Chignecto-CentralRegional School Board60 Lorne Street, TruroNova Scotia B2N 3K3

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Bringing Life to Learning.Superintendent’s Annual Reportto Parents, Guardians & Community 2011-2012

Bringing Life to Learning.Dear Parents, Guardians and Community Members:

It is my pleasure to present to you the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board’s (CCRSB) 2011-2012 Annual Report. This annual report has been written for you, to highlight the many innovative programs, initiatives, services and supports offered within CCRSB that continue to contribute to student success. Our job is to prepare students for the future that awaits them; to help them develop the skills and tools they will need to find success in and out of school.

Within the pages of this report you will find real measures of student achievement in the form of results on school board and provincial assessments in mathematics and literacy (page 19). CCRSB students continue to meet the challenges laid out for them, as demonstrated by the results of these examinations. Students realized great successes at local science fairs and the national, Canada Wide Science Fair where three

students were recognized for their excellence with scholarship money and medals. Students also excelled at regional and provincial heritage fairs, with four CCRSB students claiming honours at the provincial fair. Our staff also had significant successes in 2011-2012, with 17 schools achieving official accreditation from the Nova Scotia Department of Education and 12 teachers recognized for their dedication to students with the Excellence in Teaching Award.

The 2011-2012 year provided further challenges to the Board in terms of continued financial restraints as the provincial government took the next step on its journey to bring the Province “back to balance”. The elected board was faced with a $6.5 million shortfall in to the 2012-2013 budget and deeper cuts to staff - 127 Full Time Equivalent positions - were required to bring the school board’s budget to balance. The elected board worked very hard during the 2012-2013 budgeting process to protect the classroom, but these cuts made it impossible to keep the effects on students at bay. Our elected board and staff remain committed to providing the best possible learning experience for students.

We see the education of our students as a partnership between school and home. Research continues to show us that students are more likely to see success at school if parents and guardians are involved. As a parent or guardian, you are a students most important teacher and the more you can become involved with your child’s life at school, the better results your child will see. I invite you to become a part of the learning community at your child’s school. By joining together with us, you can help your child to realize great success and prepare them for a future that focuses on lifelong learning.

Chignecto-Central Regional School Board students continue to be leaders in and out of the classroom. Let’s join together to guide our students down the path of success and bring life to learning.

Sincerely,

Gary G. ClarkeSuperintendent of Schools and CEO

A Learning Community in ActionIn September 2010, the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board formally passed the Strategic Plan – A Learning Community in Action 2010-2013. Everything we do in our system is driven by our strategic plan.

The strategic plan has three goals:1. To maximize student learning through implementing and supporting effective instruction and

assessment practices.

2. To create a safe, supportive, and socially just learning environment for each student in the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board.

3. To increase professional learning community practices in the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board. In order to achieve these goals, the strategic plan clearly identifies actions that guide us to focus our resources where they will have the greatest impact on improving student learning.

2011-2012 Facts:• 21,295 students and 157 international students were enrolled in CCRSB

schools.

• The average class size for Grade P-6: 22.0

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Engaging Our StudentsHands-On-SkillsThinking you know what you want to do for work after high school and knowing what you want to do are two very different things. For the students involved in our hands-on-skills programs the thinking and the knowing come together in practical experience and real results. In 2011-2012, Cody Graham, a Grade 11 student at South Colchester Academy, participated in the Building Futures for Youth program which gives students the opportunity to explore careers in the construction industry. Cody believes the specialized education he received through the program will help him once he graduates. “This might lead to a job after high school. I learned more in my community based placement and training than I would have anywhere else.” CCRSB students have access to nine programs to broaden their horizons: Technology Education, Family Studies, Career Exploration, Options and Opportunities, Skilled Trades, Community-Based Learning, Co-operative Education and Building Futures for Youth. Thirty-one schools across our board offered hands-on-skills programming, with specialized training at a number of schools including Food Service, Automotive, Retail, Forestry/Land Management and Construction. In 2011-2012, 1,165 students and 400 employers participated in our hands-on skills programs.

