**All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered not to require debate by the Board of Trustees and should be approved in one motion in accordance with the recommendation contained in each report.

JANUARY 29, 2018

WATERLOO REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

NOTICE OF MEETING The regular monthly Board Meeting of the Waterloo Region District School Board will be held in the Board Room, Floor 1, Building 2, Education Centre, 51 Ardelt Avenue, Kitchener, on Monday, January 29, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. AGENDA Call to Order/Acknowledgement of Territorial Lands O Canada Invocation (To be recited by trustees) “In preparation for this evening’s meeting, let us pause for thirty seconds of silent reflection – to commit our hearts and our heads, and help one another to make the careful and thoughtful decisions that will further the education of all our students.” Approval of Agenda Consent Agenda** Receipt/Approval of Minutes: 01 Approve Minutes – Special Education Advisory Committee Meeting of December 13, 2017 08 Receive Minutes – Board Meeting of December 18, 2017 12 Approve Minutes – Committee of the Whole Meeting of January 15, 2018 17 Approve Minutes – Committee of the Whole Meeting of January 22, 2018 Receipt/Approval of Monthly Reports: 25 Staffing Information – Retirements and Resignations M. Weinert 27 Staffing Recommendations – Appointments M. Weinert 29 Suspension/Expulsion Report as of December 30, 2017 P. Rubenschuh Declarations of Pecuniary Interest Announcements/Celebrating Board Activities Communications Department Good News Update N. Manning Delegations Reports Director of Education Annual Report J. Bryant Reports from Board Members Board Communications 31 Ministry of Children and Youth Services – Special Education Funding Other Business Question Period (10 minutes) Future Agenda Items (Notices of motion to be referred to Agenda Development Committee) Adjournment

 

Special Education Advisory Committee  Minutes - December 13, 2017 

A meeting of the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) was held on                       

Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 7:00 pm, in the St Jacobs Learning Hub, Education                           

Centre, with the following members in attendance: 

Trustees:  None

Association Members: Tina Blanchette, Sophia Catania, Mary Cunningham, Janine                 

Oosterveld, Kris Pryke, Angela Sider, Carmen Sutherland, Shannon Taylor, Katherine                   

Waybrant 

Association Alternates: Amy Dibben, Kathy Moreland, Sara Penny, Amanda Schultz,                   

Faye Zevenbergen

Non-Association Members: None 

Board Staff in Attendance: Cindy Benedetti, Leonilda Gil, Scott Miller

Regrets: Jennifer Checkley, Dawn Clelland, Stuart Cross, Deanna Driedger Seeger,                   

Graham Dunn, Molly Fortier, John Hendry, Cindy Watson 

 

Call to Order SEAC Chair A. Sider called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 

 

Approval of Agenda Moved by Janine Oosterveld, seconded by Mary Cunningham:

That the agenda of the December 13, 2017 meeting, Special Education Advisory 

Committee meeting, be approved.

- Carried – 

Page 1 of 7 

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Approval of Minutes Moved by Kris Pryke, seconded by Shannon Taylor:

That the minutes of the November 8, 2017 meeting, Special Education Advisory 

Committee, be approved.

- Carried – 

Business Arising from the Minutes  

C. Sutherland from Waterloo Region Family Network made note of the guest speaker, 

Krista McCann – Program Coordinator of Waterloo Region Family Network wherein she 

spoke about the Young Cares Project at the November meeting. Minutes indicated 

there was a video mentioned twice but there was actually one video and a powerpoint. 

 

Guest Speaker 

Sarah Ranco – Student at Laurier who has been working closely with Deepa Ahluwalia, 

Equity and Inclusion Officer with the Waterloo Region District School Board. The 

Ministry is requiring schools boards to have a Bullying Prevention & Intervention 

Template (BPIP). Sarah has developed a template, which is composed of ten sections.  

1. Introduction  

- Description and definition of bullying 

- PREVNet Website has created the template.  

2. SCIS (Safe Caring and Inclusive School) Teams 

- List of the SCIS Team 

 

Page 2 of 7 

 

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3. Environmental Scan 

- What does the school data tell us? 

4. Awareness and Prevention  

- What are we doing in our schools and our classrooms for bullying 

awareness and prevention strategies?  

5. Intervention   

- How are we reporting and responding to bullying in our schools? 

6. Training Strategies and Resources 

7. Community Resources  

- How do we bring in community members and resources? 

8. Communication 

- How are we communicating with students, staff and parents/caregivers? 

9. Continuous Improvement  

- Monitoring and improving the process, is it working?  

- What needs to be changed? 

10.Timelines  

- How will we proceed with the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan? 

Members reflected the unique challenges that exist around bullying for those 

children/youth who access special education support. Sarah Ranco created an 

anonymous posting board where SEAC Members can provide feedback on the 

template – goo.gl/5qBS7S – available until Sunday, December 17. Sarah can be 

reached at ranc5320@mylaurier.ca if you have any questions. 

Special Education Update  

 Video presented by S. Miller: Learning For All: 7-10 Split 

Page 3 of 7 

 

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● Rick Hansen Foundation - Glencairn School Celebration 

S. Miller, Superintendent, Student Achievement and Well-Being indicated that the 

WRDSB was successful in getting a grant from the Rick Hansen Foundation, to ensure 

we break down infrastructure barriers that may exist in our schools for people with 

accessibility needs - this grant went towards the purchase of a portable lift. “Barrier 

Buster Event” was held on December 1st at Glencairn P.S.   

