 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 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 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.’”
By Pepper Parr
September 21, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The data gathered province wide by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) shows Halton District School Board students outperforming the province in Grade 9 Academic and Applied Mathematics, and on the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).
Secondary students must write the OSSLT as a requirement of graduation.
For Grade 9 Math, there are different assessments for students in the academic and applied courses. On the Grade 9 Academic Math assessment, 92% of students achieved the provincial standard, which is a 2% increase from the previous year’s result. The provincial average remained the same at 83% of students achieving the provincial standard.
 Halton students are doing well in the academic mathematics program. There was some slippage in the applied mathematics program. No comment from the Board on where the slippage is taking place or why the slippage is taking place. While Halton is above the provincial average – grades just above 50% are barely above a pass. In total, there were 3,484 students enrolled in the Academic Math course in 2016-2017.
For the 619 students in the Applied Math course, 52% attained the provincial standard in 2016-2017, a three percentage point decrease from the previous year. Since last year, the provincial average decreased by one percentage point from 45% to 44%.
 The OSSLT results for 2016-2017 were also released today. The Halton District School Board’s success rate for students writing the test for the first time decreased by one percentage point to 87%, while the provincial average remained the same as last year at 81%. The overall results for the OSSLT demonstrate that students in Halton continue to have strong literacy skills.
Julie Hunt Gibbons, Superintendent of Education commented that: “We continued to have strong results on the Grade 9 Academic Math and Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test.” She added “We will continue to implement our Math strategy with a specific focus for improvement on Grade 9 Applied Math achievement.”
That number of 619 students seems kind of low for a Board of Education that has 18,500 + secondary students. Are enough of our students getting the math proficiency they need?
Wonder too what the gender split is for those 619 students.
 By Staff
September 20, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board has gotten into the broadcasting business.
Their public meetings are web cast live and saved to a Facebook channel.
 That channel is
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxrQzpKPvwi2QHRhSF4zffA
Book mark it.
For everything BEFORE September 1st, 2017 – videos of Board meetings are at:
https://www.hdsb.ca/our-board/Pages/Board%20of%20Trustees/Board-agenda-and-minutes.aspx
 By Staff
September 19th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) will be hosting the 10th Annual Parent Engagement Conference on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Craig Kielburger Secondary School in Milton (1151 Ferguson Drive). The theme of the conference, held from 8:15 a.m. – 2:40 p.m., will be, 21st Century Student Success: Creating a Culture of Equity, Inclusion & Well-Being. Registration is open.
This year’s conference features keynote speaker Candy Palmater (Canadian activist, comedian and award-winning TV and CBC radio personality) on ‘The Road Less Travelled: Educational Leadership in a Diverse World’.
 Candy Palmater, social activist and a great entertainer. She is worth the drive to Milton From student council president in a small rural high school and valedictorian of her law school class to obtaining a Master of Education and appearing in a national TV show, Palmater’s accomplishments are unique and inspiring. She has made strides in public service at the federal and provincial level, delving into issues around self-acceptance and diversity in her motivational talks and comedy routines. She will, through words of guidance and personal stories, share her passionate perspective on equity, self- acceptance and inclusivity.
The theme of this year’s PIC conference will provide a variety of engaging workshops that address topics such as mathematics, literacy, promoting positive mental health for students, career pathways, diversity and healthy friendships.
 The Halton District School Board recognizes the important role parents play in the development of their children and in their success at school. The annual PIC conference provides parents/guardians with the opportunity to network, share ideas, offer input and enjoy informative presentations on various education related topics throughout the school year.
No mention in the media release on how parents can protect the schools they have in their neighbourhoods
Registration form
By Staff
September 19th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Every teacher in the Region realizes that if a student is hungry, if they did not have a breakfast the chances of that student absorbing what is being taught are rather slim
And there are students at high schools in Burlington who get to school without a full breakfast in their stomachs.
 Halton Learning Foundation executive offices. The Halton Learning Foundation was created to develop a source of funds to fill these gaps in the lives of students.
Nicole, is a high school student who lives with her father who is financially limited.
Her mother lives in a care facility due to her very high medical needs.
Nicole works at a part time job to help support the family financially, while also juggling her school work.
Funds from Halton Learning Foundation help Nicole purchase food for school lunches, as well as toiletries.
Her need was identified by teacher at her school. The request for funding is sent to the Foundation by the school principal.
