible is needed to develop aService Plan

• Service Plan is a work in progress - after all observations are done then a discussion ofwhat can be done to support the needs of the child and family is held

• Meet again in 4-6 weeks to go over service plan and see what has been accomplishedand what needs to be done

• Not all cases are a 100% success rate, but when a child is discharged, the team feels thechild is much better off

• Joyce then presented a graphic organizer showing the problems of one grade 3 studentand all the agencies/programs put in place to help

• Jenn showed an overview of the 26 cases dealt with this year~ 21 are or were active clients~ 77 students received some sort of service through WRAP involvement

8. SEAC Internet Based e-Learning Information ProgramIncluded with the agenda was a letter from Merle Obee advising Boards that the ministry isproceeding with the release of this program, but it is no longer exclusively for SEACmembers or their designates. It appears that the group felt the program was of such valuethat access should be expanded so anyone can use this information. General release willallow universal access to the program.


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9. Kindergarten, Grade 1 & 2 Teacher Resource Book - Miriam TrehearneCatherine shared the Kindergarten and Grade 1-2 Teacher Resource Books written byMiriam Trehearne. She said these books are a user friendly document and a good supportfor classroom teachers. Miriam Trehearne, the author of this document, links everythingfrom chapter to chapter by laying out the skill base and the assessment that goes with it. Our Literacy Teachers have been asked to take teachers through this book systematicallyand use the examples and blackline masters included in the book.

Catherine also presented a set of books from the Porcupine Collection which combinefiction and non-fiction and which contain much Canadian content.

10. Gifted ProgramPatricia reported on the different direction the gifted program took this year involvingstudents in sessions for Sciences, Robotics, Drama/Music/Arts, Technology and finishingthe year with the Leadership Program at Brock University. This was a very worthwhileproject for the students as they were involved in cooperative games and trust activitieswhich encouraged students to push themselves beyond their comfort level.

11. Anti-Bullying UpdateAs previously mentioned, the Anti-Bullying Committee is planning October as our SafeSchool Month. Bruce mentioned that we’ve already had calls from the media regardingthis. At a recent all-day meeting the three teams for prevention, intervention, anddiscipline met to prepare a package for their area. Their goal is to put plans/strategies intoplace so that we take a proactive approach to dealing with bullying behaviour which mayreduce suspensions. In September the school contact people will meet to become familiarwith this document. The committee is asking each school to address October as “SafeSchool Month” at staff meetings and in news letters.

12. Literacy UpdateCatherine reported that in April a writing workshop for K-3 teachers was presented by theliteracy teachers and very well received. The Literacy Committee is preparing a 2-yearlong range plan with activities outlined for principals, primary teachers, andliteracy/resource teachers.

13. 2004 Special Education Plan AmendmentsBruce reported that in July we must submit, to the ministry, changes/amendments to our2003 Special Education Plan. One area to include would be the addition of literacyteachers, names of SEAC representatives, as well the individual education plan (IEP)completed last summer. It was proposed to hold a lunch meeting in June to approve these amendments.

14. Next MeetingDate: Thursday, June 17th, 2004Time: 1:00 p.m.Location: Grey Rose, Hanover


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Wednesday, Sept. 29th, 2004 1:30 p.m. St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound

— MINUTES —

Present: Norm Bethune, Cris Bouillon, Bruce MacPherson, Patricia Morley, CatherinePenner

Regrets: Tiziana Cardillo, Sam Finnie

1. The committee shared the Special Education Advisory Committee prayer.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDAMotion by Cris Bouillon to approve today’s agenda; seconded by Norm Bethune.

3. APPROVAL OF MAY 19th MINUTES Motion by Norm Bethune to approve the minutes of the May 19th, 2004 meeting; secondedby Cris Bouillon.

4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS BOARD MEETINGS (information item ~ attached)

5. TEACHER PERFORMANCE APPRAISALBruce shared the new teacher performance appraisal process that was mandated by theMinistry and is effective this year. Each year at the opening staff meeting, the principalwill receive a list of teachers on evaluation for that year. The principal can add someone tothe list if he/she so wishes, and a teacher who is not on the list can request to be put on.

Bruce reviewed the Parental Survey which is available to parents and students in grades 11and 12. This survey is to let teachers know how they are communicating with parents.

Chris B. commented that she does not feel the form is valuable as it does not encouragecomments from either the parent or the student. Bruce responded that the EDU direction isthat the survey shall only focus on communication.

Bruce also reviewed the Student Survey which is also based on communication betweenthe teacher and the student.

The Supervision/Evaluation of Teachers is done cooperatively with the teacher. There arefive domains (commitment to pupils, pupil learning, teaching practices,leadership/communication, and ongoing professional learning) that must be reported on, 16competencies, and 134 look-fors to be used within the evaluation.

6. CAT3 - GRADE 1 UPDATECatherine reviewed the CAT3 - Grade 1 Update which is the literacy results from thespring testing completed done by our grade 1 students. This tracking will continue withthese students in Grade 2. This Canadian Achievement Test can be done in a group formatand is administered by the classroom or resource teacher. The number of students assessedthis year was between 160-169. The norm was based on 44,000 students in Canada.


