By Pepper Parr
September 26th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It has been hot.
Been that way for two days so far this week and we are probably going to see more of this type of weather before the snow arrives.
And for students in classrooms with no air conditioning – this is not fun time nor is it the kind of environment that learning takes place in very efficiently.
Superintendent of Facilities Gerry Cullen reports that all of Hayden high school is air conditioned?
The Education centre is air conditioned.
All of the high schools have some area that is air conditioned. Newer schools (since Iroquois Ridge) are air conditioned in most areas. Some shop areas may not have air conditioning.
Any elementary school built in the last 25+ years are air conditioned. Some older ones have an area, typically the library, is air conditioned.
The Board has a program in place that is installing air conditioning in older two level buildings. It is part of the ” Close the Gap” projects.
The school board does have a policy related to weather conditions but it is skewed to winter weather. “In rare circumstances, the Director of Education may order schools closed due to extreme weather conditions.”
The best some schools could do was open windows. In some schools the windows cannot be opened.
When the heat or high humidity is combined with other stresses such as hard physical work, physical activity/play, loss of fluids, fatigue or some medical conditions, it may lead to heat-related illness, disability and even death. Some individuals are more susceptible to heat related illness: children less than 15 years old, seniors 65 years and older, children playing sports or prolonged physical exertion, children wearing excessive/heavy clothing, children on certain medications.
Therefore, it is very important to have a Hot Weather Action Plan to deal with these occurrences and to provide precautions on very hot days to protect both students and staff from heat related illnesses and heat stress. Heat stress is affected by 4 environmental factors: air temperature, humidity, air movement and radiant heat. Individual factors such as age, existing medical and physical conditions also play a part in how an individual copes during times of extremely hot weather.
Additional information about preventative measures to manage hot weather conditions can be found on the Region of Halton website at https://www.halton.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=8310&pageId=13696.
Do we issue students with fans?
4. Hot Weather Action Plan
• The plan should be activated when weather/environmental triggers occur such as:
• the humidex reaches or exceeds 35ºC;
• Environmental Canada Humidex Advisory (air temperature exceeding 30ºC and the humidex exceeds 40ºC) is issued;
• there is a smog alert and higher temperatures (27-30ºC); or
• a heat wave occurs (3 or more days of 32ºC or higher temperatures).
• Parents and staff should be notified whenever the hot weather plan is activated. Note that there is no specific temperature or humidex value that would trigger schools to close.
A Hot Weather Action Plan includes the following general prevention and control measures:
1.1 Communication
• When hot weather conditions described above (item 1) exist in the Halton Region, the Director or designate will communicate to schools that they are to initiate their Hot Weather Action Plan.
Getting students outside and under trees is going to be one of the solutions when the heat is extreme.
1.2 General Prevention and Controls
• Use PA announcements to advise students not to overexert themselves during nutrition breaks
• Make use of shady areas in the schoolyard.
• Consider indoor or modified recesses and lunch hours. Limit time outdoors when temperatures and UV radiation are most intense, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Make available and encourage students to drink plenty of cool water throughout the day.
• Inform staff on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress (see chart) and monitor students for these signs.
• Recognize that students who have been on vacation or absent from school need to be acclimatized to working in heat.
• Keep as many heat-generating appliances and fixtures off while maintaining safety. Shut off computers and projectors when not in use.
• If there is a breeze outside and the humidex levels are not excessive, consider opening operable windows.
• Increase air movement with the use of fans if temperature is less than 35ºC and the relative humidity is below 70%.
• Keep blinds/curtains closed in classrooms/offices directly exposed to sunlight. Turn off any unnecessary lights.
• If air conditioning is present in some areas of the building, consider cycling classes through these areas.
• If possible, reschedule physical activities and slow down the pace of physical activities as appropriate.
• Avoid activities in direct sunlight.
• Increase the frequency and length of rest breaks, if necessary.
• Cool the body by placing cool, wet paper towels or cloths on the head, forehead or neck. Forearms may also be submersed in cool water.
• When in doubt, seek assistance for the school’s qualified First Aiders for the identification and treatment of heat related disorders.
• Monitor local radio stations for announcements regarding humidex readings.
1.3 Personal Protective Equipment
• Light summer weight clothing made from natural fibers should be worn (whenever possible) to allow free air movement and sweat evaporation. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics.
• If participating in outdoor activities, wear light coloured clothing.
• Students are encouraged to wear a sunscreen containing a minimum SPF of 15 when outdoors. Other protective measures include a brimmed hat and sunglasses with ultraviolet radiation protection.
There are stations similar to this around Burlington now. will we see more of these in schools?
Some students may succumb to the heat and faint – teachers are going to need some instruction.
1.4 Heat Related Illnesses
• People suffer heat-related illnesses when their body temperature rises rapidly and they are unable to properly cool themselves.
• Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.
• People are generally unable to notice their own heat stress related symptoms. Their survival depends on the ability of others, especially adults, to recognize these symptoms and seek timely first aid and medical help.
• Staff should be aware of signs and symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. When in doubt, seek assistance for the school’s qualified First Aiders for the identification and treatment of heat related disorders.
Stop activity and seek medical help immediately if someone:
• has difficulty breathing,
• experiences weakness or fainting,
• is feeling more tired than usual,
• is feeling sick,
• has a headache, and/or
• is experiencing confusion.
• Move the person to a shaded area or indoors to a cooler place. Give the person sips of cool water, not ice water, or a sports drink. Do not provide salt tablets. Although the body will lose a lot of water during times of heavy perspiration, not a lot of salt is lost. Adding extra salt can raise the sodium levels in the body to hazardous levels.
Only a doctor should advise on using salt additives.
Lot’s of detail – this week, so far, the humidex did reach that 35 degree level and the Board of Education didn’t issue any statements to the public generally.
This is a new situation – everyone is going to have to adapt – what steps the Board of Education is going to have to take are going to need some attention.
By Pepper Parr
September 26, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District Board of Education is always looking for opportunities to make the course offerings more creative and relative to the work force students will be going into when they graduate.
During the PARC discussions members of that committee wanted to see some innovation – they weren’t at all sure that the school board had the same understanding of just what innovation is in the eyes of the public sector and the way it was interpreted by the private sector.
Small school – they roar when they have to.
The Board had an addition problem – enrollment at the Aldershot high school was low – 358 now with a capacity for 558. One school board Superintendent summed it up pretty well when she said “there are elementary schools in Burlington with higher enrollments”
Aldershot is a grade 7–12 school. It was originally just a high school that had grades 7 and 8 added in 2001 to make use of spare capacity.