 Halton Learning Foundation Executive Director Lesley Mansfield. Lesley Mansfield, the Executive Director of the Foundation, is on top of every request for financial support. “If the need is desperate we can have funds in the hands of a student before 3:00 pm if we are made aware of the need by 9:00 am”.
Last school year the Foundation met 780 requests for financial support; the year before that the number was 657 requests – a year over year increase of 17%. Mansfield does not expect the number to decrease.
The Foundation is supported by corporations and the Halton District School Board teachers. They hold an annual Benefit Bash to raise the $800,000 plus that is needed each year.
While the economy of the country and financial conditions in the Region are good – there are some who are not able to participate in the prosperity. They need help – that help comes from people like you.
If this is something you would like to direct your donations to – look at their web site and see if this is something you want to be part of. For more detail – give Lesley Mansfield a call – she is one of those people who somehow makes a work day last more than eight hours.
Related news story:
What the Foundation does on a day to day basis.
Nicole is not the real name of the student; the situation however is very real.
 By Pepper Parr
September 16th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
In the near future there will be an announcement on the appointment of a Facilitator who will review the request for an Administrative Review of the Halton District School Board trustee decision to close two of the city’s seven high schools.
There was a request from the parents at Pearson high school and a request from the parents at Bateman high school for Administrative reviews.
The bar to getting a review was not low – the parents had to show they had wide community support.
The Facilitator will meet with each parent group and meet with the Board of Education staff for reaction from them.
And in the fullness of time there will be a response.
What if – the Facilitator decides there was enough wrong with the process and recommends that the PAR be done again?
 Would another PAR Committee be formed? The Board would, we think, have to create a new Program Accommodation Review (PAR) and put a new recommendation forward. Would a new recommendation be any different than the first which was to close Pearson and Central and then revised to close Pearson and Bateman?
Assume all this happens.
Would the current Board of Trustees act any differently?
The power to make a decision exists at the Board of Trustee level and that group does not appear to be in touch with the sentiment in the community.
Unfortunately the Burlington communities are quite fractured – making it difficult for the trustees to make a decision.
 The Central parents were out early and they spared no effort to make sure they told their story. Central high school parent care only that their school not be closed. They put forward very solid arguments and did a superb job of rallying the parents and focusing the concerns.
The Pearson parents didn’t have anywhere near the resources that Central had and there was a lingering unwillingness to be as bold and as forward as the Central parents were.
The Batman parents failed to read the tea leaves.
The issue the trustees were given was that Burlington has 1800 classroom seats with no students in them. (We appreciate the 1800 number is debatable.) If this was true, it was evident the moment the first map showing where the high schools were located that Batman was at significant risk. They failed to see that until their name was on the list of schools to be closed and while they have done a decent job of getting their story out they have not shown an ability to work with the Pearson parents and create a united front.
 That empty room was a damaging and telling statement made by the Bateman parents. The Bateman grievances are real. They have every reason to feel that they have not been heard. Part of the reason is they didn’t say very much early in the game when it counted.
Given all the turmoil within the different parent groups is it any wonder that the trustees took the safe route and went with the recommendation they were given by the Director of Education?
There was within all the options put before the trustees one that would have given the community the time it needed to take a long hard look at just what Burlington has in the way of high schools and what it needs now and what will be needed ten years from now.
 Option 7 – close no schools – was on the table but it didn’t get a lot of support from the PARC – this tally was 8 out of 14. Option number 7 was to not close any schools and take some time to determine just what future needs were going to be. Much of the data the Board staff put forward was suspect and didn’t stand up to the scrutiny the PAR tried to impose.
The public may have expected the trustees to make that kind of decision – the current board of trustees just isn’t up to that task.
Someone is going to have to come forward and pull the parent groups together and hammer out what they collectively want and take whatever consensus they can find to the Board administration and the trustees.
And then begin looking for trustee candidates across the Region to fill those seats with people who are up to the task.
Salt with Pepper are the opinions of the publisher of the Gazette
By Pepper Parr
September 14, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
“You may have already had some feedback about the meeting with the Mayor, but wanted to provide some initial thoughts” said Steve Armstrong who was part of the four member delegation that spent an hour and a half with the Mayor and his Chief of Staff Mike Greenlee.
“Overall it went very well. Once the initial uncertainties melted away about our agenda we were able to have a productive discussion.
 Steve Armstrong, a Pearson parent who did some of the best analytical work on the enrollment numbers. “We brought some reasoned perspective to the table, and have promised to follow up with information backing up our talking points.
The Mayor agreed to a follow up discussion after he has had time to digest, and reflect more on the perspectives that he was given by the delegation.
