Board of Trustees

Public Board Meeting Agenda

Date:
Time:
Location:
Phone:
Web:

1.

2015-2016: #11

March 15, 2016

4:00 p.m.
Board Room, Catholic Education Services
9807-106 Street
780 441-6002
www.ecsd.net

Call to Order
1.1
Opening Prayer
1.2
Roll Call
1.3
Comments from the Public
1.4
Consent Agenda
A.
Edmonton Catholic Schools Foundation Report
B.
Homeward Trust Youth Systems Committee Involvement
1.5
Presentation
1.6
Agenda

2.

Minutes
2.1
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
A.
January 19, 2016
2.2
Matters Arising from the Minutes
A.

3.

Business of the Meeting

3.1
Administrative Business
A.
Reports for Information
(i)
District Recognition Albertas Top 70 Employers
(ii) EXL Award Excellence Among Members of the
Superintendency, Canadian Association of School
System Administrators and Xerox
B.
3.2

Father Dean Dowle

C. Olsen, M. Barylo
J. Carr

J. Carr
Barry Litun Executive Director
Council of Alberta School
Superintendents

Reports Requiring Action

(i)

Board Business
A.
Reports for Information
(i)

Community Conversation on Inclusive Education Summary Report

L. Kowalczyk
J. Acheson

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Patricia Grell, Ward 71

Cindy Olsen, Ward 73

Marilyn Bergstra, Ward 76

Larry Kowalczyk, Ward 72

Debbie Engel, Ward 74

Laura Thibert, Ward 77

SUPERINTENDENT
Joan Carr

John Acheson, Ward 75

Page 1 of 2

3.2

B.

Reports Requiring Action

(i)
First Reading, Governance Policy, GP#15 Basic & Supplemental
Education Costs
(ii)
Amendment to GP#14, Commitment to Inclusive Communities in
Edmonton Catholic Schools

J. Acheson
J. Acheson

Media Break

4.0

3.3

New Business
A.
Notices of Motion
Not for debate
B.
Trustee Inquiries
Not for debate, for vote only
C.
Schedule Special Public Meeting of the Board March 24, 2016 9:15 a.m.
J. Acheson

3.4

In-Camera
A.

Adjournment
4.1
Closing Prayer
4.2
Motion to Adjourn

Father Dean Dowle

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Patricia Grell, Ward 71

Cindy Olsen, Ward 73

Marilyn Bergstra, Ward 76

Larry Kowalczyk, Ward 72

Debbie Engel, Ward 74

Laura Thibert, Ward 77

SUPERINTENDENT
Joan Carr

John Acheson, Ward 75

Page 2 of 2

Report to Trustees of the Edmonton Catholic School Board

February 16, 2016
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Edmonton Catholic Schools Foundation, I am pleased to
provide a brief update on the recent direction and activities of the Foundation.
Comprising our Board of Directors are:
Dr. Mona-Lee Feehan (Chair)
Henry Yip (Vice Chair)
Owen Edmondson (Past Chair)
Cory Almquist (Treasurer)
Kelly Forner (Secretary)
Mary Molloy

Dr. Christopher Leung

Trustee Cynthia Olsen
Jackie Fetter
Fr. Romano Venturelli
Judge Rosanna Saccomani
Cecilia Fenrich (ex-officio)

In 2015, the Foundation affirmed that its raison detre are the children and youth who attend
Edmonton Catholic Schools (ECS). The fundamental platform supporting all that the Edmonton
Catholic Schools Foundation wishes to accomplish is based upon Catholic social justice
principles and practises. As such, the Foundation refocused its mandate and fundraising efforts to
reflect this reality with a more tangible and meaningful brand: Dreams for Kids. Inspired by faith,
embraced by love, and empowered by hope, Dreams for Kids raises funds in support of the Edmonton
Catholic Schools Foundation.
The Edmonton Catholic Schools Foundation wants every childespecially those in need--to have an
equal opportunity to succeed in school and in life. Our primary role is to provide additional financial
assistance which can help address the challenges our children and youth face today that often prevent
them from attaining the best Catholic educational experience possible. Donations to an annual Dreams
for Kids fundraising campaign are to be directed to the following six Funds, which were created by the
Foundation after consultation with ECS administration, principals and staff:
Guardian Angel Fund providing support for students with mental health needs
Conquer Hunger Fund supporting healthy school lunch and snack programs
Helping Hands Fund providing resources to assist schools in addressing student emergency
needs including clothing, shelter, transportation, food, and poverty relief
Dream Maker Fund providing financial support/subsidies to students so they may equitably
participate in school-based retreats, as well as recreational, educational, and social
events/activities
100 Voices Fund - funding socially and educationally disadvantaged young children who
would significantly benefit from early childhood education, but who do not qualify for
government support

