YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD EQUITY & INCLUSIVITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Transcription

1 YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD EQUITY & INCLUSIVITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, September 15, :00 p.m. Education Centre Aurora Board Room AGENDA 1. Roll Call 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest 4. Approval of Minutes May 12, Business Arising a. Introduction of Additional Community Organization Representatives Janice Tsoi, Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS) Michael Braithwaite, 360ºKids b. Introduction of Secondary First Nation, Metis and Inuit Curriculum Consultant Andrew McConnell 6. Presentations York Region District School Board Mental Health and Addiction Strategy Michelle Cassidy, Mental Health Lead 7. Student Report 8. Staff Report September 15, Policy Updates Policies for Comment 10. Future Presentations 11. Adjournment

2 Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda September 15, EQUITY AND INCLUSIVITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP Community Members Kristine Carbis George Diplas Karly Hacohen Atia Haq AJ Luo Waseem Malik Lena Singh Naheed Yaqubian Representatives of Community Organizations Karen Addison, Character Community Michael Bowe, York Region Children's Aid Society Michael Braithwaite, 360ºKids Janice Chu, United Way Toronto and York Region Josie Demartino, Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Jason Hastings, The Regional Municipality of York Amanda Knegje, Parent, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Janice Tsoi, Centre for Immigrant and Community Services Ricky Veerappan, York Regional Police Trustee Representatives Nancy Elgie (Vice-Chair) Peter Adams-Luchowski Allan Tam - Alternate Student Representatives Mustafa Ismail, Student Trustee Claire Zhou, Student Trustee Page 2 of 21

3 Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda September 15, 2016 Staff Representatives J. Philip Parappally, Director of Education Leslie Johnstone, Associate Director of Education, Schools Paul Woods, Principal, Inclusive School and Community Services Rose Li, Secondary Principal, Richmond Green Secondary School Dane Lawrence-Prince, Elementary Principal, Boxwood Public School Vittoria Leone, Elementary Teacher Representative, Louis-Honore Frechette Public School Andrew McConnell, First Nation Metis and Inuit (FNMI) Secondary Curriculum Advisor Joanne Richardson, Administrative Assistant, Board and Trustee Services Ex Officio Trustee Anna DeBartolo, Chair of the Board NEXT MEETING October 13, 2016 Page 3 of 21

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5 YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD EQUITY AND INCLUSIVITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES, MEETING #2 May 12, 2016 The Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC) met at 7:10 p.m. in the Board Room of the Education Centre, Aurora on Thursday, May 12, 2016, with Committee Vice-Chair N. Elgie presiding and the following members present: Community members: Community representatives: Trustee members: Staff members: Also in attendance: K. Carbis, G. Diplas, A. Haq, A. Luo, W. Malik, L. Singh and N. Yaqubian M. Bowe, J. DeMartino, J. Hastings and R. Veerappan P. Adams-Luchowski and N. Elgie (Vice-Chair), Elementary Principal D. Lawrence-Prince, Elementary Teacher V. Leone, Secondary Principal R. Li and Principal of Inclusive School and Community Services P. Woods Trustees C. Chan (via audio conference) and J. Nathan, Associate Director L. Johnstone and Administrative Assistant J. Richardson Regrets: Community member K. Hacohen, Community representatives K. Addison, J. Chu and A. Knegje, FNMI Curriculum Advisor A. McConnell, Student Trustees H. Arora and A. Liu, YRPC President M. Afshar and Student at Large J. Benaim. ROLL CALL Vice-Chair N. Elgie called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. and welcomed all new members to the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee meeting (EIAC). APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA (*)1. Moved by K. Carbis, seconded by J. DeMartino: That the agenda be approved as written. - Carried - Page 5 of 21

