Pages 35 to 38; Amendment to GP#14, Commitment to Inclusive Communities in Edmonton Catholic Schools

8/19/2019 Pages 35 to 38; Amendment to GP#14, Commitment to Inclusive Communities in Edmonton Catholic Schools

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oard of Trustees

Public Board Meeting Agenda 2015-2016: #11

Date: March 15, 2016

Time: 4:00 p.m.Location: Board Room, Catholic Education Services

9807-106 Street

Phone: 780 441-6002

Web: www.ecsd.net

1. Call to Order

1.1 Opening Prayer Father Dean Dowle

1.2 Roll Call

1.3 Comments from the Public

1.4 Consent AgendaA. Edmonton Catholic Schools Foundation Report C. Olsen, M. Barylo

B. Homeward Trust Youth Systems Committee Involvement J. Carr

1.5 Presentation

1.6 Agenda

2. Minutes

2.1 Minutes of the Previous Meeting

A. January 19, 2016

2.2 Matters Arising from the Minutes

A.

3. Business of the Meeting

3.1 Administrative Business

A. Reports for Information

(i) District Recognition – Alberta’s Top 70 Employers J. Carr

(ii) EXL Award Excellence Among Members of the

Superintendency, Canadian Association of School

System Administrators and Xerox

Barry Litun Executive Director

Council of Alberta School

Superintendents

B. Reports Requiring Action

(i)

3.2 Board Business A. Reports for Information

(i) Community Conversation on Inclusive Education Summary Report L. Kowalczyk

J. Acheson

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Patricia Grell Ward 71 Cindy Olsen Ward 73 Marilyn Bergstra Ward 76

Larry Kowalczyk Ward 72 Debbie Engel Ward 74 Laura Thibert Ward 77

John Acheson Ward 75

SUPERINTENDENT

Joan Carr Page 1 of 2

http://www.ecsd.net/http://www.ecsd.net/http://www.ecsd.net/


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3.2 B. Reports Requiring Action

(i) First Reading, Governance Policy, GP#15 Basic & Supplemental

Education Costs

J. Acheson

(ii) Amendment to GP#14, Commitment to Inclusive Communities in

Edmonton Catholic Schools

J. Acheson

Media Break

3.3 New Business

A. Notices of Motion Not for debate

B. Trustee Inquiries Not for debate, for vote only

C. Schedule Special Public Meeting of the Board March 24, 2016 9:15 a.m. J. Acheson

3.4 In-Camera

A.

4.0 Adjournment

4.1 Closing Prayer Father Dean Dowle4.2 Motion to Adjourn

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Patricia Grell Ward 71 Cindy Olsen Ward 73 Marilyn Bergstra Ward 76

Larry Kowalczyk Ward 72 Debbie Engel Ward 74 Laura Thibert Ward 77

John Acheson Ward 75

SUPERINTENDENT

Joan Carr Page 2 of 2


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Report to Trustees of the Edmonton Catholic School BoardFebruary 16, 2016

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Edmonton Catholic Schools Foundation, I am pleased to provide a brief update on the recent direction and activities of the Foundation.

Comprising our Board of Directors are:

Dr. Mona-Lee Feehan (Chair) Dr. Christopher LeungHenry Yip (Vice Chair) Trustee Cynthia OlsenOwen Edmondson (Past Chair) Jackie Fetter

Cory Almquist (Treasurer) Fr. Romano VenturelliKelly Forner (Secretary) Judge Rosanna SaccomaniMary Molloy Cecilia Fenrich (ex-officio)

In 2015, the Foundation affirmed that its ‘raison d’etre’ are the children and youth who attendEdmonton Catholic Schools (ECS). The fundamental platform supporting all that the EdmontonCatholic Schools Foundation wishes to accomplish is based upon Catholic social justice principles and practises. As such, the Foundation refocused its mandate and fundraising efforts to

reflect this reality with a more tangible and meaningful brand: Dreams for Kids Inspired by faith,

embraced by love, and empowered by hope, Dreams for Kids raises funds in support of the Edmonton

Catholic Schools Foundation.

