Bluewater District School Board

Bluewater's Board Meeting Highlights - December 17, 2024 page

Board Meeting Highlights - December 17, 2024

Board Meeting Highlights - December 17, 2024
Posted on 12/17/2024
Board Meeting Highlights graphic depicting BWDSB logo and Education CentreBoard Meeting Highlights graphic depicting BWDSB logo and Education Centre

Excellence in Education – The Arts in Bluewater
As part of a December board meeting tradition to highlight art and music programs in our board, trustees learned about the drum group at G. C. Huston Public School. Details were shared on the important cultural connection between the students and staff, and the Saugeen First Nation community, and the many significant events and ceremonies where the group has appeared. As special guests at the meeting, the drum group was honoured to perform for trustees, staff, students, and others in attendance.

Policy Update
The following board policies were approved as revised for system use:
  • BP 1501-D “Board Operation”
  • BP 1408-D “Privacy and Information Management”
  • BP 1101-D “Bluewater District School Board Strategic Plan”
  • BP 1108-D “Code of Conduct - Trustee”
Business Committee Update
The report from the meeting held on December 3, 2024 included the following:
  • acclamation of Trustee Jan Johnstone as Chair of the Business Committee for 2025
  • reports of the November 12 and 18, 2024 Audit Committee meetings
  • cyber awareness presentation and suggested security perimeters for the board to strengthen online security
Trustees approved the Audit Committee Report outlining the activities of the committee for the year ending August 31, 2024. The ‘Audit Committee 2023 – 2024 Year End Report to the Ministry of Education’ was also approved and will be forwarded to the Ministry of Education.

Committee of the Whole In-Camera Report
Trustees approved that staff have authority to enter Bluewater District School Board into purchase and sale agreements to acquire land for new schools in Dundalk, Kincardine, and Port Elgin.

Trustees accepted with regret, the retirement letter of Director of Education Lori Wilder, effective August 31, 2025. A media release was issued.

It was also approved to initiate a search for a director of education by contracting a consulting/search firm.

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

Student Senate Report
Student Trustee Amy-Lee Whyte shared an update on the many recent holiday events happening in schools. These include festive clothing themed spirit weeks, assemblies, concerts, talent shows, decorating activities, and contests. Several fundraisers, as well as food and toy drives have also been occurring in support of local charities and communities. Winter sports have started, including girls’ volleyball, boys’ basketball, hockey, skiing, curling, and badminton. Some schools have hosted student versus staff games, which have brought out big crowds of current and former students, as well as community members.

The Student Senate has decided its focus this year is improving student involvement within the school and community. Through initiatives like the Student Voice Project and many forums, senators are seeking to encourage students to participate and share their thoughts to improve their school journey.

An acknowledgement was shared on the recent passing of longtime office professional, Cathy Smith, and her incredible impact on the Kincardine District Senior School community.

Director’s Annual Report
Director of Education Lori Wilder presented the Director’s Annual Report to highlight the progress and some of the many examples of success with respect to achieving the goals within the board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan over the past year.



View the meeting agenda and attached reports.

View the video recording of the meeting.

Next Committee of the Whole Board Meeting – January 7, 2025
Next Regular Meeting of the Board – January 28, 2025
Bluewater District School Board is located on the traditional land of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which is represented by the communities of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
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