Spotlight on the London District Catholic School Board November 5th

February 10th, 2006

All LDCSB Schools to Remain Open on Tuesday

In This Week's Spotlight

* Celebrating Winter at Blessed Sacrament

Breaking News:The London District Catholic School Board and members of CUPE Local 4186 have reached an understanding that would allow all of the Board's schools to remain open on Tuesday, February 14th, during the province-wide Day of Protest. Under terms of the understanding, the members of CUPE employed by the Board who elect to participate in the day of protest would be allowed to do so, without pay.

Picketing would be limited to the following sites:
John Paul 11 Catholic Secondary School in London; St. Mary's Catholic Secondary School in Woodstock, St. Joseph High School in St. Thomas and Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Strathroy.

Pickets would be established off school property and no attempt would be made to impede the access of anyone to the sites. In addition, the two parties have agreed that Educational Assistants would be deemed an essential service and would be available on Tuesday to support students as they would on any other day. There are approximately 225 Education Assistants in the system.

Joseph Rapai, Director of Education, said he particularly wants to assure parents of special needs children that their supports will be in place on Tuesday and the schools will be open. "We are very pleased that such an understanding has been reached, which will ensure the safety of our students is not compromised in any way," said the Director.

Rosemary Van Niekerk, President of CUPE Local 4186, said this is a protest against Bill 206 and proposed OMERS legislation. "We are not directing this protest against the London District Catholic School Board," she said.

School Honours Good Samaritan

A Grade 5 student at St. Mark Catholic Elementary School, who took charge in an emergency, was honoured this week with a Good Samaritan Award at the school. Her name is Kaitlyn Waters and on December 6th, she was skating with her class when teacher Karen Toye had a tumble on the ice and broke a bone in her wrist.
Here, in Ms. Toye's words is what happened next:

"As soon as I fell, Kaitlyn and a few girls in my class skated over right away to help me. When Kaitlyn saw me holding my wrist, she said, 'My mom's a nurse so I know what to do.' She immediately reached down and scooped some snow off the ice surface while the other girls escorted me off the ice. She then grabbed her skate towel and proceeded to wrap my arm with the snow in her towel. While I sat on the bench trying not to show how much pain I was in, she untied my skates and put my boots on.
When we boarded the bus to head back to school, Kaitlyn carried my bag with my skates in as well as her own skate bag, and a hockey bag full of extra skates and helmets that I always brought to the rink. After arriving back at the school, she came to the staff room with me so that I could get a sling out of the first aid kit. She proceeded to put the sling on me, pinning and tying it accurately and comfortably and replaced the melted snow with ice. While I kept dismissing my injury as 'just a sprain, ' she believed that it was broken. Back in my classroom, I decided that something was definitely wrong and that I better get it looked at."

As an ambulance took her to the hospital, the paramedics were very impressed with the wrap and the sling that Kaitlyn had applied, especially since she is a Grade five student.

"Having just renewed my own first aid certification this past fall, I was very impressed with how well Kaitlyn took control of the situation and handled everything in a calm, cool manner, " said Ms. Toye. "I am extremely grateful to Kaitlyn for her quick thinking and support, and what an example she is to the other students! I did acknowledge her actions in a card I sent to her, and I plan to treat her to a special lunch at school once I have the use of both arms!"

"A caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community."

...from the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

Above, Kaitlyn shows off her award and a new skate towel from Ms. Toye embroidered with "Kaitlyn .... 1st in First Aid". Kaitlyn is flanked by Superintendent Corrie Gicante, her parents, Ms. Toye and St. Mark Principal Margaret Clendenning

Spiritual Leader and philosopher Jean Vanier brought his message of hope to a series of sold-out events in London last weekend. Jean Vanier, who lives in France, is the founder of L’Arche, a worldwide network of centres for the developmentally challenged. L'Arche has grown into an international federation of more than 120 communities in nearly thirty countries, There are eight in Ontario, including London. Jean Vanier's message to London was one of peace and acceptance. He said people should find compassion for others and see them the way that God sees them.

Jean Vanier Biography

An Interview with Jean Vanier

L'Arche Canada

"We can transform people by our attentiveness, by our love,
and they can transform us."
... Jean Vanier

Above, Joseph Rapai, Director of Education, Presented Jean Vanier with a Mother Teresa shirt during a breakfast appearance.

On Saturday evening, Jean Vanier students Adam Orsini and Adam Harrison had to unique opportunity to read the Jean Vanier Catholic School prayer to the very person for whom their school was named. (left) This is the prayer that students pray each day in the morning. The two then presented a framed version of the prayer to Jean Vanier as a gift of thanks for his sacred embrace of humanity and as the founder of their Catholic school.