The Edmonton Catholic Schools Foundation wants every child—especially those in need--to have anequal opportunity to succeed in school and in life. Our primary role is to provide additional financialassistance which can help address the challenges our children and youth face today that often prevent

them from attaining the best Catholic educational experience possible. Donations to an annual Dreams

for Kids fundraising campaign are to be directed to the following six Funds, which were created by the

Foundation after consultation with ECS administration, principals and staff:

Guardian Angel Fund – providing support for students with mental health needs Conquer Hunger Fund – supporting healthy school lunch and snack programs

Helping Hands Fund – providing resources to assist schools in addressing student ‘emergencyneeds’ including clothing, shelter, transportation, food, and poverty relief Dream Maker Fund – providing financial support/subsidies to students so they may equitably

participate in school-based retreats, as well as recreational, educational, and socialevents/activities

100 Voices Fund - funding socially and educationally disadvantaged young children whowould significantly benefit from early childhood education, but who do not qualify forgovernment support


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Champion Projects Fund – financial assistance for student-generated short-term projects,which are supported by school administration.

In 16 months and three grant periods, the Foundation distributed nearly $51,000 to 31 schools insupport of their Champion Project submissions. These Projects reinforced Catholic social justice in action, nurtured student leadership skills, and/or supported the spiritual developmentof ECS youth. It is guestimated that the 31 Projects have impacted more than 12,000 students,staff, and community members!

For example,

St. Bonaventure Elementary School’s Friend in Need project received $2,500 to organizeand host a student-centred Faith Development Day.

St. Augustine School received $1,000 for their Helping Hands project. The moniessupported the students in getting out to various charitable organizations to volunteer theirtime in serving community members in need.

St. Timothy’s School was awarded $2,500 for their Faith Friends project which supportsresiliency in students who have been identified as needing extra help because they strugglewith anxiety, may have low self-esteem, and who would benefit from developing strongconnections with supportive staff and fellow students. The funds covered transportation andmaterial costs for service activities, and the creation of a Faith Space for students.

Holy Trinity High School’s Mission Possible project provides students with opportunities tosupport Edmonton communities in a wide variety of ways including: sorting donations atthe Mustard Seed PAC Centre; participating in the River City Clean-up; gift wrapping forthe Salvation Army; attending a Development and Peace seminar; teaching seniors aboutusing computers; and working with Habitat for Humanity. The $2,500 award went towardstransportation costs for students, and to help fund the cost of a meal at Mustard Seed Centre,that was prepared and served by the students.

St. Justin Elementary School received $2,500 towards the construction of a Rosary Garden, which serves as an outdoor place for prayer, while visually highlighting the School’sCatholic identity.

St. Justin’s Rosary Garden


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The Foundation’s fundraising and marketing strategies are based upon the building and nurturing oflong-term relationships with individuals and community stakeholders. Our fundraising efforts are notfocusing on special events such as dinners, auctions, or golf tournaments but rather, in meeting face-to-face with individuals, businesses, community organizations and institutional donors to ask for their‘investment’ in the children and youth being served at Edmonton Catholic Schools--especially thoseaffected by the barrier of poverty.

During the past year, and with the support of staff from the Edmonton Catholic School District,communication and fundraising materials were developed for the Foundation. As well, a fundraisingsoftware system was purchased and implemented. The web-site for the Foundation was also completelyredesigned and rebranded (www.ecsfoundation.ca). On average, each day we have 100 page views and30 new or unique visitors, which is a two-thirds increase over 2014.

Through a limited direct mail Dreams for Kids campaign combined with personal meetings with

prospective supporters over the last few months, the Foundation has been successful in securingapproximately $300,000, of which $135,000 has been designated to the 100 Voices program.

