director’s annual report 2012 · the system as we affirm the board’s vision of “inspired...

Director’sAnnual Report

www.wrdsb.ca

2012January 1 – December 31, 2012

Our VisionInspired learners – Tomorrow’s leaders

Our Mission The Waterloo Region District School Board prepares, challenges and inspires learners to be engaged, connected and contributing global citizens.

Our ValuesWe encourage a culture of educational excellence and continuous improvement through strategic innovation and collaboration.

We inspire hope and optimism for our learners by setting high expectations, fostering respectful relationships and believing in the success of every student.

We cultivate a safe, inclusive, equitable learning community that is characterized by integrity, strong community partnerships and social responsibility.

Our Strategic DirectionsEngage students, families, staff and communities.

Foster wellness and well-being.

Pursue student achievement and success for all.

Embrace diversity and inclusion.

Champion quality public education.

Promote forward thinking.

Table of Contents

Message from the Chair of the Board & the Director of Education .................... 4

Trustees ............................................................................................................... 5

WRDSB Highlights of 2012 .................................................................................. 6

EQAO Assessments Results ................................................................................. 10

Special Education, Programs & Services .............................................................. 14

First Nation, Métis, and Inuit ............................................................................... 16

Equity & Inclusion ............................................................................................... 18

Engagement, Student Health & Safety ................................................................ 20

About the Waterloo Region District School Board .............................................. 22

Financial Information .......................................................................................... 23

Water loo Region Distr ict School Board – Director ’s Annual Report 2012 3

Message from the Chair of the Board and the Director of Education

2012

Ted Martin, Chair of the Board

Linda Fabi, Director of Education

It is our pleasure to present the Director’s Annual Report that summarizes some of the many activities and accomplishments by our students and staff in 2012.

The future of our community, our province and of our country depends on how well we, as educators and support staff, do our job for every student, every day. This responsibility is something that we take seriously and with great pride in the Waterloo Region District School Board.

During 2012, we maintained high expectations for student success. The gap between our highest and lowest achieving students is narrowing, and improving student achievement will continue to be a priority. As a Board, we continue to place emphasis on strong values, providing more programs and more choices for our students, increasing our use of technology in classrooms, maintaining an all-inclusive environment, and putting our students first.

In May 2012, the Board approved our new Strategic Plan that is designed to provide strategic direction for staff and trustees in our programming and support for students. Parents, students, community members, and staff contributed to creation of the strategic plan so that it is representative of our entire teaching and learning community.

Our new Mission, “The Waterloo Region District School Board prepares, challenges, and inspires learners to be engaged, connected, and global citizens” exemplifies our commitment to preparing students for success now, and in the future. Every WRDSB employee and trustee plays an important role in making sure that the Board’s six Strategic Directions are demonstrated in all schools and worksites throughout the region. Each employee’s efforts are aligned across the system as we affirm the Board’s Vision of “Inspired learners – Tomorrow’s leaders”.

It has been a great year and we have much to celebrate. We look forward to our continued growth as a public education system and to even greater student success in 2013.

Ted Martin, Chair of the Board

Linda Fabi, Director of Education

Water loo Region Distr ict School Board – Director ’s Annual Report 20124

Trustees

Adrienne FianderBluevale Collegiate Institute

Sajdeep SoomalCameron Heights

Collegiate Institute

Andrew Clubine Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate Institute

Victoria XieCameron Heights

Collegiate Institute

Elliot FungWaterloo/Wilmot

(effective December 3, 2012)

Colin HarringtonCambridge/North Dumfries

John HendryWaterloo/Wilmot

Margaret JohnstonKitchener

Mike RamsayKitchener

Kathi SmithKitchener

Cindy WatsonCambridge/North Dumfries

Kathleen WoodcockWaterloo/Wilmot

Catherine FifeWaterloo/Wilmot

(Chair, effective December 5, 2011)

Andrea MitchellCambridge/

North Dumfries(Vice-Chair, effective December 5, 2011)

Ted MartinKitchener

(Chair, effective September 17, 2012)

Harold PaisleyWellesley/Woolwich

(Vice-Chair, effective September 24, 2012)

Student Trustees: 2011/2012 School Year

Student Trustees: 2012/2013 School Year


WRDSB Highlights of 2012

First Day of School at Moffat Creek Public School

Moffat Creek Public School opened its doors to students for the first time on September 7, 2012. The new school, located on Myers Road in Cambridge, accommodates JK to grade eight students. The school was named after the Moffat Creek Watershed, located near the site of the school.