Virtual High SchoolWhat do you do, when you want to take a high school credit program, but

it’s not offered in your school? You attend Virtual High School, of course! Since September 2004, the Chignecto-Central Virtual School has been

providing high school students across our board the opportunity to complete credits online. During the 2011-2012 school year, 206 CCRSB students from 17 different high schools were enrolled in an online course in subjects like mathematics, the humanities, technology and the sciences. Virtual School is particularly important for our rural students who may not have access to the courses they need or want to pursue certain academic or professional career paths. CCRSB students were not only involved in doing lessons online, but were able to participate in discussions in real-time with their teacher and other students. Through their video-conferencing system, Via,

students attended weekly eChats in which the teacher met with students online and provided

office hours for extra help. In 2011-2012, half of CCRSB Virtual School students achieved a mark of

80% or more in their second semester courses.

(My) virtual course

has come to be my favourite class.

I love that I can work at my own pace and do my

assignments from home if I want to. Another great thing

about the virtual course is every activity and assignment you will do is laid out for you, like a timeline. I would recommend taking a virtual course to anyone who thinks they are able to work independently, as it is a great experience and a lot

of fun.” -Hants North Rural High Student

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French ProgramsLearning and being able to use a second language can have far-reaching benefits. At CCRSB all Grade 4 to 9 students have the opportunity to participate in Core French classes, providing students with the basics they need to communicate in French. In 2011-2012, the strategies being used to great success in our Intensive French classes – like the Grade 6 classes at Uniacke District School – were tested out in four pilot Core French classes. Students in these classes showed considerable improvement in the ability to speak, understand and interact in French. At CCRSB we also offer Optional French Programs at certain schools with 2,382 students participating in Early, Middle and Late Immersion, Immersion for Grade 10-12, and Integrated French for grades 7-9 and 10-12 in 2011-2012. Our French students enjoyed great success in 2011-2012 at regional and provincial Concours d’Art Oratoire (Public Speaking) competitions. A total of 225 students participated in the regional competitions, with 36 representing CCRSB at the provincial competitions where they earned five gold and seven silver medals, the most of any school board in the province.

Literacy Changes Lives! Our Early Literacy Support (ELS) teachers know that literacy changes lives, opening

doors for our youngest students, giving them some of the tools they need to learn and grow to their greatest potential. The 2011-2012 school year was our first full-

year of ELS programming for students in Primary to Grade 3. A replacement of the Province’s Reading Recovery® program and our Intensive Short Term

Literacy Intervention, ELS programming was offered in English and French to over 1,600 students at all of the elementary schools in our board. ELS is a two-tiered program that runs from September to June in alternating four week (BOOST) and 12 week blocks (Developing Learners). The four week program is designed for students requiring a BOOST in their literacy development. The 12 week program, Developing Learners, is designed for students who are earliest in their literacy development at their grade level. Students may access more than one block of ELS per year, in one or all

grades from Primary to 3. Fifty-eight teachers delivered the ELS program in 2011-2012 and 17 teachers were in training to deliver the program for future

students.

“Early Literacy

Support has

been one of the

most valuable learning

experiences our daughter

has had this year. Her

reading fluency has greatly

improved as has her confidence

in reading…we believe we have

[her teacher] and the intensive

Early Literacy Support

program to thank for this

progress.” - Parent

“The fact that the

skills (learned in Core French) are transferable from one language to another has

benefitted our son. He went into Grade 7 much more academically

confident and his Grade 7 report cards reflected

that.” – Parent

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Intensive Mathematics SupportLike Early Literacy Support, some of our youngest students sometimes need a boost to help them when it comes to learning and understanding mathematics. The Intensive Mathematics Support program works to help Grade 1 to 3 students meet the math levels expected for their grade. In 2011-2012, 401 elementary students in 29 schools across our board received the boost they needed thanks to this program.

“I found that the

students in my class who took part in Intensive Mathematics Support came back to their mathematics class with more confidence. They were far more likely to offer answers and share their thinking and strategies with the whole class than they were before the sessions.” - Grade 3 teacher, Shubenacadie District Elementary

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The Student Services Team: Program Planning Consultants, School Psychologists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Autism Support staff, Assistive Technology Support staff, BEST (Behaviour Education Support Treatment) Program staff, EAL (English as an Additional Language) Teacher and a TIENET consultant.