 

● EQAO Results 

S. Miller - provided results of grade 3 & 6 EQAO tests in reading, writing and math for 

16/17 school year as well as grade 9 academic math. 

A. Sider from Parents for Children’s Mental Health - Waterloo Region shared a letter 

from the Director of Special Education with the Ministry of Education regarding a 

review that is happening for Educational Assessment including both EQAO and 

Classroom Assessment. A survey is available for the public and is to be completed on 

line by December 15th (L. Gil to send out information for an on-line survey on 

Thursday, December 14). A. Sider and C. Benedetti, System Administrator, spoke 

about the survey and recommended people take the time to complete the survey. The 

survey focuses on EQAO and Classroom Assessments and their effectiveness. 

  

● Conditions For Learning (SCIS Survey Results) 

WRDSB Conditions for Learning 

- Relationships, Pedagogy & Assessment and Learning Environment. 

Page 4 of 7 

 

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Outcomes for Students Include: 

- Well-being and Resilience, Graduation from WRDSB Schools and Programs, 

Achievement, Global Competencies, Engagement. 

 

Chair Report  

● Vision and Guiding Principles Update - deferred to next meeting by S. Sider. 

 

Motion to have Amy Dibben from Waterloo Region Down Syndrome as alternate, 

approved by Sara Penny, seconded by Katherine Waybrant. 

Motion to have Kathy Moreland from FASD/ONE as alternate, approved by Shannon 

Taylor and seconded by Kris Pryke.  

 

Trustee Report 

S. Miller indicated that Cindy Watson, SEAC Trustee Representative, shared that the 

Trustee’s have passed a motion to support a letter requesting an increase in funding 

for students with special needs. 

 

Round Table Association Reports J. Oosterveld from Waterloo Region Down Syndrome Society showed members a 

copy of the 2018 calendar. 

Page 5 of 7 

 

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M. Cunningham from FASD/ONE is going to Queen’s Park on December 14th for the 

decision on making September 9th FASD day. 

C. Sutherland from Waterloo Region Family Network shared the following update via 

e-mail: 

1. December 14th - Family Resource Coach: Katie Galashan has taken a new

position. Going forward, the Family Resource Coach role will continue, but on a

part-time basis.

2. Summer Camp and Recreation Fair: Monday, February 12, 6-8 PM, Family Centre

Gym. Come find out about summer camp and recreation options in

Kitchener-Waterloo and beyond! This is definitely something appropriate for youth

and young adults. If interested e-mail Krista McCann (Krista.McCann@wrfn.info).

 

Other Business

K. Waybrant from Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy shared good news about her 

son’s work placement. 

S. Miller thanked A. Sider for all her work as the Chairperson of SEAC for the last 2 

years. 

 

Date of Next Meeting The next SEAC meeting date is Wednesday, January 10, 2018, 7:00 pm in the St. 

Jacobs Learning Hub, Education Centre. 

 

Page 6 of 7 

 

6

  

Adjournment Moved by Kris Pryke, seconded by Sara Penny:

That the Special Education Advisory Committee meeting be adjourned.

- Carried -

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Page 7 of 7 

 

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DECEMBER 18, 2017 BOARD MEETING

1

The Waterloo Region District School Board held a Board Meeting this evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Education Centre Boardroom, with the following members in attendance: S. McMillan (Chairperson), J. Hendry, T. Martin, C. Millar, M. Ramsay,, N. Waddell, C. Waterfall, C. Watson and K. Woodcock. Trustees K. Smith and C. Harrington were unable to attend this evening’s meeting. Student Trustees G. Kenyon and K. Shaban were not in attendance The following senior administration members were in attendance: J. Bryant (Director of Education and Secretary), R. DeBoer, M. Gerard, E. Giannopoulos, B. Lemon, S. Lomax, A. Mercier, S. Miller, P. Rubenschuh, E. Ranney, L. Read, G. Shantz and M. Weinert. Other staff in attendance: L. Agar, N. Hercanuck, S. Longeway, N. Manning and S. Reidel. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson S. McMillan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Trustees enjoyed a performance by the Grand River Collegiate Institute String Orchestra. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 1. Moved by T. Martin, seconded by C. Millar: That the agenda of the December 18, 2017 , Board Meeting be approved with the addition of a delegation.

-Carried- CONSENT AGENDA 2. Moved by T. Martin, seconded by K. Woodcock: That the consent agenda of the Board Meeting of December 18, 2017, and the actions contained therein, be approved with the exception of the Fischer-Hallman Huron Boundary Study Report on Folios 23-24 and that it be reviewed after the delegation.

-Carried-

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DECEMBER 18, 2017 BOARD MEETING

2

MOTIONS FROM IN CAMERA MEETING Note: The following motions were approved in the In Camera session held earlier this evening.

A. Moved by N. Waddell, seconded by K. Woodcock: That the agenda of the December 18, 2017, In Camera Board Meeting be deemed to meet the legislative requirements for discussion in camera.

-Carried-

B. Moved by T. Martin, seconded by N. Waddell: That the consent agenda of the December 18, 2017, In Camera Board Meeting and the actions contained therein, be approved.

-Carried-

C. Moved by K. Woodcock, seconded by C. Millar: That the Board approve the Local Agreement, summarized in the report dated December 18, 2018, with the Ontario Principals’ Council (Waterloo), for the period of September 1, 2014 to August 31, 2018 and Extension Agreement September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2020.