 Champion Projects Fund financial assistance for student-generated short-term projects,

which are supported by school administration.
In 16 months and three grant periods, the Foundation distributed nearly $51,000 to 31 schools in
support of their Champion Project submissions. These Projects reinforced Catholic social
justice in action, nurtured student leadership skills, and/or supported the spiritual development
of ECS youth. It is guestimated that the 31 Projects have impacted more than 12,000 students,
staff, and community members!
For example,
St. Bonaventure Elementary Schools Friend in Need project received $2,500 to organize
and host a student-centred Faith Development Day.
St. Augustine School received $1,000 for their Helping Hands project. The monies
supported the students in getting out to various charitable organizations to volunteer their
time in serving community members in need.
St. Timothys School was awarded $2,500 for their Faith Friends project which supports
resiliency in students who have been identified as needing extra help because they struggle
with anxiety, may have low self-esteem, and who would benefit from developing strong
connections with supportive staff and fellow students. The funds covered transportation and
material costs for service activities, and the creation of a Faith Space for students.
Holy Trinity High Schools Mission Possible project provides students with opportunities to
support Edmonton communities in a wide variety of ways including: sorting donations at
the Mustard Seed PAC Centre; participating in the River City Clean-up; gift wrapping for
the Salvation Army; attending a Development and Peace seminar; teaching seniors about
using computers; and working with Habitat for Humanity. The $2,500 award went towards
transportation costs for students, and to help fund the cost of a meal at Mustard Seed Centre,
that was prepared and served by the students.
St. Justin Elementary School received $2,500 towards the construction of a Rosary Garden,
which serves as an outdoor place for prayer, while visually highlighting the Schools
Catholic identity.

St. Justins Rosary Garden

The Foundations fundraising and marketing strategies are based upon the building and nurturing of
long-term relationships with individuals and community stakeholders. Our fundraising efforts are not
focusing on special events such as dinners, auctions, or golf tournaments but rather, in meeting face-toface with individuals, businesses, community organizations and institutional donors to ask for their
investment in the children and youth being served at Edmonton Catholic Schools--especially those
affected by the barrier of poverty.
During the past year, and with the support of staff from the Edmonton Catholic School District,
communication and fundraising materials were developed for the Foundation. As well, a fundraising
software system was purchased and implemented. The web-site for the Foundation was also completely
redesigned and rebranded (www.ecsfoundation.ca). On average, each day we have 100 page views and
30 new or unique visitors, which is a two-thirds increase over 2014.
Through a limited direct mail Dreams for Kids campaign combined with personal meetings with
prospective supporters over the last few months, the Foundation has been successful in securing
approximately $300,000, of which $135,000 has been designated to the 100 Voices program.
In 2016, we hope to roll-out a comprehensive annual Dreams for Kids public fundraising campaign.
The Foundation has also been successful in establishing more than $85,000 in endowed gifts.
Going forward, the Foundation is cognizant that its long-term financial sustainability must be
addressed. Leadership at the Foundation is reviewing various models being successfully used by other
public and separate educational Foundations in the country. Within the current calendar year an
appropriate model of sustainability will be presented to the Foundation Board--one which will likely
support greater collaboration and resource sharing with the Edmonton Catholic School District.
In conclusion, we as Catholics, have much to be proud of, and certainly the Edmonton Catholic School
system is one of them. The Foundation is proud to be a partner in offering its support to ECS and its
countless hard working and dedicated staff.
On behalf of Dr. Mona-Lee Feehan, our Chair, the Board, and the staff of the Edmonton Catholic
Schools Foundation, I express our debt of gratitude to the Board of Trustees for their continued support,
to Joan Carr and her senior leadership team for their wisdom and generosity, and finally, to the
principals and staff of ECS for their selfless and exemplary leadership.