6 EIAC MINUTES PAGE 2 May 12, 2016 DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST Committee Vice-Chair N. Elgie asked any trustee who has a direct personal interest or direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any matter being discussed during the meeting to state their conflict and the nature thereof. No conflicts were declared by the trustee at this time. ELECTION OF CHAIR Principal of Inclusive School and Community Services P. Woods reviewed election procedures. Community representative J. DeMartino nominated Community member N. Yaqubian for the position of Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee Chair for the year No further nominations for the position of Chair were declared at this time MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS (*)2. Moved by M. Bowe, seconded by K. Carbis: That nominations for the position of Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee Chair for the year 2016 be closed. - Carried - N. Yaqubian assumed the position of Chair of EIAC at this time. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (*)3. Moved by J. DeMartino, seconded by A. Luo: That the minutes of the March 10, 2016 Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee meeting be approved as written. BUSINESS ARISING - Carried - Consideration of Additional Community Organizations Principal, Inclusive School and Community Services P. Woods advised that Curriculum Advisor A. McConnell has been appointed as a staff resource to the committee. As the Board s FNMI Consultant, he will bring forward the First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspective at meetings. Page 6 of 21

7 EIAC MINUTES PAGE 3 May 12, 2016 Committee members discussed the selection of two additional community organizations to participate on the committee and agreed on the Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS) and 360 Kids. 4. Moved by G. Diplas, seconded by L. Singh: That the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee recommend to the York Region District School Board that representatives from the following two community organizations be indentified to serve on the committee for the remainder of the term. Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS) 360 Kids Participation in Board-sponsored Events - Carried - Principal of Inclusive School and Community Services P. Woods provided the committee with a brief overview of Quest which is scheduled for the Fall Quest is in the second year of a two-year focus on Deep Learning in a Digital World. Three members of the EIAC are invited to attend one day each. Members will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Committee members were asked to contact Principal Woods or J. Richardson if they are interested in attending. Representation on the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee Community member L. Singh volunteered to serve as the EIAC representative on PEAC. P. Woods provided the committee with a brief overview of the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Council (PEAC) and the important role it plays both locally and provincially to recognize parent voice. (*)5. Moved by R. Veerappan, seconded by J. DeMartino: That the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee recommend to the Board that L. Singh be appointed as the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee representative on the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee. - Carried - Page 7 of 21

8 EIAC MINUTES PAGE 4 May 12, 2016 Meeting Norms Principal Woods reviewed the following meeting norms, discussed at the last meeting: Stay Engaged Be Okay with Discomfort Speak Your Truth Accept Non-Closure Committee Goals and Learning Needs Principal P. Woods presented a summary of feedback gathered at the March 10, 2016 meeting. In response to specific requests for information, staff will liaise with Research Services to indentify sources of data that are used to support student achievement and well-being. Presentations on Equity, Data Sources and Mental Health will be scheduled. In addition, information on the Director s Annual Plan and Board Improvement Plan will be shared at the joint EIAC/PEAC meeting in October. Committee members discussed at length the role of EIAC and the importance of ensuring members are equipped to contribute to equity and inclusivity in the Board. It was noted that members are responsible for representing the needs of all members of the community and making an effort to overcome personal bias. Trustees and staff member acknowledged the importance of engaging in authentic conversations about equity. It was noted that the Board is experienced and sophisticated at delivering equitable services to a diverse population. Many staff members go above and beyond to understand the unique needs of each student and provide differentiated supports. The importance of communication between students, parents and staff members is essential to understanding and addressing the needs of the local community. EQUITY IN THE YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD PRESENTATION Principal P. Woods indicated that, in response to a request from members, information has been prepared about what is happening in the area of Equity in the York Region District School Board. Principal Woods noted the supports and services provided by the Inclusive School and Community Services department plays with regard to supporting equity in York Region. He referenced the importance of interdepartmental collaboration with Curriculum and Instructional Services, Leadership Development and Student Services. Page 8 of 21

