Catholic Board honours Atikokan teachers

News Release
NCDSB

The Northwest Catholic District School Board recognized Amy LaFroy and Shannon Richard, teachers at St. Patrick’s School in Atikokan, for organizing the “Stations of the Cross” event during Lent this year.
All students, staff and parents were immersed in the Jesus’ Journey as they participated in the Stations of the Cross. Miss LaFroy emphasized that this event had a profound effect on the school community.
Vice Chair Cathy Bowen said, “she was pleased to see that the schools are enriched with dedicated teachers that bring the life of Jesus to their students in a meaningful way”.
Other Business
•Trustees approved a recommendation to award the St. Michael’s School Kindergarten classroom addition and heating upgrade to Ed Kaun and Sons at a cost of 1,295,447.13. Ed Kaun and Sons were also successful in securing the roofing tender at St. Michael’s School at a cost of 173,145. Superintendent of Business, Chris Howarth said, “Three bids were received but only one met all tender requirements.”
•Trustees received the draft 2011-2012 budget. Director Kelly noted that, “a great deal of work has gone into preparing this draft budget and administration has yet to analyze the final results. Chris Howarth, Superintendent of Business said, “Administration will apply to the Ministry of Education for the ability to access reserve funds to cover the shortfall, with a comprehensive plan to balance the budget. The Board will be looking at cost cutting options possibly in the area of programs and administration.”
Superintendent of Business, Chris Howarth stated that, “the Broader Public Service Directives (BPS) is a new directive that sets out rules for claiming reimbursement of work-related travel, meals and hospitality expenses. The Board has been following best practices in supply chain and public procurement since the spring of 2010 and will update its procurement and expense policy once the Ministry workgroup recommendations are released.”
•The Board received the revised Police and School Board Response Protocol. Superintendent of Education, Al Cesiunas, stated that, “the schools, police and community are jointly participating in a number of co-operative programs to establish and maintain a positive, safe learning environment”.
•Deputy Minister Jim Grieves was in the north to visit schools the week of May 2nd and he paid a visit to Sacred Heart School in Sioux Lookout on May 3rd and St. Joseph’s School on May 4th. Director Kelly said that, “The Deputy Minister was very impressed with our schools and daycares. He expressed to the Board that he enjoyed his visit to the north and now he has a greater appreciation for the work we do in the schools. He also realized the vast distances we have to travel within our own boards in Northwestern Ontario.
•The Northern Ontario Catholic School Trustees re-elected Mrs. Anne-Marie Fitzgerald as OCSTA Director-at-Large Region 3 for a second term. Mrs. Fitzgerald will be the voice to the Provincial Executive and she will provide a Northern perspective at the provincial discussions on Catholic Education.