Marc Barylo
Executive Director

Board of Trustees

Public Board Meeting Agenda

Date:
Time:
Location:
Phone:
Web:

1.

2.

2015-2016: #9

January 19, 2016

4:00 p.m.
Board Room, Catholic Education Services
9807-106 Street
780 441-6002
www.ecsd.net

Call to Order
1.1
Board Chair Bergstra called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Father Julian began the meeting with the Opening Prayer.

Father Jullian

1.2

Present:
Marilyn Bergstra, Board Chair
John Acheson, Vice-Chair
Debbie Engel
Patricia Grell
Larry Kowalczyk
Laura Thibert

Absent
Cindy Olsen

1.3

Comments from the Public

There were no comments scheduled.

1.4

Consent Agenda
Trustee Grell moved that the Consent Agenda that includes the following item be approved as
circulated.
A. Update February 6, 2016 Community Conversation on Inclusive Education
Carried

1.5

Presentations
There were no presentations scheduled.

1.6

Agenda
Trustee Grell moved that the agenda of the January 19, 2016 Public Meeting of the Board be
approved as circulated and as follows:
a recess be called at 5:30 p.m.
the Board go in-camera following the meeting.

Carried

Minutes
2.1
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
A.
December 8, 2015
Trustee Thibert moved that the Board approves the minutes of the December 8, 2015 Public
Meeting of the Board as circulated.
Trustee Grell moved to reword the motion by her in 2.2A.
The Board Chair ruled that the minutes would remain as circulated.

January 19, 2016 Public Meeting of the Board Minutes

Page 1 of 3

On the question by the Chair, the Board supported the ruling by the Chair.
Opposed: P. Grell
In Favour: J. Acheson
D. Engel
L. Kowalczyk
L. Thibert
M. Bergstra
The motion to approve the minutes as circulated was.
Opposed: P. Grell

Carried
In Favour: J. Acheson
D. Engel
L. Kowalczyk
L. Thibert
M. Bergstra

B.

2.2
3.

January 12, 2016 Special Meeting

Trustee Kowalczyk moved that the Board approves the minutes of the January 12, 2016
Special Public Meeting of the Board as circulated.
Carried
Matters Arising from the Minutes
There were no matters arising from the previous minutes.

Business of the Meeting

3.1
Administrative Business
A.
Reports for Information
(i)
End Poverty in a Generation Analysis and Recommendations
Trustee Kowalczyk moved that the Board receives as information the report End Poverty
in a Generation Analysis and Recommendations.
Carried
(ii)

Five Marks of Catholic School Identity Implementation Plan 2015 - 2018

Trustee Kowalczyk moved that the Board receives the report Five Marks of Catholic
School Identity Implementation Plan 2015-2018 as information.
Carried
(iii) Walking Distance to Bus Stops
Trustee Engel moved that based on the analysis and review of the impact of moving bus
stop locations, as well as previous experience with this issue, that the current
transportation practices regarding bus stop locations are maintained as status quo.
Carried
Opposed: L. Kowalczyk
In Favour: J. Acheson
D. Engel
P. Grell
L. Thibert
M. Bergstra
At 5:30 p.m. the Board Recessed.
At 5:35 p.m. the Chair called the meeting to order.
B.

Reports Requiring Action

(i) Declaration of Surplus Site (Matt Berry)
Trustee Acheson moved that the Board of Trustees declares the Matt Berry school site
surplus to the needs of the Edmonton Catholic School District.
Carried
Opposed: P. Grell
In Favour: J. Acheson
M. Bergstra
D. Engel
L. Kowalczyk
L. Thibert

January 19, 2016 Public Meeting of the Board Minutes

Page 2 of 3

(ii)

Appointment of External Auditor for the 2015-2016 Year

Trustee Engel moved that the Board of Trustees appoints Grant Thornton LLP as external
auditor for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2016.
Carried

3.2

Board Business
A.
Reports for Information
There were no reports scheduled.

3.2

B.

3.3

New Business
A.
Notices of Motion
Trustee Bergstra placed the following Notice of Motion on the table:
That a collaborative initiative between municipal and provincial governments, not-for-profit
stakeholders, and our school district to address youth homelessness. The vision is the
development of a comprehensive wrap-around model of supports

Reports Requiring Action

There were no reports scheduled.