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Catherine then reviewed the different sections and where our students scored compared tothe Canadian percentile.

Cris commented that it appears that the literacy efforts of the Board seem to be paying off.

7. HOMEWORK PROJECTBruce commented on the good discussions that followed the homework presentation madeat the schools. The team shared the best practices in use by boards and discussed whatresearch says regarding homework. Research in the elementary division, has shown anyhomework that takes over an hour can start to have a negative effect. Many questionscentred around how much homework students should be doing in the primary/juniorgrades. Parents don’t want their children to be overloaded with homework but they wantthem to have enough. Also stressed the importance of not giving homework on weekendsbecause of extra-curricular activities. Cris commented that with the rotary system nowtaking place in the elementary schools, it’s hard for teachers to keep track of how muchhomework students actually have.

8. LITERACY ~ FOCUS FOR SCHOOL YEARPatricia reported that the schools are continuing to work on guided reading this year as it isnot yet taking place in all of our classrooms. We are also introducing writing this year,which is our major focus for professional development.

She mentioned that we had a workshop last Friday where we had over 20 new teachers(new to the board or new to the primary division) attend. Our literacy teachers presentedan overview of the balanced literacy framework and introduced/restated the four blocksmethod we use. It was very well received.

On October 21st & 22nd our literacy teachers are presenting a half day workshop for ourkindergarten teachers on the “Writing Spot” - a new writing program for kindergarten. Forgrade 1-3 teachers, Bernadette Homerski will provide professional development onthe“Write Traits”. We are continually trying to support the new teachers coming in thedivision/system.

9. NEW IEP SUPPORT DOCUMENTBruce presented an overhead of the Ministry’s Standards for IEPs which outlines thecomponents of an IEP. The Board received an IEP Resource Guide but it does not replacethe current IEP document. It spells out in detail what must be in each one of thecomponents of an IEP. Bruce is recommending that resource teachers review thisdocument and present to staff at staff meetings. The document is available on the website.

10. AUTISMThe Board has put together an Autism Support Team, consisting of Sue Scowcroft -Principal at Mary Immaculate School, Chepstow; Janey Campbell - Resource Teacher atMary Immaculate School, Chepstow; Joyce Primeau - Resource Teacher on the W.R.A.P.Team; and Theresa Harrietha - Resource Teacher at Notre Dame School. They areparticipating in an 8-week course. This Team will help with program suggestions andinstead of having to wait on Geneva Centre/Thames Valley, they will be able to offersupport. The goal is to have a resource teacher at each school trained by spring. TheMinistry has given a large sum of money to Thames Valley who will be providing supportto a number of boards, ours included. There is an inservice planned for December 3rd for


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Resource Teachers and Educational Assistants.

11. HANDOUTSEQAO - The Ministry is redefining EQAO testing practices. Noted changes include:• reduce total testing time for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test to 2½ hours on

a single day• reduce total testing time for grade 3 and 6 students to six hours • reduce total testing time for the grade 9 assessment to two hours

We Can’t Weight Brochure• workshop designed for educators, social service providers and health professionals to

examine the issues of obesity and develop practical strategies and solutions for Greyand Bruce counties

Curriculum Update• highlights Mathematical Literacy issues

13. NEXT MEETINGDate: Thursday, October 28th, 2004

Wednesday, December 1st, 2004Time: 1:30 p.m.Location: St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound


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November 3rd, 2004 1:30 p.m. St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound

— MINUTES —

Present: Norm Bethune, Cris Bouillon, Tizianna Cardillo, Sam Finnie, Catherine Penner,Patricia Morley, Bruce MacPherson

1. Patricia welcomed everyone and all participated in the Special Education Committeeprayer.

2. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 29TH MEETINGMotion by Sam Finnie to accept the minutes of the September 29th meeting; seconded byTizianna Cardillo.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDAMotion by Sam Finnie to accept today’s agenda; seconded by Cris Bouillion.

4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS BOARD MEETINGS (information item only)Sam remarked on the Accessibility Report - the Board is looking at the needs of ourstudents - whether emotional or physicalNorm commented on the excellent results Catherine presented regarding the Grade 1Literacy CAT-3 Test.

5. ASSUMPTION OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR BORROWED EQUIPMENT FORMPatricia reported that due to the ISA process, a number of our students have equipment thatis the property of the school board, e.g., laptop computers. There have been a number ofrequests from parents to have programs, such as Kurzweil, installed on their computers athome. To allow students to take home their equipment, a form has been prepared whichrequires the parent/guardian signature guaranteeing that if the equipment is lost, damaged,or stolen, it is the parents’ responsibility to pay for it. The Board wants to make sure thatstudents get good use of their equipment, but also want a guarantee that it is properly caredfor. There has been no decision made yet as to if the students can take the equipment homeover the summer, as that is when it is normally maintained. Tizianna expressed a concernthat equipment may be damaged by other students on transit to and from school.