FDK Team Wins Award for Teaching Excellence

Gloria Bauman and Janet Martin, the Full Day Kindergarten team at Floradale Public School, received the Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Bauman and Martin achieved impressive results by embracing the new play-based learning model for Kindergarten. By the end of the first year, all Kindergarten students were meeting the Board’s reading targets – a dramatic improvement from the previous year. The Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence was created in 2006 to celebrate excellence in Ontario schools and recognize individuals who make an extraordinary difference in the lives of students.

Eastwood Collegiate Student Appointed to Ministry Council

Melanie Fillier, a student at Eastwood Collegiate was selected in May to participate on the Minister of Education’s Student Advisory Council. Fillier is one of only 60 students from across Ontario selected to share ideas and advice on how to make Ontario’s schools the best in the world.

Cameron Heights Collegiate Student Takes Top Prize in Geography Challenge

In May, Kyle Richardson, a grade nine student at Cameron Heights Collegiate, placed first in the on-line Great Canadian Geography Challenge taken by 100,000 students across the country. Richardson’s top score earned him a $3,000 scholarship.

OPSOA recognizes Staff with Distinguished Leadership Award

WRDSB Executive Superintendent of Education MaryLou Mackie received the Distinguished Leadership Award at the annual Ontario Public Supervisory Officials’ Association (OPSOA) conference on April 26, 2012. Mackie was recognized for her leadership in public education at both the provincial and local school system levels.

There are so many success stories at the WRDSB that it is difficult to list them all here. But if you’re interested in finding out more, please go to www.wrdsb.ca and click on our WRDSB and School News sections.


Sir John A Macdonald Student Goes to International Science Fair

As one of only a handful of Canadian secondary school students, Christina Ding, a grade 12 student at Sir John A Macdonald Secondary School in Waterloo, participated in the June International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh, where she entered her project focused on goji berries and prevention of cataracts. The idea for the project came from her desire to learn more about traditional herbal medicines. Locally, the project earned Ding a gold medal at the Waterloo Wellington Science and Engineering Fair, as well as a $500 fourth-place finish at the world’s largest pre-college science fair.

Four WRDSB Environmental Projects Receive Stewardship Awards

A perennial garden and reflection nook. A shaded play area. A community vegetable garden. A courtyard garden. These four projects by two elementary and two secondary schools received the Tim Walker Memorial Award for Environmental Stewardship for 2011/12. Keatsway Public School and William G. Davis Public School were selected for the Elementary category and Eastwood Collegiate Institute and Elmira District Secondary School for the Secondary category. The Tim Walker Memorial Award for Environmental Stewardship was established by the Board to honour the life of secondary school teacher Tim Walker, and his contribution to education and environmental initiatives.

Jean Steckle Public School Sod Turning

On November 13, 2012, the Waterloo Region District School Board turned sod for its 104th elementary school. Jean Steckle Public School, in the Huron Village area of Kitchener, is a Junior Kindergarten to grade eight school, scheduled to open September 2013. The school is named after Jean Steckle, who was born in the Region of Waterloo and became internationally known in the areas of community development, First Nation public health and education.

Local Principal Recognized as Canada’s Outstanding Principal

On February 28, 2012, Scott Podrebarac, System Administrator – Early Learning Program, was honoured as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2012 – an award presented by The Learning Partnership to recognize the leadership role Principals play in building great school communities. Every year, forty Principals receive this award through The Learning Partnership. Podrebarac is the only Waterloo Region recipient for Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2012.