Trustee Grell placed the following Notice of Motion on the table:

That at the earliest convenience, the Board of Trustees takes the recommendations provided by
the Administration on the End Poverty Report and do its own study of how the Board can
support the Citys Initiatives and implement the recommendations in our District from a
governance perspective.
B.

Trustee Inquiries
There were no inquiries.

C.

Public Meeting of the Board Minutes

Trustee Kowalczyk moved that:
the minutes of the Public Board Meetings be posted on the web within three business
days after the meeting and further,
that the notes of the Audit and Finance Committee and the Governance and Priorities
committee meetings be posted on the Boards portal, DRAFT form, within three business
days.
Carried
Expenditures Over $500,000
Trustee Kowalczyk moved that the Administration, when making an expenditure of $500,000
or more, bring it to the Boards attention at the first possible Public Meeting of the Board.
Carried

D.

4.0

Adjournment
4.1
Father Julian said the Closing Prayer.
4.2
Trustee Engel moved that the meeting adjourn at 6:15 p.m.

January 19, 2016 Public Meeting of the Board Minutes

Carried

Page 3 of 3

Edmonton Catholic School Board

Summary Report
Community Conversation on Inclusion
Submitted to:

Trustee Larry Kowalczyk (Chair of the Committee)

Trustee John Acheson (Co-Chair of the Committee)

Submitted by:

Corrie Ziegler, Facilitator, Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium

Thrse deChamplain-Good, Executive Director, Edmonton Regional
Learning Consortium

Date:

February 16, 2016

Appendix I: Invitation to Attend

Appendix II: Agenda
The following information provides a summary of the district sponsored Community
Conversation on Inclusion event, held on February 6, 2016, from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the
Genesis Center.
Before the Event:
An invitation (see Appendix I) to attend the Community Conversation on Inclusion was sent to all
school council chairs, principals, parents and teachers via district email. 139 people registered
for the event:
Parents:
Teachers
Administrators
Consultants
Educational Assistants
Community Members/Societies

69
23
15
14
7
11

During the Event:

The total number of people that attended the event equaled 138. Fifty-three people registered but
did not attend. Fifty-two people attended the event but did not register.
The event began with an opening prayer by Fr. Julian Bilyj and greetings from Trustees Kowalczyk
and Acheson. Participants heard 15-minute presentations from individuals representing six
groups/societies: Alberta Education, Edmonton Catholic Schools, Alberta Teachers Association,
Edmonton Down Syndrome, Autism Edmonton, and the Learning Disabilities Association of
Alberta: Edmonton Chapter. Following the presentations, participants engaged in conversation

around the following question: What did you hear from all six presentations that you believe are
important considerations for creating an inclusive education model for Edmonton Catholic
Schools? After the lunch break, participants engaged in discussion around a second question:
What do you believe are the 5 - 6 key elements of an effective and functional Inclusive Education
Model for the Edmonton Catholic School District? The day ended with closing remarks by Trustee
Kowalczyk and a closing prayer by Fr. Julian Bilyj.
The entire day was facilitated by Corrie Ziegler, from the Edmonton Regional Learning
Consortium. A brief discussion about the purpose for the day, norms for collaboration, and
process for working together created a positive approach for the discussion that followed.
Participants were asked to identify table facilitators, timers, recorders, and use a talking stick to
ensure all voices were heard.
The agenda for the event is included in Appendix II along with a link to the power point used
throughout the day.
Summary of Participant Responses:
Total number of participants that provided responses to the two worksheets outlined below = 113
One parent left very early in the morning, feeling frustrated and commented: why are we doing
this again?
Total number of people per group that provided responses:
Parents = 31 (one provided an email response)
Teachers = 22
Administration (Principals and Assistant Principals) = 18
Educational Assistants = 7
Community Members/Societies = 4
Mixed Group (Combination to teachers, principals, society members, presenters) = 31
Seven Trustees and three Consultants were in attendance, and submitted responses to worksheet
A and B. These responses are not included in the total number of responses and are provided for
information and comparison purposes only.
Presenters were in attendance but did not submit responses.
Summary of Responses to Worksheet A
Worksheet A: What did you hear from all six presentations that you believe are important
considerations for creating an inclusive education model for Edmonton Catholic Schools?
Considerations are listed in order from the highest total number of comments to the lowest total
number of comments related to each consideration.
Bulleted phrases under each consideration are examples of responses related to the consideration,
and are included to provide deeper understanding of the consideration.