-Carried-

D. Moved by K. Woodcock, seconded by N. Waddell: That we rise and report in public session.

-Carried- Note: This concludes the reporting of In Camera motions. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Trustee C. Watson declared pecuniary interest during the in camera portion of the meeting. COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT GOOD NEWS UPDATE Chief Communication Officer N. Manning provided the good news update. He shared information on the Barrier Buster Project, secondary EQAO video and the 12 Days of Giving. The Senior Team holiday message video was shared with Trustees.

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DECEMBER 18, 2017 BOARD MEETING

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DELEGATIONS The following delegation presented:

● Ryan Stumpf - Huron Fischer-Hallman Boundary Study FISCHER-HALLMAN HURON BOUNDARY STUDY REPORT ON FOLIOS 23-24 It was the will of the Board to have staff address the questions and concerns from the December 11, 2017, Committee of the Whole meeting. Coordinating Superintendent M. Gerard provided a memorandum to Trustees speaking to Active and Safe Routes to School, French Immersion, and School Transitions. Trustees discussed the original recommendation and memo and asked questions of clarification. Confirmation was given, that in the event a crossing guard is not provided, staff would bring forward alternative solutions for roundabout safety. 3. Moved by K. Woodcock, seconded by M. Ramsay:

That the Waterloo Region District School Board (Board) approves the boundary changes and recommendations resulting from the Fischer-Hallman/Huron Elementary Schools Boundary Study described as Scenario 4 including:

● The Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 boundary for Janet Metcalfe Public School, effective September 2018 for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 7 and September 2019 for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8; and

● The Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 boundary for Jean Steckle Public School,

effective September 2018 for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 and Grade 8, and September 2019 for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6; and

● Providing the option for students in Huron Woods attending Jean Steckle Public

School as of June 28, 2018, to remain at Janet Metcalfe Public School until completing Grade 8 with transportation (based on the students’ address as of June 28, 2018); and

● Providing the option for students enrolled in Grade 5 at Queen Elizabeth Public

School or Southridge Public School within the Mattamy Wildflowers Development Area as of June 28, 2018, to remain at those schools until completing Grade 6 with transportation (based on the students’ address as of June 28, 2018).

-Carried-

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DECEMBER 18, 2017 BOARD MEETING

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REPORTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS Trustee K. Woodcock spoke to the recent OPSBA meeting she attended. Trustees are asked to contact her with questions. BOARD COMMUNICATIONS The Board received the following communication:

● Grand Erie District School Board - Executive Compensation. QUESTION PERIOD Trustee Watson inquired about a People for Education article which spoke to the Auditor General’s call to review the funding formula and if/when the ministry would be required to review the funding formula. Director Bryant agreed to review the article and get back to the Board with any information available. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS There were no future agenda items. ADJOURNMENT 4. Moved by K. Woodcock and T. Martin: That the Board Meeting of December 18, 2017 be adjourned.

-Carried- The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.

11

JANUARY 15, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

1

The Waterloo Region District School Board held a Committee of the Whole Meeting this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Education Centre Boardroom, with the following members in attendance: S. McMillan (Chairperson), T. Martin, C. Millar, M. Ramsay, K. Smith, N. Waddell, C. Waterfall and C. Watson. Trustees C. Harrington, J. Hendry and K. Woodcock were unable to attend this evening’s meeting. Student Trustee K. Shaban was in attendance and Student Trustee G. Kenyon was absent. The following senior administration members were in attendance: J. Bryant (Director of Education and Secretary), R. DeBoer, M. Gerard, S. Miller, L. Read, and M. Weinert. Other staff in attendance: S. Longeway, N. Manning and S. Reidel. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson S. McMillan called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was requested that the Verbal Report on Workplace Violence be deferred to the next Committee of the Whole meeting. 1. Moved by K. Smith, seconded by T. Martin: That the agenda of the January 15, 2018, Committee of the Whole Meeting be approved with the removal of the Verbal Report on Workplace Violence.

-Carried- DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST There were no declarations of pecuniary interest. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chief Communication Officer N. Manning announced that Friday, January 19, 2017 is Educational Assistant and Child Youth Worker appreciation day. All Trustees were invited to the official Groh Public School Opening on February 1, 2018. Chairperson S. McMillan expressed regrets from Trustees K. Woodcock and J. Hendry. Trustee C. Waterfall attended a variety of school functions and toured four schools. Trustee M. Ramsay joined the meeting at 6:41 p.m.

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JANUARY 15, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

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Trustee K. Smith attended a school luncheon. She spoke briefly about the recent passing of Trudy Beaulne, who was heavily involved in the community. Trustee C. Watson joined the meeting at 6:46 p.m. Trustee T. Martin spoke about Minister Hunter’s visit to Jean Steckle Public School today and her announcement regarding funding for a new elementary school in South-West Kitchener. DELEGATIONS There were no delegations. POLICY AND GOVERNANCE REVIEW OF BOARD POLICIES

2. Moved by T. Martin, seconded by C. Millar: That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve the following Board Policies as presented at the January 15, 2018, Committee of the Whole Meeting:

● 1002 – Occupational Health and Safety ● 1004 – Harassment ● 1009 – Violence in the Workplace ● 3004 – Holding of Public Meetings ● 4002 – Community Use of Schools ● 6004 – Outdoor Education / Off Campus Excursions

-Carried-

REPORTS FISCAL TASK FORCE QUARTERLY UPDATE This report was provided for information. As part of the committee’s work in preparing the Board’s budget for the 2018-19 school year, the Fiscal Task Force has begun working on a survey which will be posted to the board’s website for the purpose of soliciting public feedback. The survey will be made available from February 2018 to March 2018 with the final dates to be confirmed at a future date. The survey will be promoted in the community through the board website and social media. Additional consultation will occur with groups such as Parent Involvement Committee, Special Education Advisory Committee, and Student Senate. Seventy-five percent of families will receive a direct email with a link to the survey.