Grand View Public School Official Re-Opening

Grand View Public School officially re-opened to students, staff, and community members on October 18, 2012. The new school was approved in 2009 and construction started in May 2011. The new school accommodates JK to grade six students.

Two Staff are Top 40 Under 40

Graham Shantz, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resource Services and Kelly Meissner, a Science and Physics teacher, were named as the Region’s Top 40 Under 40 by the Waterloo Region Record for their outstanding contributions to our community.

Waterloo Region’s Public Schools are EcoSchools

Ontario EcoSchools is an environmental education program for Grades 1 to 12. In 2011/12, 46 schools were certified in the EcoSchools program. Four schools were certified at the Bronze level, 15 schools were certified at the Silver level, and 27 schools achieved Gold level certification. Of note, six schools were recognized for their fifth year of EcoSchool certification. To be eligible for certification, schools must demonstrate that they meet the high standards set by EcoSchools Ontario for energy conservation, minimizing waste, school ground greening, and ecological literacy.

WLU Acknowledges Aboriginal Work

Nicole Robinson, Equity and Inclusion Officer – Aboriginal Focus, received a special acknowledgement by Wilfrid Laurier University’s Aboriginal Field of Study Program at the Faculty of Social Work for her work in building strong connections in the Aboriginal community.


Pioneer Park Public School Loves to Play Hockey

The gym at Pioneer Park Public School in Kitchener was decorated with balloons on Wednesday, November 28, 2012, as The Panthers Hockey Club received a grant from RBC for $25,000 for the school hockey club. The club was one of twenty hockey clubs or associations in Canada selected by RBC as part of their Play Hockey initiative. The Panthers Hockey Club formed in 2003 by school custodian Steve Sanderson to provide equipment and ice time for families in the school community that may otherwise be unable to play in organized sports. Cheryl Pounder, two-time Olympic gold medalist with Canada’s women’s hockey team recognized the importance of the program: “When you invest in sport, you invest in people.”

Forest Heights Collegiate Teacher Wins Award for Teaching Excellence

In November, Monica Petrus received the 2012 Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan’s Teaching Award for Excellence. This award recognizes educators who demonstrate innovative teaching methods that make a difference in students’ lives. Petrus teaches students in both the English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development programs at Forest Heights Collegiate Institute.

Smithson Public School Teacher Receives Excellence in Teaching Award

Sue Rose, a Hearing Services Teacher at Smithson School, was awarded the York University, Faculty of Education, Excellence in Teaching Award in June. This award honours individuals who have contributed in distinctive and recognized ways to the field of education. Rose was selected because of her extensive knowledge and skills in the field of Hearing Services and for her innovations in teaching and curriculum.

Technology Enhancements

We believe that students benefit by the integration of technology in the classroom. In 2012, the WRDSB focused on enhancing infrastructure and tools within schools. We upgraded 3,000 computers, as well as our network infrastructure and internet bandwidth. We also completed a 3-year wireless installation project in classrooms and supported mobile technology by deploying a combination of 3,000 tablets/netbooks to schools throughout the WRDSB.


Efforts In Literacy Pay Off, while Math Continues to be an Area of Focus

• Approximately 4,150 grade three students and 4,000 grade six students participated in the assessments; in total, over 4,500 WRDSB grade nine students were assessed for academic and applied mathematics.

• EQAO reports the number of students achieving a high level of achievement (Levels 3 and 4; there are four levels of achievement).

• Literacy has been an area of focus for Ontario educators, and over time, resource documents, best practices and supports for literacy have been developed to better assist teachers with assessment and planning for improved reading and writing outcomes.

WRDSB Grade 9 Applied and Academic Math (Level 3 and 4)

Applied: Level 3 and 4 results for students taking the applied math assessment increased by three percentage points to 42%.

• 86% of students in applied math achieved a passing Level (Level 1 through 4), an increase from last year.