In 2016, we hope to roll-out a comprehensive annual Dreams for Kids public fundraising campaign.

The Foundation has also been successful in establishing more than $85,000 in endowed gifts.

Going forward, the Foundation is cognizant that its long-term financial sustainability must beaddressed. Leadership at the Foundation is reviewing various models being successfully used by other public and separate educational Foundations in the country. Within the current calendar year anappropriate model of sustainability will be presented to the Foundation Board--one which will likelysupport greater collaboration and resource sharing with the Edmonton Catholic School District.

In conclusion, we as Catholics, have much to be proud of, and certainly the Edmonton Catholic School

system is one of them. The Foundation is proud to be a partner in offering its support to ECS and itscountless hard working and dedicated staff.

On behalf of Dr. Mona-Lee Feehan, our Chair, the Board, and the staff of the Edmonton CatholicSchools Foundation, I express our debt of gratitude to the Board of Trustees for their continued support,to Joan Carr and her senior leadership team for their wisdom and generosity, and finally, to the principals and staff of ECS for their selfless and exemplary leadership.

Marc Barylo

Executive Director

http://www.ecsfoundation.ca/http://www.ecsfoundation.ca/


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oard of Trustees

Public Board Meeting Agenda 2015-2016: #9

Date: January 19, 2016

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Location:

Board Room, Catholic Education Services9807-106 Street

Phone: 780 441-6002

Web: www.ecsd.net

1. Call to Order

1.1 Board Chair Bergstra called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

Father Julian began the meeting with the Opening Prayer.

Father Jullian

1.2 Present: Absent

Marilyn Bergstra, Board ChairJohn Acheson, Vice-Chair

Debbie Engel

Patricia Grell

Larry Kowalczyk

Laura Thibert

Cindy Olsen

1.3 Comments from the Public

There were no comments scheduled.

1.4 Consent Agenda

Trustee Grell moved that the Consent Agenda that includes the following item be approved as

circulated.

A.

Update February 6, 2016 Community Conversation on Inclusive EducationCarried

1.5 Presentations

There were no presentations scheduled.

1.6 Agenda

Trustee Grell moved that the agenda of the January 19, 2016 Public Meeting of the Board be

approved as circulated and as follows:

• a recess be called at 5:30 p.m.

• the Board go in-camera following the meeting.

Carried

2. Minutes

2.1 Minutes of the Previous Meeting

A. December 8, 2015

Trustee Thibert moved that the Board approves the minutes of the December 8, 2015 Public

Meeting of the Board as circulated.

Trustee Grell moved to reword the motion by her in 2.2A.

The Board Chair ruled that the minutes would remain as circulated.

January 19, 2016 Public Meeting of the Board Minutes Page 1 of 3

http://www.ecsd.net/http://www.ecsd.net/http://www.ecsd.net/


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On the question by the Chair, the Board supported the ruling by the Chair.

Opposed: P. Grell In Favour: J. Acheson

D. Engel

L. Kowalczyk

L. Thibert

M. Bergstra

The motion to approve the minutes as circulated was……. Carried

Opposed: P. Grell In Favour: J. Acheson

D. Engel

L. Kowalczyk

L. Thibert

M. Bergstra

B. January 12, 2016 Special Meeting

Trustee Kowalczyk moved that the Board approves the minutes of the January 12, 2016

Special Public Meeting of the Board as circulated.

Carried

2.2 Matters Arising from the Minutes

There were no matters arising from the previous minutes.

3. Business of the Meeting

3.1 Administrative Business


(i) End Poverty in a Generation Analysis and Recommendations

Trustee Kowalczyk moved that the Board receives as information the report End Poverty

in a Generation Analysis and Recommendations. Carried

(ii) Five Marks of Catholic School Identity Implementation Plan 2015 - 2018

Trustee Kowalczyk moved that the Board receives the report “Five Marks of Catholic

School Identity Implementation Plan 2015-2018” as information.