Adam Orsini said, " I was very teary. He said very nice words to the crowd. He was very professional." Adam Harrison added, "He said his thoughts to us. I was happy because my Mom was there. I said thank you when I shook his hand."

Student Catherine Jardine said his smile was that of a friend. "He was very personal. It was an honour to represent the school." And student Hannah Orange said It was really special to meet him. "His presentation reminded everyone that we are made by God and are thus in God's family," she said. " We must love everyone the same regardless of who they are."

Above, LDCSB Chair Paul Whitehead with Helen Connell, Executive Director of the United Way of London and Middlesex, and London Police Chief Murray Faulkner.

Above, Ed Holder, President of Stevenson & Hunt Insurance Brokers Ltd. in conversation with LDCSB Trustee Bill Hall.

Strategic Priorities Survey now Available for All Stakeholders

A dedicated website has been established, where stakeholders can answer a series of on-line questions, as part of public input into the Strategic Priorities that will guide the London District Catholic School Board until the end of the decade. The website, which was put into place at the beginning of February, can be accessed HERE.

March 22, 2006 is the night of a Town Hall Meeting that will also gather public input into the Strategic Priorities. The meeting will run from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Catholic Education Centre. It is just one of the many ways that input will be collected during the year-long process.

Joseph Rapai, Director of Education, said all of the stakeholders will be asked for input. "We will seek out comment and feedback from each of our member groups, knowing that the collective wisdom of the group is much greater than that of any individual," he said.

Timelines:
February, 2006 – Launch dedicated Website and on-line survey
February 2006 – Communicate Strategic Priorities Positioning Process and Timeline to the Parishes and the Community
March 2006 – Trustee Retreat
March 22, 2006 – Town Hall Meeting (7 – 9 p.m. Catholic Education Centre)
April 25, 2006 – Last date to submit responses
May 2006 – Process responses
June 2006 – Report to Admin Council and to the Board|
September 2006 – Release Survey Results
Sept. - Nov. 2006 – Draft “Strategic Priorities 2007 – 2010”
Nov. 2006 – Distribute draft to key stakeholders: Principals, School Councils, Teachers, Support Staff, Student Parliaments and Parishes
Dec. 2006 – Report to the Board for approval
Dec. 2006 – Release “Strategic Priorities 2007 – 2010” to the system

The High School CPR Program, launched by The ACT Foundation in November, is in place in all eight LDCSB secondary schools. The CPR program takes in the communities of: London, St. Thomas, Dorchester, Woodstock, Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, Aylmer, Strathroy, Glencoe, Norwich, Parkhill, West Lorne, and Arva.

Almost two hundred teachers from 37 Catholic and public high schools are training approximately 8,600 Grade 9 students every year in CPR, using 1,140 donated mannequins. London area MP-Deborah Matthews, David Patchell-Evans, Owner & CEO GoodLife Fitness Clubs, Medical Director Dr. Jon Dreyer, and Joseph Rapai, Director of Education, joined students from St. Thomas Aquinas High School at the launch of the program.

Through this initiative, students are empowered by their teachers to help a parent or grandparent should they experience a heart attack, a brother, sister or child they are babysitting should they choke or a friend involved in a drowning emergency. The program teaches all youth CPR as a life skill. It builds self-esteem and students receive a certificate, useful in job applications. Students learn the 4R's of CPR. They learn about Risk factors for heart disease and the importance of heart healthy lifestyle behaviours. They learn how to Recognize adeveloping emergency and the importance of Reacting immediately and calling 911. They learn the 4th R of CPR, Resuscitate, the CPR skill itself and they learn the Heimlich Manoeuvre. Teachers boast on an enthusiastic response from students. The program teaches responsibility, builds self-esteem and will save lives.

The ACT High School CPR Program is based upon community partnerships and support. GoodLife Fitness Clubs, Sterling Trucks and the CAW Local 1001, Shoppers Drug Mart, Charles H. Ivey Foundation, and the London Community Foundation have partnered with the ACT Foundation and the Government of Ontario in donating 1,140 mannequins to the 37 high schools. Active Canadian Emergency Training Services and Heart & Stroke Foundation Instructor-Trainers have partnered in the program to deliver the teacher training, enabling teachers to teach CPR to their students as a regular part of their curriculum. Dr. Jon Dreyer has volunteered to be the Medical Director for the program in the London and area region.

