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KPDSB schools celebrate Education Week and Children's Mental Health Week

Media Release - May 5, 2014

May 4-10, 2014 is Education Week and Children’s Mental Health Week in Ontario. KPDSB schools will be celebrating with a variety of activities throughout the week. Below are just a few of the things happening in our schools in recognition of this week.

Many of our schools kicked of the celebrations for next week by joining a webcast on Friday, May 2, for Clara’s Big Ride. Clara’s Big Ride is a 110-day national bicycle tour across Canada supporting mental health initiatives by community groups, schools and other organizations by Clara Hughes, six time cycling and speed-skating Olympic medalist. Clara will be in Kenora on June 17, Dryden on June 18, and Upsala on June 19 (more details to follow at a later date regarding events in those communities involving our schools). For more information about Clara’s Big Ride, please visit http://clarasbigride.bell.ca.

Lisa Doerksen, Mental Health Leader, stated “Children’s Mental Health week is about raising awareness pertaining to the prevalence of mental health concerns, as well as decreasing the stigma attached to talking about mental illness which so often presents as a barrier to children, youth and families getting the help they need. Statistics show 1 in 5 children and youth have a mental health problem. At the KPDSB, we know the more educated we are as staff, the more capable we are to identify emerging mental health concerns and offer support to our students. Together with our partners, we are building and supporting a caring, inclusive learning environment that promotes positive student mental health in all our schools.”

For more details on any of the events listed below, please contact Sheena Valley, Communications Officer, at 223-5311 ext. 247.

Dryden/Vermilion Bay

New Prospect Public School, Open Roads Public School and Lillian Berg Public School will welcome a speaker on behalf of the Blue Elephant Project. The Blue Elephant Project focuses on talking about the elephant in the room – mental health. Students in grades 7 and 8 from all three schools will participate on May 8 and 9.
Lillian Berg Public School will host a school-wide assembly to raise awareness with students regarding Education Week and Children’s Mental Health Week on Monday, May 5. Lillian Berg’s Grade 7/8 girls will also host a breakfast for the entire school on Friday, May 9 with positive, mindful sayings for each student under their plate.

Ignace

Staff and students at Ignace Public School will participate in daily activities that focus on the Five Habits that Increase Happiness, including random acts of kindness. Students in grades 6-12 will also be able to participate in lunch hour yoga through a partnership with FIREFLY. Staff will also share information and resources with students on where they can find supports should they need it. Students and staff will also work on a special project during the week that has not yet been announced.

Kenora

Beaver Brae Secondary School has titled their campaign this year for Children’s Mental Health Week Y.U.M.M.I (Youth Understanding and Managing Mental Health Issues). The campaign is a month long and culminates the week of May 4-10. Beaver Brae has a wide variety of activities taking place for students and staff including guest speak Big Daddy Tazz’s presentation ‘Stand up Against Stigma on May 8.
Keewatin Public School will offer Zumba classes for primary and junior divisions, as well as Karate classes and staff yoga. Staff and students will also take part in a Random Acts of Kindness campaign, as well as the creation of a school-wide student career choice photo collage.

Pickle Lake

Crolancia Public School students will participate in workshops on safe and responsible use of social media and cyberbullying put on by the local community policing officer. Primary staff have also arranged for beginning yoga relaxation sessions after school for students and parents. Students will also create posters and video clips demonstrating how they are ‘Achieving Excellence in Education’ with a culminating assembly that will feature a montage of the submissions (all submissions will also be posted to the schools website.

Red Lake

Red Lake District High School will offer students a variety of wellness sessions they can sign up for including fitness, art, dance, comedy, games, etc. They will also provide mental health literacy, facts and stats, and community supports presentations to all students. On Wednesday, May 7, guest speaker Kathy Tetlock will present to the entire school on suicide and mental health. Friday, May 9 will be a special event that has not yet been announced.
Golden Learning Centre will host Healthy Body Sock Hops on Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 2. They will also have healthy mind activities in all classrooms throughout the week, presentations for a ‘healthy mind’ to intermediate students on Wednesday, May 7, and use of the outdoor classroom by classes to promote healthy minds in the natural environment. Students and staff will also wear purple on Friday, May 9 as a reminder about positive thinking for mental health wellbeing.