9 EIAC MINUTES PAGE 5 May 12, 2016 Principal of Inclusive School and Community Services P. Woods provided detailed information about: the role of teacher liaisons and how they support marginalized communities; the Reception Centre; community partnerships; parent workshops; equity designates in schools; the role of community resource facilitators; community outreach initiatives; asset mapping; resiliency; equity initiatives; the structure and role of the Equity Strategy Steering Advisory Committee (ESSAC); how equity is built into programming; equity resources available to staff, students, parents and members of the community; and the Equity Symposium. He explained and provided examples of how staff members work with the school, families and community partners to support the needs of students. The Board s equity work is aligned with Board priorities and Ontario s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy. Principal Woods identified several upcoming initiatives that will continue to support equity in the Board. He reinforced the importance of looking for and addressing the individual needs of each student. Committee members were impressed by the extensive amount of equity work that has and continues to occur in the Board. They expressed appreciation to Principal Woods for providing such a detailed and extensive overview and demonstrating how the Board endeavours to ensure the needs of every learner are met. Principal P. Woods advised that while a significant amount of work has been done, the Board is committed to continuing to build capacity in this area and focusing on continuous improvement. Committee members discussed the important role that school staff members play in identifying students with unique personal needs and the provision of equitable services. Page 9 of 21

10 EIAC MINUTES PAGE 6 May 12, 2016 (*)6. Moved by J. Hastings, seconded by A. Luo: That the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee receive the Equity in the York Region District School Board presentation for information. STUDENT REPORT - Carried - The student report was attached to the agenda for information. (*)7. Moved by M. Bowe, seconded by N. Elgie: That the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee receive the Student Report for information. STAFF REPORT - Carried - The staff report was attached to the agenda for information. Principal P. Woods elaborated on the implementation of and communication strategy associated with all access washrooms in schools. (*)8. Moved by A. Luo, seconded by P. Adams-Luchowski: That the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee receive the Staff Report for information. REPORT FROM THE BOARD - Carried - The report from the Board was attached with the agenda for information. Trustee N. Elgie advised on the approval process for new advisory committee members and Board policies. (*)9. Moved by L. Singh, seconded by J. Demartino: That the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee receive the Report from the Board for information. - Carried - Page 10 of 21

11 EIAC MINUTES PAGE 7 May 12, 2016 POLICY UPDATES Policies, on which the Board is current seeking feedback, were attached to the agenda for information. Trustee N. Elgie clarified the difference between a policy and procedure. Information was provided to committee members about how to provide feedback. FUTURE PRESENTATIONS ACTION Committee members were asked to complete the request for presentation form to help identify future presentations. ADJOURNMENT (*)10. Moved by P. Adams-Luchowski, seconded by R. Veerappan: That the Equity and Inclusivity Engagement Advisory Committee meeting adjourn at 9:20 p.m. - Carried - Page 11 of 21

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13 Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC) Staff Report September 15, ) Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) welcomes a new Teacher Liaison to our team. Shila Mahdavi is our new Iranian Teacher Liaison. She comes to us from Parkland Public School where she was a Special Education Resource Teacher. Shila has much experience in Sudbury and Toronto supporting the Iranian community. We welcome her expertise and skill set to our team! 2) YRDSB is participating in the development of the Interfaith Network Advisory Committee. Details about an information session being held by YRP, YRCAS and YRDSB are as follows: On behalf of the York Region Interfaith Steering Committee, please accept this invitation to join us for a York Region Interfaith Advisory Network information evening on September 28, In 2014, three agencies York Region Children s Aid Society, York Regional Police and the York Region District School Board began discussions aimed at ensuring that each organization s processes, policies, practices and structures were able to understand and meet the multi-expressions of faith, spirituality and creed needs of York Region s increasingly diverse community. These discussions led to the understanding that the development of a York Region Interfaith Advisory Network would further support our efforts to meet the diverse needs within our communities. The York Region Interfaith Advisory Network will be an advisory network of faith, spiritual and creed leaders who are; A source of consultation and joint collaboration with organizations that work with children, youth and their families, through facilitated learning sessions, site visits and other relevant/associated activities/services/initiatives, Willing to provide feedback on the development of policies/guidelines/protocols, Willing to facilitate site specific support (e.g. in home, school or community-based support, etc., Willing to participate in various activities for the mutual development and understanding of all communities and faith groups (e.g. faith based tours, speakers bureau, other activities that contribute to interfaith understanding, etc.) and Willing to participate in self-development learning activities, trainings and/or experiences (e.g. equity and inclusion training, social issue based training, etc.). 3) The Integration Network Program as offered by the Richmond Hill Welcome Centre provides newcomer teachers monthly workshops on provincial qualifications and experience in partnership with YRDSB and ISCS staff. These workshops include topics such as Ontario Teaching practices; resume development; application process; volunteerism in schools; and more. This is an exciting partnership in support of our international educator newcomers! 4) We will explore Equity as a Foundational Practice shared by Director of Education, J Parappally, at the Leadership Retreat on August 31, 2016 with all school administrators. Page 13 of 21

