Board Meeting Highlights - December 16, 2025

Posted on 12/16/2025

Chair Jane Thomson began the meeting with a reflection recognizing the significant work that has occurred across Bluewater District School Board over the past 12 months, and thanked students, staff, families, partners, trustees, and student trustees and senators. Tragedies and losses in our school communities were also acknowledged and the difficulty for impacted families at this time of year. All were wished moments of rest and connection, and a safe and peaceful holiday season. 

Excellence in Education – The Arts in Bluewater
As per December board meeting tradition, the arts in Bluewater were highlighted in a special video presentation. A variety of musical performances were showcased from Chesley District Community School, Paisley Central School, Hepworth Central Public School, Kincardine Township-Tiverton Public School, Saugeen District Senior School, and Beaver Valley Community School.

Governance Standing Committee Update
The following items presented at the meeting held on December 2, 2025 were brought forward for approval:

Bluewater Summer School students were approved to participate in the Civics and Careers Travel for Credit – The Maritimes trip, from July 17 to 24, 2026, contingent that it aligns with all travel advisories at the time of the trip.

Georgian Bay Community School students were approved to participate in the Pursuits Program Field Trip Algonquin Winter Exhibition, from March 2 to 6, 2026.

A revised board report template and annual reporting schedule were approved.

Board policy BP 1107-D “Director of Education Performance Appraisal” was approved, as revised for system use.

Business and Facilities Standing Committee Update
The report from the meeting held on December 2, 2025 included an update from the Audit Committee meetings held on November 10 and 18, 2025, a purchasing update outlining the new provincial ‘Buy Ontario’ initiative, and the latest on transportation.

Trustees approved the Audit Committee Report outlining the activities of the committee for the year ending August 31, 2025. The ‘Audit Committee 2024 – 2025 Year End Report to the Ministry of Education’ was also approved and will be forwarded to the Ministry of Education.

Governance Standing Committee In-Camera Report
Trustees approved Trustee Long’s absence from the November 18, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Board.

Committees with Trustee Representation
Trustees received the updated list of committees with trustee representation.

Student Senate Report
Student Trustee Esha Gill presented a report highlighting holiday themed spirit days that are being coordinated by student councils across the board and the toy and food drives hosted by every Bluewater secondary school to support our communities.

It has been a successful season for a variety of winter sports, including girls' volleyball, boys' basketball, curling, and hockey. The boys’ basketball team at Grey Highlands Secondary School will soon play at a CWOSSA (Central Western Ontario Secondary Schools Association) competition.

Specialist High Skills Major students in Hanover, Kincardine, and Lion’s Head continue to earn first aid certifications, explore co-ops, and pursue unique learning opportunities. For example, John Diefenbaker Senior School (JDSS) students completed leadership training with motivational speaker Andy Thibodeau.

A recent candlelight vigil at JDSS honoured the students from the school who were lost in last month’s motor vehicle tragedy.

Thanks and holiday greetings were shared on behalf of the Student Senate.

Director’s Annual Report 2025
Director of Education AJ Keene presented the Director’s Annual Report demonstrating the progress made toward the priorities outlined in the board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP). Among the many highlights captured are the Student Voice Project, student forums, student attendance campaign, early reading screener rollout, skilled trades, summer learning programs, the opening of the new Beavercrest Community School, and progress on three new school builds in Port Elgin, Dundalk, and Kincardine. The accomplishments reflect the dedication and collaboration of our students, staff, and community. This year’s report has been designed in an easy-to-navigate web-based interactive format. Director Keene followed the presentation with a brief overview of planned next steps to deliver on the priorities of the MYSP, which will be reported on at upcoming meetings.


View the meeting agenda and reports.

View the video recording of the meeting.

Next Governance Standing Committee Meeting – Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Next Regular Meeting of the Board – Tuesday, January 20, 2026