That the meeting went longer then was scheduled, “is testament to a genuine interest.”
 Rory Nissan exchanging contact information with George Ward – both went on to become strong members of the high school group fighting to keep their school open. Rory Nisan who was also part of the delegation came away with basically the same impression. “The Mayor listened and we felt we were heard. He asked real questions.” The delegation talked about the population changes that are going to take place in the city and who was going to buy the homes that were being sold.
The group of seven were able to give the Mayor information he said he was not aware of. Additional information is to be put together and sent along to the Mayor. What will come out of the meeting? Depends on what and how he Mayor gets back to the Pearson parents with.
Nisan didn’t want to go on the record about some of the conversation other than to say that the group felt they had made their point and that they would be providing the Mayor with additional detail.
 George Ward. George Ward, another member of the delegation who has some very strong views on the decision to close Pearson high school was expected to be very direct with the Mayor.
He came away impressed, saying it was an excellent meeting and that the Mayor summarized what had been covered very well.
Let’s watch and see how the follow up with the delegation goes.
By Pepper Parr
September 13th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Later today a small delegation from Pearson high school will be meeting with the Mayor during one of the Open Door sessions he holds for citizens who want to meet with him
 Showing the school colours. Pretty clear what the Pearson parents want to talk about – they want to know just where the Mayor was when the decision on closing schools was made. Those Pearson parents don’t buy the argument that it was just a school board trustee decision.
The Program Accommodation Review (PAR) process that took place made provision for representation from the city – the Mayor chose to pass that task along to his city manager James Ridge and had the temerity to say at a city council meeting that he, the Mayor, couldn’t think of anyone more qualified to represent the city.
 Steve Podrebarac on the left and Burlington city manager James Ridge at a school board PAR meeting. At the time Ridge had been city manager for about 18 months, was not a native of the city and probably could not have named the seven high schools in the city.
Ridge attended most of the PAR meetings, spoke twice. On one of those occasions he said the school board should not sell any land. The school board isn’t permitted to just sit on land it owns – they have to use it or lose it. When they do sell the land, which a decision the Board makes when they declare the land surplus.
 Cheryl DeLught and Steve Armstrong – part of the Pearson delegation. When the Board makes that decision there is a hierarchy of organizations that have the right to purchase the land – the city is on that list. The city could be negotiating with the school board to move some of its staff into Pearson to keep the building until the city has a better view of just what the student population is going to be.
All the Grow BOLD discussion taking place are making mention of a population that is going to climb from the current 186,000 to something in the 215,000 range. Will there not be some students in amongst those new residents?
Hopefully the Pearson people meeting with the Mayor today will be bold and suggest that the city get onside.
By Staff
September 11, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Four Halton residents have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). These are the first human cases for Halton this year.
 wev “The Halton Region Health Department works diligently to reduce the risk of West Nile virus in our community through both education and preventative programs such as larviciding. Until the fall frost, Halton residents should continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding sites,” said Dr. Daniela Kempkens, Acting Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region.
“While 80 per cent of people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms, others will have West Nile fever consisting of fever, headache, muscle ache and a rash. If residents are concerned or experiencing symptoms, I would encourage them to visit their health care professional.”
Urban areas are more likely to have mosquitoes that carry WNV. The types of mosquitoes that transmit WNV to humans most commonly breed in urban areas and in places that hold standing water such as bird baths, plant pots, old toys, and tires.
Residents are encouraged to take the following steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:
• Cover up. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric.
• Avoid being outdoors from early evening to morning when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shady, wooded areas.
• Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin.
• Make sure your window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings.
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects, where possible. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.
As part of its ongoing West Nile prevention program, Halton Region staff continually monitor areas of standing water, eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites and larvicide when mosquito larvae is found.
By Pepper Parr
September 11th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
They are in the classroom and that first week of being back at it is done for the high school students.
The teaching teams have done their updates and gotten caught up and now the getting on with the business of educating them and turning them into responsible, productive and accountable adults can begin.
But for some students – it isn’t going all that well. There will have been some disappointments, perhaps a disaster. A good teacher can spot the kid who is having a tough time with less than a glance.
They will look for a way to give the student a chance to talk – more often than not the teacher is already aware of the problems.
 The Foundation works out of a portable – with the washrooms in a seperate building. Sometimes it’s a school supplies issue, sometimes the student doesn’t have clothing – shoes are usually an issue for some students. And we aren’t talking about their having the latest fashion – we are talking about shoes that are not bursting at the seams.