Considerations

Number of times the consideration was recorded by each group

Parent
s

1. Provide
8
Teachers and EAs
adequate funding
and time during
the instructional
day to:
develop
expertise and
instructional
materials
collaborate and
conference the
parents
engage in
effective,
research based
PD
learn about and
apply best
practices
coding and
documentation
learn to use
technology
effectively
support new
teachers
increase pay to
attract qualified
staff
2. Provide
8
adequate, effective
resources/funds
for teachers,
students, parents
for:
psychoeducational
assessments
smaller class
sizes

Teachers

Administrators

Educational
Assistants

Community
Members/
Societies

Mixed
Groups

Total

Trustees

Consultants

19

12

11

53

12

27

specialized
supports
EAs in every
classroom
ramps and
facility
upgrades
creating
deeper/broade
r awareness of
existing
excellent
resources
3. Work
8
collaboratively
with all
stakeholders:
Recognize
parental
expertise/bias
takes a village
to raise a child
approach
Decisions made
locally
Advocacy
support
4. Choice of
4
programs:
Inside/outside
school
Congregated
and segregated
Equal access
Revive some
programs
5. Leverage use of 7
Multi Disciplinary
Teams:
Support for
teachers is not
equal/consisten
t (eg. Not all
MDT members
offer the same

19

19

18

quality of
services, not all
programs offer
the same levels
of supports
Should work to
build capacity
of EAs
Should work
directly with
special needs
children
6. Support
students social
development:
students with
behavior
challenges pose
the greatest
challenge
provide mental
health supports
teach life skills
provide
behavior
support teams
7. Support EAs
through:
Training
increase FTE
allowing the
right person for
the job
allowing EA to
move up the
grades with the
student
8. Need for
common district
vision and values:
High academic
standards
See differences
as ordinary
Build

16

15

13

on/celebrate
strengths
Remove stigma
9. Need for
Transparency
Build trust
Spiritual
inclusion
(katholos)
School are
truly
welcoming
Not always
about dollars
10. Advocacy and
Clear
Communication
about Funding
Lobbying AE
Provide
clear/consisten
t explanations
to parents
about funding
for children
with special
needs
11. Leadership
Hold teachers
accountable
Create plans for
evaluating the
effectiveness of
initiatives, best
practices, etc.
Create families
of schools that
explore creative
solutions
Advocate for
changes in
UNIFOR
collective
agreements
12. Policy vs

13

12

12

0
6

Practice
ECSD and AE
alignment
bridge the gap
Should practice
affect policy or
the other way
around?
Need for
flexibility
local decision
making
13. Work with
0
Universities to
provide much more
training around
inclusion

Top 3 Considerations by Group:

Parents:
1. Provide Teachers and EAs adequate funding and time during the instructional day
2. Provide adequate, effective resources/funding for teachers, students, parents
3. Work collaboratively with all stakeholders
Teachers:
1. Provide teachers and EAs adequate funding and time during the instructional day
2. Provide adequate, effective resources/funding for teachers, students, parents
11. Leadership
Administration:
1. Provide teachers and EAs adequate funding and time during the instructional day
6. Support EAs
11. Leadership
Educational Assistants:
6. Support students social development
4. Choice of Programs
1. Provide teachers and EAs adequate funding and time during the instructional day
Community Members
Numbers too small
Mixed Group:
1. Provide teachers and EAs adequate funding and time during the instructional day

2. Provide adequate resources for teachers, students, parents

5. Choice of Programs
Summary of Responses to Worksheet B
Worksheet B: What do you believe are 5 6 key elements of an effective and functional inclusive
Educational Model for Edmonton Catholic Schools?
Key elements are listed in order from the highest total number of comments to the lowest total
number of comments.
Number of times the key element was recorded by each group

Key Elements

Parents

1. Choice and
4
equal access to
programs for all
students:
flexibility to
move in and out
of segregated
classes as
needed
one size does
not fit all
consistency in
program
delivery for
each program
offered
all programs
focused on
learner needs
that fully
engage the
students
consistent
funding and
support for all
students
(including
regular or noncoded from
pre-school to
grade 12)