Carried

(iii) Walking Distance to Bus Stops

Trustee Engel moved that based on the analysis and review of the impact of moving bus

stop locations, as well as previous experience with this issue, that the current

transportation practices regarding bus stop locations are maintained as status quo.

Carried

Opposed: L. Kowalczyk In Favour: J. Acheson

D. Engel

P. Grell

L. Thibert

M. Bergstra

At 5:30 p.m. the Board Recessed.

At 5:35 p.m. the Chair called the meeting to order.

B. Reports Requiring Action (i) Declaration of Surplus Site (Matt Berry)

Trustee Acheson moved that the Board of Trustees declares the Matt Berry school site

surplus to the needs of the Edmonton Catholic School District.

Carried

Opposed: P. Grell

M. Bergstra

In Favour: J. Acheson

D. Engel

L. Kowalczyk

L. Thibert



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(ii) Appointment of External Auditor for the 2015-2016 Year

Trustee Engel moved that the Board of Trustees appoints Grant Thornton LLP as external

auditor for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2016.

Carried

3.2 Board Business


There were no reports scheduled.

3.2 B. Reports Requiring Action

There were no reports scheduled.

3.3 New Business

A. Notices of Motion

Trustee Bergstra placed the following Notice of Motion on the table:

That a collaborative initiative between municipal and provincial governments, not-for-profit

stakeholders, and our school district to address youth homelessness. The vision is the

development of a comprehensive wrap-around model of supports

Trustee Grell placed the following Notice of Motion on the table:

That at the earliest convenience, the Board of Trustees takes the recommendations provided bythe Administration on the End Poverty Report and do its own study of how the Board can

support the City’s Initiatives and implement the recommendations in our District from a

governance perspective.

B. Trustee Inquiries

There were no inquiries.

C. Public Meeting of the Board Minutes

Trustee Kowalczyk moved that:

• the minutes of the Public Board Meetings be posted on the web within three business

days after the meeting and further,

• that the notes of the Audit and Finance Committee and the Governance and Priorities

committee meetings be posted on the Board’s portal, DRAFT form, within three business

days.

Carried

D. Expenditures Over $500,000

Trustee Kowalczyk moved that the Administration, when making an expenditure of $500,000

or more, bring it to the Board’s attention at the first possible Public Meeting of the Board.

Carried

4.0 Adjournment

4.1 Father Julian said the Closing Prayer.

4.2 Trustee Engel moved that the meeting adjourn at 6:15 p.m. Carried



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1

Edmonton Catholic School Board

Summary Report

Community Conversation on Inclusion

Submitted to: Trustee Larry Kowalczyk (Chair of the Committee)Trustee John Acheson (Co-Chair of the Committee)

Submitted by: Corrie Ziegler, Facilitator, Edmonton Regional Learning ConsortiumThérèse deChamplain-Good, Executive Director, Edmonton RegionalLearning Consortium

Date: February 16, 2016

Appendix I: Invitation to Attend

Appendix II: Agenda

The following information provides a summary of the dist rict sponsored “CommunityConversation on Inclusion” event, held on February 6, 2016, from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at theGenesis Center.

Before the Event:

An invitation (see Appendix I) to attend the Community Conversation on Inclusion was sent to allschool council chairs, principals, parents and teachers via district email. 139 people registeredfor the event:

Parents: 69Teachers 23Administrators 15Consultants 14Educational Assistants 7Community Members/Societies 11

During the Event:

The total number of people that attended the event equaled 138. Fifty-three people registered but

did not attend. Fifty-two people attended the event but did not register.