Burlington is part of the Halton Learning Foundation, a group of people who are in place to do something about the needs of students who aren’t able to fend for themselves financially.
While Burlington is seen as a wealthy community that tolerates gas prices that are three to four cents higher per litre than in neighbouring communities, there are still a lot of people that live very close to, if not below, the poverty line
The cost of rental housing doesn’t help this part of the population either.
The close to dire financial straits for many households extends to those who are students.
 Lesley Mansfield, Executive Director of the Halton Learning Foundation, presenting to the Board of Education. The Halton Learning Foundation is headed up by Lesley Mansfield, a woman with solid experience in the private sector and the ability to make the needs known to those who can help.
Mansfield will tell you that if there is a student need and she is made aware of it by 10 am – she can have funds in the hands of a student by 3:00 pm
All the requests that come to her office get there via a call from a school principal.
Mansfield’s job is to administer the requests and then get out into the field and raise the funds. She isn’t at the chicken feed level. The Halton Learning Foundation is edging towards the million dollar operation.
Along with raising and allocating the funds she is also a full time advocate for the Foundation and the people that need help.
Mansfield is a big advocate of thanking people. She doesn’t just say thank you – she does what you would call a “full Monty” thank you. Every donation to the Foundation is followed up with a report on how the funds were spent.
She looks you in the eye and let’s you know that what you have given is more than appreciated.
In 2015 the Foundation met 657 requests for help
In 2016 the figure was 780 – a 17% increase. Mansfield doesn’t see that number getting smaller.
Her approach is to say yes to every request – she relies on the input from the teachers who know the students better than anyone else.
Mansfield tells the Board of Trustees that the Foundation is their charity – “we are here to support your students in your schools”.
Lesley Mansfield serves as the Executive Director of the Halton Learning Foundation and is a consistent advocate for supporting students while they complete a high school education. The Foundation is an arm’s length non-profit corporation that is linked with the school board but not a part of it. Her route to the classrooms and the students is through the Board of Education.
The Board provides space for the Foundation – in a portable with the washrooms in a separate building. Technical support and some maintenance is the sum total of what the Foundation gets from the Board of Education.
Mansfield realizes she is part of a larger community initiative. There is the Food4Kids organization that provides lunches for students. A number of churches in Burlington have meal programs; there is also a food banks that can be used.
The work the Halton Poverty Council does and the exceptional work Joey Edwardth does at Community Development Halton support the thinking and strategic planning that is essential for a city like Burlington as it struggles to come to grips with a problems that is growing.
There is a single solution to the poverty issue – give these people an income or the means to earn an income.
And to earn that income people need jobs.
And to get a decent job one needs an education.
 The Foundation is the organization that ensures the essentials are available to students in our classrooms which makes HLF close to the critical fulcrum in the process of getting people out of poverty.
The people who work with those who have needs they cannot meet believe there is a single solution to the poverty issue – give these people an income or the means to earn an income.
And that is the level Lesley Mansfield works at. She provides the support for the students in the high schools who are working at getting an education so they can get jobs and earn the income they need to become productive citizens.
Their perspective is that getting an education means being able to go on the field trips; having the glasses they need to be able to see the white board or see the ball in the gymnasium. It means providing fees for being part of an extra-curricular group.
Lesley has dozens of stories about how the help gets to her office. She gets a new one almost every day of the week. Last year an organization learned of what the Foundation does – they were clothing manufacturers – and donated 400 good quality winter coats.
 The Foundation holds an annual Benefit Bash in November – it is their prime fund raising event.
Revenue levels have been fairly consistent – over $800,000 annually. Mansfield can see the need rising – it continues to increase in Halton which is why they have embarked upon a campaign to raise $1.6 million in the next four years. They want to continue to be able to say “yes” to every request that comes into HLF from the principals to help a student in need.
 Sherry Armstrong handles marketing and promotion – and anything else that needs doing – for the Foundation The Foundation is run by three people – their salaries are paid for by the Foundation. There is an opportunity there for the Board of Education to find a way to take on that cost so that there is more money getting into the hands that need it.
There is some lobbying needed to bring that about.
The HLF is part of an eco-system that does what it can to ensure that those with real day to day needs are served with dignity and respect.
This city is fortunate to have these people in place.
By Pepper Parr
September 11th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The original headline on this article has been revised: a reader took exception to the use of the phrase: “pulling teeth from hens” which she felt was sexist. We didn’t see it that way and that certainly wasn’t our intention.
This is begining to feel like we are trying to pull teeth from hens: just release the documents.