Aldershot was at risk during the PAR process – it was spared but the Board knew that it had to do something to increase enrollment.
The community is being asked by the school board what they would like to see added to the school’s curriculum.
All kinds of ideas have been floated – an alternative school, an arts school or a school that focused on entrepreneurship. What had become evident was that the school board did not have a clear idea or pedagogical objective – they seemed to be flailing about for the “right idea”.
Given the continued enrollment challenges at Aldershot High School, the School Board decided to explore possible theme/magnet/incubator programs that are in alignment with the Multi-Year Plan, will increase student enrollment, and enhance student choice.
The asking for ideas is being labelled the Aldershot High School Focus Exploration.
The decision to go looking for something that will boost enrollment came out of the Program accommodation Review process – the concern was the possibility of closing yet another high school and have all the Aldershot students bused to Central high school. The political flash back from that was more than anyone wanted to take on.
Early rendering of the Station West development proposed for the Aldershot GO station area.
Aldershot is in the awkward position of having an older population that is going through a process of transition. There are a number of developments that will add significantly to the student population which includes the ADI Station West project next to the Aldershot GO Station; the National Homes project that is being proposed for Brant Street, a project on Plains Road where there is currently a Bingo Hall and then the long term upgrade to the Georgian Court Community.
Add to that the long delayed Eagle Heights project that Paletta interests have been sitting on for more than a decade.
Lots of development in the pipeline – the School Board’s problem is that it has empty seats today and needs to do something.
It will be interesting to see what gets put into the ideas box,
The School Board has said it “will explore (and potentially develop) unique programs that currently exist provincially, nationally and internationally.
Whatever they recommend will align with the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum expectations.
The request to the community for ideas ends on October 20th with the following meeting dates
Exploration Committee Meeting #1 – Oct. 24 (3 – 5 pm) @ Aldershot High School
Open House – Nov. 13 (5 – 7 pm) @ Aldershot High School
Exploration Committee Meeting #2 – Dec. 7 (3 – 5 pm) @ Aldershot High School
Exploration Committee Meeting #3 – Dec. 12 (3 – 5 pm) @ Aldershot High School
All those meetings are in the afternoon – doesn’t exactly encourage parent attendance. There are some really smart people in Aldershot that shouldn’t have to take time off work to participate.
Superintendent Terri Blackwell
Superintendent Jacqueline Newton
Superintendent Gord Truffen
The ideas that come in are going to be sorted through by the committee formed to figure out what can be done with Aldershot. Committee members are Superintendent Jacqueline Newton, she handles the innovation file, Superintendent Gord Truffen – he oversees IT, School principal Maria McLellan, Student representation, Terri Blackwell, Superintendent of Education responsible for the Aldershot file and Superintendent Julie Hunt Gibbons
It will be interesting to see what they find in the Ideas Box.
In an earlier edition of this story we noted that the name of the ward trustee was not on the list. The staff people we interviewed did not mention the name of the trustee.
They apologize for that error
By Staff
September 26th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Frequently our readers make the case for change and wonder why the bureaucrats are not on top of the task?
Kevin White
Ken White, an Alton Village resident, makes a significant point when he comments on the push to intensify and get people out of their cars and onto public transportation or their bicycles.
Here is his comment:
“The Provincial Intensification target was in part meant to promote public transit to accommodate housing density. This was to reduce greenhouse gases and add a mix of affordable housing.
“Fast forward to Burlington and as evidenced by the Committee of the Whole council took part in on September 7th.
“We learned then that we essentially don’t have a transit plan and in fact Burlington Transit will require years of intense investment to bring it to the point of sustainability.
The city doesn’t have a capital budget for transit – relies on part of the gas tax they get from the province and the federal budget.
“A total failure of project management where transit is working in one silo and planning is working in another.
“Frankly, if you can’t convince anyone that you can move this intensified city then you have no business adding population in the first place.”
Is this the first look at a citizen thinking about elected public service?
By Staff
September 26, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Herd today announced that the team has re-signed manager Kevin Hussey for the 2018 season. Hussey returns for his first full season as the skipper after replacing former Herd Manager Jeff Lounsbury in 2017.
Kevin Hussey – won one game against a superior team – that got him the job of coach for the Burlington Herd.
The 30-year-old Hussey was named the fourth manager in Burlington Herd history on July 13, 2017, the day he led the Herd to its first and only victory during the quarter finals – the London Majors took that series 4-1.
Looks as if the Herd felt that if Hussey could win a game against a tough team perhaps he was the guy to be given the task of somehow making a winning tram out of the Herd.
We wish him well,
Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Kevin played four years of college baseball at Olney Central Junior College between 2006-2008 and Chicago State University between 2008-2010.
During his time with both colleges, Kevin was a two year starter in both the NJCAA Division I and NCAA Division I baseball programs.
Hussy took to the field with the Burlington Bandits as the teams starting catcher. In 31 games played, Hussey recorded a .290 batting average with 12 doubles, one home run and 16 RBIs. This past season with the Herd, Hussey has recorded two doubles, three home runs and eight RBI’s.
“We are very excited to welcome Kevin back as the field manager for the Herd,” said Herd President Ryan Harrison. “Kevin is committed to winning and creating that winning atmosphere in the clubhouse.”
In addition to his duties as field manager, Hussey will have direct input in assembling the 2018 roster for the Herd, including scouting, signing players and handling all operational aspects of the on field team.
InterCounty Baseball came to Burlington in 2011, first as the Twins, then as the Bandits and now the Herd
By Staff
September 25, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
David Suzuki won’t get to Burlington until November – but if you want a ticket to the event – log into the Performing Arts Centre Wednesday – sometime after the noon hour and get your ticket. – They will move quickly.
Jane Goodall spent time in Burlington in 2012 – she was a huge hit.
Burlington Green has been very good at bringing top name speakers to the city. Jane Goodall came in 2012 And was a huge success.
You can expect even more from Suzuki.
“We’re expecting tickets to sell very quickly. David Suzuki doesn’t come to this part of the province often,” says BurlingtonGreen executive director Amy Schnurr. “All summer we’ve heard how excited people are to hear him speak.”
“Grassroots people have been organizing in towns and cities like Hamilton and Burlington and asking our politicians to recognize our right to live in a healthy environment,” said David Suzuki, award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster. “For the first time in Canadian history, our elected members of parliament are coming around to the simple but powerful idea that Canadians deserve to drink safe water, breath fresh air and eat clean food.”