Sioux Lookout

Queen Elizabeth District High School staff and students will participate in a variety of events during the week. They also participated in the Yellow Ribbon Walk for Life that was held on April 30. The community event, hosted by NNEC, involved students and staff walking through the downtown area to promote suicide awareness. The event was followed by a lunch and guest speaker Chris Nilan, former Montreal Canadiens Stanley Cup champion and radio announcer in Montreal.

KPDSB approves capital projects fro the summer of 2014

Media Release - April 9, 2014

Trustees met at Savant Lake Public School on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, for a regular board meeting.

The April “Students Come First” presentation titled ‘When I Grow Up’ was received by Trustees. Savant Lake Public School teachers, Aleea Smith and Larissa Daynard, and the students of Savant Lake shared details of a recent trip to Thunder Bay where the students explored career and education options. The students visited Lakehead University, Remax Realty, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Confederation College, and the MNR Fire Headquarters. At each stop, the students were able to explore aspects of each organization and speak with people working in those industries. The students then put together a video where each student explained what they want to be when they grow up and why they chose that job/profession. Teachers Aleea and Larissa indicated the purpose of the trip is to allow the students to explore their interests and to gain authentic, real-world experience related to those interests.

Trustees voted to authorize administration to execute a 10 year lease with the Seven Generations Education Institute. The Kenora Board Office will be relocated to the Manidoo Baawaatig building from their current location at 100 First Ave W in Norman. For more information, please contact Dean Carrie, Superintendent of Business, at 468-5571 extension 237.

Dean Carrie, Superintendent of Business, presented the Capital Projects Report. Trustees approved capital projects for Dryden High School and Red Lake District High School, as well as Valleyview Public School and King George VI Public School in Kenora. Additional projects include new playground equipment for Upsala Public School and the replacement of any remaining chalk boards across the system with new whiteboards to facilitate the use of ‘SMART Board’ technology (interactive touch-screen technology). Additional media releases about each capital project will follow this release.

The Dryden High School 7-12 Consultation Report was deferred until the May board meeting as Dryden area Trustees who were apart of the consultation process were not able to attend the April board meeting.

Trustees welcomed new student trustee Norman Beardy-Miles from Queen Elizabeth District High School in Sioux Lookout. Norman will sit with the Board for the 2014-15 school year.

World renowned psychiatrist Dr. Jean Clinton works with KPDSB early learning teams

Media Release - April 11, 2014

World renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Jean Clinton, was in Kenora this week.

The KPDSB brought Dr. Clinton to the region to share her expertise regarding early childhood development of the brain and the impact relationships with caring adults can have. Dr. Clinton met with nearly 60 Kindergarten teachers and Early Childhood Educators from both our Kindergarten programs and the day cares in our schools. A videoconference was held involving staff from16 of our schools from across the region.

The KPDSB also arranged for a free event in the evening with Dr. Clinton that was open to all members of the public who interact with youth. The event had a great turnout with nearly 100 individuals from Kenora, Dryden and the surrounding areas in attendance.

Ann McDonald, Early Years Lead, who was instrumental in bringing Dr. Clinton to the area, said “Dr. Clinton brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge and we were so pleased she was willing to share that knowledge, not only with our staff, but with the community as well. Dr. Clinton speaks with such passion and exuberance, there is no doubt she inspired our staff.”

Caryl Hron, Superintendent of Education, added “Dr. Clinton is world renowned and an expert in her field. Bringing her to the region and having her working directly with our Full-Day Early Learning – Kindergarten teams was an invaluable opportunity. We are always looking for meaningful ways to enhance our already exemplary programming in our schools and from the feedback we have received regarding our sessions with Dr. Clinton, it is clear her presentations were impactful on everyone who took part in them. We hope to bring Dr. Clinton back to the region in the future.”

Work continues at Valleyview PS in Kenora as the school's enrolment continues to grow

Media Release - April 10, 2014

At the April Board Meeting, held on Tuesday, April 8, in Savant Lake, Trustees approved additional work for Valleyview Public School in Kenora.

