New Trustee Appointed
Welcome Back Al Sygrove
In response to the resignation of our Northwest Huron trustee (effective August 31, 2017), the board promptly set out to fill the vacancy within 60 days. Interested candidates were invited to express interest by applying for the vacancy and interviews took place in accordance with board policy 9, Board Governance and By Laws section 9.4.
The results of which, we are pleased to announce, will see former Trustee Al Sygrove return to the Board.
“It is once again an honour to have the opportunity to represent Northwest Huron as trustee for the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh and the Town of Goderich.
Married for 47 years, my wife, Louise and I moved to Goderich in 1971 where we began our teaching careers with the Huron County and Avon Maitland District School Boards. During that time I had the opportunity to serve as principal at Blyth, Victoria and Zurich Public Schools. Originally from Sarnia I am a graduate of St. Clair Secondary School. As well I have a BA. and M.Ed. from the University of Windsor and teaching certification from London Teachers’ College.
During our time in Goderich Louise and I raised two daughters who attended GDCI. We also have been blessed with two terrific grandsons.
Having previously served on the Avon Maitland Board of Trustees from 2006-2014 I look forward to renewing relations with the school communities of Brookside, Goderich Public and Goderich District Collegiate” – Trustee Al Sygrove.
This position will run until November 30, 2018. Following this time the position will be fulfilled through the school trustee election process in November 2018.
Good News
#teachlikegord
Teacher Isaac Moore at Stratford Central Secondary School is a long time fan of the Tragically Hip. So when lead singer Gord Downie died last week Moore wanted to find a way to inspire his students the way Downie had inspired him.
He and his friend from Clinton, teacher Josh Geddis started the Twitter hashtag #teachlikegord. It snowballed. Many media organizations have interviewed Moore. Even the Minister of Education, Mitzie Hunter congratulated them for the innovative teaching exercise that has caught on across the country.
And this campaign is not just for music teachers and students. Math teachers are finding unique ways to use Hip songs and the ages of people who listen to them and turn the data into graphs. Geography teachers are looking at the places named in the songs. History teachers are talking about some of the more historical messages in the songs and gym teachers can use the music in class for movement or look at songs such as Bill Barilko Mission Cap, the tribute song to a Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman.
Congratulations on this innovative campaign aimed at engaging and inspiring both students and teachers.
#teachlikegord covered by Scott Miller of CTV
Photo courtesy Scott Miller of CTV London.
Students and Teachers Learn Robotics
All week students and teachers from 28 different classes are learning collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving skills in a special hands on format.
D&D Automation has invited classes to its office in Stratford where three stations have been set up for students.
- Station #1 Programming Challenge – using Lego Mindstorm robotics kits
- Station #2 Industrial Robots – learning how to move and program a 6-axis industrial robot
- Station #3 Industrial Automation Demonstration – a behind the scenes look at the interactive Nerf Experience that D&D built for their 25th anniversary
And in keeping with our Mission Statement, Engage, Inspire, Innovate…Always Learning, there is even a teacher station set up.
D&D offers a seminar for teachers who are interested in different ways to explore coding with their students. The seminar looks at ways to incorporate coding within their current teaching programs.
Thanks D&D Automation for your continued support of our students and staff and for giving back to your community.
Report on Boundary Changes
A report was brought forward by staff following Boundary Change consultations with families in specific North Perth and Stratford planning areas.
Please see the report on Boundary Changes Following Consultation – North Perth and Stratford Planning Areas
Future Board Meetings
(at Education Centre unless otherwise noted)
- October 24, 2017 – 5:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole, Open Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Board Session
- November 14, 2017 – 7:30 p.m. Regular Board Session
Future Meetings/Events with Trustee Representation
(at Education Centre unless otherwise noted)
- SAL: Wednesday, October 25, 2017 – 9:00 a.m.
- SEAC: Wednesday, November 1, 2017 – 4:00 p.m.
- Foundation Gala: Saturday, November 11, 2017 – Revival House, Stratford
- Audit Committee: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – 4:30 p.m.
- HPSTS: Thursday, November 16, 2017 – 4:00 p.m.
- PIC: Wednesday, November 22, 2017 – 6:30 p.m.
- Student Advisory Committee: Tuesday, November 28, 2017 – 7:00 p.m.
- Joint Health & Safety Committee: Thursday, November 30, 2017 – 1:30 p.m.