Both Hamilton and Burlington have passed declarations recognizing their residents’ right to live in a
healthy environment.
David Suzuki is a very engaging person. He dives right in and asks questions – younger audiences love him; adults revere him.
Before the public event, David Suzuki will join 700 Halton youth for a free all-day environmental leadership conference co-hosted by BurlingtonGreen and the David Suzuki Foundation.
“Youth have a vital role to play in the environmental rights movement,” says Peter Wood, national campaign manager for environmental rights at the David Suzuki Foundation. “Two years ago, students at Ancaster High School and Acton District High School self-organized and successfully lobbied their city Councillors to pass a declaration supporting the right to a healthy environment. By inspiring government to do the right thing, the youth of today can become the environmental leaders of tomorrow.”
Event information are available at www.BurlingtonGreen.org or through the Burlington Performing Arts Centre box office. The event doesn’t appear to be on the Performing Arts Centre web site – you might be better served to give them a call – 905-681-6000
By Pepper Parr
September 25, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 1 of a four part series on the city’s Grow Bold initiative.
When a developer takes an application to the Planning department there are close to a dozen different studies that have to be provide an Urban Design Brief, Noise Study, Shadow Impact Assessment, Pedestrian Wind Assessment, Transportation Impact Study, Parking Study and TDM Options, Functional Servicing Report,
Environmental Site Screening Questionnaire, Geotechnical Engineering Report, Hydrogeological Investigation Report and a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
Some developers engage a consultant to provide an opinion on the relevance of the development and how it will impact and fit into the long term plans the city has. It is not unusual for a report from a consultant to question some of the information the city has published and to offer a different analysis of the data.
These reports are a healthy part of the city building process.
Architectural rendering of a proposed 26 storey tower across Brant Street from city hall.
The Carriage Gate group has an application for a proposed 26 storey mixed use development with 179 residential condominium units, street-related retail uses and second storey office space.
At times these reports don’t get public exposure – they aren’t secret but sometimes they don’t get a solid public debate, which is unfortunate for the report that was prepared by the Altus Group, an economic consulting organization that was retained by 421 Brant Street Inc., to offer a different perspective, sets out just what they think the city is looking at with its Grow Bold initiative.
The report runs more than 60 pages and it is complex but there is some very solid evidence that we feel should be available to the public.
If you care about what happens to your city and the kind of growth it is going to go through in the next two decades read on. We set out the views expressed by the consultants with some analysis as to just what this is going to mean in a larger context.
The Altus report explains the development in relation to the various pieces of provincial and municipal planning policies applicable to Burlington.
The intensification Burlington is going through is determined first by the province that determines where future growth should go and then assign a population number to each part of the province.
The Halton Region Official Plan allocates 8,086 new units to be achieved in the built-up area of Burlington over the 2017 to 2031 period.
According to Altus, on an annual basis, the target is 33% higher than the amount of intensification achieved in Burlington over the 2006 to 2016 period.
They add that the scale of the high density building proposed for 421 Brant Street is modest relative to the Halton Region target.
Then they add this astonishing statement:
At least 45 new buildings of similar scale would be needed within the built-up area of Burlington over the 2017 to 2031 period to achieve the 8,086 new units required under the Halton Region Official Plan.
That is an astounding statement that doesn’t seem to have seeped into the public debate even though every member of Council was given a copy of the report. The Planning department has copies and they aren’t likely to ignore a report from a firm with the enviable Altus Group reputation.
The city has broken the downtown core into precincts and set height levels for each. These have yet to be approved by city council.
Provincial and municipal planning policies require that a significant share of Burlington’s population growth and residential intensification occur in the Downtown Burlington urban growth centre. Those same policies require that the Downtown urban growth centre achieve a minimum density target of at least 200 residents and or jobs per hectare by 2031 or earlier.
The 2017 Growth Plan allocates 220,000 more residents to Halton Region by 2041, over and above the 780,000 residents provided for in the current Halton Region Official Plan. The minimum intensification targets in the 2017 Growth Plan are substantially higher than the minimum intensification targets in the Halton Region Official Plan.
Over the period leading up to the next Regional municipal comprehensive review, optimizing the use of land in locations that offer convenient access to jobs, stores and services, transportation options and public service facilities will help set the stage for the accommodation of the additional amounts of intensification required under the 2017 Growth Plan.
The residential component of the 421 Brant development is to include:
• 34 one bedroom units;
• 108 two bedroom units; and
• 37 three bedroom units.
The Altus report examines the economic and housing implications of the proposed development in the context of provincial and municipal planning policies. They don’t make a recommendation – they just lay out the facts as they read them and point out the implications.
By Pepper Parr
September 25, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The high school education I got – more than 60 years ago, is a lot different than the high school education Andrea Taylor got before she started her university studies at McMaster and then went on to Queen’s to do graduate work in education.
And the high school education that Taylor was responsible for delivering to students at M.M. Robinson high school where she was principal for five years was different yet again.
“It used to be that students had to fit into the mold the classroom teacher created” said Taylor – “now the classroom teacher has to find a way to fit into and work with what the students bring to the classroom. “There is no pigeon holing in schools today. The challenge today is huge and the dynamic is a lot different.”
“How do we prepare our high school students to develop careers in areas that don’t exist today? What are we preparing students for? We often don’t know but we do know that we can give them the tools they will need to grow and prosper.
“The challenges are immense.”
Today’s student has to deal with forces that are new to society. Student mental health was not an issue when Taylor was a high school student; today it is a prime concern for every principal in the system
Andrea Taylor, principal at Gary Allan school.
Taylor was the recipient of a Learning Partnership award and named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2017. She was one of two principals named in Halton. The award is given to high school principals from across the country who are then brought together for a five-day leadership training program at the Rotman School of Management.
Taylor, born in Toronto, spent some time in Vancouver and returned to Toronto.
She is one of four girls in the family.
The system Andrea Taylor became a part of in the early 1990’s when she started out as a classroom teacher was not all that healthy province wide.
In 1998, Michael Fullan and British educator Andy Hargreaves co-authored “What’s Worth Fighting for in Education?” It was the beginning of a much different look at the way we were educating our children.
Fullan was the Dean of the Faculty of Education in 1988; and remained Dean following its amalgamation with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in 1996.
His work is what brought Ontario’s schools out of the troubled state they were in. “The system had flat lined across the province — results were stagnant year after year. Morale of teachers was low; the schools as a whole could be characterized as ‘loosely-coupled’ and without focus” claimed Fullan.
