PIC Meeting Minutes – November 2023

Those present:

Gillian Prieur, Barb White, Martha MacNeil, Jen Edwards, Deb Bush, Lisa Booth, Crystal-Lee Scace, Lynn Topping, Kelley Jones, Mahrukh Syed, Elaine Churly, Jackie Hammond, Jenna Squires, Jennifer Meeker, Jen Tulloch, Rupinder Kaur, Kumudine Kariyapperuma, Laura White, Mark Howe, Paula O’Donnell, Cara Nibbs

Welcome and introductions

Barb White made Land Acknowledgement

Barb White  welcomed everyone to the meeting and individuals in attendance introduced themselves.

Approval of agenda

Gillian Prieur asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Motioned

Approval of minutes

Gillian Prieur asked for a motion to approve the minutes from September.  Motioned by Elaine Churly

Gillian Prieur asked for a motion to approve the minutes from October. Motioned by Paula O’Donnell

Board Report

Board Report Brent M.

  • $500.00 has been deposited in each school councils line to support parent engagement in their school community
  • Report is due in May outlining what the money was used for
  • November 20th – 24th UGDSB participating in Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week
  • Students, Staff and guardians are encouraged to learn more about bullying and its effect on student learning and well being
  • Staff have been giving many resources and slide deck to review with students
  • Every school is engaged in different activities throughout the week to bring awareness to BAPW and how to especially prevent
  • There are many resources on the Ministry and UGDSB website to support as well
  • https://www.ugdsb.ca/schools/safe-equitable-and-inclusive-schools/bullying-prevention-intervention-and-reporting/
  • https://www.ontario.ca/page/bullying-we-can-all-help-stop-it
  • https://www.ugdsb.ca/kortright/resources/bullying-prevention-plan/
  • The Well-being and Health Youth Surveys (WHY Surveys) run in November 2023 and February 2024.
  • The WHY Surveys are collected in partnership with Public Health and will replace our School Climate Surveys and Public Health’s Youth Survey
  • Information from the surveys will be used to assess our progress on such things as our anti-bullying efforts, our school climate work, and on our mental health and well-being initiatives
  • Full set of data from survey will not be available until Spring
  • Links to the survey will be out soon for Parents, Students and staff
  • There are 3 separate surveys for students and each of those surveys asks age appropriate questions related to health and well being and also questions regarding school climate
  • The findings of these surveys helps inform our Bullying Prevention Plans in schools: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K1-U3BscgP18LyJg5fQF49Eow0kHAQ4rwCZu50cQAtw/edit?pli=1
  • “Pro Grants” Board has about $39,000 that can be used to support parent engagement in schools
  • Last year focused on ‘Priority Schools”
  • This year focus should be on creating safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for families and parents, eliminating barriers to equitable access to education system, supporting work relating to anti Black racism, anti Indigenous racism and anti oppressive initiatives, supporting mental health of children, parents and families
  • Schools can complete Draft Form for consideration for funds for activities they might want to run: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UfEjU19osnEwSz RfyKNBb0qs8jn7HKskreh8dZgcNpk/edit?ts=654ce69 5
  • Funds to be spent by Aug 31st 2023

 

Guest Speaker Jenny Marino – Mental Health and Addiction Lead

 

  • In January to October 2022 a comprehensive review of data was done from previous strategy and different data points
  • Looked at past outcomes, research, best practice and guidelines and also engaged mental leadership committee for consultation and further data collection
  • Jenny shared executive report that summarizes the collection and analysis of all this data gathered by parents, caregivers and students at UGDSB related to current mental health strategy
  • Students want to know more about stress, anxiety and time management skills
  • Requests for practical skills, identity and understanding and desire for student voice
  • Mental Health Strategy Committee currently in process of recruiting student collective
  • A lot of positive work being done in UGDSB with mental health strategy, development and monitoring
  • New delivery model is being introduced through the Ministry of Education for the grade 7 and 8s mental health modules
  • It is not a new curriculum but more delivery of that curriculum using great interactive resources for educators
  • Also will be able to share some great parent resources so that parents can continue to support their students at home based on lessons they are learning at school
  • Mental health literacy modules are a series of three modules per grade from the Ministry of Education
  • First Grade 7 module is mental health, mental illness and the relationship between them
  • Second Grade 7 module is understanding signs of a mental health problem and how to seek support
  • Third Grade 7 module is mental health substance use and the relationship between them
  • First Grade 8 module is mental health and stigma
  • Second Grade 8 module is supporting our mental health by managing stress.
  • Third Grade 8 module is how to help a friend seeking support for others while caring for ourselves.
  • These modules build on current work and are not new to learning, they are to support positive mental health and teach students to develop skills on how to do that
  • As best practice can we implement this support for other parents and caregivers for all age groups so they are able to support their children at home in terms of what topics they are learning in school
  • How can this information be shared with other parents and caregivers – QR codes? Newsletters?Links to websites? Conversation cards sent home?

