Carla Aitken

Key discussions during this board meeting included the receipt of the minutes from the Committee of the Whole Meeting of November 25, 2025. The Board received the Trustee Expense and Senior Team Expense Report, which summarizes aggregate annual expenses and will be made publicly available on the Board's website following quarterly disclosure. The Student Trustees presented their third report for the 2025/2026 school year, highlighting recent semi-formal dances, Christmas events, outreach initiatives, and accomplishments in sports and vocal ensembles. An update was provided on the staff wellness initiative, which commenced in January 2024, noting the development of a staff wellness strategy and a three-year action plan. The action plan outlines enhanced employee assistance programs, expanded onboarding and mentorship, completion of safety and accessibility audits, and the outfitting of board locations with cameras. The Board also moved into and subsequently approved the business of the In-Camera session.

The Policy Committee meeting agenda included opening business items such as the approval of the agenda and minutes from a previous meeting. Key committee and staff reports focused on revisions to Accessibility Standards Policies and Administrative Procedures, specifically concerning French Immersion Program Policy, Student Attendance Policy, and Accessibility Standards Policies. Discussion items covered several policies, including Video Security Surveillance, Inclement Weather & Temporary School/Facility Closures, Trustee Expenses, and Transportation of Students Policy. The document also includes supporting material detailing revisions to various Accessibility Standards Administrative Procedures related to Employment, Information & Communications, Transportation, Design of Public Spaces, and Customer Service.

The meeting commenced with a land acknowledgement and opening prayer. The agenda was approved as amended, and minutes from the previous Committee of the Whole meeting of November 25, 2025, were approved. The consent agenda involved receiving the unapproved minutes from the Regional Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (November 10, 2025) and the Special Education Advisory Committee (November 18, 2025). A significant discussion point involved the EQAO Update presentation by Superintendent Wilson, which detailed system performance in literacy, numeracy, and student achievement, noting strengthened system supports implemented in 2025. Information was also provided regarding the New School Builds Updates, specifically confirming that the building permit for the Brantford Catholic Secondary school had been received.

The Committee of the Whole meeting agenda included opening business such as an opening prayer, attendance confirmation, agenda approval, and declaration of interest. Key reports and discussions covered unapproved minutes and recommendations from the Policy Committee, including referrals for three policies: Distribution of Materials Policy 400.08, Information and Communications Technology Use Policy 600.02, and Records and Information Management Policy 400.13. Other agenda items included a summary of 2020-21 reports, updates on summer programs and student support services, and contract awards for Q4 2021. Information items included updates on start-up enrollment and COVID-19 status. The agenda also provided guidance regarding closing certain committee meetings to the public for specific sensitive matters, and listed future meetings.

The Policy Committee meeting addressed several policy reviews. Discussion centered on the Catholic Family Life Program Policy #200.03, which is being updated to reflect the replacement of the 'Fully Alive' program with the 'Blessed & Beloved' curriculum provided by the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario (ACBO). The committee also reviewed the Volunteer and Staff Trip Drivers Policy #200.21, making amendments for clarity, alignment with current Ontario legislation, and incorporating guidance on distracted driving. Furthermore, the Progressive Discipline (Employees) Policy #300.19 was streamlined to provide a procedural framework for consistent application of discipline. Lastly, the Educational Partnerships Including Third Party Professional and Paraprofessional Service Providers Policy #400.36 was updated, specifically the administrative procedures, to align with Policy/Program Memorandum 170 requirements regarding advance notification for guest speakers.