Fullan served as Special Policy Adviser in Education to the Premier of Ontario from 2004-2013. His work worked and by 2013, the overall performance of the almost 5,000 schools in the province had dramatically improved on most key measures and continues to improve to the point where Ontario is recognized as and proven to be one of the best school system in the English-speaking world — right up at the top with Finland, Singapore and South Korea.
Andrea Taylor in discussion with Steve Armstrong during the PARC meetings.
Taylor was part of that process as she moved from the elementary school level into high school, served as a vice principal and then was made principal of M.M. Robinson were she spent five years until her recent appointment as principal of Gary Allan – a school with four campuses and strong relationships with The Centre, a trade school that operates at arm’s length from the Board of Education, self funds but is tied into School Board policies.
Ontario had developed “from good to great.” The challenge now was to move from great to excellent.
“Greatness is the enemy of excellence because it is easy to be complacent, and take things for granted” claims Fullan.
The challenge now for educators like Taylor is to sustain improvement as well as go beyond it into new levels of learning through focused innovations.
The exceptional improvement of the grade 3 reading scores is seen as a direct result of the introduction of full day kindergarten.
There were significant achievements: Literacy and numeracy improved from 54 per cent to 70 per cent on average across the province’s 4,000 elementary schools as measured by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO).
Those numbers are even better for 2016.
Graduation rates improved by about two per cent every year, bringing the province’s 900 high schools to an 82 per cent graduation rate from its starting point of 68 per cent.
Fullan tells us that “What really sticks with the external researchers and the numerous site visitors to the province’s schools from all over the world is what they see and hear when they visit schools. They can go into almost any school in the province and they will find consistency of good practice. When they ask teachers or principals to explain what they are doing and why, they get specific. Educators can point to particular actions and show the link to student learning. They know where each and every student is on the learning journey.”
Taylor was a classroom teacher and a principal during this period of significant change. Chosen as a one of the best principals in the country was recognition that she not only participated in the change but was one of the leaders
Ontario’s full-day kindergarten now has all 250,000 four and five year-olds in full-day kindergarten, the first program of its kind in North America
Instructional strategies have been modified in grades 1 and 2 to match the new capabilities and confidences of the children being served.
The superb, best ever results in Halton for grade 3 reading and writing is a reflection of the full day kindergarten program.
What all of the above means is that teachers, individually and collectively — and the system as a whole — know what they are doing. They are doing it because it works. They are intrinsically motivated to keep on improving.
They are driven not just because they care, but also because they are actually making a measurable difference that affects the lives of their students.
The public has also noticed. Public satisfaction with the education system has moved from 43% in 2004 to the present all-time high of 65 per cent.
Just what the 21st century is going to require of educators was a large part of the week long session Taylor spent at the Rotman School of Business Management University of Toronto where the group of 49 Outstanding Principals met each day with leaders from different professional groups.
Andre Taylor and Loui Silvestri the two Outstanding Principals in Halton for 2017.
“They explained the changes they saw coming and dialogued with us on how our schools were a critical part of preparing students for a world that is in a constant state of change”, said Taylor
In a paper “Energizing Ontario Education”, three core priorities were established:
• High levels of student achievement — in literacy and numeracy at 75 per cent and in high school graduation at 85 per cent.
• Reduced gaps in school achievement for all subgroups of students.
• Increased public confidence in publicly funded education — greater two- way partnership and confidence with parents, communities and the public at large.
Fullan talks from that 40,000 foot up level when he says “People have been talking about skills for the 21st century for at least a quarter of a century — a conversation marked by superficiality and vague notions of what it means. This is rapidly changing as new pedagogical specificity and powerful technology converge. Ontario now has the capacity to make pedagogy the foundation in learning through the use of technology and new digital resources. What makes this even more exciting is that the new work is already happening in many pockets across the province.”
Taylor is one of those “pockets”. “Teachers have that special relationship with their students” she said. “I never had a student I didn’t like” and quietly recalled a student that was lost due to an accident.
Taylor has hired some of the students she taught in high school and added – as they grow up they do get away from calling me Ms Taylor. Some never do she added with a kind of “perky” smile.
Schools don’t offer cookie cutter programs anymore. There is an almost a limitless list of courses they can take.
“Every student has a gift, the task is to discover that gift with the student and then nurture and grow it”, said Taylor.
“Teachers don’t stand in front of the classroom any more, they partner with their students and prepare them for a world that is confusing, fearful at times and prone to change every 30 days.”
The six Cs that Fullan brought to the table form the agenda: character, citizenship, communication, critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration and teamwork, and creativity and imagination.
Fullan explains that “As we delve into the meaning of these concepts, it is important to stress that we should not launch into an abstract discussion. In the next period of development, these core priorities must be defined, operationalized in practice, measured to mark success and to clarify progress. These next steps have to be widely shared because they work. This process of specificity and dissemination is our strength. We must put it to good use for the next phase of success.
“The capacity of educators in Ontario, as noted, is at such a high level as a result of the strategies of the past nine years that much of the leadership — what we might call leading from the middle — is already in the system. It needs to be cultivated and spread throughout the province, including establishing clarity of each of the six clusters and their interrelationships, learning experiences that develop the skills and dispositions in question, and the means of measuring and fostering progression in their development. But the middle cannot lead in a vacuum. Focused leadership from the government will continue to be essential for whole system excellence.”
Teachers use the six C’s which are defined as:
• Character education— honesty, self-regulation and responsibility, perseverance, empathy for contributing to the safety and benefit of others, self-confidence, personal health and well-being, career and life skills.
• Citizenship — global knowledge, sensitivity to and respect for other cultures, active involvement in addressing issues of human and environmental sustainability.
• Communication — communicate effectively orally, in writing and with a variety of digital tools; listening skills.
• Critical thinking and problem solving — think critically to design and manage projects, solve problems, make effective decisions using a variety of digital tools and resources.
• Collaboration — work in teams, learn from and contribute to the learning of others, social networking skills, empathy in working with diverse others.
• Creativity and imagination — economic and social entrepreneurialism, considering and pursuing novel ideas, and leadership for action.
Some distance from the reading, writing and arithmetic – and that rote learning that was used when Taylor was an elementary school student.
Fullan adds that “The fundamental purpose of education in an excellent system is to produce in all of its graduates — as close to 100 per cent as possible — the quality of leadership. By that they mean the capacity and commitment to act for one’s own good and for the common good.”
Elementary students are taught to think creatively and solve problems.