Supports for Students with Special NeedsWhat happens when you take a dedicated, caring team of professionals and combine them with special learners? You get amazing bonds and real results for students who require extra supports to help them learn and succeed to the best of their abilities. Student Services offers special programming in the form of adaptations, program support or individualized programs, as well as gifted and talented supports. Our gifted learners need special attention in the form of more challenging programs, assignments and opportunities. Truro Elementary has had teams participate in the “Battle of the Books” for the past two years, an enrichment activity which has seen great success. Specialized programming and education services are also provided for those students that need extra support physically, academically and socially. Through the Life Skills Program our students have access to a wide variety of activities, including equestrian lessons, daily living, yoga, shared reading and best buddies.

“The best part

about taking part in “Battle of the Books” was I liked the group of people I was with – I could have mature conversations about books. It was like there was a light at the end of the tunnel, there was finally something that was a challenge for me.” – Grade 5 student, Truro Elementary

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Chignecto-Central Regional Heritage FairThe Chignecto-Central Regional Heritage Fair is the longest-running event of its type in the province. Heritage fair projects inspire students to celebrate Canadian history and explore connections between the past and present. The fair is open to all students in Grades 4 to 9 throughout the region, with exhibitors chosen to represent their individual schools. In addition to having their efforts judged in various prize categories, the students attend workshops on heritage topics. In 2011-2012, 180 of our students participated in this exciting event, representing 18 different schools. Seven students were then chosen to participate in the Nova Scotia Provincial Heritage Fair where four won awards.

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Science FairsEvery year, students throughout our school board compete in regional science fairs. The fairs are open to students in Grades 4 to 12. Students in our Nova, Chignecto and Cobequid families of schools participate in the Chignecto West Regional Science Fair, and schools in the Celtic Family of Schools participate in the Chignecto East Regional Science Fair. The finalists from regional fairs meet and compete at the annual Canada-Wide Science Fair. By competing in the fairs, students challenge their scientific and technological skills and knowledge against their peers, in a positive, scientific and social environment. In 2011-2012, students across our board participated in regional science fairs and 9 students – representing eight projects – competed at the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Three of the eight projects presented received special recognition and awards, with three students walking away with medals, one gold and two bronze; a total of $7,000 in entrance scholarships and $2,100 in prize money.

Lieutenant Governor’s Education MedalOn Wednesday, May 23, 2012 the Lieutenant Governor, His Honour, J. J. Grant, was in attendance at the deCoste Centre in Pictou to present the 2012 Lieutenant Governor’s Education Medal to 30 Grade 11 students, selected for the honour by staff from their respective schools. The Lieutenant Governor’s medals are presented annually to two deserving Grade 11 students from each high school in the province – one female and one male. These prestigious awards are designed to recognize students who have demonstrated qualities of leadership and service in their schools and communities, and who have commendable performance in the courses in which they are enrolled.

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21st Century Learning EnvironmentAssessment, Evaluating and Reporting As a society we are connecting more and more online, allowing barriers like distance to fall to the wayside when it comes to accessing information. PowerSchool helps schools across Nova Scotia – including our 77 schools in CCRSB – to continue to break down those barriers and involve students and parents in an online conversation about learning and success.

During 2011-2012 all of our schools received training in the use and functionality of PowerSchool, including PowerSchool Admin, PowerTeacher, Gradebook and the Public Portal. Sixteen schools made use of the Public Portal, which allows parents and students to view their information online, including attendance, grades, assignments, teacher’s comments and upcoming school events. Our students credit the system with improved communication with their schools because they can access their final grades, attendance and assessment results in a timely manner. Many students have an increased level of ownership in their learning as they use the portal to monitor their progress. Parents and guardians also tell us that the most useful function of the Public Portal is that it allows them to have conversations with their child regarding progress. In 2011-2012, there were 98,034 parent log-ins and 319,530 student log-ins to the Public Portal.

