Summer Learning
for Avon Maitland – Primary
Introduced by Superintendent Jane Morris, System VP Adrienne Jacques and Teaching and Learning Coach Susan Gardiner-Marklevitz shared about a record-breaking summer learning program for Grade 1 and 2 students.
The 3-week program boasted 8 sites and with 141 students enrolled from 26 Avon Maitland schools. Mornings were spent focussed on either literacy or numeracy instruction (depending on the need of each student) and afternoons got ‘hands dirty’ with experiential opportunities made possible by local community partners like recreation centres, chefs, art galleries, museums and conservation areas.
A pre-assessment of each student was done so that summer learning teachers could hit the ground running. Generally, the student/teacher ratio was 7:1 and educational assistants were added to each site.
They were pleased to report that in numeracy they saw a 25% learning growth in the Grade 1 students and 32% learning growth in Grade 2 students. In literacy, children averaged a jump of 2 reading levels by the end of the 3 weeks.
Having this opportunity has been great for my child. It has been a terrific boost of knowledge over the summer.
Summer Learning
for Avon Maitland – Secondary
Superintendent Paul Langis and Summer School Principal Ross MacSorley proudly reported that 230 secondary students successfully completed courses over the summer. This is nearly double the numbers from last year.
- 74 students completed credits in Co-op
- 12 students completed Dual Credits
- 74 students completed Make-up/Recovery Credits
- 70 students completed New credits
Summer School campuses could be found at 8 of Avon Maitland’s 9 Secondary School sites and enlisted the help of 22 teachers.
Summer Learning
for the World
Superintendent Jodie Baker brought to light two new initiatives that were launched by the AMDSB’s International Education Department over the summer.
Capture Canada was a unique summer program for international students. It was based in the city of Stratford with three camp of varying lengths to choose from throughout July and August.
The camps included English Language instruction (ESL) themed in today’s most appealing youth culture to engage and inspire and featured a session at Camp Kintail on the shores of Lake Huron just north of Goderich. This 5 night 6 day program and leadership learning opportunity was designed for an experience participants would never forget. Capture Canada was available to students from 10 to 18 years.
Summer Family Immersion is all about capturing the Canadian experience for international students while living with a Canadian Host Family. This adventure brought 29 students from Spain to our district where they experienced 3 to 4 weeks of living a rural Canadian life.
All together these two AMDSB International Education initiatives involved 40 students from abroad:
- 29 from Spain
- 20 from Korea
- 8 from Taiwan
- 2 from Italy
- 1 from China
Good News
Official Opening of Newest School
Superintendent Janet Baird-Jackson brought word that the official opening of Avon Maitland’s newest school – North Perth Westfield Elementary (Listowel) – will be held on Friday, October 28th. An exact start time will be determined and shared soon.
Student Senators
A bright new roster of Student Senators for 2016-17 were introduced to the Board and the Student Trustees were sworn in.
This year’s Student Senators are:
- Emily Bicknell, Central Huron S.S.
- Sarah Mitchell, Central Huron S.S.
- Sarah Marrow, F.E. Madill
- Sadie Scott, F.E. Madill
- Shannon Edwards, Goderich District C.I.
- Chloe Field, Goderich District C.I.
- Wynter Alexander, Listowel District S.S.
- Sydney McCourt, Listowel District S.S.
- Jill Contois, Mitchel District S.S.
- Jennifer Schouwstra, Mitchel District S.S.
- Natalie Bettger, St. Marys D.C.V.I.
- Bevan Bearss, St. Marys D.C.V.I.
- Jessica Hiemstra, South Huron D.H.S.
- Ryan Miller, South Huron D.H.S.
- Brooke Huffman, Stratford Central S.S.
- Vanessa Ortelli, Stratford Central S.S.
- Jesse Russell, Stratford Northwestern S.S.
- Tyler Sauve, Stratford Northwestern S.S.
Jesse Russell of Stratford Northwestern Secondary School and Shannon Edwards of Goderich District Collegiate Institute were the elected Student Trustees.
Communication and Advocacy Plan 2016/2017
The Avon Maitland District School Board is committed to improving communications with all stakeholder groups. Trustees reviewed their Communications and Advocacy Plan during the Committee of the Whole, Open Session on June 14, 2016.
Please see the revised Plan.
Trustees agreed that meetings with MPPs, municipal representatives and community partners are worthwhile continuing. A meeting will be held at least once each school year with these stakeholders. Meetings also between federation representatives, the director, chair and vice chair will be encouraged and they will endeavour to meet at least once a year.
Board Policy Review
At the March 22nd Committee of the Whole, Open Session, Trustees discussed Policies #5 regarding Board Members’ Code of Conduct, #6 regarding Role of the Trustee, #9 regarding Board Governance Bylaws, #10 regarding Committees of the Board and #16 regarding Selection of the Director of Education and Secretary of the Board.
Please see the results of the review.
Future Board Meetings
(at Education Centre unless otherwise noted)
- Tuesday, October 11, 2016 – 6:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole – Open Session, 8:00 p.m. Regular Board Session
- Tuesday, October 25, 2016 – 8:00 p.m. Regular Board Session
Future Meetings/Events with Trustee Representation
(at Education Centre unless otherwise noted)
- SAL: Tuesday, September 27, 2016 – 9:00 a.m.
- Audit Committee: Tuesday, September 27, 2015 – 5:00 p.m.
- AODA: Wednesday, September 28, 2016 – 4:00 p.m.
- SEAC: Wednesday, October 5, 2016 – 4:00 p.m.