Teachers

Administrators
(Principals and
Assistant
Principals)

Educational
Assistants

Community
Members/
Societies

Mixed
Groups

Total

Trustees

Consultants

12

31

flexibility decisions made

at the school
level based on
learner needs
2. Communication 8
with all
stakeholders
Clear and
shared vision
Inclusion is first
choice
Faith based
Removing the
stigma of
children with
special needs
value based
strength based
transparent
truly
welcoming all
students
3. Ongoing,
2
trusting and
meaningful
collaboration
amongst all
stakeholders:
Alberta
Education
Board
ATA
Societies
Communities
Parents
Teachers, EAs,
MDT, etc.
4. Adequate
3
funding:
Advocate the
province for
more funding
Advocate for
block funding

24

18

13

Use districts
$18 million to
support
inclusion
Continuation of
funding (no
breaks in
funding when
student needs
to be
reassessed)
5. Inclusion should 2
include:
social goals
(recess,
working with
others,
behavior, etc.)
physical activity
inquiry
universal
design for
learning
approach
reconsider the
impact of IPPs
6. Professional
0
Development for
administrators,
teachers and EAs
ongoing
proactive
mandatory for
some teachers
during the
school day
use of effective
PD models
7. Enhanced
1
support for
Educational
Assistants:
training and PD
increased pay
ability to move

12

12

11

10

with the child

up the grades
genuine
recognition
placement of
EAs in every
class
8. Hire enough
specialized
education teachers
to meet the range
of special needs
9. Create Policy:
cross ministry
based on
learner needs
in the
classroom
researched
based
10. Efficient and
effective use of
resources:
effective use of
technology
create deeper
awareness of
existing
resources
training in how
to use
resources
effectively
11. Accountability:
Board
Teachers
learning
coaches
parents
MDT
12. Early
screening/coding
appropriate
funding to
support

11

value teacher
judgment
ongoing
13. Support for
advocacy for
parents and
students separate
from the school
board
14. Work with
Universities to
better prepare
teachers to support
inclusion
15. Learning
Coaches
both student
learning
coaches and
teacher
learning
coaches
reduce paper
work so
learning
coaches can
work with
students
16. Divide ECSD
schools into
regions:
provide
support based
on the student
needs in the
region
share
resources, best
practices, PD

12

Top 2 Key Elements by Group:

Parents:
1. Choice and equal access to programs for all students
2. Communication with all stakeholders
Teachers:
1. Choice and equal access to programs for all students
3. Ongoing, trusting and meaningful collaboration amongst all stakeholders
Administration:
1. Choice and equal access to programs for all students
3. Ongoing, trusting and meaningful collaboration amongst all stakeholders (tied with other key
elements)
Educational Assistants:
1. Choice and equal access to programs for all students
6. Professional Development for administrators, teachers and EAs (tied with other key elements)
Community Members
Numbers too small
Mixed Group:
1. Choice and equal access to programs for all students
2. Communication with all stakeholders (tied with other key elements)
End of Session Evaluation Comments:
Overall Comments:
Great opportunity to network with other parents
Good community building and sharing
Good idea to have a meeting like this with all stakeholders involved to communicate
everyones thoughts and opinions Fantastic initiative from our board
I love the courage of our district even in the midst of considerable controversy
Good start
Thank you!!
It is important to put this into practice
Content/Presentations:
Learned about (new) old resources available that schools have not shared
Good learning experience for me lots of listening
Variety of speakers was excellent
Speakers were short enough and engaging

13

Would have been beneficial to have Inclusion Alberta speak generally as opposed to only
speaking to 3 specific groups
As an alternative to focusing on 3 individual populations perhaps present a more global
perspective of inclusions. (e.g. Have representation from Inclusion Alberta inform members
about the future for our inclusive students in our society.)
I was disappointed that mental health wasnt included in the conversation. This poses a
significant challenge to inclusive education and it was excluded from the conversation.
This information session was very informative especially for us newer parents
Presentations were good but a bit repetitive
Would love to find out more of how this helped to make any changes that might need to be
put in place to make differences to all
Would have enjoyed hearing what is working/positive as well as negative