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JANUARY 15, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

3

TRUSTEE 2018 COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP Chairperson S. McMillan will look into whether an alternate should also be assigned to the Parent Involvement Committee.

3. Moved by K. Smith, seconded by C. Waterfall: That the Waterloo Region District School Board approves the 2018 Board Committee Membership Structure as outlined in Appendix A of the report titled “2018 Board Committee Memberships” dated January 15, 2018.

-Carried- MOTION RE: AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR FULL YEAR SCHOOLING Trustee K. Smith spoke to her motion for full year schooling. It has been a topic of discussion for a number of years. She spoke to the struggles of some students with retaining information over the long summer. Both Peel DSB and Durham DSB have elementary and secondary schools running a full year (modified) program. Trustee Smith acknowledged that not all teachers would be interested in this change in programming. It was noted that a committee would typically return to the Board with recommendations rather than the recommendations being stated in the motion itself. Trustee Smith agreed that the motion could be amended but that she does not want to process to take another five years. There was agreement from other Trustees that a committee should be struck to investigate feasibility, but that locations should be determined by the committee with in depth public consultation and open communication. Factors such as air conditioning, community partners and agricultural students, would also need to be considered. Trustees have been receiving both positive and negative comments from the public. Director J. Bryant expressed staff’s support of a committee exploring full-year programming. He also noted that it can be connected to the Board’s Strategic Plan and goals. Collective agreements and employment terms and conditions need to be taken into consideration. He also stated that the initial timeline may be too optimistic to allow for work with students, staff, and the public. It was decided to leave the committee open to be able to explore both elementary and secondary if the committee so wishes.

14

JANUARY 15, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

4

4. Moved by K. Smith, seconded by M. Ramsay: That the Waterloo Region District School Board strike an Ad Hoc Committee to study the opening of full-year program in one school in Cambridge and one school in Kitchener; and

That the program be scheduled to begin in September 2018 for the 2018-2019 school year; and

That the programs operate for a minimum of two years with a full evaluation of the program in year two.

Moved in Amendment by T. Martin, seconded by C. Watson:

That Motion # 4 is amended to read: That the Waterloo Region District School Board strike an Ad Hoc Committee to

study the opening of full-year pilot programs; And that the committee consult with all relevant stakeholders, including staff,

parents and students; And that the committee report back to the Board with recommendations by

November 19, 2018.

Main Motion as amended moved by K. Smith, seconded by M. Ramsay:

That the Waterloo Region District School Board strike an Ad Hoc Committee to study the opening of full-year pilot programs;

And that the committee consult with all relevant stakeholders, including staff,

parents and students; And that the committee report back to the Board with recommendations by

November 19, 2018.

-Amendment Carried- -Amended Main Motion Carried-

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JANUARY 15, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

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MOTION RE: SECONDARY PROGRAMS / PARTNERSHIPS Trustee C. Smith expressed a need to attract students and use different programming models. She cited some schools who have previously undertaken these types of changes. She stated that she is aware of a number of organizations whom would accept opportunities to work with WRDSB schools. Trustee C. Smith stated that input from student, parents and the public are a very important part of the partnership process. She would also like to see current programs evaluated. Student engagement on programming will need to be considered. Trustee C. Watson made mention of the partnerships already in place and that the Strategic Plan priorities includes a culture of innovation.

5. Moved by K. Smith, seconded by C. Waterfall: That the Waterloo Region District School Board undertake a review to develop new models for secondary schools to attract and retain students; and That partnering with outside organizations, municipal partners and post-secondary institutions be considered; and That an Ad-Hoc Committee conduct this review and be comprised of parents, students, staff and community partners; and That an update and timeline for implementation be provided to the Board of Trustees by May 2019.

-Carried-

QUESTION PERIOD Trustee C. Watson asked if staff are planning a review of bell times for secondary students. Trustees were told there is no impending review scheduled. Trustee C. Watson asked if staff has measured the amount of screen time an average student received in the classroom in a day. Director Bryant stated he is unaware of any studies but would check with appropriate staff to confirm. ADJOURNMENT 6. Moved by T. Martin, seconded by C. Waterfall: That the Committee of the Whole Meeting of January 15, 2018, be adjourned.

-Carried- The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

16

JANUARY 22, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

1

The Waterloo Region District School Board held a Committee of the Whole Meeting this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Education Centre Boardroom, with the following members in attendance: S. McMillan (Chairperson), J. Hendry, T. Martin, C. Millar, M. Ramsay, K. Smith, N. Waddell, C. Waterfall, C. Watson and K. Woodcock. Trustee C. Harrington was unable to attend this evening’s meeting. Student Trustees G. Kenyon and K. Shaban were not in attendance. The following senior administration members were in attendance: J. Bryant (Director of Education and Secretary), M. Gerard, S. Lomax, S. Miller, P. Rubenschuh, L. Read, G. Shantz and M. Weinert. Other staff in attendance: L. Agar, S. Galliher, I. Gaudet, N. Landry, S. Longeway, N. Manning and S. Reidel. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson S. McMillan called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 1. Moved by K. Woodcock, seconded by N. Waddell: That the agenda of the January 22, 2018, Committee of the Whole Meeting be approved and that the Verbal Report on Workplace Violence be presented before Policy and Governance.

