KPDSB and ETFO ECE Bargaining Unit reach tentative settlement

Joint Media Release 

Thursday, May 26, 2016 - The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board (KPDSB) and the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario have reached a tentative settlement within the Local Bargaining Framework with the Designated Early Childhood Educators (D.E.C.E.) Bargaining Unit.

The settlement was reached late afternoon on Friday, May 20, 2016.  Details remain confidential pending ratification by both parties.

The Keewatin-Patricia Early Childhood Educators first organized with the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario in June of 2014. This collective agreement represents their second full settlement with the Board.

Both the Bargaining Unit and the Board are excited to continue the excellent work provided through programming in the Early Learning Programs offered at Keewatin-Patricia District schools throughout the region.

For more information, please contact Sean Monteith, KPDSB Director of Education at (807) 468-5571 or Anne Saltel, President, Keewatin-Patricia Elementary Teachers Association at (807) 737-2163.                                   

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KPDSB wins Community Partner Award with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

Media Release - May 16, 2016 

The Keewatin Patricia District School Board was awarded one of this year’s Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities Community Partner Awards for its extremely successful work with the Charity over the past three years. The Board was represented in Toronto on Friday, May 13^th at the Canadian Tire Corporate Head Offices by Director of Education Sean Monteith, who was also asked to address the Annual Recognition Meeting about the unique and impactful relationship between the KPDSB and Jumpstart.

Approximately 1,500 students across Northwestern Ontario benefit directly in KPDSB schools through the Board’s incredibly strong Hockey Canada Skills Academy program, swimming programs, athletic and outdoor physical programs, and equine horseback therapy program. .

The Community Partner Award recognizes extraordinary contributions from Jumpstart’s Community Partners. Jumpstart’s success depends largely on its committed Community Partners to help identify, assist and disburse funding for families in need. The KPDSB was recognized along with two other Community Partners at this year’s Jumpstart Annual Recognition Meeting including the City of Ottawa and the Township of Uxbridge.

In his comments, Monteith acknowledged that from an idea three years ago, to today, it was particularly gratifying to not just win the prestigious award, but more importantly to celebrate the direct impact the work had on kids: “By providing equipment, resources and transportation supports to students, we have noticed a direct link to improved attendance, self-esteem, and confidence. If we can get the kids into the school, we can make a difference, and with that an opportunity for children to see value in their lives, to graduate. I want to thank Scott Urquhart, the Board’s Student Success Leader for his tireless work in the interests of leveling the field for all kids through the work with Jumpstart.”

Dave Penney, KPDSB Chair of the Board of Trustees, added “Our relationship with Jumpstart has benefited numerous students and their families across our Board area.  We as a Board of Trustees are extremely proud of our partnership with Jumpstart and all that we have been able to accomplish together for our students.”

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KPDSB revisits strategic direction, reviews efficacy work for system reform and change

Media Release - May 11, 2016

Trustees of the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board met at Sioux Narrows Public School on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, for a regular board meeting.

The May “Students Come First” presentation titled ‘Our Community, Our School, Our Future’ was received by Trustees. Students from Sioux Narrows Public School shared examples of many different types of support they receive from the community of Sioux Narrows. From visits to the school by area community professionals and volunteers to work with students, to fundraising efforts supported by area businesses, the kindness and generosity of the community of Sioux Narrows is a source of pride for the school. Students have built meaningful relationships with many members of the community and area schools in Nestor Falls and neighboring First Nation communities, and they expressed their gratitude for the opportunities these relationships have provided.

Teachers Janice England (Beaver Brae Secondary School), Melissa Ewanchuk, (Valleyview Public School) and Deneen Iverson (Evergreen Public School) presented the KPDSB System Efficacy Report. In 2014, the KPDSB underwent a System Efficacy Review, conducted by internationally recognized efficacy experts with Pearson Learning Services. Over the last three years, the KPDSB has engaged in a "whole-system" effort of reform and change with decisions centered about the Board's Vision Statement:

All Stakeholders create a culture of learning so that students come first.

To support the work of efficacy in the KPDSB and implementation of actions and decisions, a System Efficacy Working Group, comprised of staff from schools and departments across the KPDSB, has been implemented to advise the Board on decisions that impact classrooms and students and suggest areas of improvement. Representatives of the working group spoke passionately about the efficacy work taking place in the Board and shared their renewed pride in the organization with Trustees.

Sean Monteith, Director of Education, presented the Revised 2013-2018 Strategic Plan. In February, the Trustees and Director of Education met in Dryden tor a Strategic Planning Retreat to revisit the strategic direction of the organization. As a result, the Board’s Vision, and Mission Statements were reaffirmed, as was its first goal. Substantial changes were made to the remaining two goals around achievement gaps and 21st Century Learning.