6. WRITING WORKSHOPSCatherine reported that in October she and the Literacy Teachers presented a one-dayworkshop to Kindergarten teachers on the new program called the “Writing Spot”. Also inOctober, grade 1-3 teachers received a half day workshop on the program entitled, the“Write Traits” presented by a representative from Nelson. The “Write Traits” supports thecurrent classroom program in terms of what teachers are doing with writing.


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7. JUNIOR MATH/LITERACY ROLE OUTSPatricia reported that a team of 8 representatives from our Board attended a Role Outsession in Toronto on October 28th & 29th. The Ministry announced they were providingprofessional development, resources, and money for Junior Math and Junior Literacy. Justas was previously done for the primary role out, there will be a Board team for Literacyand also one for Math. These teams will then train the teachers within our Board. Anotherincentive currently being offered is the Grade 7-12 Student Success Program which is alsoreceiving professional development and resources. There was also mention of LiteracyTeachers for the junior level.

Catherine questioned whether book resources would be provided for the junior division. Patricia responded that she understands that will be part of the initiative.

8. GIFTED PROGRAMPatricia reported that five students qualified for the gifted program this year - 1 fromKincardine, 1 from Owen Sound, and 3 from Hanover. Once again, these students will becompleting the grade 9 on-line math course offered through Avon-Maitland. EugeneLekawski, a teacher from Owen Sound, will be providing support to these students bymeeting with them at Holy Family School to discuss any concerns they have and to watchhow they are progressing. Other activities planned for the students this year will berobotics, art, music and possibly a 3-day science program offered by the University ofGuelph.

9. CHARACTER EDUCATIONNorm heard Dalton McQuinty speaking and advocating for character education in everyschool. The Board has made presentations at the board level, and to district and principalson a Character Education Program for our Board. Norm’s presentation reviewed suchareas as:- what is character education- why character education- how has it been implemented- what can we expect- Board’s process- who will we consult- how/when- virtues

Norm said that our Board currently is offering similar programs to Character Education,e.g., - Virtues - the school chooses one virtue a week. In their weekly newsletter they indicate

what is being done at school for that week’s virtue, with suggestions for what could bedone at home. It is hoped that these characteristics will not only be present at the schoollevel but also will extend into the home.

- Tribes - practices cooperative learning. - Empowering Student Participation (ESP) - in use at St. Mary’s High School.

Norm researched predominant character traits from different programs/resources and cameup with 105 traits, which Norm and Patrick Cureton have narrowed down to 72. This listwill be taken to the Board to have members choose the 10 most important traits. Fromthere, it will be narrowed down to five.


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10. NATHAN PERROTTPatricia reported that Nathan Perrott did an anti-bullying presentation at two of our schools- Sacred Heart, Teeswater and Notre Dame, Owen Sound. He was well received and thestudents related well to him. The Board felt Nathan did an excellent job of presenting theright message; even if you’re a big guy, it doesn’t mean you have to be a bully. Nathanbeing used as our anti-bullying representative got some bad press because of his role as anenforcer on the Toronto Maple Leafs. He stressed that being an enforcer is his persona onthe ice, but not off the ice. Patricia stressed how pleased the Board was with the variousactivities that happened in all our schools during the month of October which was our anti-bullying month. The Anti-Bullying Resource Guide will provide Prevention, Interventionand Discipline strategies throughout the school year.

11. NEXT MEETINGDate: December 1st Time: 1:30 p.m.Location: St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound


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December 9th, 2004 12:30 p.m. Grey Rose Restaurant, Hanover

— MINUTES —

Present: Norm Bethune, Cris Bouillon, Tizianna Cardillo, Sam Finnie, Catherine Penner,Patricia Morley, Bruce MacPherson

Regrets: Maurice Voisin

1. Bruce welcomed everyone and all participated in the Special Education Committee prayer.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 3RD MEETINGMotion by Sam Finnie to accept the minutes of the September 29th meeting; seconded byTizianna Cardillo.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA


5. EQAO GRADE 3 & 6 RESULTSBruce reported that the Grade 3 EQAO test results surpassed the provincial average thisyear. This group was the first group of students who participated in the early literacyinitiative. Unfortunately the grade 6 results were not outstanding. However, when youcompare the results of these Grade 6 students to their Grade 3 results, there is a higherpercentage of these students at the 3rd and 4th level.

Results have proven that girls outperform boys in reading and writing. The Ministry isorganizing a Boy’s Literacy Symposium in January to address this problem.

Patricia mentioned that money has been made available for the purchase of Mathematicresources for Grades JK to 8. Grades JK-5 and 7 will be purchased now, and Grades 6 and8 in September. Arrangements have been made for free shipping to individual schools.

6. GIFTED PROGRAMPatricia outlined the activities planned for the Gifted Program for this year.

January 13th - Video Editing - St. Mary’s High SchoolFebruary 17th - Graphic Calculators - Brad LaceyMarch 10th - Art & Dance - Greg Schnurr and Donna VanderwalApril 7th & 8th - Robotics - Donna Roppel. The students will also participate in the

Bruce Power Year End Robotic Celebration at the end of MayMay - Three Days at the University of Guelph’s Science Camp


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7. Changes to the Elementary and Secondary Provincial Report CardPreviously the “Guide to the Provincial Report Card, Grades 1-8", stated “If the student hasan Individual Education Plan that applies to a particular strand/subject, check the IEP boxfor that subject.” The new policy to replace this one, is as follows: “If the student has anIndividual Education Plan that applies to a particular course, it is not necessary, nor is itadvisable, to check the IEP box on the student’s report card when a student has receivedonly accommodations for that course.”

