Good News
Provincial Recognition for Department Head
Last week Ray Greidanus, Avon Maitland District School Board Transportation and Department Head at Central Huron Secondary School, was recognized provincially for his outstanding support for and contributions to the continued development of Technological Education at the school and board level.
Greidanus was awarded the Ontario Council of Technology Educators (OCTE) Certificate of Recognition at the OCTE Annual conference held in Mississauga May 12, 2017 and was supported by over 600 attendees in attendance including AMDSB secondary and elementary staff. Full Story: CHSS Department Head Recognized Provincially
take TECH ED – Elementary Exploration
Last week 240 Avon Maitland students from grades 7 & 8 participated in a district-wide initiative that allowed them to get their hands and minds on the possibilities of careers tied to Techno- logical Education. This is an increasingly popular program now in its second year.
In partnership with Lambton College, the AMDSB take TECH ED – Elementary Exploration event provides hands-on activities related to trade-related careers. Students have the opportunity to learn and work with college instructors and secondary school staff and students. This experience provides students with exposure to skilled trades and promotes better informed academic pathways and career decisions.
2017 Dance Showcase
The 2017 Avon Maitland Dance Showcase was held at Stratford Northwestern Secondary School recently and attracted 480 students from 14 different schools.
The showcase, which has been held annually for over 20 years, invites students to perform a pre-rehearsed dance in front of an audience made up of friends and family.
The troupes chose a variety of music to perform to, such as hip hop, country, classic movie themes, and many more. Some schools also incorporated costumes and props to give their performance that little extra something.
This is a great evening that promotes healthy activity, inclusivity, and the arts
Preliminary Accommodation Analysis Report for 2016/2017
Declining enrolments remain the Board’s biggest financial challenge. As enrolment declines, so does revenue. As a result, the Board must continue seeking efficiencies in its operations to free up financial resources which facilitate the achievement of board goals.
The Ministry of Education’s priority focus on “right sizing’’ of schools, and related grant changes is pushing boards in the direction of consolidation. Changes in school accommodation must remain an option in the Board’s plan to ensure that it is fiscally responsible and accountable and provide the best possible programs for its students.
Staff continues to explore partnerships and alternate use of empty space in an effort to sustain the viability of vulnerable schools. In rural areas, municipalities are likely the best, if not only, partnership opportunity. Board staff will continue to explore these possibilities through our annual municipal partnership meetings that provide opportunities for exploration, as well as discussions that have occurred regarding shared library space.
Staff will continue to explore innovative approaches to program delivery at secondary schools to sustain the quality of the secondary school experience for students as enrolment declines.
They will also be developing a new Capital Plan, reflecting school condition and bringing it forward in the fall/winter of the 2017/2018 school year.
Staff did not recommend any schools for further review at this time.
Please see the Preliminary Accommodation Analysis Report.
Approval of Tender: Windows, Mechanical, Electrical and Masonry at St. Marys DCVI
The project at St. Marys DCVI, consistent with the scope of previous phases of this work, includes repointing of all masonry on the east and north elevations of the school as far west as the small gym, window replacements to the east and north elevation classrooms including the library, administration areas and the small gym. This project also involves work in the small gym which includes removal of the plywood ceiling panels and replacement with fire rated gyprock board system, replacement of 2 sets of double doors, new ventilation and new LED light fixtures.
The Avon Maitland District School Board accepted the tender from SDI Builders 2010 Ltd., for masonry, windows, mechanical and electrical upgrades at St. Marys DCVI in the tender amount of $831,567.00.
Please see the report for Windows, Mechanical, Electrical and Masonry at St. Marys DCVI.
Approval of Tender: Mechanical and Electrical Updates at Stratford Northwestern SS
As part of the ongoing infrastructure improvements to be funded through Ministry facility grants, mechanical and electrical work was identified as being required in the welding shop at Stratford Northwestern Secondary School. The work includes replacing the make-up air unit, unit heaters and rooftop exhaust fans that are beyond their useful life with new air handling systems that will be more efficient, provide improved indoor air quality to meet current standards. Existing lighting in the welding room will be replaced with LED fixtures.
The Avon Maitland District School Board accepted the tender from Culliton Inc. for mechanical and electrical upgrades at Stratford Northwestern Secondary School in the amount of $710,883.00.
Please see the report for Mechanical and Electrical Updates at Stratford Northwestern SS.
Future Board Meetings
(at Education Centre unless otherwise noted)
- Tuesday, May 23, 2017 – 6:45 p.m. Committee of the Whole, Open Session, 8:00 p.m. Regular Board Session
- June 13, 2017 – 5:00 p.m. Finance Committee, 8:00 p.m. Regular Board Session
- June 27, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. Regular Board Session
Future Meetings/Events with Trustee Representation
(at Education Centre unless otherwise noted)
- Finance Committee: Tuesday, June 6, 2017 – 5:00 p.m.
- Ad Hoc Policy Committee: Tuesday, June 6, 2017 – following Finance Committee
- SEAC: Wednesday, May 31 and June 7, 2017 – 4:00 p.m.
- AMDSB Recognition Reception: Wednesday, June 7, 2017 – 5:30 p.m.
- Audit Committee: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 – 5:00 p.m.