The public portal

provides access to the evidence so that we can have more fruitful conversations regarding school. This is a wonderful platform to encourage

conversation”. – Parent

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Technology in the ClassroomDuring the 2011-2012 school year the Technology Integration Learning Team collaborated with teachers in developing curriculum-centered lessons that integrated technology. This collaboration enhanced teachers’ classroom practices and enabled students not only to be more engaged, but also to develop skills and understanding as they deepened their curriculum knowledge. The Team helped educators understand how they can use technology to support different learning styles and how it can be instrumental in allowing students to develop their creative and analytical skills by producing original works in a variety of formats. The benefit of this work for students has been immediate: a Grade 8 student from Riverside Education Centre produced a two-minute video that was a final round entry in the ViewFinders International Film Festival in Halifax.

2011-2012: • 12,707 computers

& 163 tablets in schools = 1:1.7 ratio

• 1340 LCD projectors

• 205 Smart Boards/Mimios

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Advocates for Cross Cultural UnderstandingSupports for African-Nova Scotian and First Nations StudentsAt CCRSB our staff work hard to provide the support and encouragement needed to help each student reach his/her learning potential. For our African-Nova Scotian (ANS) students that comes in the form of Student Support Workers (SSWs). Active in 15 of our schools, our eight SSWs and the Coordinator of African-Nova Scotian Cultural Services provide our ANS learners with classroom, other academic, social and home liaison supports from elementary through to high school. Student Support Workers spend time helping to facilitate learning and understanding for elementary students, and aiding middle and senior students with things like course selection, career exploration and secondary schooling choices. Often SSWs extend their work well-beyond the walls of the classroom, offering advice and support regarding relationship and cultural identity issues, and attending extracurricular activities. In 2011-2012, our ANS Student Support Workers worked with ANS elementary school learners to prepare for the Black Educators Association Spelling Bee. Two of the students finished in the top five out of 185 ANS students from across the province. In 2011-2012, 415 self-identified African-Nova Scotian students attended school in our board.

For First Nations students support comes in the form of our Coordinator of First Nations Cultural Services and a Home/School Liaison Support Worker. Based at Hants East Rural High, the Support Worker helps to bridge the achievement gap between the high school and the local First Nations Community. The Support Worker focuses on finding appropriate resources for the 80-100 students he supports in the areas of academics, social needs and work habits. He also works to educate the entire school population about issues of culture and diversity, providing learning materials for teachers and bringing First Nations guest speakers to the school to share their knowledge. In 2011-2012, 10 First Nations students graduated from HERH. Our Coordinator of First Nations Cultural Services brings the broader concept of social justice to schools across our board. The Coordinator provides and supports the inclusion of First Nations content and themes throughout the curriculum, at all grade levels and provides direct service to the schools in our board with the majority of First Nations students. CCRSB would like to acknowledge and thank the band councils in our region for the continued support they offer First Nations students through in-school First Nations Support Workers. In 2011-2012, 824 self-identified First Nations students attended school in our board.

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Rally Against RacismOn May 25, 2012, over 2,000 students from Truro Elementary School, Truro Junior High School, Cobequid Educational Center (CEC), Hilden Elementary School and Harmony Heights Elementary School participated in the third annual Rally Against Racism. Students and staff walked from CEC to Victoria Park, Truro; followed by student presentations, music and cultural dances at the park bandshell. Students brought their own handmade banners and posters and, this year, wore student-designed t-shirts to show their support for the Rally. Emceed by two students from CEC, the Rally got into full gear at the Victoria Park bandshell where students were treated to a true cultural celebration. Dancers from many cultures, including Mi’kmaq, Afrikan and Bollywood entertained and educated the crowd. The student-focused event was concluded with the release of white doves symbolizing respect, understanding, tolerance and peace.

Marathon of Respect and EqualityAll schools in Pictou County participated in the Third Annual Marathon of Respect and Equality (MORE) in early May. The 2012 theme, “Many Stories, Many Voices, and One People”, was reflected in the rallies held in all five towns within the County, as well as the Pictou Landing First Nation. Schools once again partnered with municipal leaders, businesses and communities to continue the important work started by Henderson Paris 23 years ago. Each school attended a rally where students spoke or sang, ran all or part of the marathon, and/or held a walk in their community. Over 3,500 students and staff participated overall, with 300 students running or walking the marathon.