8. CHILDREN IN NEED OF PROTECTIONPatricia presented the above guide which provides all the information, steps, and formsrequired if a person suspects a child is being abused.

9. NEXT MEETINGDate: Friday, January 21st

Time: 1:30 p.m.Location: St. Basil’s School

c.: Principals Sr. Admin


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Friday, January 21st, 2005 1:30 p.m. St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound

— MINUTES —

Present: Norm Bethune, Cris Bouillon, Tizianna Cardillo, Catherine Penner, PatriciaMorley, Bruce MacPherson, Maurice Voisin

Regrets: Sam Finnie

1. All members participated in the Special Education prayer.

2. Maurice Voisin, SEAC’s newest committee member, introduced himself and gave somebackground information on his home and professional life.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DECEMBER 9TH MEETINGMotion by Tizianne Cardillo to accept the minutes of the December 9th, 2004 meeting;seconded by Cris Bouillon.

4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS BOARD MEETINGS (information item only)Norm spoke about the Character Education Presentations being made by himself and PatCureton to various groups - Board members, school councils, school staff, and the deanery- in order to formulate 10 key character traits/virtues in the hope that each school willemphasize one trait/virtue per month in a pervasive/comprehensive manner to best serveour students. From there parents will be encouraged to have family meetings toincorporate these traits into their homes. Thereby the school and the parents will beworking as a team.

5. BOARD UPDATENorm spoke regarding the following happenings within the Board:

A News Release is being released this afternoon to make the public aware that our schoolboard has reduced the fee for community non-profit groups using our school facilities. Asa result the $24.18/hour custodian fee is eliminated; the administration fee is waived; andfacilities will now be available during the summer.

The Board has received $67,000 for an Energy Retrofit Plan. Some projects proposed areto replace air make-up units, replace gas/air-conditioning units, upgrade energy controlsystems, review age and efficiency of boilers, upgrade window systems, and check allschool for efficient lighting.

Our Human Resources Manager has prepared an excellent Recruitment Package which willbe used by principals when they go to universities to advertise and welcome prospectivenew employees.

Tsunami Relief Fund - On Monday, January 10th all schools participated in prayer servicesentitled “Change Lives”. Schools then worked on projects to raise money for the victimsof Tsunami. An impressive $12,891 has been raised to date for this worthwhile project.


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Norm, and other members of the Board, attended the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’Association seminar on January 14th & 15th. Norm explained that our Board is representedby this organization in regard to concerns we have. Concerns addressed at this seminarwere the cost of transportation, cap on primary class size, special education funding (ISA 1& 2), assessment for identifying Catholic school rate payers, declining enrolment, andcommunication.

5. SCHOOL YEAR CALENDARBruce presented next year’s proposed school year calendar. The ministry has set theChristmas Break for 2005 to begin on December 16th. However, all Boards are puttingforth a modified calendar requesting the break begin on December 23rd.

6. P.D. OPPORTUNITIESPatricia mentioned various professional development opportunities that have been offeredor will be offered this year. A list of these activities is attached.

Patricia also spoke about the Classroom Management Workshop that she and Brucepresented on Tuesday to 40 of our teachers. It was initially planned for new teachers butwas opened to all teachers because of its importance. Participants have been invited to afollow-up session on February 212t.

It is the Board’s hope to use early dismissal days next day to target Early Numeracy.

7. BRUCE GREY CHILDREN’S SERVICES/0-6 PROGRAMBruce attended a meeting this week with Bruce Grey Children’s Services, which is ouronly children’s mental health provider in this area. At this meeting they highlighted somebeneficial programs, e.g.,• WRAP Program, successful because involves the home and family.• Choices Program which deals with concerns regarding the amount and availability of

drugs in the Bruce Grey area. This program also provides consultation for parents.• The 0-6 Program offers the services of a full time social worker and 2 resource staff who

will come into schools to provide support for behaviour problems. They also work withthe home and family.

8. GREY BRUCE CHILDREN’S ALLIANCEThis is an alliance of community groups who are looking at what can be done to supportour children. A forum is being held on April 28th & 29th for members to gather and preparea plan of what services are available and what support can be offered.

9. COACHING TO INCLUSION AWARDPatricia explained that each year Boards are invited to nominate a person (teacher,educational assistant, secretary, librarian, custodian, etc.) who they feel would be worthy ofa Coaching to Inclusion Award. This year our WRAP team, consisting of Ann-Marie Deas(Social Worker), Joyce Primeau (Resource Teacher), Jen Greig and Jackie Remer (Child &Youth workers) received this award.