 

Trustee Report

Martha MacNeil shared information

 

Chairs’ Report

Barb and Gillian lead discussion

  • Executive Positions for Board have been finalized
  • Treasurer update $100 have been deposited to school council accounts
  • Open Discussion with PIC around changes in Parent Engagement activities now that have returned to more in person events
  • School councils have more parents attending now that meetings are in person versus online
  • Parents/families are also attending school events and concerts/performances, winter markets, graduations, parent/teacher interviews
  • More parent engagement in last year than during covid which as been great

Questions, New Business and Final Remarks

The next meeting will be on Monday January 29th,  2023 at 7:00 PM

PIC Minutes November 20th, 2023 (2)

PIC Meeting Minutes – Oct 2023

Those present:

 Gillian Prieur, Barb White, Martha MacNeil, Jen Edwards, Deb Bush, Lisa Booth, Katherine Hauser,

Crystal-Lee Scace, Lynn Topping, Kelley Jones, Mahrukh Syed, Elain Churly, Jackie Hammond, Jenna

Squires, Jennifer Meaker, Jen Tulloch, Rapinder Kaur, Kumudine Kariyapperuma, Laura White, Mark Howe,

Paula O’Donnell, Cara ?

Welcome and introductions

Barb White made Land Acknowledgement

Barb White welcomed everyone to the meeting and individuals in attendance introduced themselves.

2.       Approval of agenda

Gillian Prieur asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Motioned by Martha MacNeil

3.       Approval of minutes

Brent will distribute September minutes and will can approve next month (November meeting) Please email contact information to Brent M. to be added to PIC distribution list

4.       Board Report

Board Report Brent M.

  • School Council annual letter will be sent out with information about the opportunity to purchase insurance again for a school council this year
  • Letter provides a lot of good advice and input and link to PIC website with lots of school council supports and resources
  • Letter also provides copy of the risk Management 101 newsletter which is great for school councils looking to run and host events
  • $500.00 will be deposited in each school councils line to support parent engagement in their school community
  • Report is due in May outlining what the money was used for
  • 10 OWLS are now available at Terry James Resource Centre for signing out
  • Device sits in middle of room to set up virtual meetings, quick and easy way to engage parents in council meetings or events
  • School Administrator can book them in advance of council meetings
  • Promoting positive interactions and respectful relationships campaign coming to all schools

 https://www.ugdsb.ca/community/promoting–positive–interactions–and–respectful–relationships/

  • Intent is to be mindful of language being used, all members of school community treating everyone fairly, not about avoiding disagreement but how to handle those difficult conversations
  • Schools will receive poster to be posted in school “No Excuse for Abuse”
  • Trustees yet to approve boundary reviews that are publicly posted for Central Public school and Primrose Elementary school
  • South End High School is on track to be built in next 5 to 2 years (2026)
  • Discussions for boundaries will be taking place this year by board and will also engage community and families to see what boundaries look like
  • Rickson Ridge Expansion is not yet confirmed, report available online and submission sent to Ministry for approval but no updates as of yet
  • Schools are also able to rent tables and chairs from the Board office to be used again for school events, ceremonies, etc.