A number of weeks ago the Gazette asked Ward 1 and 2 school board trustee Leah Reynolds if she would send us the complete contents of the texts she sent and received from Marianne Meed Ward during the June 7th Board of Education meeting. That was the meeting at which the trustees decided to close two of the city’s seven high schools.
We asked the same question of Marianne Meed Ward who is member of city council and served on the Program Accommodation Review committee that was not able to arrive at a consensus or send a direction or recommendation to the Director of Education and to the trustees.
Some would argue that writing a direction or recommendation was not part of their mandate. So?
Everyone seems to share the view that the process was flawed – any comment from the members of that PARC would have been welcome – and might have given the trustees a clearer sense as to what was wrong with the process used.
Reynolds replied to our request with the following:
 Trustee Reynolds had a heavy book marked edition of Robert Rules of Order – clearly came to the meeting prepared to fight a procedural battle – with a parents who is also a member of city council “coaching” her from the public gallery. Thank you for your question, which I would have gladly provided to you earlier if asked.
Before, during and after meetings, I – as do all trustees – receive messages, questions and concerns from constituents and parents. As confirmed by the Chair at the June 7th and the June 21st meetings that communication does not violate any code of conduct nor is it contrary to any Board policy. As elected officials, hearing from our communities is part of the democratic process and the right of constituents to freedom of expression. While I cannot control who or what information parents or constituents send me, it is my job to listen and to take it into consideration to inform my questions and decision.
School closure conversations are difficult and the decisions are not desired by all of the residents of our community. My remarks were recorded on June 7 on why I supported the director’s report. Let me know if you want them.
The question was – would she send the texts that were exchanged by Meed Ward and Reynolds – which she chose not to answer.
We asked the same question of Meed Ward – we copied each of them on the separate message sent which was as follows:
I am putting together an article on how the Board of Trustees arrived at the decision they did to close two of the city’s seven high schools.
The communication between you and Trustee Reynolds during the debate are part of that story. Would you be good enough to send me all of the texts that you sent to Reynolds during the meeting.
If you wish please feel free to add any comment on the context within which the texts were sent.
Thank you – hope you and the family had a great summer.
Meed Ward came back with:
There is nothing to send. There was no communication during debate of the school closure motions.
As has been previously explained, the communication via text was related to a procedural matter prior to any discussion of the motions themselves, specifically a ruling of the chair on what order motions would be heard.
 Marianne Meed Ward texting messages to trustee Leah Reynolds during a Board of Education meeting. Some of the content appeared to be instructions on how to vote on a procedural matter. There was never a risk of motions not being debated; the issue was simply in what order – simultaneously or sequentially. Getting procedure right protects the outcome of any subsequent vote, thus protecting everyone’s interests including those making this an issue.
The communication had nothing to do with the votes on the school closure motions themselves, and no impact on them.
In the end the chair’s ruling was upheld 7-4 by trustees, the debate and votes on the dual campus and school closures proceeded simultaneously for another three hours. There was no communication during these debates and votes.
My communication is no different than the many emails or texts that were sent by other parents to trustees through the meetings. What makes this different and why it has become a story is because someone read and photographed private correspondence, published it on social media, then misrepresented the substance of the text in a broadcast news story. There was no effort to contact me directly for the truth about the communication, simply a rush to judgment with the aim of social shaming, via the press and social media.
That Ms Meed Ward is precisely the point –part of what you texted was read and it didn’t look all that good. Let the public see every word that was passed between the two of you – they will figure it out.
Some folks have willingly engaged in character assassination as a tactic to save their school. I understand the emotions involved in having your school on the closure list – having lived with it for the previous 6 months. But the ends don’t justify the means. We need to do better than this, especially on difficult issues like school closures. Thankfully the vast majority of citizens have been respectful in sharing their views and making their case throughout this process with facts and evidence, and without personal attacks.
I think there is a splitting of hairs here – the little bit of the texting that the public was able to see appeared to be directions from Meed Ward to trustee Reynolds.
The Bateman community managed to interest CHCH television in the story. The ran a piece on their newscast – link to that broadcast is HERE.
There is considerable concern within the community on just what happened. We have no idea what the two woman were up to. If there is a public concern both woman have an obligation to release whatever the content of the texts were – with time stamps on them.
Related news stories:
Bateman parents want an investigation.
Parents want trustee suspended.
