Board Meeting Highlights - April 21, 2026

Posted on 04/21/2026

Chair Jane Thomson began the meeting with a reflection honouring National Volunteer Week. Recent student accomplishments at local music festivals, regional and provincial sports tournaments, public speaking events, and science fairs were highlighted. Acknowledgement was given to those who support the success of our students in these endeavours, and the many other volunteers across Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) who contribute to our schools.  

Public Speaking and Concours d’art oratoire 2026
An overview was shared on public speaking competitions across our region, including the recent Concours d’art oratoire French event. These experiences allow students to develop oral communication and literacy skills, while building confidence, fostering critical thinking, and honing the ability to communicate ideas to different audiences.

Three student guests presented their award-winning speeches from recent competitions to an appreciative audience:

“Yoga and Breathing” – Kesar Soni, Grade 4, Northport Elementary School

“Chipmunks” – Sky Kleinecke, Grade 7, John Diefenbaker Senior School

“L’obsession de la perfection” – Kestrel Clarence, Grade 10, Georgian Bay Community School

Thanks were extended to community partners, such as Canadian Parents for French and the Lions Club, as well as judges, teachers, and schools for their continued support of these invaluable opportunities for students.

Governance Standing Committee Update
The following items presented at the meeting held on April 7, 2026, were approved.

Field trips

Bruce Peninsula District School Fall Hike Outers Program, from October 14-16, 2026, and Algonquin Outers Canoe Trip, from May 13-20, 2027; and Owen Sound District Secondary School Girls Rugby Portugal/Spain Tour, March 11-21, 2027, contingent that it aligns with all travel advisories at the time of the trip

Policies

BP 1108-D “Code of Conduct – Trustees” (as revised)

BP 7210-D “Employee Wellness and Professional Development” and rescind BP 7210-D “Employee Support Program”, BP 7150-D “Performance Appraisal”, BP 7901-D “Staff Development”, and BP 7240-D “Employee Psychological Health and Safety Management System”

BP 7701-D “Personnel Practices (General)” and rescind BP 7701-D “Personnel (General)”, BP 7310-D “Employee Hiring Practices”, BP 7370-D “Staff Appointments, Transfers and Supervision”, and BP 7530-D “Progressive Discipline – Employees”

BP 1605-D “Partnerships in Education” (as revised)

BP 4650-D “Fees for Learning Materials and Activities” (as revised)

BP 6212-D “Boundaries (School Attendance Areas)” (as revised)

BP 6802-D “Student Health Support (the Provision of Medical and/or Physical Assistance within the School)” (as revised)

BP 6803-D “School Food and Beverages”, (as revised)

Business and Facilities Standing Committee Update
The report from the meeting held on April 7, 2026 included details on a minor revision to the French Immersion boundary to enhance transportation efficiencies and better serve the school community, 2026-2027 trustee honoraria, results of the 2026-2027 Budget Public Consultation survey, and the timelines and next steps in the budget planning process.

Trustees approved the proposed French Immersion boundary revision, effective September 1, 2026.

Director Performance Appraisal Committee Annual Appointments
Trustees Tracy Lynn Atkinson, Jan Johnstone, and Wayne Peeters were appointed to the Director’s Performance Appraisal Committee, in accordance with the requirements of Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 83/24 “Director of Education Performance Appraisal” for the 2026-2027 performance appraisal process.

Student Senate Report
Student Trustee Esha Gill presented a report highlighting a wide range of current activities in BWDSB, especially in sports, fundraisers, competitions, and French.

Varsity badminton teams have finished their season, with multiple teams advancing to CWOSSA. Meanwhile, rugby, soccer, and track and field are starting up.

Annual Relay for Life planning has begun in schools, engaging students, community members, and most importantly, survivors and affected loved ones.

In Kincardine, the BUILDKD+ Campaign is underway to enhance the future Kincardine District Senior School replacement build. The “March to a Million” goal of having 1,000 community members donate $1,000 has already passed the $125,000 benchmark.

Several other events are occurring in music, the skilled trades, and Model UN. Some students have been participating in the Kiwanis and Rotary Music festivals, others are preparing for Skills Ontario, and four secondary schools will be represented in Toronto in the SOMA Model UN conference. John Diefenbaker Senior School students have just returned from the Global Student Leadership Summit.

Students have been demonstrating their capabilities in French through the Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) exam and public speaking. The recent success of the Concours d’art oratoire has resulted in several students representing BWDSB at the provincial French public speaking contest in May.

The Student Senate recently held an orientation meeting for next year’s incoming student senators, who will be introduced at an upcoming board meeting.

Thoughts were extended to the Hanover Heights school community following a recent tragedy.


View the meeting agenda and reports.

View the video recording of the meeting.

Next Governance Standing Committee Meeting – Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Next Regular Meeting of the Board – Tuesday, May 19, 2026