5.       Guest Speaker Blayne Primeau

Student Census Report by Blayne Primeau

  • Everyone Counts Student Census – Looking at preliminary information that was put into place last year
  • Will be released publicly once context and explanation given on the results – the why and purpose behind the data collection
  • Looking for PIC Feedback
  • How do you think the design, layout and content of the report contribute to or hinder its ability to showcase the diversity at UGDSB
  • Celebrate the Diversity at Upper Grand
  • Goal of survey is to Inform Schools – provide school specific data so they can gain insight into diversity in their buildings
  • Eliminate Barriers – use data to identify and work to eliminate systematic barriers for racialized students
  • Continue Consultation – Continue ongoing consultation with Board committees, advisory groups and affinity groups on collection, reporting and analysis of data

6.       Guest Speaker Jennifer Meaker and Mark Howe

Special Education and IEP processes and supports in the Board by Jennifer Meaker Principal of Special Education and Mark Howe, Special Education Consultant

  • Reviewed Individual Education Plans – a written plan describing special education that student needs to achieve success in school year
  • The plan can include accommodations, modifications or alternative programs that can help students with their learning goals
  • Parents and caregivers are crucial in the IEP process – can help and contribute to school in understanding your child’s personality, development and learning preferences
  • Parents and caregivers encouraged to work with school to ensure success of child, information you contribute is essential in helping the school and understand your child’s personality, development, learning and preferences
  • IEP supports child’s learning by keeping communication open and ongoing between parent and school, consistency and continuity for child, appropriate and attainable goals are set for child, helps build confidence in child, helps teacher to understand child’s interest, strengths and needs
  • Put in context their strengths as well not just areas of weakness
  • Universal Design for Learning (UDL) – the idea that various supports provided to meet the need of some students will benefit all students
  • Variety of learning supports, graphic organizers, as part of instructional plan for all students available as support in class
  • Support documents available on Board website to help parents and caregivers

 https://www.ugdsb.ca/programs/special-education/support-documents-for–parents–guardians/

  • Special Education Resource Teacher also in every high school that parents can contact with questions

7.       Trustee Report

Martha MacNeil shared information

 

Self-Identification and Education

  • Currently have 4 policies until Dec. 8th that are out for consultations
  • Currently there is a vacancy on Trustee Board for Orangeville Trustee
  • Information will be sent out to parents with more details regarding role
  • Application open today until November 19th
  • Information session on Tuesday November 14th at Grant Evans Education Centre regarding role of Trustee

8.    Chairs’ Report

Barb and Gillian lead discussion

  • Executive Positions for Board
    • Dufferin Representative: Gillian Prieur, Elaine Churly
    • North Wellington: Lisa Booth, Paula O’Donnell
    • Guelph: Mahrukh Syed, Rupinder Kaur
    • PIC Co-chairs: Barb White and Gillian Prieur
    • Treasurer: Deb Bush
    • Secretary(s): Mahrukh Syed

PIC Event – successful event, good event, excellent discussion

  • -Were able to identify and found a good format that works well
  • Good way for parents to feel connected and get questions answered and to give insight and input into making our school councils a great place to be
  • Facilitators were able to take some great feedback
  • Next time need to see if possible to have recorded – transcription or recording for parents that were not able to attend
  • Opportunity for growth
  • One idea was create a shared document with all the attendees, and any notes that were taken for each focus group, the attendees could add notes
  • a chance to get feedback from all attendees

9.       Questions, New Business and Final Remarks

The next meeting will be on Monday November 20th, 2023 at 7:00 PM

PIC Meeting Minutes – Sept 2023

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.

PIC Meeting Minutes – Feb 27, 2023

Attendance:

Gillian Prieur, Kumudinie Kariyapperuma, Laura White, Tina Coates, Heather Coates, Bertha Lopez, Jen Tulloch, Natalie Leitch, Heather Cowbrough, Emily Mallett, Manoj M, Martha MacNeil, Katherine Hauser, Jennifer Edwards, Peter Sovran, Jason Boyce, Ben McCabe, Blayne Primeau

Land Acknowledgement and Anti-Racism Statement:

Gillian Prieur read both the Land Acknowledgement and Anti-Racist Statement

 

Approved PIC Minutes – February 27, 2023