-Carried- DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST There were no declarations of pecuniary interest. ANNOUNCEMENTS Trustee C. Waterfall attended tours of both Hillcrest Public School and Woodland Park Public School. Trustee M. Ramsay joined the meeting at 6:37 p.m. DELEGATIONS The following delegations were scheduled to speak at this evening’s meeting:

● Greg Weiler & Jeff Pelich, ETFO - Workplace Violence Trustee J. Hendry joined the meeting at 6:46 p.m.

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JANUARY 22, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2

VERBAL REPORT ON WORKPLACE VIOLENCE This report was provided for information. Coordinating Superintendent M. Weinert and Superintendent S. Millar provided data on student aggression. There was an increase in September of reported student aggression incidents. The presentation touched on provincial and sector perspectives, WRDSB incident reports from 2015-16, 2016-17 and current year to date, as well as next steps. Peaks in reported incidents appear to occur at the beginning of the year and when students have been away from school for extended breaks. The majority of incidents did not result in a physical injury. WRDSB currently has less time lost due to student aggression than other boards are reporting. Health and Safety is working with Special Education on actions including a safety plan summary for occasional staff, mandatory behaviour management training, bi-annual safety training for administrators and is continuing their work with labour partners and staff. Trustees brought forward a number of questions to staff and began a lengthy conversation on next steps. It was noted that many younger students, often junior kindergarten to grade two, may not be diagnosed or their exceptionality is not yet know. Trustees were also informed that Health and Safety reviews each incident report and works through ways to reduce future incidents with assistance from Learning Services and/or Special Education. Concerns Trustees discussed included:

● ensuring focus is not just on aggression from students with special needs, but for all students

● staff burnout and well-being when dealing with student aggression on a daily basis ● well-being/education of other students in the classroom during an incident ● the need to ensure procedures such as safety plans, are being enforced and followed.

Trustees agreed that these concerns should be shared with the Ministry of Education and that the Ontario Public School Board Association should also be made aware.

2. Moved by N. Waddell, seconded by T. Martin: That the Waterloo Region District School Board send a letter to the Minister of Education and to the Ontario Public School Board Association expressing our concerns for the increasing occurrences of student aggression in the classroom and to include a call for more funding for supports in the classroom, and to send a copy of this letter to the other school boards in Ontario.

-Carried-

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JANUARY 22, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

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Trustees discussed the data and felt it would be beneficial to receive further details in order to determine where resources are needed, such as:

● secondary and elementary split ● data by grade ● data by incident type ● data by injury ● split between student with special needs and students without special needs. ● the correlation between number of on-site administrators and number of incidents.

(Small schools may need VPs to assist) ● the number of students involved in the incidents ● data on “runners”

The cost, in staff time, of developing a detailed report is not known at this time. Once a template is developed it would be relatively easy to populate. Coordinating Superintendent M. Weinert is not aware of any other school boards who currently share detailed reports on student aggression. He noted the importance of showing the data in a way which is sensitive to students and staff. Director J. Bryant indicated that staff’s next steps will be to work closely with all partners and to continue to act on data as it is received to support staff.

3. Moved by C. Watson, seconded by C. Waterfall: That the Waterloo Region District School Board receive a quarterly written monitoring report for trustees on student aggression; and

That the report include incident and injury specific data, and classroom evacuations shown by grade level and elementary/secondary; and

That the report includes any other information that would help track and identify

strategies in the future.

-Carried- Opposed: M. Ramsay

POLICY AND GOVERNANCE REVIEW OF BOARD POLICY 2012 – ACCESS TO DIGITAL RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGY Trustee Watson asked if we had any information regarding student screen time in the classroom. Superintendent G. Shantz made mention of an article which indicated students are not recommended to have more than two hours of recreational screen time a day. Current practice is for teachers to use an array of learning styles in their classroom. Trustees requested that the year 2015 be added to the mention of Safety Code 6 in section 2.5.

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JANUARY 22, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

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4. Moved by K. Woodcock, seconded by C. Watson: That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve Board Policy 2012 – Access to Digital Resources and Technology as presented at the January 22, 2018, Committee of the Whole Meeting.

-Carried- REVIEW OF BOARD POLICY 4007 – APPROVAL OF RESEARCH PROJECTS Trustees requested that any procedures be listed in the Related Documents. 5. Moved by K. Woodcock, seconded by C. Millar: That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve Board Policy 4007 – Approval of Research Projects as presented at the January 22, 2018, Committee of the Whole Meeting.

-Carried- REVIEW OF BOARD POLICY 6002 – COMPULSORY STUDENT ENROLMENT

6. Moved by C. Waterfall, seconded by K. Woodcock: That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve Board Policy 6002 – Compulsory Student Enrolment as presented at the January 22, 2018, Committee of the Whole Meeting.

-Carried-

REVIEW OF BOARD POLICY 6005 – ALTERNATIVES IN EDUCATION

7. Moved by J. Hendry, seconded by C. Waterfall: That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve Board Policy 6005 – Alternatives in Education as presented at the January 22, 2018, Committee of the Whole Meeting.

-Carried-

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JANUARY 22, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

5

REVIEW OF BOARD POLICY 6007 – SCHOOL NUTRITION Trustees requested that the word parent be changed to caregiver in Section 1.

8. Moved by J. Hendry, seconded by K. Waterfall: That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve Board Policy 6007 – School Nutrition as presented at the January 22, 2018, Committee of the Whole Meeting.