The event began with an opening prayer by Fr. Julian Bilyj and greetings from Trustees Kowalczyk

and Acheson. Participants heard 15-minute presentations from individuals representing six

groups/societies: Alberta Education, Edmonton Catholic Schools, Alberta Teachers’ Association,

Edmonton Down Syndrome, Autism Edmonton, and the Learning Disabilities Association of

Alberta: Edmonton Chapter. Following the presentations, participants engaged in conversation


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around the following question: What did you hear from all six presentations that you believe are

important considerations for creating an inclusive education model for Edmonton Catholic

Schools? After the lunch break, participants engaged in discussion around a second question:

What do you believe are the 5 - 6 key elements of an effective and functional Inclusive Education

Model for the Edmonton Catholic School District? The day ended with closing remarks by Trustee

Kowalczyk and a closing prayer by Fr. Julian Bilyj.

The entire day was facilitated by Corrie Ziegler, from the Edmonton Regional Learning

Consortium. A brief discussion about the purpose for the day, norms for collaboration, and

process for working together created a positive approach for the discussion that followed.

Participants were asked to identify table facilitators, timers, recorders, and use a talking stick to

ensure all voices were heard.

The agenda for the event is included in Appendix II along with a link to the power point usedthroughout the day.

Summary of Participant Responses:

Total number of participants that provided responses to the two worksheets outlined below = 113One parent left very early in the morning, feeling frustrated and commented: “why are we doingthis again?”

Total number of people per “group” that provided responses:

Parents = 31 (one provided an email response)Teachers = 22Administration (Principals and Assistant Principals) = 18

Educational Assistants = 7Community Members/Societies = 4Mixed Group (Combination to teachers, principals, society members, presenters) = 31

Seven Trustees and three Consultants were in attendance, and submitted responses to worksheetA and B. These responses are not included in the total number of responses and are provided forinformation and comparison purposes only.Presenters were in attendance but did not submit responses.

Summary of Responses to Worksheet A

Worksheet A: What did you hear from all six presentations that you believe are importantconsiderations for creating an inclusive education model for Edmonton Catholic Schools?

Considerations are listed in order from the highest total number of comments to the lowest totalnumber of comments related to each consideration.Bulleted phrases under each consideration are examples of responses related to the consideration,and are included to provide deeper understanding of the consideration.


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Considerations Number of times the consideration was recorded by each groupParent s

Teachers Administrators EducationalAssistants

CommunityMembers/Societies

MixedGroups

Total Trustees Consulta

1. ProvideTeachers and EAsadequate fundingand time duringthe instructionalday to:

developexpertise andinstructionalmaterials

collaborate andconference the

parents engage in

effective,research basedPD

learn about andapply bestpractices

coding anddocumentation

learn to use

technologyeffectively

support new

teachers

increase pay toattract qualifiedstaff

8 19 12 2 1 11 53 12 1

2. Provideadequate, effectiveresources/fundsfor teachers,

students, parentsfor: psycho-

educationalassessments

smaller class

sizes

8 6 3 1 2 7 27 1 1


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4

specializedsupports

EAs in everyclassroom

ramps and

facilityupgrades

creatingdeeper/broader awareness ofexistingexcellentresources

3. Workcollaborativelywith all

stakeholders: Recognize

parentalexpertise/bias

takes a villageto raise a childapproach

Decisions madelocally

Advocacysupport

8 4 1 1 0 5 19 2

4. Choice ofprograms:

Inside/outsideschool

Congregatedand segregated

Equal access

Revive someprograms

4 2 2 2 2 7 19 1 0

5. Leverage use of

Multi DisciplinaryTeams: Support for

teachers is notequal/consistent (eg. Not allMDT membersoffer the same

7 3 4 0 1 3 18 2 0


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quality ofservices, not allprograms offerthe same levelsof supports

Should work tobuild capacityof EAs

Should work

directly withspecial needschildren

6. Supportstudents’ social

development:

students with

behaviorchallenges posethe greatestchallenge

provide mentalhealth supports

teach life skills provide

behaviorsupport teams

3 5 1 3 2 2 16 0 0

7. Support EAsthrough: Training

increase FTE

allowing theright person forthe job

allowing EA tomove up thegrades with thestudent

1 1 6 1 0 6 15 5 0

8. Need forcommon districtvision and values: High academic

standards See differences

as ordinary Build

5 3 3 0 0 2 13 1 0


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on/celebratestrengths

Remove stigma

9. Need forTransparency

Build trust Spiritual

inclusion(katholos)