When the province implemented Full Day Kindergarten it set in place programs that promote the development of self-regulation, social- emotional learning, inquiry skills, and play-based learning that fosters creativity, imagination and problem solving.
It is that vast and significant change that Taylor rode to the point where she now leads a program that wasn’t even thought of when she first became a teacher; heading up a school that has four campuses and a mandate to work with students who are as diverse as it gets and who are on learning curves that can range from catching up or taking a course that wasn’t available elsewhere.
The student body at Gary Allan ranges from late bloomer high school students to adults who are upgrading or getting a high school diploma that wasn’t available to them in their country of birth.
The Gary Allan school is just up the road from what used to be Elgin high school, it got renamed to Bateman when it was merged with what was General Brock. Now Bateman is scheduled to be closed.
It has indeed been a changing world for Andrea Taylor; one wonders what she will do at Gary Allan in the next five years.
By Pepper Parr
September 23, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Things are moving along on two different levels: Parents who harbour the hope that somehow the Board of Education decision to close two of the cities seven high schools can be reversed while the Board of Education staff proceeds cautiously in making the changes at Nelson to accommodate the students body currently at Bateman high school who are scheduled to transfer in 2020 and the Lester B. Pearson students who move to M.M. Robinson in September o 2018.
The parents are waiting to learn who the Facilitator (there might be more than one) will be. The province has yet to announce anyone to the task. Senior people at the Board of Education are wondering what is taking so long.
The Board is committed to continuing the Program Accommodation Review (PAR) Implementation plan, while cognizant of the ongoing Administrative Review by the Ministry of Education.
Jean Vanier secondary school: A Snyder design
The School Board appointed the firm of Snyder Architects Inc. to participate on the committees related to school consolidation. The job involves developing a variety of options, preparing the design details and developing the project management process needed to address the Burlington PAR outcomes for M.M. Robinson and Nelson High Schools that will expand and Lester B,Pearson and Bateman that will close.
Terri Blackwell, the Superintendent of Education who is handling the implementation of the decision to merge the Bateman students into both Nelson and M.M. Robinson said: “It’s important that Snyder is involved early in the process, prior to design. They will be participating in the LBP/MMR integration committee and working with Board staff to design a variety of options for both M.M. Robinson and Nelson. As with our other facilities projects the process will also include opportunities for stakeholder feedback. It is important that Snyder is engaged in the conversations regarding the program and student needs in the creation of the two composite schools.
The project has specified timelines that schedule the work over several years. The Steering Committee will undertake a process in consultation with Snyder Architects Inc. to determine the final plans for each school. The timeline will align with the initiation of school integration committees and discussion around program changes, which will necessitate modifications to existing school buildings.
Bateman high school – due to close in 2020.
Those school integration committee will include representation from the Parent Council’s from Pearson, Bateman, M.M. Robinson and Nelson.
In their media release the Board said: “The planning for and design of these facilities requires thoughtful consideration to meet the needs of our students, and therefore the input of an architect at this initial stage is integral,” said Gerry Cullen, Superintendent of Facilities Service for the Board.
Financing for the entire project has been requested from the Ministry in the 2017 Capital Priorities. The Board has the ability to stop the work at various stages of the project, if required.
Snyder Architects Inc. has successfully completed many projects for the Board, including new school construction (e.g., Martin Street PS, Oodenawi PS, Tiger Jeet Singh PS, P.L. Robertson PS), as well as additions/renovations of our schools; the Alton Village PS, Georgetown District HS.
“As a Board, we are committed to working with the students, staff and the community to support the facilities’ enhancements resulting from the Burlington Secondary School Program and Accommodation Review,” adds Cullen.
The parent groups are in the process of selecting their representatives. Pearson has chosen:
Steve Armstrong and Cheryl deLught – Parents on the School Council.
Chair – Steve Armstrong *
Co-Chair – Cheryl DeLugt *
Secretary – Amy DeZouza *
Alternate Secretary – Cassandra Wandham (a local student parent)
Treasurer – Siobhan Duguay
Community Representatives – Tony Brecknock * & George Ward *
Parent Involvement Committee Representative – Cheryl DeLugt *
Asterisks represent Save LB Pearson Committee members
By Pepper Parr
September 23, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Did you know that there are school libraries in Burlington that can only afford to purchase one new book per year for every three children, leaving students without adequate access to resources for literacy development and overall growth.
The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation has announced their 2017 Indigo Adopt a School program which has named three Burlington schools that will be part of the program
Holy Rosary adopted by Indigo Spirit Mapleview Centre
Kings Road adopted by Chapters Burlington
Paul A. Fisher adopted by Indigo Burlington
The program runs from September 16 – October 8, 2017
There are several parts to the program.
There are schools that do not have funds to purchase books for their students.
The Adopt a school program
During the campaign, Indigo, its employees and their communities rally together to raise in-store donations and online donations with each dollar raised going towards transforming their adopted school’s library. The goal of Adopt a School is to add one book for every child to school libraries in high-needs communities and to raise awareness for the literacy challenges facing high- needs elementary schools.
All participating Indigo, Chapters, and Coles stores have “adopted” a local school to fundraise on its behalf during the three-week campaign period. To qualify for the program, all adopted schools must identify as “high-needs” elementary schools, having a library budget of less than $30 per student per year. During the campaign, Indigo employees together with their communities raise in-store donations, with every dollar contributed helping to transform their adopted school’s library.
In addition to in-store support, the Foundation provides a free online fundraising platform to all the schools that have been “adopted” by Indigo, Chapters and Coles stores, as well as over 350 other high-needs elementary schools across Canada. The online platform, adoptaschool.indigo.ca, allows supporters to find a participating school of their choice to support. Each participating school is also eligible to receive up to an additional $1,200 for books through the Foundation’s matching initiatives.
Reading at a very early stage sets a foundation for the education needed in a society where information is vital.
All schools participating in the Adopt a School program receive 100% of the funds raised in-store and online at adoptaschool.indigo.ca. At the end of the campaign, the Foundation will provide each school with their funds as an eGiftcard for the purchase of books. In addition, the schools will receive a 30% discount on books at Indigo, Chapters and Coles stores.
Book Bonus! – For every $20 donation online (adoptaschool.indigo.ca), the equivalent value of two books, made to a participating school, the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation will contribute a donation of $10, the equivalent of one extra book, up to $1,000.
Adopt a School Story Contest
Canadians can also get involved by sharing a short story on the online profile of a participating school, with an option to “heart” their favourite stories. In each province, the top five schools with the most “heart” stories will have a chance to win a top prize of $2,500 Indigo eGiftcard to purchase new books. The remaining four schools in each province will receive $500 Indigo eGiftcard for new library resources. The top prize will be selected by random draw.