-Carried- Trustees requested that all policies coming forward be consistent in their use of Waterloo Region District School Board and WRDSB for the second mention. REPORTS MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS QUARTERLY UPDATE REPORT This report was provided for information. I. Gaudet, Facility Services Controller, shared the update on major capital projects. Work at Groh Public School and Chicopee Hills Public School is now complete. There is a sod turning event at Janet Metcalfe on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. All projects are proceeding as planned through the design and construction stages with the following updates:

● The school referred to as South West Kitchener (Rosenberg III) has now been officially named Janet Metcalfe Public School. Some schedule concerns are being experienced due to extreme weather related delays in December and January.

● At Grand River Collegiate Institute, we will be adding scope to the 10 room addition project. In the existing school, we will be replacing the aging boiler and chiller as well as replacing a Limited Use Limited Accessibility elevator with a regular elevator. In addition, we will be conducting renovations in the school to temporarily accommodate students from Rosemount Public School.

● At Queensmount Public School, we have revised the completion date from January 2018 to March 2018 due to slower-than-expected construction progress in the fall.

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JANUARY 22, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

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INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT AND FORECAST AT NOVEMBER 30TH This report was provided for information. N. Landry, Financial Services Controller, presented the Interim Financial Report. The information contained in the report was based on financial results up to November 30, 2017. Consistent with the approved budget for 2017-18, staff expects the Board to finish the year in a balanced position. This was confirmed through our submission of the Revised Estimates to the Ministry of Education on December 15, 2017, which showed a balanced budget. Trustees requested that future reporting include a further breakdown of the Special Education Budget. LONG TERM ACCOMMODATION PLAN FINAL DRAFT This report was provided for information. L. Agar, Senior Planner, provided the Draft Long-Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP) to the Board of Trustees following several months of collaborative development of the document. The draft plan identifies short-term and medium-term recommendations where needs have been identified. Recommendations include classroom additions, boundary studies, partnership opportunities and pupil accommodation reviews. A public information meeting will be held January 25, 2018. The purpose of this meeting will be to share the Draft LTAP and solicit feedback from stakeholders. Any revisions will be made prior to the Final Long-Term Accommodation Plan being presented to Trustees for approval at an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting. Trustees and staff discussed the strategy in place for community consultation including connecting with Waterloo Region Assembly of Public School Councils (WRAPSC). Paper copies will be made available for parents without internet access upon request. Senior Planner L. Agar spoke to the focus groups previously involved in developing the framework for the document. Business Services will be working closely with Communications to ensure schools are aware of the document and its contents. EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM FEES FOR 2018-2019 N. Landry, Financial Services Controller, presented the proposed Extended Day fee for 2018-19. The Extended Day Program (EDP) fee is established annually in accordance with Ministry of Education (Ministry) guidelines outlined in O.Reg 221/11 and a costing template issued by the Ministry is used to calculate the fee. The underlying objective in establishing the fee is to ensure it bears a reasonable relationship to incremental operating costs incurred by the Board and that the program operates on a cost-recovery basis. Key factors impacting the proposed rate include wages and benefits, administrative support and special education support.

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JANUARY 22, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

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9. Moved by K. Smith, seconded by J. Hendry: That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve the Extended Day Program fee of $26.00 per day, per child, for the 2018-2019 school year.

-Carried- BOARD POLICY – DRUG EDUCATION AND ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOURS Superintendent P. Rubenschuh presented the new policy which was developed based on a number of commitments staff made around creating a drug strategy. This policy will be presented to administrators at the upcoming Safe Schools and Health and Safety Mid-Year Update Training occurring on February 26 and 27, 2018. Professional development for physical education staff has begun. WRDSB will continue to work with Waterloo Region Integrated Drug Strategy (WRIDS) and its partners. Trustees discussed the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act and the importance of making students aware of it. P. Rubenschuh noted that all resources received will be made available to educators. Students will be encouraged to call 911 first and foremost. Trustees agreed to add “other substances” to Section 1.1. Trustees expressed an interest adding a full list of community partners and possibly rewording section 1.2.

10. Moved by C. Watson, seconded by K. Smith: That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve the new Board Policy Drug Education and Addictive Behaviours as presented at the January 22, 2018, Committee of the Whole Meeting, pending review by PIC, SEAC and Student Senate; and

That the policy come back to the Board at the Committee of the Whole meeting on February 12, 2018.

-Carried- BOARD PROCEDURE – DISPOSAL OF SHARP ITEMS, NEEDLES AND BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE This report was provided for information. Superintendent P. Rubenschuh presented the current version of the new procedure. There will be ongoing changes to the procedure and it will be presented to Administrators at the upcoming Safe Schools and Health and Safety Mid-Year Update Training occurring on February 26 and 27, 2018. The procedure covers the disposal of hazardous items.

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JANUARY 22, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

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QUESTION PERIOD Trustee Watson made mention of a parent concern she received around politicians in the classroom. Trustees may need to revisit discussions around circumstances where politicians speak with students and the use of students/schools for political activities. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Trustee K. Woodcock served the following Notice of Motion as support by Trustees C. Waterfall, N. Waddell and C. Millar.

That an Ad Hoc Committee be formed to review the Bylaws for the Waterloo Region District School Board and provide recommended revisions to the Bylaws in a report to the Board before or by May 31, 2018. ADJOURNMENT 11. Moved by J. Hendry, seconded by K. Woodcock: That the Committee of the Whole Meeting of January 22, 2018, be adjourned.

-Carried- The meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m.

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Page 1 of 1

Report to Board of Trustees January 29, 2018

Subject: Staffing Information – Retirements and Resignations Recommendation This report is provided for information of the Board.