School are“truly’

welcoming Not always

about dollars

7 0 3 0 0 3 13 0 0

10. Advocacy andClear

Communicationabout Funding Lobbying AE

Provide

clear/consistent explanationsto parentsabout fundingfor childrenwith specialneeds

6 3 1 0 0 2 12 5 0

11. Leadership Hold teachers

accountable Create plans for

evaluating theeffectiveness ofinitiatives, bestpractices, etc.

Create “families

of schools” that

explore creativesolutions

Advocate for

changes inUNIFORcollectiveagreements

0 6 6 0 0 0 12 0 0

12. Policy vs 0 2 0 0 2 1 5 3 0


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Practice ECSD and AE

alignment – bridge the gap

Should practice

affect policy orthe other wayaround?

Need forflexibility – local decisionmaking

13. Work withUniversities toprovide much moretraining around

inclusion

0 1 0 0 0 3 4 0 0

Top 3 Considerations by Group:

Parents:

1. Provide Teachers and EAs adequate funding and time during the instructional day2. Provide adequate, effective resources/funding for teachers, students, parents3. Work collaboratively with all stakeholders

Teachers:

1. Provide teachers and EAs adequate funding and time during the instructional day

2. Provide adequate, effective resources/funding for teachers, students, parents11. Leadership

Administration:

1. Provide teachers and EAs adequate funding and time during the instructional day6. Support EAs11. Leadership

Educational Assistants:

6. Support students’ social development 4. Choice of Programs1. Provide teachers and EAs adequate funding and time during the instructional day

Community Members

Numbers too small

Mixed Group:

1. Provide teachers and EAs adequate funding and time during the instructional day


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2. Provide adequate resources for teachers, students, parents5. Choice of Programs

Summary of Responses to Worksheet B

Worksheet B: What do you believe are 5 – 6 key elements of an effective and functional inclusiveEducational Model for Edmonton Catholic Schools?

Key elements are listed in order from the highest total number of comments to the lowest totalnumber of comments.

Number of times the key element was recorded by each group

Key Elements Parents Teachers Administrators(Principals andAssistantPrincipals)

EducationalAssistants

CommunityMembers/Societies

MixedGroups

Total Trustees Consulta

1. Choice and

equal access toprograms for allstudents: flexibility to

move in and outof segregatedclasses asneeded

one size doesnot fit all

consistency in

programdelivery foreach programoffered

all programs

focused onlearner needsthat fullyengage thestudents

consistent

funding andsupport for allstudents(including“regular or non-coded” from

pre-school tograde 12)

4 4 4 4 3 12 31 2 0


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flexibility -decisions madeat the schoollevel based onlearner needs

2. Communicationwith allstakeholders Clear and

shared vision

Inclusion is firstchoice

Faith based Removing the

stigma ofchildren with

special needs value based

strength based transparent

trulywelcoming allstudents

8 3 2 1 1 9 24 0 0

3. Ongoing,trusting andmeaningful

collaborationamongst allstakeholders: Alberta

Education Board

ATA

Societies Communities

Parents

Teachers, EAs,

MDT, etc.

2 4 2 1 0 9 18 0 1

4. Adequatefunding: Advocate the

province formore funding

Advocate forblock funding

3 3 2 0 0 5 13 4 0


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Use district’s

$18 million tosupportinclusion

Continuation of

funding (nobreaks infunding whenstudent needsto bereassessed)

5. Inclusion shouldinclude:

social goals(recess,working with

others,behavior, etc.)