International Students ProgramThe Nova Scotia International Students Program continues to grow and bring more international students to our schools. In 2011-2012, 296 students from 18 countries, in five continents studied in our schools for

one semester or more. These students were joined by another 195 international guests in short-term programs, including Korean university student interns, teacher programs, and students who studied for less than a semester. Over 200 international students also participated in our English as a Second Language Summer Camp. Thirty-four CCRSB schools made our international students, teachers and interns welcome. Students, staff and the communities our visitors called home benefitted immeasurably from the opportunity to spend time with and learn from their guests. These short and long-term stays have resulted in many long-standing relationships between CCRSB students and international students, criss-crossing time zones, countries and cultures.

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2011-2012 Facts:17 major maintenance items were completed totalling $1,488,757

Focusing on ImprovementIn 2011-2012, 17 CCRSB schools achieved accreditation status from the Nova Scotia Department of Education. Accreditation is a school-based process leading to positive change. It encourages reflective teacher practice, leads to improved instruction and assessment in schools, provides accountability, and allows teachers to adjust their teaching to support each student. We are proud to be home to 41 accredited schools in our board!

On November 23, 2011 the Province of Nova Scotia officially announced $18 million in funding for a new Primary to Grade 8 school in New Glasgow. In the spring, the site location was chosen and students and staff began the process of moving out and saying goodbye to New Glasgow Junior High. The new Primary to Grade 8 school – which will replace New Glasgow Junior High School, Temperance Street School and Acadia Street School – is expected to be completed in September 2014.

During 2011-2012, CCRSB replaced components of the Public Address (PA) systems at E.B. Chandler Junior High and River John Consolidated schools; PAs are used for daily announcements within the schools and are important during emergency situations. School board staff also continued to work with the Province as the planning for the new school construction in New Glasgow proceeded, a major renovation at River Hebert District High was begun and the latest round of renovations at Springhill Junior/ Senior High School were completed. Roof repairs and window replacements were also completed at several of our schools during this time. As always, the goal of major renovations is to improve school structures for the long-term, breathing new life into existing buildings.

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Our Bus Fleet Strikes Gold!For the 15th consecutive year our school board’s transportation division received the Gold Award from the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board. This involved rating our bus services based on training, accident record, preventive maintenance programs, stops per mile and passenger loads, trip inspection and hours of work regulations, garage cleanliness and safety practices, and bus cleanliness and appearance. Our transportation division is one of only two carriers in the province to have reached this milestone.

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Financial AccountabilityFor the second year in a row, the Nova Scotia Department of Education significantly reduced funding to Nova Scotia school boards. In February 2012, CCRSB was notified by the Department that our budget was being reduced by 1.7%, a direct reduction of $2.98 million. All school boards were also directed to once again absorb cost pressures such as negotiated wage increases, inflation, and increases in fuel and electricity. At the end of this process, CCRSB saw a total budget shortfall of $6.5 million for the 2012-2013 school year. Over the last two years, we have seen a total reduction of $10.3 million to our school board.

Along with our fellow school boards, the Nova Scotia School Boards Association, the Nova Scotia Teacher’s Union, the Nova Scotia Federation of Home and Schools Association and la Fédération des parents acadiens de la Nouvelle-Écosse – collectively known as the Education Partners – CCRSB made its objections to these further reductions known. As was the case in 2011, CCRSB took steps to keep parents, guardians and school board staff informed about the budgeting process as it progressed, creating a special section on the board website where letters, videos, presentations and MLA information could be easily accessed.

In May 2012, the Board passed a balanced budget for the 2012-2013 school year. However, balancing the budget – as required by the Nova Scotia Department of Education – necessitated the elimination of Library Services in the majority of elementary schools, the closure of all Adult High School facilities and the elimination of the Community Partnerships division. The cuts were part of the elimination of 127 Full Time Equivalent positions across the board:

• Nova Scotia Teacher’s Union – 54.8 FTE

• Nova Scotia Government Employee’s Union – 48.7 FTE

• Canadian Union of Public Employees – 20.5 FTE

• Non-union staff – 3 FTE

Senior managers and the elected Board have worked incredibly hard over the last two years to absorb the ongoing reductions from the Nova Scotia Department of Education while protecting the classroom. That was not possible for 2012-2013. Students will see a reduction in their services, supports and programs as a direct result of the budget cuts. The elected Board and school board staff remain fiercely committed to offering CCRSB students the best educational experience possible.

