Innovation, collaboration and enhanced professional practice were among the commitments announced to improve student outcomes at the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board’s 2014–2015 inaugural meeting on Monday, December 1st.
Bob Michaud, who was elected to a second term as Chair, said the Board’s priorities continue to be Christian maturity, life-long learning, and stewardship and sustainability of public resources.
He added, “I am committed to working collaboratively with all our educational partners again this year to provide the ongoing support and the necessary resources so that each child in our Board can achieve his or her God-given potential in a safe, engaging Christian environment.” At the meeting, David Howard also was elected to his second term as Vice-Chair.
Michaud said the Board will continue to build on past successes, adding: “Our students have outscored the provincial averages in EQAO testing over the last few years. And we will continue to ensure that learning materials and resources are available, and facilities are updated and renewed to encourage student engagement and learning.”
Projects highlighted by Michaud include a focus on mathematics, inclusive learning for all students to reach their potential, and increased technological capabilities “to meet the needs of the 21st century learner.” Michaud also pointed to the primary French as a Second Language program, which has grown to four sites with the possibility of a fifth next year, as well as Full-Day Kindergarten, which was offered across the Board in 2014–2015.
“We can be proud of our stewardship of the Board’s financial resources,” Michaud said. “We have achieved balanced budgets while making excellent progress with new building and renovation projects.” Michaud pointed to Bishop Smith High School’s new learning commons with a library and a wing for technical training programs, as well as a new daycare centre at St. Francis of Assisi in Petawawa and renovations underway for a child care centre at St. Thomas the Apostle in Renfrew.
“We are looking forward this year to renovations to support a daycare at St. Mary’s School in Deep River. We also have formed partnerships to provide before and after school programs at St. Francis, Our Lady of Sorrows, and Cathedral schools.”
In the area of Christian maturity, Michaud said: “We have introduced a voluntary giving program with the Renfrew County Child Poverty Action Network. We also will continue the Dominican Republic Experience, Development and Peace, Breakfast Programs, Food Drives, Soup Kitchens and Community Gardens.”
Vice-Chair Howard joined Michaud in thanking various partners for their contribution to the RCCDSB’s success. “We must express our gratitude to all of our partners for their contribution to our Catholic education system,” Howard said. “We must thank the Ministry of Education, our community partners, our school parents and families, particularly our Parent Involvement Committee, our clergy and religious, our Board administration, principals, teachers and support staff. And, of course, we must thank all of you, the members of this Board, for your dedication and diligence. “
“Together, we are strong,” Howard said. “Together we can provide our students with the best opportunities for success within our Catholic education system.”
Attached picture:
Seated: Dave Howard, Vice-Chair, Bob Michaud, Chair
Standing (Trustees): Andy Bray, Shawnasea O’Connor, student trustee, Marlene Borutski, Anne Haley, Judy Ellis, Bob Schreader
December 8, 2014
For further information, please contact:
Michele Arbour, Director of Education
Renfrew County Catholic District School Board
499 Pembroke Street West
Pembroke, ON K8A 5P1
Phone: 613-735-1031 or 1-800-267-0191
