Trustees approved the list of schools with unused space (see Appendix A in agenda link above) that will be made available for appropriate community partnerships.
Motion on Procurement of Canadian Products
Vice-Chair Jan Johnstone brought forward the following motion without notice, which was approved.
Whereas Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) is a Canadian entity that prioritizes supporting domestic industries and economic stability; Whereas recent trade policies have created challenges that may negatively impact fair and reciprocal trade between Canada and the United States;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT BWDSB evaluate and implement measures to prioritize the procurement of Canadian products wherever feasible, and to immediately transition away from purchasing from American Suppliers as defined by Supply Ontario, where viable;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board send a letter to the Minister of Education requesting that similar procurement measures be considered and implemented province wide.
Student Senate Report
Student Trustee Amy-Lee Whyte highlighted a variety of sports occurring in schools and other activities, such as themed semi-formals, Model United Nations clubs that are preparing for the Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly in Toronto, and a mock trial that students will be participating in at the courthouse in Owen Sound. Elections are coming up for next year’s student senators and student councils. Information was also shared on the two student trustees’ recent attendance at the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association Education Action Conference in Ottawa, which included a presentation on anxiety by guest speaker, Emma Morrison, the first Indigenous person to represent Canada on the world pageant stage.
Dual Credit Opportunities
A presentation was shared on resources and training opportunities that are being provided to students looking to explore the skilled trades and work towards a chosen career path. Partnerships with Fanshawe and Georgian colleges are enabling a range of in-person and online dual credit experiences for students to focus their learning on career specific areas as they prepare for post-secondary training.
French Second Language Initiatives 2024 — 2025
Trustees learned about professional development that is being provided for French teachers in the key areas of effective pedagogy, inclusive and culturally responsive teaching, and system-wide capacity building. Several initiatives were shared to demonstrate our board's dedication to providing strategic, evidence-based instruction in French Core and French Immersion classrooms, which support students in building the confidence and skills necessary to become proficient in French.
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meeting agenda and attached reports.
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video recording of the meeting.
Next Committee of the Whole Board Meeting – April 1, 2025
Next Regular Meeting of the Board – April 15, 2025