Tracey Austin

The board meetings covered various operational and strategic topics, including the approval of Education Development Charge by-laws, updates on student achievement plans, curriculum changes, and mental health strategies for 2023-2026. The board discussed the naming of new school facilities, approved borrowing resolutions for capital priorities, and reviewed reports on summer programs and school suspension data. Additionally, the meetings included discussions on committee memberships, trustee honoraria, and the approval of student mission trips. Operational plans, health and safety updates, and student trustee reports regarding school events were also presented.

The committee discussed the System Student Achievement Plan for the 2025-2026 school year, covering ministry priorities and strategies for literacy, numeracy, and student engagement. They reviewed the new Family Life Education Program, 'Blessed and Beloved,' and the System Special Education Plan, focusing on equity and student support. Additionally, the committee outlined the Board Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and provided examples on utilizing PRO and PIC grants to strengthen parent engagement and home-school relationships.

The Faith Advisory Committee meeting included the launch of the 2025-2026 Pastoral Plan and Faith Day Review, which featured a theme rooted in 1 Peter 1:15-16 and included staff participation in Masses, commissioning ceremonies, and post-lunch activities centered around a video on the Camino de Santiago. Feedback on Faith Day activities included details on secondary staff participation in community outreach programs such as Youth Fusion, Pathways to Hope, Why Not Youth Centre, and Friendship House, followed by a presentation from an Indigenous artist. Curriculum updates covered the implementation of the new Blessed & Beloved Family Life Program for Grades 2 and 3, and planning for the soft launch of the Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ program for Grade 9 Religious Education. Discussions addressed staff reminders regarding receiving the Eucharist and Superintendent Lawlor shared detailed protocols from the Diocese of London concerning silence and posture during the liturgy. Plans are underway to create an online collation of Adult Faith Formation opportunities for staff.

The Faith Advisory Committee meeting focused on several key discussion items. Keri Calvesbert presented an update on the 2024-2025 Pastoral Plan, noting the adoption of the OCSTA Catholic Education Week Theme, "Pilgrims of Hope," as the Board Spiritual Theme. Resources, including wall stickers and prayer cards, were provided to support the theme launch, with Faith Day scheduled for October 8, 2024. Secondary school feedback detailed activities such as Bible Study, weekly Rosary, Opening Mass, and staff prayer breakfasts, along with plans for visuals representing the theme. Elementary school updates confirmed the start of school-wide Masses and the introduction of the new theme. Diocesan updates mentioned St. Basil's Parish as the site for the Diocese of Hamilton's pilgrimage and Holy Door exhibit. Discussions also addressed preparing schools for learning about Padre Pio in anticipation of a new high school opening, and establishing a process for collecting diverse prayers for Board Meetings.

The Policy Committee meeting agenda includes opening business such as prayer, attendance, and agenda/minutes approval. Key discussion items involve committee and staff reports on Policy HRS 300.15 concerning Police Records Checks and Policy OPS 400.05 regarding the Community Use of Schools. The February 17, 2026, meeting minutes show that the committee discussed revisions to several policies, including Professional & Respectful Workplace Policy #300.45, Naming of Schools Policy #400.17, Volunteers Policy #300.12, Religious Accommodation Policy #200.04, and Electronic Monitoring Administrative Procedure #400.18, recommending them for referral to the Committee of the Whole for approval. The March 10, 2026, agenda specifically details reports on Police Records Checks and Community Use of Schools.