physical activity

inquiry

universaldesign forlearningapproach

reconsider theimpact of IPPs

2 2 0 1 7 0 12 0 0

6. ProfessionalDevelopment foradministrators,teachers and EAs

ongoing

proactive

mandatory for

some teachers

during theschool day

use of effective

PD models

0 4 2 2 2 3 12 1 0

7. Enhancedsupport forEducationalAssistants: training and PD

increased pay ability to move

1 3 1 2 1 3 11 1 0


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with the childup the grades

genuine

recognition

placement of

EAs in everyclass

8. Hire enoughspecializededucation teachersto meet the rangeof special needs

1 2 2 1 0 2 8 0 1

9. Create Policy:

cross ministry based on

learner needs

in theclassroom

researchedbased

1 1 1 0 0 4 7 1 0

10. Efficient andeffective use ofresources:

effective use of

technology

create deeper

awareness ofexistingresources

training in howto useresourceseffectively

2 1 0 0 1 3 7 0 0

11. Accountability: Board

Teachers

learning

coaches parents

MDT

3 0 1 0 0 1 5 1 0

12. Earlyscreening/coding

appropriatefunding tosupport

0 1 1 1 1 1 5 0 0


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value teacherjudgment

ongoing

13. Support foradvocacy for

parents andstudents – separatefrom the schoolboard

3 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0

14. Work withUniversities tobetter prepareteachers to supportinclusion

1 1 1 0 0 0 3 1 1

15. LearningCoaches

both studentlearningcoaches andteacherlearningcoaches

reduce paperwork solearningcoaches canwork withstudents

0 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 0

16. Divide ECSDschools intoregions: provide

support basedon the studentneeds in theregion

share

resources, bestpractices, PD

1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0


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Top 2 Key Elements by Group:

Parents:

1. Choice and equal access to programs for all students

2. Communication with all stakeholders

Teachers:

1. Choice and equal access to programs for all students3. Ongoing, trusting and meaningful collaboration amongst all stakeholders

Administration:

1. Choice and equal access to programs for all students3. Ongoing, trusting and meaningful collaboration amongst all stakeholders (tied with other keyelements)

Educational Assistants:1. Choice and equal access to programs for all students6. Professional Development for administrators, teachers and EAs (tied with other key elements)

Community Members

Numbers too small

Mixed Group:

1. Choice and equal access to programs for all students2. Communication with all stakeholders (tied with other key elements)

End of Session Evaluation Comments:

Overall Comments:

Great opportunity to network with other parents Good community building and sharing

Good idea to have a meeting like this with all stakeholders involved to communicateeveryone’s thoughts and opinions Fantastic initiative from our board

I love the courage of our district even in the midst of considerable controversy

Good start

Thank you!!

It is important to put this into practice

Content/Presentations:

Learned about (new) old resources available that schools have not shared Good learning experience for me – lots of listening

Variety of speakers was excellent

Speakers were short enough and engaging


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Would have been beneficial to have Inclusion Alberta speak generally as opposed to onlyspeaking to 3 specific groups

As an alternative to focusing on 3 individual populations perhaps present a more globalperspective of inclusions. (e.g. Have representation from Inclusion Alberta inform membersabout the future for our inclusive students in our society.)

I was disappointed that mental health wasn’t included in the conversation. This poses asignificant challenge to inclusive education and it was excluded from the conversation.

This information session was very informative especially for us newer parents

Presentations were good but a bit repetitive

Would love to find out more of how this helped to make any changes that might need to beput in place to make differences to all

Would have enjoyed hearing what is working/positive as well as negative

Facilitation/Logistics:

Really appreciated the attention to process, including reminders: equity, active listening,and the talking sticks

Greatly organized by the ERLC Corrie did a wonderful job moderating Good as quite fast moving

Amazing format

More time to talk – fewer speakers, more time

Time for table talk was adequate We need more time in between to discuss

More interaction needed

The groups being split was awesome so that everyone had a chance to really share what wefeel

Would have benefited from interacting with teachers, administration and board, not justlike parents

Should have had a larger venue – multiple community conversations are needed. Verysmall representation of all groups/stakeholders

Need to be more specific on who is invited. At our table the invitation was given to one

parent, by a teacher. Another parent was invited by a principal, and another parentreceived the invitation on an old email list.