Academic: Results for academic math remained stable from 2011 with 84% of students achieving at Levels 3 and 4.

• 99% of students in academic math achieved a passing Level (Level 1 through 4).

EQAO Assessments Results

High-Level Results for 2011/2012 Education, Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) Assessments

High-Level ResultsWRDSB Primary and Junior Assessments (Level 3 and 4)

• Participation rates in the Primary and Junior assessments have steadily increased in the WRDSB, especially for students with special needs.

• Writing improved by one percentage point over last year’s cohort.

• Consistent with provincial results, gains were not seen in mathematics achievement. Students in both grade three and grade six experienced a three percentage point decline from 2011 assessment results.

Boys: Over the past five years, boys have shown improvements in reading and writing. Since 2008, grade six boys have achieved an increase of eleven percentage points in the area of writ-ing, an area of focus for the WRDSB.

English Language Learners (ELL): Achievement for reading and writing is showing improved results in the last five years. Of particular note, since 2008, grade three reading achievement rose nine percentage points.

Special Education Needs: While there was a slight decline in some areas for 2012, the results for the past five years show improvement, par-ticularly in grade six reading and writing, where we have seen a seventeen percentage point gain and a seven percentage point gain respectively.


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Gr. 3 Reading Board and Provincial Results (2008-12)

Gr. 3 Writing Board and Provincial Results (2008-12)

Gr. 3 Math Board and Provincial Results (2008-12)

Gr. 3 Reading – Target Groups (2008-12)

Gr. 3 Math – Target Groups (2008-12)

Gr. 3 Writing – Target Groups (2008-12)

ELL

Special Needs

Girls

BoysProvincial Result

Board Result

Lowest in Province

Highest in Province

WRDSB Strategies to Meet Provincial Student Achievement Targets

The strategy to meet the provincial student achievement targets by 2013 involves a variety of actions. These include:

A System Emphasis on “Closing the Gap”In 2012-2013, the WRDSB continues to focus on one goal: Specified groups of students (boys, English Language Learners, students receiving special education support, and students in applied and essential mathematics) will improve their ability to communicate their thinking in writing as indicated by an increase in EQAO scores and other measures by September 2013.

All schools and all staff take part in an annual self-assessment process that builds school effectiveness and capacity, and fosters improved student achievement and well-being.

School and Student Learning Goal(s) and TargetsIn their School Success Plans, schools set goals to address both the needs of all students, as well as one focused goal for a specified group of students. As with other years, School Success planning teams in 2012 continued

to identify key “Educator Indicators” in their School Success Plans. Regular monitoring allowed teachers to modify their approaches as needed to achieve the school’s goals.

Focus on Mathematics60% of Elementary schools participated in a Ministry of Education initiative called “Collaborative Inquiry and Learning in Mathematics” (CIL-M) to help teachers better understand how students learn mathematics and what teaching strategies work most effectively.

Measures to Improve Outcomes by Low Performing Students

Per Ministry of Education guidelines and directives, the WRDSB recognizes that some groups can have common learning challenges. These groups include some English Language Learners, boys, students receiving Special Education services, and students in applied and essential mathematics. As part of the WRDSB’s System Success Plan, these groups have measures in place to improve learning and achievement. Some of these measures are listed on page 12 and 13.


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Gr. 6 Reading Board and Provincial Results (2008-12)

Gr. 6 Writing Board and Provincial Results (2008-12)

Gr. 6 Math Board and Provincial Results (2008-12)

Gr. 6 Reading – Target Groups (2008-12)

Gr. 6 Math – Target Groups (2008-12)

Gr. 6 Writing – Target Groups (2008-12)

ELL

Special Needs

Girls


Board Result

Lowest in Province

Highest in Province

Measures:• Starting in Grade Two, students requiring Special

Education supports can access Early Literacy Interventions (ELI) such as “Corrective Reading” and “Empower”.