Students, teachers, parents, health professionals and the community at large laud the ACT High School CPR Program as innovative, empowering and lifesaving! As one teacher says, "I can't say enough positive things about this program. It has all the right stuff". Another teacher commented "I think that it's a great opportunity for both students and staff.

The Spirit is Alive...

In Our Schools!

The children of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School celebrated a three-day Carnival this week. (Above) The Carnival began with a fabulous concert by Bill Russell and Marylyn Peringer, who entertained and thrilled the children with their stories and music. There was a special visit with Bonhomme and the King and Queen of Carnival. The week included skating, tobogganing, door decoration contest, mask making, and even French toast for all! There was a wonderful spirit at Blessed Sacrament as we celebrated our French culture. Special thanks to Madame Pimental-Goncalves and Madame Gallo.

St. George Catholic Elementary School celebrated their annual French Carnaval on Wednesday, organized by Madame Valenzuela. "We could not have designed a better day . . . with snow and sun," said Principal Margaret Marotta. (Pictures above)

The Olympic spirit is alive and well at At St. Patrick's Catholic Elementary School in Woodstock, where the students and staff dressed in Red and White to celebrate the beginning of the Olympics in Turin and to support our Canadian athletes. (Click on the Poster to the right for a larger version)

Day of Prayer A Huge Success!

Friday was a Staff Day of Prayer for all elementary school staff and 'turnaround day' at the secondary schools. St. Anne's Prayer Day was a huge success! The topic of the day was Spiritual Renewal and the guest speaker was Fr. Prieur. (Right) He gave a very motivational and inspirational presentation. Later, staff worked on Craft Kits for the Women's Community Shelter and Rotholme Family Shelter. (Above) The rationale for Staff Day of Prayer is to foster and advance the spirit and to enhance the faith life of the school community. Central to the vision and philosophy of every Catholic school is to become a true Catholic Christian community within which members learn, experience and live out the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all that they do.

Judy Ann Sadler, author of 19 craft books, presented to Grade 1 - 6 at St. Anne School this week in the library. (Left) She brought many of examples of her crafts to show the students. The students were able to hear about her many crafts and they then made a craft to bring home - a button buddy. They all had a wonderful time.

Congratulations to the LDCSB swimmers who took away a virtual boatload of medals at this week's TVRAA Swim Championships at the Canada Games Aquatic Centre. The WOSSA Championships go next week at the same venue. The OFSAA competition is in Etobicoke on March 7th and 8th.
LDCSB swimmers who finished with gold medals are listed below.

Gold Medalists:

Boys 200 SC Meter Medley Relay High School -Catholic Central Crusaders;
Girls 14 & Under 50 SC Meter Freestyle Open - Deanna Bak, St Joseph's High School
Girls 50 SC Meter Freestyle Open - Danielle Bell Boucher, Catholic Central Crusaders
Girls 100 SC Meter Butterfly Open - Kristine Walker, St. Thomas Aquinas Flames
Boys 100 SC Meter Butterfly Open - Jason Mitchell, Mother Teresa Catholic School
Boys 15 & Over 100 SC Meter Breaststroke - Brent Boles, Catholic Central
Girls 100 SC Meter Breaststroke Open - Danielle Bell Boucher, Catholic Central
Girls 200 SC Meter IM Open - Kristine Walker, St. Thomas Aquinas Flames
Boys 15 & Over 100 SC Meter IM High School - Ovidiu Birnaure, Catholic Central
Girls 13-14 50 SC Meter Backstroke High School - Tashi Michalczuk, John Paul II
Boys 14 & Under 50 SC Meter Backstroke Open - Chris Malott, Mother Teresa
Girls 100 SC Meter Backstroke Open - Kristine Walker, St. Thomas Aquinas Flames
Boys 400 SC Meter Freestyle Relay Open - Mother Teresa Catholic School

Students at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School had an entertaining and very informative assembly from Mrs. Sue Minns, a motivational speaker in London, who shared with our students her story of living these last 20 years with MS. (Above) It was poignant and at the same time humourous and certainly educational. The students had a Crazy Hat Day to raise monies for the MS Society.

The Spirit is Alive...

At the Catholic Education Centre!

LDCSB Principals met at the CEC yesterday, to discuss such items as Assessment, staff development and handling difficult issues. (Right) Anne Becker, CEO of the London Public Library, made a presentation on the many gifts the library has to offer.