Parent admits sending message – she wasn’t just any parent either
By Pepper Parr
September 10th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette has been communicating electronically with Board of Education trustee Leah Reynolds about the texts that took place between Reynolds and Marianne Meed Ward, a PAR member while it existed. The texts were exchanged during the Board meeting at which the decision was made to close two of the city’s seven high schools. That request for that information has yet to be reported on.
While waiting for the text data, Ward 1 and 2 Halton Board of Education trustee Leah Reynolds sent in the following comment on her controversial vote for the closing of two of the seen high schools in Burlington.
 Board of Education trustee for \Wards 1 and 2 Leah Reynolds in discussion with students from Central high school. Reynolds represents Central High school which was on the original list of schools recommended for closure. The Director of Education revised his list of recommendations and removed Central and added Bateman, Pearson was on the original list and remained on that list.
Reynolds provides some background on the decision making process she went through.
“In October of 2016 I did not support engaging a Program Accommodation Review (PAR) . My concern at that time was the recommendation excluded an important stakeholder (representation from grade 7 and 8). Notwithstanding that roughly one third of both schools population receive programming directly within Aldershot and Burlington Central schools, this group had no right to voice opinion on the high school closure at the PAR discussion table.” Reynolds said at the time that “This revised motion does not negatively impact these Grades 7 and 8 students.”
“Through the PAR discussions, I learned the extent in which Burlington students lacked equity of opportunity in program and as pointed out by my trustee peers – also across Halton. Low enrolments at 5 out of 7 high schools meant students can’t get the classes they need. Since the future of our children depends on what they are exposed to having a variety of course selections including skilled trades in every high school is paramount. We know that critical mass is important to allow students voice and choice and to provide multiple pathway options and to graduate. To obtain needed courses, Burlington students are confronted with the prospect of changing schools, taking classes online, attending summer schools or even taking another year of school.”
“This report (the revised recommendation) speaks to the importance of maintaining a community school in each area of Burlington. The overlapping geographical catchment of Bateman and Nelson and MM Robinson and Pearson allows students to receive programming within their local community. It also provides a new state of the art purpose-built composite school in the South and increased programming in the North. This report speaks to the values of delivering education closer to where students live, thus reducing bus ride times. All of the changes are meant to improve the delivery of the mandatory Ontario English curriculum.”
“Currently, we are spending money keeping underutilized buildings open that could be used to improve programming for all students. In light of the information learned throughout the PAR including the many emails and phone calls I have gotten from parents and students, I believe this recommendation puts the best interests of all student first, for the long term.”
“I recognize” said Reynolds that “ some will not be happy I have changed my position on school closures and weighed my decision on sound facts. This is not about me, it’s about what is in the best interest of all HDSB students.”
 City Councillor Marianne Meed Ward at her nomination meeting in 2014 with Leah Reynolds who was nominated at the same time for the Board of trustees Full disclosure: During 2016 I spent time with Leah Reynolds mentoring her on the role of a city Councillor. Directed her to significant city of Burlington publications: Procedural bylaw, copies of the Operational and Capital budget binders and discussed with her the Standing Committee structure as well as what was entailed in serving as a Regional Councillor.
Reynolds was interested in moving from her role as a trustee to that of a city Councillor. We met on five or six occasions – always in a coffee shop for several hours on each occasion.
Those mentoring meetings ended when the PAR process began.
 One of the younger runners enters the home stretch of the Terry Fox 5k run. Many his age did a second go around to make it a 10k run. By Pepper Par
September 9th 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The way in which a community comes together to support a family that has been devastated is something to behold.
Hundreds upon hundreds of people in Burlington and those involved in any way with what Casey Cosgrove did in and for Burlington, have rallied and moved in to support the family during a very hard time.
 Casey with his wife and daughter out on the streets in the Alton community distributing flyers door to door for the Terry Fox run – this was in 2013. One group has taken on the task of preparing meals.
Another has set up a Gofundme campaign to raise funds to ensure that the three children are able to complete their education.
Last week the lineup of people at the Wave Twin Rinks, Pub 21 wound down the stairs and outside the building; an amazing turnout.
One can only guess at how many people are going to show up at the annual Terry Fox run on Sunday the 17th – everyone will be a Team Casey participant.
A few hours after the run there will be a celebration of Casey’s life at the Burlington Convention Centre on Burloak between 4 and 6 pm.
The people who set up the Gofundme account described what they were setting out to the with the Memorial Education Fund.