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10. LITERACY UPDATECatherine reported that great gains have been made this year in literacy and that all thework done to-date is starting to show and pay off. Our Literacy teachers continue to workwith the classroom teachers and resources have now been received for the grade 2-3 level. The Literacy Teachers are working with students on writing and this will be the Board’sfuture professional development focus. The Literacy Teachers also work with studentswho are just about at grade level but require additional support. These students meet in theafternoon, on a regular basis, and focus on a more intensive program. They are starting tosee positive results as many of these children are now moving back into the regularclassroom literacy program.

Bruce mentioned that the Ministry is now working towards Junior Literacy and isrequesting Boards to present a plan for the implementation of Junior Literacy. Our Boardwill be recommending that Junior Literacy follow the same procedures used for PrimaryLiteracy.

11. EQAO WORKSHOPBruce mentioned that a number of new principals have requested information on how tointerpret, share, and program for students with EQAO results. Therefore, Lorna Earl hasbeen approached and agreed to present a one-day workshop for our principals and resourceteachers, on February 14th.

12. BOYS LITERACY SYMPOSIUMSince EQAO results indicate that boys do not do as well in reading, as girls, the Ministryhas produced a practical guide entitled “Me Read, No Way” which offers suggestions andstrategies for dealing with boys’ literacy, what interests them and how to approach teachingthem. A team of five people from our Board will be attending a symposium next Tuesdayand Wednesday to address this issue. This team will then inservice our teachers on how toimprove boys’ literacy skills. This document can be viewed on the Ministry’s website:www.edu.gov.on.ca.

13. ASD WORKSHOPBruce brought to the attention of Cris and Tizianna, a workshop being offered on January26th which will explain the supports our board will be receiving through Thames Valley. Bruce and Tizianna will attend.

14. NEXT MEETINGDate: Thursday, March 3rd

Time: 1:30 p.m.Location: Catholic Education Centre, Hanover


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Thursday, March 3rd, 2005 1:30 p.m. Catholic Education Centre , Hanover

— MINUTES —

Present: Norm Bethune, Cris Bouillon, Sam Finnie, Catherine Penner, Bruce MacPherson,Maurice Voisin

Regrets: Tizianna Cardillo, Patricia Morley

1. All members participated in a prayer for our students.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 21ST MEETINGMotion by Maurice Voisin to accept the minutes of the January 21st, 2005 meeting;seconded by Cris Bouillon.


4. BOARD UPDATESam F. mentioned that the School Year Calendar was recently approved by the Board. Henoted that our Faith Formation Day will be on September 23rd with Fr. Walsh fromNewfoundland booked as the keynote speaker.

Norm B. updated the committee on the Character Education Program. Nine presentationshave been made to-date. The most recent presentation was to the Deanery who reactedwith great excitement about the dedication of the Board to Catholic Education. As a result,they would like to form a stronger bond with the Board.

The Board has formed a Wellness Committee which is currently reviewing informationreceived from a Help System group in Mississauga and a Research Team from BrockUniversity to formulate a survey for all staff members. This survey will be 100%confidential and is to obtain information in the area of overall health.

Norm spoke regarding the ongoing problem of declining enrolment. Presently theenrolment at our elementary schools is 2,335 students. By the year 2009, it is estimated tobe 1,835. The secondary enrolment is at 1,310, with a projected enrolment of 1,020 by2009.

5. THAMES VALLEY ASDBruce reported that he and Tizianna attended a presentation by Thames Valley on January26th. Thames Valley was awarded the ministry grant to provide autism support to 12school boards, 3 special schools, Robarts School, Amethyst School, and the Children’sRehabili-tation Centre. They will no longer be providing 1:1 direct support to the children,but to the Board and their staff. They are currently working as a board support but plan tomove towards a school support, and then a classroom support. Their goal is to achieveautism friendly schools.


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6. SCHOOL YEAR CALENDARBruce shared the Board approved modified school year calendar which was submitted tothe Ministry on February 28th. The only modification this year is to move the Christmasbreak to commence on December 26th instead of the 19th.

7. FINANCIAL UPDATECathy Colton, Superintendent of Finance, presented information on the Special Educationfunding. Some of the issues highlighted were:• ISA I program ÷ special furniture and equipment used by students with specialized

needs- this is in the midst of being changed - instead of auditing the paperwork the Ministry

will instead go to schools and watch the students use the equipment• ISA 2 & 3 Process

- previously the process was about putting together the claims - this no longer exists. Ithas not been replaced with anything yet. We are continuing to get money but nothingnew in the process.

• ISA 2 & 3 - funding withheld- claims for ISA 2 & 3 were approved last June; however funding for these claims has

been withheld (a claw back). The Ministry is currently holding back $53,000 fromour Board which they say is the amount that equates a portion of reserves the Boardhas in special education. If Boards do not spend money allotted for special education,it then goes into a reserve. This money has been put into an equity fund which boardscan apply for; however, no information has been received as how to apply for thisreserve. Our Board decided to make adjustments anyways by adding educationalassistants and creating another literacy position

Cathy spoke regarding other Board business issues:• Collective Agreement expired August 2004.

Currently the Board is in the position where collective agreements for all negotiatinggroups have expired. Approximately 75% of the Board’s budget is salary and benefits.

