Members in attendance: Kumudinie Kariyapperuma, Jen Edwards, Jen Tulloch, Gillian Prieur, Barb White, Katherine Hauser, Martha MacNeil, Jenna Squires, Anita McFarlane, Rupinder Kaur, Elizabeth Barrett, Alex Carter, Kelly Jones, Christine Guadagnolo, Deb Bush, Elaine Churly, Jen Sage, Joanne Jordan, Peter Sovran
Special Guest: Alicia Ralph
Superintendent Matt McCutcheon sent regrets
The Parent Involvement Committee held a meeting on Monday, September 18th, 2023 at 7:00pm with members participating both virtually and in person. PIC Co-chairs Gillian Prieur and Barb White welcomed the new and returning members and encouraged all to introduce themselves.
ITEMS FOR MONITORING
Director’s Update – Director Sovran presented a report updating the committee on the progress being made towards Vision 2026. Under the board’s Multi-Year Plan priority on Foundational Education and Student Achievement the goal for the first quarter of the year is to have students in elementary school grades on-track with their literacy and math skills (Progressing Well or Very Well on the November Progress Report Card) and students in secondary schools on-track to earn all of their credits (mid- semester report cards).
Board/Ministry Report – Director Sovran presented a report on behalf of Superintendent McCutcheon highlighting The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 including the requirement for school boards to share their Math Action Plan by mid-November (to be presented at the Policy and Priorities Committee meeting on October 3, 2023).
Committee Membership, Sign-up, and Elections – One co-chair position was available for this year, the other is midterm. Barb White was nominated for the position and was acclaimed as there were no other nominations. The filling of rest of the positions was deferred until the next meeting.
Discussion of PIC Fall Event – Members discussed the upcoming event being hosted by PIC at Centre Wellington DHS on October 25th. The event flyer was shared with the group and ideas were brought forth regarding additional breakout session topics. There was discussion regarding the need to highlight diversity and inclusion as they relate to each of the sessions. It was also decided that the opening remarks would include the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the work of school councils.
Discussion of Future Presentation Topics for PIC Meetings – Members were invited to share their ideas for topics they would like to see discussed at future PIC meetings as well as potential presentations. Alicia Ralph, UGDSB Human Rights and Equity Advisor, agreed to work with the PIC co- chairs to plan a potential presentation on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Trustee Report – Trustee MacNeil presented a brief report regarding trustee activities for the new school year start up and encouraged members to spread the word regarding the search for a trustee to fill the vacancy in Orangeville created by Trustee Manzerolle’s recent resignation.
