Teachers recognized by Catholic Board

News Release
NWCDSB

At its Regular Meeting of the Board held September 17, 2011, the Board recognized Lisa Cousineau, Teacher and Peggy Armstrong, Educational Assistant at St. Michael’s School for their assistance in the Summer Literacy Program that ran at St. Michael’s School for two weeks in July. Principal Brendan Hyatt stated, “The Summer Literacy Program was a huge success with children engaged and learning in a full-filled environment. Principals Teresa Dennis, Brendan Hyatt and Guy Durand and Vice Principal Ron Fryer appreciated the opportunity to attend “The Principals’ World Convention” held August 15 to 18, 2011 in Toronto. “There were over 2,000 delegates from around the world in attendance, and the conference reaffirmed that what we are achieving in our schools is on track”, stated Principal Teresa Dennis.
 The Special Education Advisory Committee held their first meeting of the new school year on September 13, 2011. The committee is actively searching for new member to sit on the Committee. The Audit Committee held their first meeting on September 13, 2011 with a full compliment of members. The Board continues to look for an additional member from the Fort Frances area to serve on the Audit Committee.
“Numerous facility upgrades were completed through July and August 2011 at all of the Northwest Catholic District School Board’s eight facilities”, stated Director Kelly, thanks to the dedicated efforts to Chris Howarth, Superintendent of Business.
Superintendent of Education Al Cesiunas was pleased to announce a 3 year project being offered at St. Francis School to pilot the iPad. The iPad has more apps, better integration and portability than laptops. Trustees will have the opportunity to try the iPad out in the near future.
Superintendent of Education Al Cesiunas stated, “the system direction for programming has been set to implement the strategic direction and focus on school effectiveness planning with all staff. The target will be to work towards continuous school improvement and continued high student achievement.”
The 2010-2011 EQAO Board and School results for the Northwest Catholic District School Board have been published and Director of Education, Mary-Catherine Kelly is very pleased with the results. “We are proud of our increases and we feel that the strategies we are using in the classroom are working”, states Director Kelly. Superintendent of Education Al Cesiunas is also very pleased with the increases stating, “in some areas we see increases of over 30%”.
The Northwest Catholic Districts School Board will continue to offer the “Homework Help” pilot project to its Grade 7 and 8 students. The Board was one of the few Boards in Ontario that received funding for this project. Superintendent of Education Al Cesiunas said, “Dick Botsford is doing an excellent job leading this project, and students are benefiting immensely from the on-line access to qualified Math tutors during the evenings and weekends.