• In collaboration with the Settlement Education Partnership of Waterloo Region, the Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program was offered at four magnet sites for English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. The NOW program provides immigrant and refugee students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the secondary school they will attend, reducing their anxiety and increasing their self-confidence.

• Expanded summer school offerings specifically for secondary ESL students allowed the opportunity to “get back in sync” with their Canadian-born, English-speaking peers.

• In partnership with the Waterloo Public Library, a summer school program for elementary ESL students and their parents continued from 2011. Through this project, dual-language books were produced for use with ESL students in schools across the WRDSB.

• A group of schools received training for Dreambox, an online Mathematics Intervention Tool, as an additional support for students who were not working at grade level in mathematics.

• Professional learning sessions for both teachers and administrators were provided in areas such as:

˯ Working with at-risk students, and smoothing transitions from grade eight to nine

˯ Using specific tools and strategies to assess students, e.g. Reading Record training, Literacy Profile training

˯ Use of technology to support English Language Learners to improve the communication of their thinking in writing

˯ Effective instruction and assessment in mathematics and developing “math-talk“ learning communities

˯ Differentiating instruction to address specific learning challenges particularly for students receiving special education services

˯ Improving the communication of thinking in writing across the curriculum, specifically for boys


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Gr. 9 Applied Math Board and Provincial Results (2008-12)

Gr. 9 Academic Math Board and Provincial Results (2008-12)

Gr. 10 OSSLT Board and Provincial Results (2008-12)

Gr. 9 Applied Math – Target Groups (2008-12)

Gr. 10 OSSLT – Target Groups (2008-12)

Gr. 9 Academic Math – Target Groups (2008-12)

ELL

Special Needs

Girls


Board Result

Lowest in Province

Highest in Province

˯ Small group guided reading instruction in Kindergarten, including a pilot project providing targeted support for teachers

˯ Grade nine applied math focused on teaching through problem solving and encouraging the use of higher-order thinking skills

The feedback by staff about these professional learning sessions was very positive with 100% of participants indicating to a moderate or high degree that they “were inspired to modify some of their teaching practices”.

• Secondary schools implemented the Ontario Comprehension Assessment with grade nine students. This assessment supports instruction and skill development necessary to succeed in all subject areas and on the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test.

• Each secondary school is implementing a “WRDSB Student Success Framework” to addressthe needs of struggling students and ensure consistent support for students across all secondary schools.

• E-Learning courses and specialized co-operative education programs provided flexibility in support of students who are at risk or who have dropped out of school by re-engaging them and helping them earn credits and high school diplomas. For example, more than 125 students who had dropped out were re-engaged in school through the On-line Specialized Co-op program, earning over 350 credits with more than 40 graduating from secondary school.

As of June 30, 2012, just over 67% of WRDSB students had completed 16 credits by their second year in high school.


Accomplishments in Improving Student Learning and Achievement through Special Education Programs and Services Offered by the Board

Mental Health Strategy

In 2012, the WRDSB furthered the development of our mental health strategy in response to the Ontario Government’s Three Year Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions Strategy. The priority was to complete a scan of the mental health and wellness services currently provided in our schools either by WRDSB staff, or community agencies. We continued to develop protocols with Lutherwood and kidsLINK to facilitate access to mental health services for WRDSB students and their families. We also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Waterloo Wellington Community

Care Access Centre to access Mental Health and Addictions Nurses in support of students accessing hospital in-patient mental health services.

Professional Development – Paraprofessional Staff (Educational Assistants and Child and Youth Workers)

In 2012, elementary and secondary staff members participated in four full-day learning opportunities that provided a range of topics including: community resources for students and their families, anxiety, autism, Tourette’s and associated disorders.

Special Education, Programs & Services


Successful Programs that Serve Students Unable to Attend Regular School Programs

Care, Custody and Treatment

Section 23 and Alternative Programs include eighteen programs/sites that serve students unable to attend regular school programs, (i.e. programs for students

in care, custody or treatment, for suspended or expelled students). We worked in partnership with community agencies to meet significant student learning/social emotional needs in areas related to behaviour, anxiety, attendance issues, or severe development challenges, as well as supporting students with the challenges associated with teen pregnancy. Enrolment in the various programs averaged approximately 170 students per month.