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Celebrating Staff AchievementExcellence in TeachingEvery day across our school board, extraordinary teachers go above and beyond to inspire our students in creative, innovative and effective ways. The Excellence in Teaching Awards recognize and celebrate teachers whose dedication to excellence provides our students with the skills necessary to prepare them for life-long learning and success. In 2011-2012, 12 teachers were honoured for their outstanding commitment to students at the annual Excellence in Teaching Awards ceremony.

Held each May, the Excellence in Teaching Awards ceremony is presented in partnership with the Nova Scotia Teachers Union. The ceremony formally recognizes these exceptional teachers at a dinner that also brings together their peers, families and friends to celebrate. Parents, students, community members, teachers and school administrators nominate these teachers for this special recognition.

25 Years of ServiceThe school board hosts a 25 Year Service Banquet each spring to recognize and thank our employees who reach 25 years of service with our school board. Last year 52 employees celebrated 25 years of service. Their commitment and dedication to the education of the students in our region is greatly valued and very much appreciated.

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Student Achievement ResultsProvincial and School Board AssessmentsEvery year, Nova Scotia students in Grades 3, 6, 9 and 12 write provincial assessments in literacy and mathematics. A Grade 8 provincial math assessment was added for the first time in 2011-2012. Students in our school board also write a Chignecto-Central Regional School Board Mathematics 10 Exam. This innovative practice has consistently placed CCRSB Grade 12 students at the top of the scale for the provincial mathematics exam.

The results of the provincial assessments are reported yearly in the Department of Education’s Minister’s Report to Parents and Guardians. The following charts show the results of our students, compared with the provincial average. Our schools analyze these results and use them to help form instructional practices. Our school board’s Strategic Plan – A Learning Community in Action clearly defines achievement targets for these assessments, and dedicates resources to support literacy and mathematics initiatives, strategies and actions to maximize learning for all students.

Nova Scotia ExamAdvanced Mathematics 12: Percentage Passed CCRSB Strategic Plan Target is 80%

0 20 40 60 80 100

CCRSBNova Scotia

Year 2012

Year 2011

Year 201087%

69%

82%

69%

70%

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Nova Scotia ExamMathematics 12: Percentage Passed

Chignecto-Central Regional School Board ExamMathematics 10: Percentage Passed

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

CCRSBNova Scotia

Year 2012

Year 2011

Year 2010

0 20 40 60 80 100

CCRSB

Year 2012

Year 2011

Year 2010

CCRSB Strategic Plan Target is 60%

CCRSB Strategic Plan Target is 70%

72%

74%

52%

66%

81%

56%

68%

71.8%

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Nova Scotia Exam, Elementary Mathematical Literacy AssessmentMathematics 6: Meeting Expectations

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

CCRSBNova Scotia

Year 2012

Year 2011

61.9%

59.1%

66.5%

66.9%

Nova Scotia ExamGrade 8 Math (2012 was the first year of testing)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

CCRSBNova Scotia

Year 2012

49.1%

52.4%

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Nova Scotia Exam, Junior High Literacy AssessmentGrade 9 Reading: Meeting Expectations

0 20 40 60 80 100

CCRSBNova Scotia

Year 2012

Year 2011

Year 2010

Nova Scotia Exam, Early Elementary Mathematical Literacy AssessmentMathematics 3: Meeting Expectations

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

CCRSBNova Scotia

Year 2012

Year 2011

Year 2010

81%

78.5%

80%

79.6%

79%

80%

75%

75%

75%

77%

76.1%

74.2%

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Nova Scotia Exam, Junior High Literacy AssessmentGrade 9 Writing: Meeting Expectations

0 20 40 60 80 100

CCRSBNova Scotia

Year 2012

Year 2011

Year 2010

Nova Scotia Exam, Elementary Literacy AssessmentGrade 6 Reading

0 20 40 60 80 100

CCRSBNova Scotia

Year 2012

Year 2011

Year 2010

85%

94%

84%

90%

86%

94%

82%

89%

84%

90%

85%

91%

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Nova Scotia Exam, Early Language Literacy AssessmentGrade 3 Reading