“After being diagnosed in 2010 with stage 4 Lung Cancer and enduring a courageous 7 year battle against all odds, our dear Casey has left us to battle on without him. Ever optimistic and ready to push headlong into the next trial, Casey showed us all the true meaning of courage, bravery, positivity, spirit, and strength. Casey always donated his time and energy to several community causes and was ever present as a Champion for the Terry Fox Foundation, working tirelessly to help bring the Terry Fox Mile Marker to Burlington. He touched hundreds of people, leaving a lasting impression of what a true Hero is. Any contributions that can be made to help with educational costs for his three loving children Evan, Jack and Kate would be greatly appreciated.
The Casey Cosgrove Memorial Education fund web site is HERE
Our last interview with Casey Cosgrove.
By Pepper Parr
September 8th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
There isn’t going to be just the one Administrative Review – there will be separate reviews for each of the two high schools that took exception to the Board of Education to close them.
A response from the Ministry said they have “approved two separate requests for administrative reviews of the Halton DSB’s Burlington Secondary Program and Pupil Accommodation Review (PAR) involving Robert Bateman High School and Lester B. Pearson High School.
“The ministry reviewed the requests and determined that both met the criteria for the appointment of a facilitator to undertake an administrative review.
 Pearson was at risk from the very beginning. They further advised that the “selection process for the facilitator to lead this review is underway and the successful candidate will be appointed as soon as possible. Once appointed, the ministry informs the lead petitioner and the board.
“The facilitator will be focused on reviewing the board’s accommodation review process and its consistency with the board’s accommodation review policy. Upon selection, it will be up to the facilitator to determine the overall course and structure of the review.
Timelines will depend on the circumstances in each review and the findings of the reviewers.
 Bateman high school had a very tough time overcoming the time they lost during the early stages of the PAR – Program Accommodation Review. They had a strong story – it just wasn’t being told. Sources within the Board of Education said that their role is to comply with the direction from the facilitator and that from past experience that person is usually wither a former Director of Education or a lawyer with experience in administrative law.
There are no public hearings – the facilitator will meet with the parent group from each school and the appropriate people at the Board level.
The facilitator chosen has a considerable amount of leeway in deciding how to proceed.
We are told that these reviews “tend to be paper heavy.
The report prepared usually has two parts: A recommendation as to what if any action should be taken and some commentary on what the facilitator believes actually happened.
One of the concerns coming out of the Board of Education is that the Ministry of Education may be dealing with bigger issues and that the Halton matter might get tangled up in those political machinations.
 Few parents feel the Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon did all that much to advance their cause – something that might be regretted come next June. The Ministry has put a pause on any future PAR’s until there is an internal review of that process which is seen as “fundamentally flawed”. The pause was put in place 22 days after the Halton decision was made.
The timing of the Administrative Reviews could become a concern with a provincial election due in June.
The last Administrative Review hat Halton had to deal with was referred to as a “truncated” event which took just the months.
The Burlington situation is not going to get resolved in two months – six to eight is seen as the more likely time frame which gets perilously close to the election date.
The Ministry might choose to let the election take place and then deliver whatever there is going to be in the way of a recommendation.
 Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne speaks at the hearings into the gas plant cancellations at Queen’s Park in Toronto on December 3, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch There are parents that like that idea – hoping they will be able to impact the provincial election in June to change the provincial member for Burlington – which is a very wild stretch of imagination – except that the Premier is in the middle of two rather messy criminal trials that have the potential to change the way the wind blows.
There are parents who believe that if a decision can be put off until the municipal election in October of 2018 they can elect different trustees who could theoretically reverse the decision.
There are people who have already decided to contest several of the Board of Trustee seats.
Sticky wickets indeed.
By Pepper Parr
September 7th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
B2B Networking works and according to a research study from the Rogers Business School “82% of New Business Leads Come From Networking.”
Many people are uncomfortable with networking simply because they don’t know what to say or how to introduce themselves smoothly into a conversation. Instead they stand around checking their smartphone, sipping their drink and wondering what the heck they’re doing there!
You need a networking wingman.
A what?
 James Birchill with one of his regular networkers. James Burchill is prepared to be your networking wingman He will attend events with you, introduce you, spark the conversation (and when necessary – keep it going) and guide the conversation away from “unprofitable” topics like pets, vacations and so on.
“If you’re a veterinarian then we’ll talk about pets! And if you’re a travel agent then vacations are a go-to topic also.”
He will also “save you” if you get trapped in a conversation with “that guy” or “that girl” who simply won’t stop talking and wasting your precious time.
“I’ll be your walking, talking personal promoter: Your Networking Wingman
Burchill is serious. He will be your wingman – and not in some pushy, cheesy manner, but in a natural, easy-going way that leaves people feeling good about you and your conversation together.