We registered and have the email to confirm our registration but somehow we did not get

registered. No reminders were sent. This happened to more than one school team

Hosting on Saturday morning is good

Saturday morning was a good time for all involved

Thanks for it not being a full day Thanks for respecting everyone’s time but we would have preferred a longer time

The session was extremely beneficial and could perhaps be held at each school

Awesome lunch, snacks and the warm welcome


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Suggestions for Next Steps:

More sessions so more can attend – perhaps 4 quadrants of the city – incorporate into PAID

PD

Should be done/offered again Please repeat again

More events – the conversation needs to be ongoing

Another session – lots of people were not able to get in

There was a voice for the teachers but not one for what the parents wanted to share

Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium (ERLC) Observations and Reflections:

ERLC was honored and pleased to facilitate the Community Conversation event and wouldwelcome the opportunity to work with the Edmonton Catholic School Board once again as theymake decisions related to the ideas and responses listed in this report.

Should the decision be made to repeat the Community Conversation?ERLC offers the following suggestions and considerations:

Continue to involve ERLC in planning the event, from beginning to end. Consider seating participants in mixed groups (e.g. parents, teachers, leaders, etc.) so

participants can learn from each other and broaden their perspectives. Consider contracting ERLC to manage all logistics: invitations, registration, confirmation of

registration, venue, food and beverages, etc. to enhance continuity, efficiency and avoidconfusion.

As ECSD moves forward with inclusion, ERLC would be pleased to offer tailored and targeted professional learning sessions to various stakeholders’ groups:

Parents: information sessions, etc.

Teacher Assistants and Teachers: professional learning sessions, communities of practice

that could address the range of topics listed in the responses

Leaders: Build a common vision around inclusion, create a culture of trust, etc.

Work with entire school staffs or groups of school staffs to create a culture of inclusion, aclear communication plan, and a collaborative approach to supporting all students.

ERLC could also coordinate professional learning sessions with various societies andagencies, showcasing the supports and resources already available but not used.


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Appendix I - Invitation to Attend


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Appendix II - Agenda

EDMONTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON INCLUSION

February 6, 2016

Agenda

1. Opening Prayer - Fr. Julian Bilyj

2. Greeting - Trustee Larry Kowalczyk (Chair of Committee)

3.

Opening Remarks - Trustee John Acheson (Co-Chair of Committee)

4. Moderator - Corrie Ziegler

5. Presenters:

Kelly Hennig (Alberta Education)

Barb Brochu and Corine Gannon (Edmonton Catholic Schools)

Kathy MacIsaac (Alberta Teachers’ Association)

6. Table Talk: What did you hear from the three presentations that you believe are

important

considerations for creating an inclusive education model for Edmonton Catholic

Schools?7. Presenters:

Rosalind Mosychuk (Edmonton Down Syndrome Society)

Brooke Pinsky (Autism Edmonton)

Karen Popal (Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta: Edmonton Chapter

8. Table Talk: What did you hear from all six presentations that you believe are important

considerations for creating an inclusive education model for Edmonton Catholic

Schools? (One worksheet per table will be handed in to Corrie) 9. Lunch

10. Table Talk: What do you believe are the 5 - 6 key elements of an effective and functional

Inclusive Education Model for the Edmonton Catholic School District? (One worksheetper table will be handed in to Corrie)

11. Closing Remarks - Trustee Larry Kowalczyk

12. Closing Prayer - Fr. Julian Bilyj

Link to power point used at the session: http://bit.ly/1IbEQIJ

http://bit.ly/1IbEQIJhttp://bit.ly/1IbEQIJ


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Documents

Pages 35 to 38; Amendment to GP#14, Commitment to Inclusive Communities in Edmonton Catholic Schools