• Planning for 2005-06- Declining enrolment- Staffing- How is our budget going to look

• Planning for the future- 15 year enrolment projection - Multi-year draft budgets (5 year draft rotating budget)- “Data driven decisions” - where does the money need to be spent - what are the

greatest needs in the school system

• Currently 23 specially funded Initiatives in 2004-05- Cathy spoke regarding some of these initiatives and the money granted.

Bruce mentioned the Education Foundations Program which is money allotted forproviding literacy and numeracy to grade 6. Boards are to decide how they wish to providethis inservicing. There are 39 teacher release days allocated on a per school basis. Tentatively the following workshops have been booked: Primary Assessment (full day forprincipals & teachers); Primary Writing (full day for principals & teachers); JuniorLiteracy (full day for principals & teachers); Primary Assessment (full day for principals &


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teachers); Primary Writing (full day for principals & teachers). We are giving the schoolsa lot of lead time so parents will know teachers will be out of the school, schools can booksupply teachers, etc.

8. DEMONSTRATION SCHOOL INFORMATION (RSEC)Listed below are Demonstration Schools which our Board has access to:Amethyst School - children attend who have learning disabilities and/or ADHD. One ofthe reasons this school is successful is because the classroom size ranges from 5-8 studentsfor all subjects. Robarts School - provides support for deaf and hard of hearing students.W.Ross MacDonald School - provides resource support for deaf/blind students.

9. LITERACY UPDATEMelisa reported that recently she and Staci attended ministry training on assessment.

Assessment - the whole point of collecting data is so that assessment data gathered drivesthe program.

• The goal as we assess our students is to find out what they can do and then support theirnext steps

• Have a plan with the end in mind - consider the desired destination and work from there• All members need to be involved in the planning - work collaboratively• Assessment drives instruction - integral part of the teaching/learning process • Categories of assessment

- diagnostic - done before - formative - on the right path- summative - shows how far we’ve come

• Questioning - teachers assess students by what they say, write, do• 3 kinds of teaching

- Right there - the answer is in the story - you can touch it- Think and search - search for clues in the story and think about your answer- On my own - the answer is not in the story, it comes from your thoughts, feelings, and

experiences• Cue Matrix - graphic organizers • Using Running Records - a strategy and tool which helps to benchmark our students and

diagnose areas of need in their reading

10. LITERACYCatherine reporting that the Board is starting to see the payoff from all the hard work doneso far. As always, the Board is continuing to build resources in all schools. The Board’snext project will be the introduction of literacy into the junior division. We will beworking with the Bluewater Board for joint professional development. Our Board has beenvery supportive when asked for resources and professional development and we would notbe where we are if not for their support.

11. BOARD IMPROVEMENT PLAN / SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANEQAO TestingLorna Earl presented to our principals and resource teachers on February 14th on what to dowith your EQAO results. It was noted that assessment time will be cut in half for grade 3and 6 students. Also recommended one hour of testing every day, rather than mass testingperiods.


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What Works Best When The Provincial Assessment Results ArriveThe above book has been ordered for all principals and it will be used at PrincipalMeetings to prepare for Board and School Improvement planning.

Safe Schools Workshop with Stu AutySafe Schools will be a key area for our Board and School improvement plans. Bruce andPatricia attended a Safe Schools presentation last week with emphasis on mediapresentations, youth criminal justice act, and a variety of workshops in the afternoon.

12. OTHERMe Read? No Way!A copy of this book is attached for all members.

Brake ShopThe Brake Shop is an Outpatient Care Clinic to serve students with Tourettes Syndrome.

13. NEXT MEETINGDate: April 21st, 2005Time: 1:30 p.m.Location: St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound


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Thursday, April 21st, 2005 1:30 p.m. St. Basil’s School, Owen Sound

— MINUTES —

Present: Norm Bethune, Cris Bouillon, Sam Finnie, Bruce MacPherson, Patricia Morley,Catherine Penner, Maurice Voisin

Regrets: Tizianna Cardillo

1. PRAYER & WELCOMENorm opened the meeting with a prayer.

2. APPROVAL OF MARCH 3rd MINUTESMotion by Maurice Voisin to accept the minutes of the March 3rd, 2005 meeting; secondedby Sam Finnie.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS BOARD MEETING (information item ~ attached)

4. BOARD UPDATENo information shared this month.

5. SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDINGBruce shared information received from the Ministry stating that Boards no longer will bereceiving funding for ISA 2 & ISA 3 claims but that money will still be available for ISA1 equipment claims. The Ministry has taken the money from the existing ISA 2 & ISA 3claims and put it into an Equity Fund which Boards can now apply for based on thenumber of new high need students they have. Instead of an ISA process to determine whothe high needs students are, Boards are to look at high need students in two areas - pupilsenrolled in integrated or resource withdrawal programs and pupils receiving support, for50% of the day, from a teacher assistant or other professional or para-professional. Aconference call with Peter Gouch explained the calculation to be used to determine thesestudents ..... number of high needs students from November 1, 2003 to October 31, 2004less the number of ISA 2 & 3 students lost to our system = the number of students toclaim. There is a possibility of receiving $17,000 for each of these students.