Utilizing the System Efficacy Working Group, the recommended changes were taken back to staff to solicit feedback on the changes. All schools and staff in the KPDSB have had an opportunity to give feedback and the response to the suggested changes of the Board of Trustees has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive. A copy of the revised 2013-2018 Strategic Plan is being distributed with this release.

Trustees welcomed a new Student Trustee for the 2016-2017 school year. Red Lake District High School student Justine Duncalfe will join the Board of Trustees beginning in September 2016 for a one year term. Student Trustee for the 2015-2016 school year, Kim Korobanik, will support Justine in preparing for the new role as a part of her final month on the Board.

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KPDSB revisits strategic direction, reviews efficacy work for system reform and change

Media Release - May 16, 2016

Trustees of the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board met at Sioux Narrows Public School on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, for a regular board meeting.

The May “Students Come First” presentation titled ‘Our Community, Our School, Our Future’ was received by Trustees. Students from Sioux Narrows Public School shared examples of many different types of support they receive from the community of Sioux Narrows.  From visits to the school by area community professionals and volunteers to work with students, to fundraising efforts supported by area businesses, the kindness and generosity of the community of Sioux Narrows is a source of pride for the school.  Students have built meaningful relationships with many members of the community and area schools in Nestor Falls and neighboring First Nation communities, and they expressed their gratitude for the opportunities these relationships have provided.

Teachers Janice England (Beaver Brae Secondary School), Melissa Ewanchuk, (Valleyview Public School) and Deneen Iverson (Evergreen Public School) presented the KPDSB System Efficacy Report. In 2014, the KPDSB underwent a System Efficacy Review, conducted by internationally recognized efficacy experts with Pearson Learning Services. Over the last three years, the KPDSB has engaged in a "whole-system" effort of reform and change with decisions centered about the Board's Vision Statement:

All Stakeholders create a culture of learning so that students come first.

To support the work of efficacy in the KPDSB and implementation of actions and decisions, a System Efficacy Working Group, comprised of staff from schools and departments across the KPDSB, has been implemented to advise the Board on decisions that impact classrooms and students and suggest areas of improvement. Representatives of the working group spoke passionately about the efficacy work taking place in the Board and shared their renewed pride in the organization with Trustees.

Sean Monteith, Director of Education, presented the Revised 2013-2018 Strategic Plan.  In February, the Trustees and Director of Education met in Dryden tor a Strategic Planning Retreat to revisit the strategic direction of the organization. As a result, the Board’s Vision, and Mission Statements were reaffirmed, as was its first goal. Substantial changes were made to the remaining two goals around achievement gaps and 21^st Century Learning. Utilizing the System Efficacy Working Group, the recommended changes were taken back to staff to solicit feedback on the changes. All schools and staff in the KPDSB have had an opportunity to give feedback and the response to the suggested changes of the Board of Trustees has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive.  A copy of the revised 2013-2018 Strategic Plan is being distributed with this release.

Trustees welcomed a new Student Trustee for the 2016-2017 school year.  Red Lake District High School student Justine Duncalfe will join the Board of Trustees beginning in September 2016 for a one year term.  Student Trustee for the 2015-2016 school year, Kim Korobanik, will support Justine in preparing for the new role as a part of her final month on the Board.

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Ontario Premier visits Thunder Bay, makes funding announcement for new Sioux Lookout High School

Media Release - May 3, 2016

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne met last week with Director of Education, Sean Monteith, in Thunder Bay to reaffirm the Province's support for the partnership between Confederation College and the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board. The announcement was in support of the partnership in the new high school being constructed in Sioux Lookout.  Construction is set to begin this summer with an expected completion date during the 2017-2018 school year.

During her visit to Thunder Bay, Premier Wynne announced an additional $1 million dollars in funding to support the construction of student learning and wellness spaces for students transitioning into the college’s programming. The funding will greatly support the concept of a community hub school design and will allow for the construction of cutting edge learning spaces for both secondary and college students, while providing more opportunities for dual credits (courses that allow secondary students to earn both secondary and college credits for completed courses) and many other innovative programming options.

In her comments, Premier Wynne stated that the new KPDSB high school in Sioux Lookout represents the kind of community hub model that she envisions for the province, and praised the leadership the Board has exhibited.

Monteith stated “I feel confident in commenting that Premier Wynne has taken a special and particular interest in our new high school in Sioux Lookout; not just because it represents a new facility, but more importantly because it represents a new beginning and hope for so many young people."

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