Tell a Story, Give a Story! – Through adoptaschool.indigo.ca, supporters are able to submit a story in support of a participating school of their choice, with no donation required. For every story shared, the Foundation will donate $10, the equivalent of a book to support the students at that school, up to $200.
Since its inception in 2004, the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation has committed over $25 million to support more than 3,000 Canadian high-needs elementary schools. The Foundation has impacted the lives of more than 900,000 students, replenishing school libraries in every Canadian province and territory.
By Pepper Parr
September 23, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The man is iconic and the event is epic.
Perhaps just a little over the top – ya think?
David Suzuki – to be in Burlington in November for three days,
In their media release BurlingtonGreen added that they are “THRILLED” to announce they are partnering with the David Suzuki Foundation to present an incredible three component event on November 21st, 2017, featuring the iconic Dr. David Suzuki.
Halton youth from grades 7 to 12 will be invited to register to attend a free daytime Youth Eco-Summit, followed by a special early evening “VIP” event which will then lead into the main public event. Dr. Suzuki will be at all three events!
Tickets will be available through the Burlington Performing Arts Centre box office and online at www.burlingtonpac.ca starting September 27, 2017.
Burlington Green will be releasing more about these events early next week.
The Gazette will keep you posted.
Paul Carvahlo (Burlington Mall Representative) with Dr. Jane Goodall and event sponsor, Joe Saunders of Burlington Hydro.
Burlington Green has brought in world class speakers in the past. In 2012 they brought Jane Goodall to Burlington for a similar series of events.
Note the date – events like this are formative for students who are in the process of determining their values and the way they see the world.
David Suzuki will not disappoint.
By Staff
September 22nd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
This is truly amazing.
The Region has issued a Heat Warning for all of Halton.
As a result of extreme heat and humidity, Environment Canada has issued a Heat Warning for Halton Region starting Saturday, September 23. This warning is issued when forecast temperatures are expected to reach at least 31 degrees Celsius with overnight temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius for two days, or when a humidex of 40 or higher is expected for two days.
Will the outdoor city swimming pools be open this weekend? Notice on the city web site.
The Nelson swimming pool – looks cool – inviting too.
One would like to think that someone at city hall with some authority would be aware of the predicted hot weather and have the public outdoor pools kept open.No word from the city on that.
Call the Mayor. Think he has a pool – invite yourself over.
Especially at risk
• older adults (over the age of 65), infants and young children, people who work and exercise in the heat, people without adequate housing and those without air conditioning
• people who have breathing difficulties, heart problems, kidney problems or take heat-sensitive medications.
Prevention tips
• stay cool
• avoid strenuous outdoor activities
• seek shade from the sun
• spend time in air-conditioned places, such as shopping malls and community centres
• drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water
• visit friends and neighbours who may be at risk and never leave people or pets in your care unattended in a car
If you or someone in your care experiences rapid breathing, headache, confusion, weakness or fainting, please seek medical attention right away.
Meanwhile there was snow in Jasper Alberta yesterday.
This is not weather, this is climate change – something we are going to have to get used to.
By Pepper Parr
September 22, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Mayor of Burlington has been, in his own unique way, telling the citizens of the city that intensification is upon us. But that most neighbourhoods need not worry – the intensification will not result in a high rise tower in their part of town.
The Mayor has the unenviable task of having to allow growth that many, perhaps most people, don’t want but that he has to allow because the province has mandated growth.
The Mayor doesn’t make the decision, he is just one of seven votes but as Mayor he is he spokesperson for the city. He gets to be in all the photo ops and take the grief from citizens when they are unhappy.
The creation of Hwy 407 created a new rural/urban boundary for the city. Everything north of the 407 is protected from development. A decision that brought tears to the eyes of a lot of developers.
The only part of the city that isn’t going to experience growth will be the Escarpment, that part of the city north of the Dundas – Hwy 407 boundary line that is protected by provincial legislation.
The population of Ontario is growing and Halton has to take its share of that growth. Burlington has to take its share of the Regional growth that the province has called for.
The Nautique, an Adi Development Group proposal for Lakeshore and Martha Street is now before the OMB – it raised hackles throughout the downtown core. City Council wasn’t that keen on this project but they have approved similar height and density increase request elsewhere in the downtown core.
The Region uses the figure of 500,000 + as the current population. The longer term population projection for Halton is:
2031 820,000
2036 910,000
2041 1,000,000
Close to double the size within 25 years.
The big debates are about the high rise stuff that is being proposed for the downtown core where the opposition is strongest, driven to a large degree by the ward Councillor Marianne Meed Ward who would like to see nothing taller than eight storey structures on Brant. She appears to be prepared to go as high as 12 but not too often if we are reading her correctly.
Where the growth shows up outside the downtown core is in small projects that in their own way change the look and feel of a community.
A proposal now before the Planning department and going to a council Standing Committee next week is for a three storey complex of 11 units on New Street between Cumberland and Pine Grove.
Maranatha Gardens under construction – will change the look of New street – this is probably just the beginning of that change. The picture shows he back of the building overlooking a park
This latest development is right next to the six storey Maranatha Gardens project that is under construction.
Site plan for a proposed 11 unit townhouse complex on New Street.
The people on the other side of the street have expressed concerns over what all this additional population and traffic are going to do to the neighbourhood.
Homes on the other side of New Street. The look of their world ha changed.
This is where the intensification rubber hits the road.
New Street just might have a lot more bicycle traffic if the Road Diet the city is thinking about putting in place ever makes it past a majority of the seven hands that will have to go up when a vote on that idea takes place.
By Staff
September 22, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Representatives from Ontario’s 21 universities will be in Burlington at Assumption Catholic Secondary School on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., for the University Information Program (UIP).
Assumption is located at 3230 Woodward Avenue, Burlington L7N 3P1
Assumption high school location – 3230 Woodward avenue
This free event offers high school students from the surrounding area, and their parents, the opportunity to speak in-person with multiple university representatives. Any high school students in the area are welcome to attend, regardless of which school board their school belongs to.
The UIP offers students who are considering an Ontario university the opportunity to learn more about admission requirements, scholarships, residence, the application process, campus life and much more.
The event is designed to assist graduating high school students in making an informed decision before they apply to university in January 2018. The event also aims to help younger students with high school course selections in order to guide them toward future university programs.