Bruce also mentioned an additional $25,000,000 has been given to the Council ofDirectors of Education (CODE ) for ISA funding. However, no guidelines on how Boardsare to access this money has been received..

6. SPECIAL EDUCATION REVIEWBruce explained that the full verison of the Board’s Special Education Plan, which outlinesservices that our Board provides, is due this year. The Ministry reviews this plan andgives each Board a report card of their Board’s standings. This year one of our principalsand a resource teacher have reviewed our plan and have made revisions based on theDurham Catholic District School Board’s plan. Once we are graded on this year’s report,Bruce will present the findings at a later date.


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7. LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO (LDAO)Patricia explained that the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario has partnered withthe Ministry and have prepared a web-based teaching tool which is an early interventiontool to be used with primary students. It is currently available for kindergarten and grade1 students and they are now getting feedback whether to go ahead with it as an assessmenttool for grade 2 students. All students are screened, not just those a teacher might beconcerned about. It is found to be a useful tool as it flags students where there might be aproblem and gives suggested intervention tools and on-line support for the teacher to use. LDAO provided free training for all kindergarten teachers within our Board, in January,with the Board covering the cost of supply teachers. Patricia said that some people wereworried about the security of this site on the internet but they were assured that it is ahighly secure site (same as on-line banking). Student information cannot be accessed byLDAO; only the individual teacher has access to the records of their own students.

8. CHARACTER EDUCATIONNorm reported that he and Patrick have now met with 15 groups of councils and schoolstaffs. Starting on May 16th they will be speaking to junior, intermediate, and high schoolstudents. They are presently in the process of creating an overview of the character traitswhich they hope to present at the May 18th District School Council. Norm feels they havereceived some great feedback thus assuring them that they are on the right track and aredoing what parents and school councils want.

9. ONTARIO VICTIMS SERVICESBruce mentioned that the Correction, Safety & Security Council has presented anopportunity to apply for a $50,000 grant to assist in dealing violence, aftermath victims,and issues around violence. The Board has just finished presenting a RestorativeMeasures workshop whereby one teacher from each school has been trained. If we receivethis grant, the plan is to hire three Child & Youth Workers; one in our two high schoolsand 2 for our elementary schools. There is the possibility that the Ministry may extendthis initiative beyond the 7 month timeline.

10. THAMES VALLEYIn today’s package, committee members received a Thames Valley Needs AssessmentSurvey. Patricia mentioned that Thames Valley has provided meaningful professionaldevelopment for our Educational Assistants. Thames Valley has suggested preparing aneeds assessment to survey where our Educational Assistants and teachers are at in termsof their knowledge of Autism. Patricia then reviewed the survey, with the committee,explaining the meaning of each question.

11. LITERACYCatherine reported that our Board and the Bluewater Board are in the process of finalizingour Summer Institute for primary writing. Lucy Calkins and Natalie Louis will be ourpresenters for the day and will take participants through a whole curricular calendar, howto introduce it and what to do with it. They will go through what writing is about, how toset up a writing workshop, and then the different areas. They stress the importance ofconnecting reading and writing as many children learn to read by writing. The set ofbooks written by Lucy Calkins and Natalie are all in the same format consisting of minilessons plans and conferencing. Planning the curriculum is a big part of each book.

Catherine mentioned that four of our teachers are currently in Haliburton training for thenew junior literacy initiative. These teachers will then train our junior teachers in the Fall.


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12. CAT 3 GRADE 1 & GRADE 2Catherine said we will be tracking our Grade 1 and 2 students this year using the CAT 3program. We then have comparative data to use. We will now be able to see how ourgrade 1 students this year compare to last year. One of the main reasons for thisassessment is to see which areas are not being addressed or need improvement. Tests willbe sent out in May, due back in June, and reviewed in September.

13. PLAY FAIR TEAMSMaurice Voisin attended a 2-day conference entitled “Building Inclusive Communities” atwhich he received information on Play Fair Teams which deal with disability, socialjustice, and inclusion. It is based on 2 simple premises: #1) when students understand theconcept of social justice and when they are aware of the issues great things can happen;and, #2) the greatest influence on students is other students. The committee watched theDVD introducing the Play Fair approach. The message of Play Fair is to look past aperson’s disability and see the real person. Maurice thinks this resource will be distributedto schools in the Fall.

14. BOARD IMPROVEMENT PLAN / SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANThis is the first year that EQAO has asked for targets for Reading and Mathematics forboth grade 3 and 6 students. Bruce included a copy of the Board’s draft improvement planfor their perusal. Schools will be basing their school improvement plan on this guide.

15. OTHERT Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (information item only)

16. NEXT MEETINGDate: Thursday, May 19th, 2005Time: 1:30 p.m.Location: Catholic Education Centre, Hanover


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Wednesday, June 19th, 2005 1:30 p.m. Catholic Education Centre, Hanover

— MINUTES —

Present: Norm Bethune, Cris Bouillon, Tizianna Cardillo Sam Finnie, Bruce MacPherson,Maurice Voisin

Regrets: Patricia Morley, Catherine Penner,

1. PRAYER & WELCOMEThe committee shared the prayer entitled, “A Creed for the Sowing of Seeds”.

2. APPROVAL OF APRIL 21st MINUTESMotion by Maurice Voisin to accept the minutes of the April 21st, 2005 meeting; secondedby Cris Bouillon.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS BOARD MEETINGS (information item ~ attached)

4. TRUSTEE UPDATENorm reported that the Board was happy to announce that a 4-year contract had beenreached with the Board’s elementary and secondary school teachers.