Facilitation/Logistics:
Really appreciated the attention to process, including reminders: equity, active listening,
and the talking sticks
Greatly organized by the ERLC
Corrie did a wonderful job moderating
Good as quite fast moving
Amazing format
More time to talk fewer speakers, more time
Time for table talk was adequate
We need more time in between to discuss
More interaction needed
The groups being split was awesome so that everyone had a chance to really share what we
feel
Would have benefited from interacting with teachers, administration and board, not just
like parents
Should have had a larger venue multiple community conversations are needed. Very
small representation of all groups/stakeholders
Need to be more specific on who is invited. At our table the invitation was given to one
parent, by a teacher. Another parent was invited by a principal, and another parent
received the invitation on an old email list.
We registered and have the email to confirm our registration but somehow we did not get
registered. No reminders were sent. This happened to more than one school team
Hosting on Saturday morning is good
Saturday morning was a good time for all involved
Thanks for it not being a full day
Thanks for respecting everyones time but we would have preferred a longer time
The session was extremely beneficial and could perhaps be held at each school
Awesome lunch, snacks and the warm welcome

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Suggestions for Next Steps:

More sessions so more can attend perhaps 4 quadrants of the city incorporate into PAID
PD
Should be done/offered again
Please repeat again
More events the conversation needs to be ongoing
Another session lots of people were not able to get in
There was a voice for the teachers but not one for what the parents wanted to share
Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium (ERLC) Observations and Reflections:
ERLC was honored and pleased to facilitate the Community Conversation event and would
welcome the opportunity to work with the Edmonton Catholic School Board once again as they
make decisions related to the ideas and responses listed in this report.
Should the decision be made to repeat the Community Conversation?
ERLC offers the following suggestions and considerations:

Continue to involve ERLC in planning the event, from beginning to end.

Consider seating participants in mixed groups (e.g. parents, teachers, leaders, etc.) so
participants can learn from each other and broaden their perspectives.
Consider contracting ERLC to manage all logistics: invitations, registration, confirmation of
registration, venue, food and beverages, etc. to enhance continuity, efficiency and avoid
confusion.

As ECSD moves forward with inclusion, ERLC would be pleased to offer tailored and targeted
professional learning sessions to various stakeholders groups:
Parents: information sessions, etc.
Teacher Assistants and Teachers: professional learning sessions, communities of practice
that could address the range of topics listed in the responses
Leaders: Build a common vision around inclusion, create a culture of trust, etc.
Work with entire school staffs or groups of school staffs to create a culture of inclusion, a
clear communication plan, and a collaborative approach to supporting all students.
ERLC could also coordinate professional learning sessions with various societies and
agencies, showcasing the supports and resources already available but not used.

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Appendix I - Invitation to Attend

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Appendix II - Agenda

EDMONTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON INCLUSION
February 6, 2016
Agenda
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Opening Prayer - Fr. Julian Bilyj

Greeting - Trustee Larry Kowalczyk (Chair of Committee)
Opening Remarks - Trustee John Acheson (Co-Chair of Committee)
Moderator - Corrie Ziegler
Presenters:
Kelly Hennig (Alberta Education)
Barb Brochu and Corine Gannon (Edmonton Catholic Schools)
Kathy MacIsaac (Alberta Teachers Association)
6. Table Talk: What did you hear from the three presentations that you believe are
important
considerations for creating an inclusive education model for Edmonton Catholic
Schools?
7. Presenters:
Rosalind Mosychuk (Edmonton Down Syndrome Society)
Brooke Pinsky (Autism Edmonton)
Karen Popal (Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta: Edmonton Chapter
8. Table Talk: What did you hear from all six presentations that you believe are important
considerations for creating an inclusive education model for Edmonton Catholic
Schools? (One worksheet per table will be handed in to Corrie)
9. Lunch
10. Table Talk: What do you believe are the 5 - 6 key elements of an effective and functional
Inclusive Education Model for the Edmonton Catholic School District? (One worksheet
per table will be handed in to Corrie)
11. Closing Remarks - Trustee Larry Kowalczyk
12. Closing Prayer - Fr. Julian Bilyj
Link to power point used at the session: http://bit.ly/1IbEQIJ

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