If you’d like more support ask me about the monthly coaching program where I’ll help you tune up your approach, tighten your offer and help you build a lead generating sales funnel that automatically follows up flawlessly while you enjoy your newfound networking mojo!
How Does This Work? Get in touch – If there’s a fit and you want his help, he will do his best to fit you into dates and times you’d like his networking wingman services.
Before the event he will chat on the phone (or Skype) and review your goals and objectives for the event. He will also discuss your business, your lead generation strategy, get briefed on things you want to promote and things you want to avoid.
 James Burchill – wingman “On the day, I’ll arrive at the event at the agreed time. I’ll pay my own entry costs and parking along with any food and drink I consume. We will briefly review our approach and then it’s “go time” and for the remainder of the event I’ll be there at your side (barring bathroom breaks!) guiding you through the entire event, introducing you to people, starting conversations, talking up your achievements and looking for opportunities to gently promote you and get you leads.”
“If you wish, at a suitable point in the event, he will take a photo together and post this later on his social media and include your links and hashtags. This promotional consideration is currently included at NO CHARGE.
“According to Social Blue Book, the average value of one photo Tweet on my profile is USD$175
“If this was a solo wingman service event, then we’ll spend ~15 minutes on the phone reviewing how things went and discussing how you can best leverage the event and any leads you garnered.
 If you want people to be part of your team – make them feel like they are part of your team. James Burchill, on the right, drafted Mayor Goldring, centre and former Performing Arts centre Operations manager Graham Frampton as part of his team. “If you’re part of my coaching program we will debrief more thoroughly and review the contacts made and the effectiveness of your lead generating approach. We will fine tune it and get ready for the next event. We will also discuss any follow up emails you may wish to send.
“The solo (1 event) wingman service is currently being offered at a special introductory price of just $149 +tax.
Monthly coaching programs start at $499 and include 2 bi-weekly (45min) sessions and 2 event wingman supported events (up to 90mins each event.)
Burchill is serious!
You can reach him at James Burchill <jamesburchill@gmail.com>
Burchill describes himself as a best selling author or MEETUPOLOGY and the founder of the Social Fusion Network (SFN). Launched in 2012, SFN quickly became a popular b2b networking event in the Halton/GTA area regularly attracting hundreds of people to the monthly events. James has since written another book about b2b networking, launched another social networking group and is working on another networking project: the “90DayNetwork.”
James is considered a leading authority on b2b networking and regularly speaks about and coaches small business and entrepreneurs how to connect and convert their conversations into cash.
By Staff
September 5th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
“The Halton District School Board received notification today from the Ministry of Education, granting Administrative Reviews of the Burlington Secondary School Program and Accommodation Review (PAR) undertaken by the Halton District School Board during the 2016-2017 school year. Requests for these reviews were submitted to the Ministry of Education by the Lester B. Pearson High School and the Robert Bateman High School communities.
“According to Ministry Guidelines, an administrative review is a process by which an independent, impartial facilitator reviews that the Board has followed it’s pupil accommodation review policy. An administrative review is not an assessment of the decisions made by the Board of Trustees. In the near future, a facilitator will be appointed by the Ministry of Education.
 Halton Director of Education Stuart Miller “We welcome an independent review of our process,” says Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “Having an independent third party review of our Program and Accommodation Review Policy and the Burlington PAR ensures that we have followed our processes and provides an opportunity to address community concerns. It is important for the HDSB, the community and the Ministry of Education that the process is thoroughly examined and reviewed.
“During this review period, the Halton District School Board will continue to keep student needs at the forefront. As such, we will continue to collaboratively plan for and implement the Board’s decisions made in June 2017. We will, however, be cognizant of minimizing the expenditures of the implementation during the review process.”
What does this mean?
It does not mean that the decision to close two of the seven high schools in the city is now reversed.
The review is a review of the process that was used and followed by the Board. One of the decisions could be a requirement that the Board do the PAR all over again because the view of the facilitator is that the process was badly flawed.
 Will the 14 members of the PAR get called back to do the job all over again? Nope. That is a stretch but it has happened to Halton before. Given that the province has sort of admitted that the new PAR process, which was revised considerably, has some serious flaws there is an outside chance that the facilitator might send everyone back to square one.
There may be a number of people asking that they not rush into this and give some time to elect some new trustees.
What the two parent groups now have to do is lobby effectively at several levels.
Related news story:
Director of Education has been through a review before.
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