Phase I of the Character Education Initiative has now been completed. The next step is tomeet with some key individuals who will be implementing the program and to look atsome of the guiding principles that should be in place by the Fall. This would requireBoard approval by the end of August.

Norm mentioned that the new Student Trustee from St. Mary’s High School would beJessie Van Alphen-Flear.

It was announced at last week’s Bi-Board meeting that David Armstrong, Director for theBluewater District School Board, would be retiring. David has been a very good advocateof our system. The new director is MaryAnne Alton.

Norm said he recently returned from Edmonton where he attended a meeting of theCanadian Catholic Trustees Association. He noted that the province of Ontario is in a veryfavourable position in regards to Catholic Education. Both Newfoundland and Labradorhave lost their funding and Catholic schools. They now have only three privately fundedCatholic schools. The Yukon has no Catholic School Boards; instead they have councilsentitled “Circle of Caring”. Both British Columbia and Manitoba survive with only 50%funding. However, Alberta and Saskatchewan get full funding as we do. They, as we are,are showing that their Catholic schools are excelling.

Cris questioned what percentage of students in our Board were non-Catholic. Bruce saidhe could get that number from Cathy Colton.


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5. LITERACY UPDATEBruce mentioned that our grade 1 and 2 students are now participating in the CanadianAchievement Tests (CAT3). Bruce referred the committee to the Board’s ImprovementPlan, specifically the section on Curriculum Delivery. This year the format has beenchanged to follow the Smart Goals Format. We used to have to set targets for EQAO butinstead the Secretariat has taken over this information. The Board previously sent intargets for grade 3 students in the area of reading and writing, but this year mathematicshas been added. These targets also apply to grade 6 students. The Board has set ourtargets at 60% for both grades 3 and 6.

The committee was made aware of the various professional development sessionsscheduled for the Fall.

6. GIFTED SCIENCE CAMPMaurice reported on the Science Camp he attended, for 3 days in May, with the Board’sgifted students. The students had a tour of the campus and then attended modules, such as:The History of Chocolate, Extreme Aquatic Zoology, Diamonds, Gold & Minerals, andRockin’ Robots. They also participated in other activities such as swimming, basketball,games, and a dance. By chance the students were invited to the Aboriginal ResourceCentre which proved to be welcoming and interesting. Maurice reported that the studentswere good representatives of their schools and the Board. Since we had a small number ofstudents attending, they received a lot of hands-on involvement.

7. RESTORATIVE MEASURES CONFERENCEBruce spoke about the Restorative Measures program which is spearheaded by Ann-MarieDeas, the Board’s Social Worker. He said the program ties in nicely with thephilosophies of Catholic Education in terms of forgiveness. This program is intended tobe used in conjunction with some suspensions or in place of a suspension. The idea is tobring the perpetrator, the victim, and the parents together to talk about what the perpetratordid, how it made the victim feel, and what can be done to prevent it happening again. Courts are now asking if students have taken part in a Restorative Justice Circle? A staffmember from each school has been inserviced on the Restorative Measures Program.

Maurice said that Bruce-Grey had recently hired four Court Diversion Workers to meetwith clients to determine if are fit to stand trial. This would be for minor incidences, forpeople 16 years of age and older, that do not involve weapons, e.g, break & enter, shoplifting. Rather then have them wait in jail until a psychiatric assessment can be done, theCourt Diversion Workers will determine if they need treatment or can go to a facility.

8. SPECIAL EDUCATION REVIEW PLANBruce presented the report card received from the Ministry of Education for our 2003Special Education Board Plan. It was noted that seven areas of our plan required morecomplete information. Using the plan from the Durham Catholic District School Boardthese areas have been modified to reflect the required data.

Maurice questioned what became of the specialized equipment purchased for studentswhen they left our Board. Bruce responded that since it is Board equipment, it is returnedto the Board. However, we would like to now set up our own resource centre at theCatholic Education Centre for this equipment. By doing this, equipment would beavailable for students to try before purchasing. If a student is not comfortable with acertain piece of equipment (e.g., FM Radium Sound System), it can be returned to theBoard and a new ISA claim issued for different equipment.


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SEAC recommended that the Board Special Education Plan be forwarded for BoardApproval.

9. INFORMATION ITEM S- The Toronto Summer Institute

10. TOPICS AND DATES FOR NEXT YEARBruce reviewed a list of possible topics to be discussed at meetings next year.

11. NEXT MEETINGSDate: Thurs, September 22nd Date: Thurs., October 27th Time: 1:00 p.m. Time: 1:00 p.m.Location: C.E.C. Location: C.E.C.

Date: Thurs., November 17th Date: Thurs., December 15th Time: 1:30 p.m. Time: 12:30 p.m.Location: St. Basil’s Location: Grey Rose, Hanover

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