Status The employees listed in Appendix A of this report have received acknowledgement of their retirement or resignation.

Background The board’s practice is to receive information regarding staff retirements and resignations at regular monthly board meetings.

Financial implications Expenses are within the existing approved budget.

Communications Employees listed in this report have communicated through Human Resource Services.

Prepared by: Michael Weinert, Coordinating Superintendent, Human Resource Services, in consultation with Coordinating Council.

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Retirements: Elementary Teaching Staff

First Last Position/Location Retirement DateYears of Service

Julie Boivin-Barton Teacher, W.T. Townshend PS 30-Jun-18 31Deborah Clarke Teacher, Lackner Woods PS 31-Jan-18 21

Aram Krikorian Teacher, Stewart Avenue PS 30-Jun-18 29Kathryn March Teacher, Blair Road PS 29-Mar-18 31

Carol Sammut Teacher, MacGregor PS 30-Jun-18 27Louise Seguin Teacher, Glencairn PS 31-Jan-18 29

6

Retirements: Secondary Teaching Staff

First Last Position/Location Retirement DateYears of Service

Kirk Harrison Teacher (Special Education), Sir John A. Macdonald SS 2-Feb-18 31

Owen Jones Teacher, Preston HS 31-Jan-18 27

Michelle McGinty Teacher, Waterloo CI 31-Jan-18 29

Catherine McIntosh Department Head, Galt CI & VS 31-Jan-18 31

4

Retirements: Administrative and Support Staff

First Last Position/Location Retirement DateYears of Service

Robert Belec Certified Tradesperson, Facility Service, EdC 31-Jul-18 37Doris Cluthe Educational Assistant (EA), J.F. Carmichael PS 30-Jun-18 13

Marion Ellacott Educational Assistant (EA), Forest Hill PS 30-Jun-18 30Paul Fracas Principal, Edna Staebler PS 28-Feb-18 31

Bonny Gutz Educational Assistant (EA), Sunnyside PS 31-Aug-18 27Penny Henry Educational Assistant (EA), MacGregor PS 9-Mar-18 20

Kathleen Meyer Custodian, Bluevale CI 30-Jun-18 28Theresa Legassicke Library Clerk, Elgin Street PS 31-Mar-18 17

Ken McMurran Custodian, Glenview Park SS 30-Jun-18 31Kerry Prike Head Custodian, Brigadoon PS 31-Aug-18 33

Beverley Wilhelm Early Childhood Educator (ECE), Sir Adam Beck PS 30-Jun-18 711/ 21 Total

Resignations:First Last Position/Location Effective Date

Cate Kleine Secretary, Howard Robertson PS 5-Jan-18

Jennifer Collins Early Childhood Educator (ECE) 5-Jan-18

Ryan Deiter Elementary Teacher, St. Jacob's PS 22-Dec-17

Wendy Hughes Long-Term THR 5-Jan-18

Lisa McKinnon Secretary, Vista Hills and Lincholn Heights PS 19-Jan-18

Stephanie Robinson Comunication Disorder Assistant, Special Education, EdC 17-Jan-18Amanda Simpson Early Childhood Educator (ECE) 22-Jan-18

Current @ Monday, January 29, 2018

Human Resource Services

Staffing Information - Retirements & Resignations

Current at January 29, 2018

Appendix A26

Page 1 of 1

Report to Board of Trustees January 29, 2018

Subject: Staffing Recommendations – Appointments Recommendation That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve the appointments to staff as outlined in the report titled “Staffing Recommendations – Appointments, dated January 29, 2018.

Status The staff appointments as noted on Appendix A of this report are effective the dates indicated.

Background The board’s practice has been to have appointments presented for information at regular monthly board meetings.

Financial implications Expenses are within the existing approved budget.

Communications Employees listed in this report have, or will be advised of the appointments.

Prepared by: Michael Weinert, Coordinating Superintendent, Human Resource Services, in consultation with Coordinating Council.

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New Appointments: Administrative and Support StaffFirst Last School ID / Education Centre Effective Date

Alison Anstett Secretary, Lackner Woods PS 11-Jan-18

Jennifer Ball Secretary, Chicopee Hills PS 8-Jan-18

Vicki BeaudinHealth and Safety officer (Temporary), Human

Resource Services, EdC 4-Dec-17

Ashley Ezekiel Custodian, Grandview PS, Cambridge 2-Jan-18

Noemia DeSousa Custodian, Galt Collegiate Institute & VS 8-Jan-18

Stephanie Hicks Secretary, Howard Robertson PS 8-Jan-18

Rocco Liscio Heating Technician, Facility Services, EdC 4-Dec-17Priya Menon Supervisor of Client Support, ITS, EdC 22-Jan-18Jason Watson HVAC Certified Tradesperson, Facility Services, EdC 2-Jan-18

New Appointments: Elementary Teaching StaffFirst Last Elementary School ID Effective Date

Kristyn Keyes Teacher, Edna Staebler PS 8-Jan-18Kahla Durrant Teacher, Centennial PS 8-Jan-18

Stephanie Graham Teacher, Woodland Park PS 22-Jan-18Simon Tse Teacher, Howard Robertson PS 8-Jan-18

New Appointments: Secondary Teaching StaffFirst Last Secondary School ID Effective Date

Nil Report

** The above hirings are full and part time positions and are replacements due to recent retirements, leaves, resignations and/or new hires.