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15 Policies and Procedures for Comment The following policies and/or procedures have been approved for distribution for comment. Input from members of the community is an important component of the review process. A guideline outlining the process by which policies and procedures have been reviewed by trustees and staff members and some questions you may wish to consider when submitting feedback is provided for your information. Questions about any Board policy and/or procedure should first be raised with your principal or superintendent to learn about how it fits into the local community context. Many questions can be addressed at this point; however, if you still feel a policy and/or procedure needs to be adjusted, feedback may be submitted through the school council in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, Board Policies, Procedures and Supporting Documents. Feedback should include the following: identification of the specific section(s) of the policy and/or procedure you would like to see addressed; the reason(s) for your concern(s); and specific, alternate wording to reflect your position. Input may be submitted, for consideration by the appropriate committee(s) at policy.committee@yrdsb.ca or via fax at Due dates for responses are outlined below. If you have questions or comments about the process by which policies and procedures are reviewed, please contact the Assistant Manager, Board and Trustee Services at policy.committee@yrdsb.ca or at extension Index Title Response Due Staff Members Who Are Candidates for, or Elected to, Public Office (Working Document) 1/2/ Appointment of Community Members to Board Committees (Working Document) 1/2/ Environmental Responsibility and Reusable Beverage Containers (Working Document) 1/2/ Kilometre Allowance, Staff, Trustees and Non-Trustee Committee Members (Working Document) 1/2/ Student/School Fees (Working Document) 2/8/ Community Involvement Hours (Working Document) 2/8/2017 Note: Working documents have been approved for circulation for six schools months in order to assess system impact and obtain input from members of the community. Working Documents replace the previous version and are the official working policy and/or procedure of the Board. Page 15 of 21

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17 York Region District School Board Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee PROPOSED TEMPLATE FOR EIAC PRESENTATION REQUEST FORM PROPOSED PRESENTATION DATE: PRESENTER NAME: TITLE: TOPIC REQUESTED: GLOBAL QUESTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED: SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED: Requested By: Date Requested: Person Contacting Speaker: Person Thanking Speaker: PLEASE RETURN FORM TO JOANNE RICHARDSON: Fax: Page 17 of 21

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19 Please Respond to Joanne Richardson by May 12, STOP, START, CONTINUE SUMMARY INCLUDING CONSTRUCTIVE STRATEGIES STOP (What is presently being done that should be stopped because it is not helpful or useful?) CONSTRUCTIVE SOLUTIONS TO STOP ITEMS (ABOVE) Page 19 of 21

20 - 2 - START (What should be started because it is needed and would be useful or helpful?) CONTINUE (What should be continued because it is helpful, useful or worthwhile?) Page 20 of 21

21 York Region District School Board Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee Working Well in Equity and Inclusivity What s working well in EIAC? What continuing challenges are being experienced? Page 21 of 21