Campaign Speech for the All-Candidates Meeting we Weren't Invited To

I believe I have been a valuable member of the board of trustees: I consider issues carefully, I listen well, and I do my homework. I have a common-sense approach and am mindful that a trustee's responsibility is the best interest of students in the entire district. I have been chair of the business committee for four years, and chair of the joint health and safety committee for the last three. I can provide the continuity the board will need for the challenges of the coming term.

Learning more about education has been one of my goals. I attend almost all professional activity days and special workshops so I know about new trends and ministry expectations. The more I hear about changes in education, the more passionate I become in supporting new ways of engaging students, making education relevant, helping students become critical thinkers, and preparing them for the world they live in and beyond.

Last month I attended an international conference on education reform. We heard the same message from top educators from Australia, Singapore, Finland, Britain, the U.S. and Ontario: reform in education is crucial for our students to become the technologically-savvy thinkers and learners needed for the 21st Century.

I believe in success for all students, watever path they choose. I support the Board's High Skills Major programs in such sectors as Agriculture, Environment, Construction, and Health Care to name a few. These programs consist of a speific group of courses and allow students to focus on career paths that match their interests. I am also a strong believer in alternative education for strudents at risk of not graduating.

I visit Owen Sound schools regularly to observe the learning process and to attend School Community Council meetings. I support proncipals' efforts in collaborative support of the teachers who work so hard to give students the best education possible. And I delight in the children and their accomplishments - they are truly amazing, these future citizens of ours.

New Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting policy

The draft policy, Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting, has been sent out to the Bluewater system for review by parents, community, principals and teachers. It will be available through SCCs, principals and Union presidents. It is based on the new Ministry policy document, Growing Success, which in its draft form caused some controversy concerning the handling of missed or late student assignments.

There are changes from the draft version, and this is the opportunity for interested stakeholders to have a look and provide their input - all suggestions will be carefully considered when the policy returns to the trustees in February for final adoption. This review is the board's way of consulting with the broader community, so we hope a number of people will take the time to read the Bluewater draft policy and let us know what you think.

Because this new policy is mandated to be implemented the start of this month, some of the changes will be evident in the first report cards as well as in requirements for student assignments.

Please post any questions you might have and I will be happy to respond.

On September 15, over 700 students had the opportunity to hear Eva Olssen, holocaust survivor, speak at OSCVI. Her powerful and emotional talk about her experiences and survival during WW II had such an impact on the students that total silence reigned during her talk, and on completion she got an immediate standing ovation.

Her key message was that the word "hate" should not be used and no one should be mistreated or bullied because of ethnicity, economic status or any other difference. She called on parents as well as teachers to do their best to ensure this does not happen - the most effective method being to be models in their own behaviour and attitudes.

She also emphasized that every one of us can make a difference, but that change happens best when everyone works together to make change happen. What an amazing woman to do what she is doing - speaking to thousands of students every year to pass on her message while she still can do so.

Now community members have 25% more time at regular Board meetings to address trustees.

As of Sept. 1, delegations will be heard at two board meetings per month. With prior notice given the Tuesday of the previous week, two delegations will each have 10 min. to present for a total of twenty minutes at every Board meeting. If that time is not taken by delegations with prior notice, delegations without prior notice may speak for 5 min. to an agenda topic. If the topic is not on the agenda, the delegation will be referred to the following meeting in order to give notice.

This means that every month 40 minutes (rather than the former 30 minutes) will be allotted to hearing delegations.

In addition, since a delegation may address the trustees once on the same topic in every three-month period, a greater number of delegations will have opportunities to speak.

We are always pleased to hear from community members.

The 2010-2011 school year is about to begin!

If anyone is interested in seeing Bluewater District School Board policies, here's how:
Go to the Bluewater Board website at and click on Trustees.
All policies that have been adopted at regular board meetings are listed there. Some policies are still in process, and therefore will not be listed until formally adopted.

The first regular meeting of the board is Sept. 7 at 7:00pm in the Education Centre in Chesley and will be webcast live, as well as being aired on local TV stations a day or two later.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog!!

As a candidate for the position of trustee for Bluewater District School Board representing Owen Sound, I want you to know about my activities and also the happenings, initiatives, and decisions of the Board.

I welcome your thoughts and questions.

My Priorities are
* Success for all students to ensure success in their future lives
* Safe and welcoming schools conducive to learning and well-being
* Good communications among all partners - students, parents, teachers, support staff, administration, trustees and communities.