Students who have been Suspended or Expelled: Choices for Youth Expulsion Program

The Choices program is offered in two exemplary facilities, one in Kitchener and one in Cambridge. Choices facilities have been designed with the diverse learning needs of our students in mind, and demonstrate the WRDSB’s commitment to provide equitable supports and educational opportunities for at-risk and/or marginalized youth. The programs include several areas of focus such as differentiated instruction, credit recovery, credit accumulation, career exploration and social-emotional learning. Enrolment averaged approximately 32 students per month.

Re-start Programming: U-Turn – Cambridge & Waterloo

This intervention program provides disengaged students with a program to develop good work habits, social-emotional learning, and ultimately to transition back to home school programming. Enrolment averaged approximately 150 students per month.


Aboriginal Youth Group

The Waterloo Region District School Board offers Aboriginal students an opportunity to meet monthly with a local Aboriginal Elder to develop and support their cultural identity, community engagement and enhance leadership skills.

The on-going program is designed for local Aboriginal youth in grades 7 to 12. It is based on the Seven Grandfather Teachings of love, humility, respect, honesty, bravery, truth and wisdom. Through these teachings, youth enhance their cultural identity and indigenous knowledge. The program also involves Medicine Wheel teachings about creating balance in mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of self that are essential to success.

Voluntary Self-Identification

Data collected through this process is being interpreted and is expected to provide insight into the development of a comprehensive response plan to positively impact the learning outcomes for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) children and youth.

The total number of self-identified FNMI students within the WRDSB is 590..

Native Studies Courses (NDW4M or NDA3M)

Three years ago, the WRDSB introduced focused Native Studies courses for students in grades 11 and 12. The majority of our 16 secondary schools offered Native Studies during the 2011/2012 school year. The evolution of these program offerings has been welcomed and supported by the Board, the local Aboriginal community, and other education institutions within Waterloo Region. Ongoing professional development and student leadership opportunities are offered throughout the year to support the enhancement of these courses.

First Nation, Métis, and Inuit


First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Perspectives: A Teacher’s Toolkit Training

Throughout the 2011/2012 school year, up to 20 teachers worked with other WRDSB departments and The Critical Thinking Consortium to develop resource materials for JK to grade eight teachers. The writing team used the expertise, materials and resources already available within the community.

The final resource will be available for JK to grade eight teachers and includes Primary, Junior and Intermediate lesson plans and/or unit plans (e.g., using picture books or FNMI related social-justice issues) that combine curriculum expectations, critical thinking, and issues related to FNMI social justice and perspectives. The resource includes information and activities for school staff and School Councils, along with sample letters for parents and other related support materials.

Two Equity and Inclusion Officers worked on developing and implementing plans to more fully engage all students and improve learning and achievement. One officer has a specific focus on addressing issues of equity and inclusion related to the Aboriginal community.

17Water loo Region Distr ict School Board – Director ’s Annual Report 2012

Initiatives To Support the Board’s Implementation of Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy

The Equity and Inclusion Advisory Group (EIAG)

The EIAG serves as an advisory group to WRDSB staff and trustees, as well as to a larger group of community members representing diverse populations within the Region of Waterloo. In 2011/2012, the EIAG met monthly to share perspectives, and to provide input and suggestions in support of inclusive environments for students, staff, parents, and community members.

Equity Conversations Information Sessions

Building staff capacity in the areas of equity, inclusion and diversity is an integral part of fostering safe learning environments. These sessions provided elementary and secondary administrators, teachers, Educational Assistants, Child and Youth Workers, and other staff the opportunity

to share their experiences and strategies, ask questions, explore ways to address equity issues in the school, and liaise with community members and Board staff.