Current @ January 29, 2018Human Resource Services

Staffing Information - New Appointments

Current at January 29, 2018

Appendix A

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Page 1 of 2

Report to Board of Trustees January 29, 2018

Subject: Student Suspension/Expulsion Report December, 2017

Recommendation This report is provided for the Waterloo Region District School Board with information regarding monthly and year-to-date suspension/expulsion data.

Status Comparing year to date from December 2016 and December 2017, elementary suspensions have increased by 97 and secondary suspensions have increased by 197.

Comparing year to date from December 2016 and December 2017, school expulsions have decreased by 2 and board expulsions have increased by 2.

The most recent month’s suspension and expulsion data is included below. The data is accurate up to, and including, the date of collection.

Suspensions

● Total elementary school suspensions in December 2016 - 137, year to date - 413 ● Total elementary school suspensions in December 2017 - 117, year to date - 511 ● Total secondary school suspensions in December 2016 - 137, year to date - 666 ● Total secondary school suspensions in December 2017 - 181, year to date - 863

Expulsions

● Total school expulsions in December 2016 - 0, Year to Date 2 ● Total school expulsions in December 2017 - 0, Year to Date 0 ● Total board expulsions in December 2016 - 2, Year to Date 7 ● Total board expulsions in December 2017 - 2, Year to Date 9

Violent Incidents

The term violent incident is defined as the occurrence of any of the following or the occurrence of a combination of any of the following; possessing a weapon, including possessing a firearm, physical assault causing bodily harm requiring medical attention, sexual assault, robbery, using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person, extortion, hate and/or bias-motivated occurrences.

● Total elementary/secondary violent incidents in December 2016 - 6, year to date 15 ● Total elementary/secondary violent incidents in December 2017 - 3, year to date 17

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Page 2 of 2

Background As requested by the Board, suspension/expulsion data will be presented at the Board meeting each month.

Financial implications There are no financial implications.

Communications Upon request, suspension/expulsion data is communicated to the Ministry of Education for statistical purposes.

Prepared by: Peter Rubenschuh, Superintendent, Student Achievement & Well-Being, James Bond, System Administrator, Learning Services, and in consultation with Coordinating Council.

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Ministry of Children Ministère des Services RECEIVr’nand Youth Services a I’enfance eta Ia jeunesse

Ministers Office Bureau du ministre DEC 2 9 201756 Wellesley Street West 56, rue Wellesley Quest14th Floor 14° étageToronto ON M5S 253 Toronto ON M55 253Tel.: 416 212-7432 Tél.: 416 212-7432Fax: 416 212-7431 Téléc, 416 212-7431

CSS5I11C-201 7-1 997

DEC lIe 1017Mr. Scott McMillanChair of the BoardWaterloo Region District School Board51 Ardelt AvenueKitchener, OntarioN2C 2R5

Dear Mr. McMiIlan:

Thank you for your letter regarding funding for children and youth with special educationneeds, I am pleased to respond.

I appreciate the work and dedication of the Trustees of the Waterloo Region DistrictSchool Board to provide support to children, youth and families in your community.The mental health and well-being of children and youth and helping them achievepositive outcomes is a key priority for me.

In the past five years, our government has made progress in strengthening supportsand improving access to mental health services. Through Ontario’s Mental Health andAddictions Strategy, investments have increased by almost $100 million annually fornew services and programs, including more mental health nurses and workers inschools, communities and courts.

As you are aware, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, in partnership with theMinistry of Education and local school boards, also provides funding for educationalprogramming in Care and/or Treatment, Custody and Correctional Programs. This isknown as Section 23 classrooms. Many Section 23 classrooms are intensive full- orpart-time services delivered jointly by child and youth mental health service providersand district school boards.

Some Section 23 classrooms are delivered in residential settings for children andyouth who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to attend a community school, OnJuly 19, 2017, the ministry released Safe and Caring Places for Children and Youth:Ontario’s Blueprint for Building a New System of Licensed Residential Services, TheBlueprint is a multi-year plan to build a new child and youth centred residential servicesystem in Ontario. Changes have already begun and will continue to take place over thenext several years. More information about the Blueprint can be found on the ministry’swebsite at ontario,ca/children.

Ontario

./cont’d

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-2-

While we have made significant progress, I agree—we can and must do better. I know

how important it is to have the right services available when they are needed. I also

understand that it can sometimes be challenging to access the right services. That’s

why, as part of the government’s Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, Ontario is

transforming the community-based child and youth mental health system through

Moving on Mental Health. This complements efforts undertaken in the education system

to enhance mental health literacy and build the capacity of school boards.

This transformation will improve access to, and the performance of, the child and youth

mental health system. As a next step, the ministry is working to develop a funding

model that will allocate resources across service areas in a more transparent and

consistent manner based on defined community need.

With the right foundations for transformation in place across the education and mental

health systems, we are now able to build stronger pathways to help children and youth

access the services they need sooner. We are working, both at a local level through

community planning, and at a provincial level through ongoing inter-ministerial dialogue,

to understand where current system gaps are and how to respond to those needs—

whether through services in schools or pathways to mental health services in the

community.

If you have any specific request or issue you would like to discuss further, please do not

hesitate to contact Mary Mannella, Manager in the ministry’s Children and Youth at Risk

Branch, at mary.mannella@ontario.ca or 416-325-5530.

Again, thank you for writing. I look forward to continued dialogue between your

organization and ministry staff on our common objectives towards best supporting our

province’s children and youth for future success.

The Honourable Mitzie Hunter, Minister of EducationMs. Mary Mannella, Manager, Children and Youth at Risk Branch

Minister

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