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

CCRSBNova Scotia

Year 2012

Year 2011

Year 2010

Nova Scotia Exam, Elementary Literacy AssessmentGrade 6 Writing

0 20 40 60 80 100

CCRSBNova Scotia

Year 2012

Year 2011

Year 2010

76%

78%

74%

79%

78%

74%

92%

90%

91%

89%

86%

87%

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Nova Scotia Exam, Early Language Literacy AssessmentGrade 3 Narrative Writing

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

CCRSBNova Scotia

Year 2012

Year 2011

Year 2010

Nova Scotia Exam, Early Language Literacy AssessmentGrade 3 Information Writing

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

CCRSBNova Scotia

Year 2012

Year 2011

Year 2010

76%

74%

76%

76%

59%

56%

88%

86%

88%

87%

84%

81%

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CHIGNECTO

COBEQUID

CELTIC

NOVA

Who We AreThe Chignecto-Central Regional School Board is comprised of 17 board members and over 3,000 staff, striving to provide a well-rounded education for almost 21,000 students in grades primary to 12.

Our region encompasses 77 schools in central and northern Nova Scotia, stretching from the New Brunswick border to the Antigonish County line, and from the Northumberland Strait to the Halifax Regional Municipality.

We have four administrative “families of schools” by geographic region:

• Celtic Family - Pictou County

• Chignecto Family - Cumberland County

• Cobequid Family - north, east and west Colchester County

• Nova Family - East Hants and south Colchester County.

Our Board MembersOur elected board members are parents, grandparents and concerned citizens with a wide variety of personal and professional experiences. Of the 17 members, 15 are elected based on geography, the African Nova Scotian board member is elected based on ethnicity, and the First Nations board member is appointed by the Nova Scotia Minister of Education.

The elected board is accountable to the Nova Scotia Minister of Education and is responsible for promotingexcellence in education, and maintaining and managing all school board facilities. The elected board develops policy based on recommendations from board staff, and board staff is then responsible for carrying out that policy.

Our Mission: We develop independent lifelong learners in a student-centered environment with high expectations for al l.

All Chignecto-Central Regional schools have School Advisory Councils (SACs) made up of parents, students and school staff. The duties of the SACs are to promote academic excellence and a positive

learning environment; consult on school improvement plans; and advise on curriculum and programs, school practices, student discipline, fund-raising, parent-school communication, and student support service.

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Gary ClarkeSuperintendent of

Schools/CEO

Scott MilnerDirector of Education

Services

Herb SteevesDirector of Operational

Services

Valerie Gauthier Director of Financial

Services

Allison McGrath Director of Human

Resources Services

Ian MacLeodCobequid Family of Schools Supervisor

Lynn MacLeanCeltic Family of Schools

Supervisor

Karla Mitchell-SmithChignecto Family of Schools Supervisor

Michael TopsheeNova Family of

Schools Supervisor

Our DepartmentsThe tasks and decisions relating to the daily operation of our school system are the responsibility of the Superintendent of Schools, the four department directors, and four family of schools supervisors.

• Superintendent of Schools/CEO The elected school board only has one employee: the Superintendent of Schools/CEO. The Superintendent, Gary Clarke, is the liaison between the elected board and schools, and between the elected board and communities. The Superintendent is accountable to our elected school board for the educational performance of our students. He is responsible for ensuring all schools and board offices are operated efficiently, and for ensuring the supervision of all board employees.

• Education Services provides direct educational supports and services to teachers and administrators in our schools. It is responsible for developing and delivering programs and related services to students.

• Operational Services provides student transportation (busing), maintains all schools and school board properties, and coordinates our health and safety initiatives and requirements.

• Financial Services is responsible for providing planned and prudent management of the school board’s financial resources through fiscal planning, budgeting, and financial management.

• Human Resources Services provides employment structures and services to our employees, and ensures that our employees have the resources they need to positively contribute to student learning.

• Family of Schools Supervisors provide leadership and direction to administrators within their respective geographic areas. They are the first contact point for school principals.

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Chignecto-CentralRegional School Board60 Lorne Street, TruroNova Scotia B2N 3K3

ph: (902)897-8900fax: (902)897-8989

Keep connected

www.ccrsb.ca

Bringing Life to Learning.Superintendent’s Annual Reportto Parents, Guardians & Community 2011-2012