In Memorium

Our prayers go out to the family of Regina Mundi Student Joanna Pilarinos, who was taken from us along with her mother in a car accident last weekend. Joanna, a Grade 11 student at Regina Mundi Catholic College, passed away suddenly as a result of a motor vehicle accident on Sunday, February 5, 2006. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 11, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Immaculate Church, 1980 Trafalgar Street, London. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Profiling

Our Partners

For 75 years, the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) has safeguarded and promoted the interests of Catholic education in Ontario. It is the central source of information about government funding and initiatives affecting Catholic education. As the sole representative of Ontario’s 29 Catholic District School Boards and five Catholic school authorities, OCSTA represents the needs and perspectives of Catholic school boards to the provincial government and, when necessary, the federal government. The Association is the central provider of professional services to 250 trustees elected by Catholic ratepayers every three years. The Association is managed by a board of directors made up of 16 Catholic school trustees, representing regions from across the province. Over 600,000 students in Ontario attend Catholic schools. Catholic school boards manage 1,325 schools in the province and hire approximately 36,000 teachers. This April, members of the Association will be in London to attend the Annual General Meeting and Conference. The London District Catholic School Board is honoured to act as host for an organization that has done so much for Catholic education.

News and Notes...

Do you know a great teacher? Someone who inspires students to reach for the stars? A teacher who is an innovator or a teacher who is a leader of other teachers? Then you should nominate that teacher for the 2006 OTIP Teaching Awards. This is the third year that the Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF), along with the Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP), has sponsored these teaching awards. There are three categories: Elementary Teacher, Secondary Teacher, and Beginning Teacher for those in their first five years of practice. While OTF and OTIP acknowledge the work that all teachers do every day, taking the opportunity to highlight the work of a few makes us all feed good about the teaching profession. The OTIP Awards nominations are open to anyone who would like to nominate an excellent teacher in Ontario's publicly funded schools. The award nomination process is entirely online at www.teachingawards.ca. You can also find the criteria for nomination on the website. The deadline for nomination is March 27, 2006. The winners will be announced on October 5, 2006, World Teachers' Day.

Thanks to teachers and students who forwarded poster submissions for the inaugural MediaFest Poster Contest. Samples of student work are now on display in the CIRT lab at the Catholic Education Centre.

Congratulations to Jennifer Berkelmans, for her winning design! Jennifer is a Grade 11 student in Mark Lisson's period one class at John Paul II. Her captivating graphic design will be reproduced for distribution to all schools in the coming weeks.

MediaFest is a celebration of cross-curricular achievement by students using various multimedia technologies, highlighted by the MediaFest Showcase which takes place on May 9, 2006 at the Catholic Education Centre.
For details on the event, visit www.ldcsb.on.ca/schools/cfe/mediafest

Tough Guise: Engaging Boys and Men in Challenging a Culture of Violence is a forum for Educators, Community Professionals and Parents on Socializing Boys and Men. It features Jackson Katz.
Date: Monday February 20, 2006. Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm.
London Convention Centre. For more information, click HERE.

The Deadline is Fast Approaching to Nominate Someone you Know for a Very Prestigious Award!

This will be the third year of an initiative to profile London District Catholic School Board Graduates who live the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations. The initiative is from Stewards in Catholic Education. Those selected must be secondary school graduates of the London District Catholic School Board or its predecessor Boards. They must demonstrate impact in professional and/or personal life in the following areas: spiritual, academic, aesthetic, social, or physical; demonstrate fulfillment of the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations; and demonstrate stewardship in Catholic Education. Nominators must complete a nomination form, signed by the nominee and submitted to John Boles at the Catholic Education Centre by February 13th, 2006.
(Printable nominations forms are available HERE.).

There is a limit of one nomination per nominator. A Selection Committee will review all nominations and make a final decision based on the criteria. The announcement regarding the London District Catholic School Board graduate (s) will be made at a Board Meeting in April. The graduate (s) will be profiled in Spotlight, on the Stewards in Catholic Education Website and during Education Week. This is your opportunity to publicly honour someone you know who has made a difference in the world around them!

Each year the Catholic community of Ontario engages in a week-long celebration of the unique identity and distinctive contributions of Catholic education during Catholic Education Week. This year’s celebration has the inspiring theme of “And God saw that it was good!” It is scheduled for the week of April 30 – May 5.

Please take a minute to help us to better serve you!
Please click HERE to access an electronic survey on 'Spotlight on the London District Catholic School Board'
Your opinions are appreciated!

A Special service is available to LDCSB employees: Please visit our on-line store for LDCSB items and Board ware.
Click HERE for details!