Students and their parents will have the opportunity to learn more about Ontario’s 21 universities in either a fair- or presentation-style format, where they can visit each Ontario university representative individually.
One of the 21 universities that will be in Burlington to tell their story.
The UIP is hosted exclusively by Ontario universities. Each university participates in joint visits to high schools across the province each fall. Each UIP event is organized by the University Information Program Working Group with oversite from the Standing Committee on Student Recruitment, and the Ontario University Registrars’ Association.
By Staff
September 22, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Another house is reported to have been sold in the Beachway, that section of Lakeshore Road that is now the front entrance to the Joseph Brant Hospital.
The cohesion that community once had has not held – different property owners are deciding what is in their individual best interests and making the best deal they can with the Regional government that still sticks to its position that all sales transactions are on a willing seller willing buyer basis.
In the photograph set out below the house on the left is the one that is believed to have been sold. The house on the right is in terrible shape – it is the last one of its style n the Burlington side of the canal and is worth at least an effort to preserve the house and move it to some other location.
The space between the two houses represents three lots that each once had a house on it in what was part of a less prosperous part of town. Councillor Blair Lancaster once described that community as a part of town nice girls didn’t visit.
Where is the Heritage Advisory committee on what could be a gem of a home if it were refurbished.
By Staff
September 22nd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Mayor put it very well when he said the book tells the story of the Escarpment in the best way he has heard it told, or words to that effect. Mark Zelinski, the author of the book that was being launched said the Mayor was the first person to bulk buy the book.
In an interview with Zelinski he told the Gazette that the Region declined to purchase the book. So much for support for the arts.
The occasion was a book launch that took place at RBG Rock Garden earlier this week. A surprisingly large audience listened to Mark Zelinski show some of the pictures in his lavishly illustrated Heart of Turtle Island.
Mark Zelinski – photographer, publisher
Zelinski did the bulk of the photography and was considerate enough to give public credit to pictures that were taken by others.
Chezney Martin – writer – dancer – poet
Chezney Martin, an Indig-enous dancer and poet,part of the Turtle Clan of the Seneca Nation. She lives at Six Nations.
Chezney wrote a portion of the book and read the short piece – it is worth sharing with you.
“The Thunder Beings are considered the supernatural grandfathers and protectors of the earth. They make appearances in many Haudenosaunee stories and tales. The duties of the Thunder Beings flow from the creation story to the belief that they keep dinosaurs underground with strikes of lightning.
“In this particular story we meet a monstrous snake-like beast conjured by witchcraft that decided to live within the Niagara waterways to kill and eat the Haudenosaunee people.
“Enraged by this, the Thunder Beings sought to dispel the snake with force. This battle raged on for days as thunder rumbled in the sky and lightning struck the serpent until it dissipated into a huge crevice in the earth, the same crevice we call the Niagara Gorge today.
“The Thunder Beings were suspicious as to whether or not the snake had truly been defeated. Rather than leaving the earth they sought shelter behind the waterfall that had been created by the serpent. The Thunder Beings natural rumbles were covered by the sound of falling water, as they awaited any sign that the snake had survived.
“Shortly after this battle, the clouds in the sky cleared to a beautiful day. The sunshine attracted a young woman to lie near the water. She was soon to be wed and wouldn’t have much time to enjoy her alone time once she had children.
“As she closed her eyes, the snake that was shrunken by the strikes of the Thunder Beings slithered out of the water. It is said that the snake entered her body during her rest.
“The young woman was later married and after the first night spent with her new husband, he died. She mourned and decided to try marriage again with the same result. She tried once more to marry, desperately craving a family. Her third husband died.
“Distraught with grief and guilt the young woman decided to end her life. She entered a canoe up stream and allowed the current to carry her to the waterfall.
“Just as her canoe was going to tip over the edge and to the sharp rocks below, the Thunder Beings heard her weeping. They caught her mid-fall, and brought her into their cave behind the water.
“Once inside, the Thunder Beings taught the young woman how to dispel witchcraft as they alleviated her of the snake and destroyed it.
“It is said that the Thunder Beings returned to the clouds. The knowledge passed on to the young woman was brought back to the Haudenosaunee and has been used ever since.
A lavishly illustrated book that is worth having and giving as a gift. “This is the story of The Maid of the Mist from the Original People.”
The book is on sale at the Different Drummer or directly from the author. If you are looking for a gift that will be appreciated for years to come – keep the title in mind.
Previously published news story.
By Pepper Parr
September 22, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
They decided to work as a tag team in the House of Commons during Question Period yesterday.
First Oakville North Burlington MP Pam Damoff stood and asked:
Oakville Burlington North MP Pam Damoff
“Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition has stated that he feels he should not be bound by the same ethical standards he demands of others in the House. He may have forgotten that his own party’s changes to the Lobbying Act actually make him a designated public officeholder. This might explain the confusion about the Leader of the Opposition hosting secret fundraisers.
“Could the Minister of Democratic Institutions tell the House what she is doing to pull the curtain on these types of fundraisers?”
Burlington MP Karina Gould getting her picture taken while former President of the United States addresses the House of Commons.
The Minister of Democratic institutions, Karina Gould, the Burlington MP stood up and responded thusly”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians have a right to know about fundraising events attended by party leaders and leadership candidates, as well as the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers. Our legislation will make public the information related to who is going to fundraisers, where and when they are happening, and the amount required to attend.
“We hope the opposition will support this bill in committee so that no opposition party can ever again have their leader hold secret fundraisers.
“Together let us all raise the bar.”
Words to be remembered.
By Staff
September 22, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The last day of summer – and what did we get?
A little on the sticky side but rather nice for the most part – certainly above seasonal norms.
In Jasper, Alberta they got snow.
We no longer have weather – we have climate change.
Jasper, Alberta on the last day of summer 2017
By Staff
September 21, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Maybe it is because Burlington has all kinds of high volume highways running through the city. Maybe it is because the men and women who make up our fire department decided they didn’t see that many serious fire any one year and decided they would focus on something and be really really good at it.
Firefighters learning how to take the top off a car.
Whichever the Burlington Fire department is as good as it gets in prying people out of badly damaged cars.
The Firefighter Vehicle Rescue Team recently competed and placed in several categories in the North American Vehicle Rescue Challenge hosted by Enfield Fire in Enfield, N.S.
The Burlington team, led by Ryan Stewart, placed first overall and first in Limited Pit, third in Unlimited Pit and first in Rapid Pit categories. Ryan Stewart was named Top Incident Commander and Mark Adams was honoured as Top Medic.