Community Partnerships

WRDSB had representation on several committees and councils in the region to develop mutual understanding, support, and in some situations, protocols to enhance service delivery:

• City of Kitchener Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee

• Cambridge YMCA Cultural Diversity Program Advisory Committee

• Crime and Prevention Council

• Justice Advisory Council

• Partners for Safe Schools Committee, and

• Alliance for Children and Youth

Equity & Inclusion


OutLoud Training DVD and Resource Guides

The Waterloo Region District School Board and OK2BME collaborated to produce a training DVD and resource guides in support of Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer or

Questioning (LGBTQ) issues. This resource was recognized provincially and

distributed to 16 member boards of the Regional Equity and Inclusion Network.

Gay-Straight Alliances

Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA) are student-run and teacher-supported school-based groups that

provide members – LGBTQ youth and their allies – with a safe and inclusive space to meet. All 16 secondary schools have a GSA, as well as four of our senior elementary schools.


Notable Accomplishments for Students, Parents and Community Engagement, and for Students’ Safety and Health

Parent Engagement

Education is a partnership involving students, parents, teachers, principals, trustees, school boards, government, and the community. The purpose of Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) is to support, encourage and enhance meaningful parent involvement at the board level to improve student achievement and well-being. In 2012, the WRDSB PIC launched a dedicated website, hosted a Mental Health and Wellness fair, and participated in a Ministry-hosted symposium that featured speakers and plenary sessions aimed at building capacity for PIC’s in Ontario.

Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Teams

The school-based Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Team supports the promotion of a positive school climate within their school and school community. By definition, the Ministry of Education states, “a positive school climate is a crucial component of prevention; it may be defined as the sum total of all of the personal relationships within

a school. When these relationships are founded in mutual acceptance and inclusion, and modeled by all, a culture of respect becomes the norm.” The Safe, Caring and Inclusive School Team operated in an advisory capacity to Principals in support of a positive and engaging school climate.

School-based Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Teams consist of up to seven members: an administrator, a teacher, a paraprofessional (e.g. Child and Youth Worker, Educational Assistant, etc.), a parent, a community member and two students.

Adults who serve on this team ideally have an interest in safe schools, character development, equity and inclusion, and are willing to take a leadership role in encouraging and maintaining a positive climate in their school and community. Student representatives reflect the school community and may identify as being a member of a non-dominant group, including but not limited to their cultural or ethnic identity, sexual

Engagement, Safety & Health


orientation, socio-economic status, physical ability or learning disability, and may or may not be current leaders in the school.

Assessments of School Climate – Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Surveys

Research shows that there is a direct link between student success and the school environment. Students are more motivated to do well and to realize their full potential in schools that have a positive school climate.

School climate surveys are intended to provide a general understanding of school climate. The results for 2012 will assist the Board and schools to identify their strengths and challenges, and allow resources to be focused on areas that may need improvement.

There were four surveys available:

• students in grades 5, 7, 9, and 11

• school staff

• parents and guardians

• parents and guardians with more than one student

Traumatic Events / Threat-Risk Assessment

The Traumatic Events and Threat Assessment team, which includes the Critical Events Response Administrator, Social Workers and Psychologists, is assigned to support schools when responding to traumatic incidents or clear and plausible threats directed at students or staff.

Comprehensive Level One Threat-Risk Assessment training was completed in June and December of 2012 to provide support to new school administrators, and front-line clinical and service staff from social agencies to enhance the referral process to treatment and care for students in need.

The Regional Threat-Risk Assessment Protocol and related assessment and referral instruments are used throughout Waterloo Region, with implementation monitored by the Regional Threat Risk Assessment Advisory Council. WRDSB staff continue to take a leadership role in the development and implementation of this regional strategy.

Police – School Board Protocol

The Police-School Board Protocol was reviewed and revised to align with provincial guidelines, regulations and local priorities. The annual review helps us to enhance effective practices, address systemic and response challenges, establish alignment in strategic directions and strengthen our relationship with the Waterloo Region Police Services.

Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools / Violence and Harassment

Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools / Violence and Harassment in the Workplace training sessions for all administrators were provided in September 2012 to align with provincial requirements contained within Policy and Program Memorandum (PPM) 144 Anti-bullying, PPM145 Progressive Discipline, Bill 157 Keeping our Kids Safe at School and provisions contained within Bill 13 the Accepting Schools Act.

The purpose of these sessions was to: • support administrators and schools in the

promotion and development of safe, caring and inclusive school environments.

• raise awareness and review administrative obligations regarding current Safe Schools’ policies, procedures, guidelines and protocols (i.e. Progressive Discipline, Bill 157, Bill 13, Police Protocol, Family and Children Services’ Protocol, Threat and Risk Assessment, etc.).

• inform and support administrators in meeting their professional obligations and investigative requirements in responding to recently introduced Bill 168 Violence and Harassment in the Workplace legislation.


About the Waterloo Region District School Board

%

Wellesley Woolwich

Waterloo

Kitchener

North Dumfries

CambridgeWilmot

Phase 3 Full Day Kindergarten elementary schools

Abraham Erb

AR Kaufman

Avenue Road

Baden

Blair Road

Centennial (Cambridge)

Coronation

Driftwood Park

Elgin Street

Grand View (Cambridge)

Hespeler

Highland

JW Gerth

Lester B Pearson

Lincoln Heights

Linwood

Mary Johnston

Millen Woods

Moffat Creek

Pioneer Park

Prueter

Sandowne

Sir Adam Beck

Southridge

Stewart Avenue

Trillium

The WRDSB serves a population of approximately

507,000 (2011 Census)

Education Centre Contact Information

Address: 51 Ardelt AvenueKitchener, Ontario N2C 2R5

Telephone: 519 570 0003

Fax: 519 742 1364

Web: www.wrdsb.ca Twitter: @wrdsb

Executive Council

Linda Fabi: Director of Education and Secretary

Mary Lou Mackie: Executive Superintendent of Education

Marilyn Allen Marklevitz: Executive Superintendent of Business and Financial Services and Treasurer

Mark Schinkel: Executive Superintendent of Human Resource Services and Organizational Development


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Student Instruction 78.3% | $458.4M

Administration 2.8% | $16.9MTransportation 2.6% | $15.2M

School Operations & Maintenance 9.1% | $53.4M

Pupil Accommodation 4.9% | $28.6MSchool Funded Activities 2.3% | $13.9MOther 0.02% | $0.1M

Actual Student Enrolment*

Total Number of Students: 63,112(58,626 full-time equivalents)

Number of Elementary Schools: 104

Elementary Students: 41,776 (37,575 full-time equivalents)

Number of Secondary Schools: 16

Secondary Students: 21,336 (21,051 full-time equivalents)

the number of students whose first language** is not the language of instruction.

the percentage of Primary Classes at 20 Students or Fewer

the number of students currently enrolled in full-day early learning(49% of total JK/SK enrolment)

average number of students enrolled in before/after programs (board-run extended day for JK to grade 2)

* enrolment numbers as of October, 2012

** the language first spoken at home other than English or French.

Financial Information

Expenditures for 2011/2012(September 1, 2011 to August 31, 2012)

Trustees approved a 2011/2012 budget of just over $625M, in compliance with Ministry of Education budget regulations. Our budget provides for general increased expenditure pressures and maintains on-going progress towards our strategic directions and system success plan, and provides for key one-time initiatives to position the Board for the future.

Actual Operating ExpendituresThe WRDSB’s actual operating expenditures totalled just over $586.8M for school year 2011/2012:

Student Instruction Includes: Classroom Teachers, Occasional Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Textbooks and Classroom Supplies, Computers, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Library and Guidance and Staff Development

12,897

90.9

757/month

4,094


Waterloo Region District School Board51 Ardelt Avenue, Kitchener, ON N2C 2R5Phone: 519 570 0003 • www.wrdsb.ca

director’s annual report 2012 · the system as we affirm the board’s vision of “inspired...

Documents