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From the Boardroom – December 2022

At the December meeting of the Board of Trustees -

The Board approved…

New programs at SJC

After analyzing the current and future needs for students that require specialized secondary programming, the Board approved the addition of an additional 1.0 combined Personal Activity Learning (PAL), Community Living and Job Skills program at St. John’s College, starting in September 2023.

The Board accepted…

Trustee expenses under budget

Elected trustees, in their role of stewards and guardians of Catholic Education, are provided with resources, supports and reimbursements to fulfill their obligations, as permitted through the Education Act and the Broader Public Services Expenses Directive.

During their term in office, trustees are entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred while carrying out their responsibilities and are outlined in Board Policy 100.10 – Trustee Expenses. Expenses may include, mileage or transportation costs, professional development and/or conferences, office supplies, and communication supports.

The Board accepted the Trustee Expense Report and noted that the group was under budget by $18, 519.00.

The Board received…

Bartimaeus’ Special Education Services

The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) believes that every child is a unique and celebrated gift from God worthy of respect and dignity, and as such, every student will be provided with precise inclusive programming that ensures they feel welcomed and are a valuable member of the school community.

To assist in meeting the needs of select students and to support classroom staff, the Board will engage the services of Bartimaeus Inc. to assist in situations that require interventions with students.

Bartimaeus’ special education programs and services are based on the following principles: equity, collaboration and partnerships, individual differences, transition planning, developing student independence and opportunities for development of teacher capacity to service all students. Each student’s strengths and needs are considered when planning appropriate programs and services.

Student Trustee Report

For the months of November and December, the main events from each secondary school were the semi-formal Dances and Christmas related activities. The student councils also embarked on their first Christmas retreat hosted by the Student Senate at Holy Trinity. This was a day retreat for student councils to get to know each other.

All three secondary schools engaged in activities that provide support for those in need in their respective communities.

Let’s celebrate and support

St. John’s College students entered the OCSTA Short-Video Contest which highlights acts of Christian Service that give witness to our faith and embody the 2022-23 Catholic Education Week Theme – “We are Many, We are One.”

All staff, students and community members are invited to visit the following online voting website to select their favourite elementary and secondary (SJC!) school videos: https://www.togetherinfaith.ca/video-contest-voting/

The voting period is open and will conclude on January 6, 2023. The first, second and third place elementary and secondary school winners will be announced at the OCSTA Catholic Trustees Seminar on January 20th.

Reminders

Kindergarten registration

A reminder to staff and families that Kindergarten Registration runs from January 9 – February 24. Beginning January 9, visit CatholicEducation.ca to register. It is important to note that early registration is recommended for BHNCDSB Kindergarten French Immersion as spots are limited.

High School Open House

Secondary Open Houses for Grade 8 students and their families take place in January!

  • St. John’s College and Assumption College School – January 18, 6:00 p.m.
  • Holy Trinity Catholic High School – January 19, 6:30 p.m.

BHNCDSB Awards – Nominations Open

Do you know a distinguished Catholic school graduate or someone who has made an outstanding contribution to Catholic education? If so, consider nominating them for one of our awards! 

The Distinguished Catholic School Graduate and Outstanding Contribution to Catholic Education awards are recognized annually at the Catholic Student Leadership Award Ceremony and provide us with the opportunity to recognize two community members who continue to live a life of love and service. 

For more information about the awards, and a nomination package, visit our website Awards webpage.