Unlimited Pit: In the unlimited pit you are free to use any tools you wish. Heavy hydraulic cutter and spreaders, pneumatic and electric tools are all permitted.
Limited Pit: In the limited pit, hydraulic tools are not allowed. In some cases not all municipalities have those hydraulic tools on every truck or available at every call. It is also a greater test of tool knowledge, using different tools that can require a greater skill set to operate.
Each team has 20 minutes to complete their work in what first responders refer to as “The Golden Hour”. The golden hour is a one-hour period following traumatic injury during which there is the greatest chances of survival.
Teams from all over the country, as well as teams from New York State, competed in the event that showcased firefighter skills and teamwork in a practical, competitive setting. Vehicle rescue teams use many skills: scene safety, vehicle stabilization, extrication and patient care. Live patients are placed into crushed vehicles in various positions of instability to simulate a real vehicle collision. Teams are given 20 minutes to safely get the patients out of vehicles.
The Burlington Fire Department has been participating in vehicle rescue competitions since 1984. The current team includes team captain Ryan Stewart, team medic Mark Adams and firefighters Chris Viegas, Liam Jewell, Frank Marciello and Scott Wells.
Dressed for hard work – the Vehicle extraction team that brought winning prizes back to the city from a Nova Scotia based competition. The Vehicle Rescue Team practicing behind Burlington Fire Headquarters – from left to right: Chris Viegas, Frank Marciello, Mark Adams (Medic), Scott Wells, Liam Jewell, Ryan Stewart (Incident Commander)
The team trains and fundraises for 10 hours each week to prepare for three weekend events each summer. Stewart returns for a second two-year rotation as captain while this is the first year for half the other members. Team members will spend a maximum of two years on the Vehicle Rescue Team and then other firefighters will be given the chance to experience this highly specialized training.
Burlington’s team trains, travels and competes at no cost to the taxpayer and relies on fundraising to cover expenses. You can help support the team by donating used electronics at fire stations located at 1255 Fairview St., 711 Appleby Line and 4100 Dundas St.
The team also accepts used vehicles for practice. Tax receipts are issued for vehicle donations. For more information, email vehiclerescue@burlington.ca or visit www.burlington.ca/vehiclerescue.
The Fire Department responds to an average of 650 to 700 motor vehicle collisions a year. The vehicle rescue team includes highly trained men and women who use the latest extrication knowledge, training, proven rescue techniques and equipment.
The first extrication competition held in the Province was hosted by the Ontario Fire College in 1984. The first BFD team competed in that competition.
These guys clean up pretty god. From left to right: The Vehicle Rescue Team with their awards after the closing ceremonies in Enfield, N.S. Frank Marciello, Chris Viegas, Scott Wells, Mark Adams (Medic), Liam Jewell, Ryan Stewart (Incident Commander)
Today the team consists of six firefighters who invest their personal time to train and compete. Each team member serves a two-year term. While on the team the firefighters are also tasked with delivering on-duty auto-ex training to their colleagues. This process closes the loop on the individual learning that occurs at the competitive level creating organizational learning for the fire department.
To date, 80 per cent of the department has participated on the vehicle rescue team.
By Staff
September 21st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Students at Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School have received an award from the Halton Regional Police Service for their work on a Crime Prevention project.
Earlier this year, members of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau and the 3 District Regional Community Mobilization Bureau challenged local students to produce a video for their community with a crime prevention theme. This is the first year the Halton Regional Police Service has implemented this initiative.
From left to right – Christopher Rosser, Suzanne Pierce, Sergeant Stephen Siomra, Lindsay Hepburn, Detective Constable Jacqueline Ross, Olivia Conn, Shawna Johnson, Colin Crawford, Detective Sergeant Ron Hansen, Detective Phil Vandenbeukel.
On September 11, 2017 the winning students attended 30 Division in Burlington to receive an award for their theft awareness video. Halton Regional Police Service would like to congratulate the participating students for their hard work and their help in assisting police in bolstering public safety.
The video – short – less than a minute, Check it out HERE
Crime prevention is the anticipation, recognition and appraisal of crime risk, and taking action to remove or reduce it.
By Pepper Parr
September 21st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results for the elementary students in Halton are the highest the Board has every received.
The Halton District School Board achieved its highest results ever in Grade 3 Reading and Grade 6 Reading and Writing. Halton students continue to perform above the provincial average.
These results are based on assessments completed in the 2016-2017 school year for primary and junior students in Reading, Writing and Mathematics.
In Grade 3:
• Reading: Results show a three percentage point gain from the previous year in Reading from 79% to 82% of students achieving at or above the provincial standard, while the provincial average is 74%.
• Writing: The results show that 79% of students attained the provincial standard, an increase from 78% last year, while the provincial average is 73%.
• Math: Halton results remain unchanged at 70% compared to the previous year, even though the provincial average dropped one percentage point from last year to 62%.
In Grade 6:
• Reading: Results increased from the previous year by two percentage points to 87% of all students achieving at or above the provincial standard, while the provincial average remains at 81%. The past five years have seen an overall growth of 5% in Junior Reading.
• Writing: Results show an increase from the previous year from 85% to 86% of all students achieving at or above the provincial standard, while the provincial average decreased to 79%. In the past five years, there has been an overall increase of 6% in Junior Writing.
• Math: Halton math results increased by one percentage point to 57% of students achieving at or above the provincial standard. The provincial average remains unchanged in Grade 6 Mathematics with 50% of students achieving at or above the provincial standard.
While the Board is pleased with the overall EQAO results, having achieved higher than the provincial results in all six categories of the primary and junior assessments, the Halton District School Board recognizes the need to improve, particularly in the area of math.
“While the news is good, we do recognize we have work to do, specifically, Junior Mathematics is an area of growth, as it is for school boards across Ontario,” says Tina Salmini, Superintendent of Education for the Halton District School Board.
“The province has initiated a Renewed Math Strategy and our Board’s Mathematics Improvement Plan is aligned with it. This will remain a key focus for our Board over the next several years.”
This work includes:
• A focus on Mathematics leadership across the Board
• Professional learning to support our teachers in mathematics instruction and assessment
• Investment in high quality resources and training for these resources in every school
Associate Director of Education, David Boag
“We recognize our staff members make a significant impact on students each and every day,” says David Boag, Associate Director for the Halton District School Board. “We applaud our families and students for their hard work, support and partnership. This partnership is acknowledged when we say, ‘Together, we inspire every student to learn, grow and succeed.’”
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