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Director of Education AJ Keene began the meeting with a reflection honouring the John Diefenbaker Senior School community and three students whose lives were lost, and student in recovery following a recent tragedy. Thanks were extended to everyone who has stepped up in difficult times to support those who have been impacted.
Chair and Vice-Chair Positions
Trustees determined the chair and vice-chair positions for the next year. Jane Thomson was acclaimed as Chair, while Jan Johnstone was acclaimed as Vice-Chair.
Statutory Committee Appointments
Trustees were appointed to the following statutory committees for a one-year term:
Audit Committee – Wayne Peeters, Jan Johnstone, Katie Lutz
Parent Involvement Committee – Tracy Lynn Atkinson, Fran Morgan (alternate)
Supervised Alternative Learning Committee – Fran Morgan, Katie Lutz, Tracy Lynn Atkinson (alternate)
Excellence in Education – Student Forums
Learning Services Administrator Kathy Archer was joined by Student Senator Evie Kingston to provide an overview of the many student forums held throughout the school year. Examples of recent events include the Youth Wellness Champions launch, Student Leadership Conference, Black Student Forum, and Multilingual Learner Student Forum. These events exemplify the student voice in action and provide opportunities to connect with other schools, meet students with differing experiences, and share ideas.
Governance Standing Committee Update
A report was received on the
meeting held on November 4, 2025.
Business and Facilities Standing Committee Update
The report from the
meeting held on November 4, 2025 included an update on feedback received from the new Kincardine District Senior School design public consultation, and cyber awareness measures that have been implemented within the board to strengthen online security.
Governance Standing Committee In-Camera Report
Trustees approved the ‘Terms and Conditions Agreement, Association of Bluewater Administrators’ for the period September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2027.
Code of Conduct Trustee Alternates
Tracy Lynn Atkinson and Fran Morgan were appointed as trustee alternates, in accordance with the requirements of board policy BP 1108-D “Code of Conduct – Trustee”.
Student Senate Report
Student Trustee Jack Farmus began by extending deepest condolences, on behalf of the Student Senate, to the John Diefenbaker Senior School community following last week’s tragic motor vehicle incident involving students at the school. There was also an acknowledgement of the impact on other school communities, including those who have experienced recent losses.
Since the start of the school year, student engagement across Bluewater has been strong in academics, extracurriculars, and experiential learning.
Recent athletic highlights have included OFSAA achievements in volleyball and cross country.
Students have been excelling in initiatives hosted by the Nuclear Innovation Institute, including a climate-focused conference and Model UN event.
Remembrance Day ceremonies across the district were well attended by students, staff, local veterans, and Legion members.
Kincardine District Senior School is preparing for the return of its annual Christmas Knights initiative, which will involve the collection of food and toy donations for the local food bank and charities that support families in need.
Peninsula Shores District School students have been busy participating in university level kinesiology experiences, wellness activities, athletic competitions, and first aid training.
Student leadership teams will continue organizing spirit events, extracurricular initiatives, and community-building activities heading into the winter months. The Student Senate remains committed to promoting wellness, fostering inclusive school cultures, and ensuring equal access to opportunities across all Bluewater schools, especially in smaller communities.
2024-2025 Financial Statements and Consolidated Financial Statements
Trustees were presented with the financial results for 2024-2025, which reflect a compliant deficit position driven largely by funding adjustments and cost pressures. Despite these challenges, the board remains in a strong financial position supported by strong reserve balances. The in-year deficit is fully funded through the use of reserves.
The Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended August 31, 2025 were also shared.
Annual Banking Resolutions
The following banking resolutions for 2026 were approved:
i) General Banking Resolution
ii) Certificate of Officers and Directors
iii) General Borrowing Resolution ($50,000,000)
Trustees also approved appointing Director Keene, Superintendent of Business Andrew Low, Chair Thomson, and Vice-Chair Johnstone as signing officers and directors for RBC Dominion Securities.
View the
meeting agenda and reports.
View the
video recording of the meeting.
Next Governance Standing Committee Meeting – Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Next Regular Meeting of the Board – Tuesday, December 16, 2025