With increasing enrolment in both our English and French Immersion Full-Day Early Learning – Kindergarten Programs at Valleyview, improvements are needed for parking and drop off areas, as well as landscaping enhancements, including the installation of a new rubberized surface to accompany new Kindergarten playground equipment that will be installed during the summer months (new Kindergarten playground equipment for Valleyview had been previously approved by Trustees). The planned work will also improve traffic flow and increase accessibility to the school.

Total cost of the project is $325,000 and will be paid from the Board’s accumulated surplus. Work at Valleyview will begin in June 2014 with a planned completion date of September 2014.

Jason McDonald, Principal of Valleyview Public School, stated “Our Valleyview family is grateful that the Board is continuing to invest in our children’s future by supporting the ongoing growth of our school community.”

Michelle Ott, KPDSB Trustee, added “Improvements to the grounds surrounding the school will not only make it more inviting for our students to be active outside but it will improve the overall appeal of the school. As a Valleyview parent who drives my kids daily, I am very pleased that the plan will allow for a smoother traffic flow and decrease congestion at pick-up and drop-off but more importantly increase student safety during those busy times.”

KPDSB & Dryden Athletics continue work for DHS's new rubberized track

Media Release - April 10, 2014

Work continues on Dryden High School’s new rubberized track. The project, which began in June 2013, is a joint project between the KPDSB and Dryden Athletics. Once completed, Dryden High School will have the only rubberized track in the region. To date, drainage issues and various other site improvements have been made including the relocation of a large garage during the summer of 2013 to make room for the larger track. A new outdoor basketball court and new green spaces for students and staff will also be added to the area behind the school as a part of this project.

Total cost for the project is $580,000 with Dryden Athletics contributing $230,000 of the total cost (should Dryden Athletics raise more than the $230,000 needed to rubberize the track, any additional fundraising will go toward asphalting of the track) and the KPDSB contributing $360,000 from our accumulated surplus. Work on the new track and site improvements will continue with a planned completion date of September 2014.

Mike Wood of Dryden Athletics, said “It’s been an absolute privilege to work with KPDSB, Athletics Canada, Athletics Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Foundation and all those who have donated their time, funds, services and materials towards the project. An additional and special thank you must also be extended to Moncrief Construction Ltd., B & M Delivery, Miller Northwest Ltd, PRT Dryden, Skene Transfer, Home Hardware and to Allan Hutchison for rolling up their sleeves, and donating their expertise, materials and equipment to prepare the solid foundation for this project in 2013. Harry McMaster believed strongly in the value of safe, low cost, accessible sport 60 years ago when the first track was built. He shared a vision. He taught us well. We learned. We know. And thanks to the generosity of so many…so too will the next generation”

Kathy McConnachie, Principal of DHS, stated “This is very exciting news for Dryden High School, the community and the region. Track and field offers a wide variety of events that can be accessed by all students. This partnership will provide lasting memories and opportunities for many years for all and this would not have been possible without the hard work, commitment and dedication of Mike Wood and Keewatin-Patricia District School Board. A vision has been realized.”

Caryl Hron, KPDSB Superintendent of Education, added “This exciting project will not only offer fantastic opportunities to students in the Dryden area, but also for students and youth from across the region. As a graduate of Dryden High School, I am so pleased to see a track and field program growing at the school once again and we extend a sincere thank you to Mike Wood and all of the partners who have worked tirelessly to see this dream become a reality for our community. We look forward to our students and staff being able to enjoy the rejuvenated Harry McMaster Field at DHS.”

KPDSB & Confederation College working together for students in the Red Lake area

Media Release - April 10, 2014

At the April Board Meeting, held on Tuesday, April 8, in Savant Lake, Trustees approved a new capital project for Red Lake District High School (RLDHS).

The joint project between the KPDSB and Confederation College will capitalize on underutilized space in RLDHS to house Confederation College’s programs in the Red Lake area. An area of the school will be renovated to include a separate entrance and classroom spaces for the college’s operations. Both RLDHS and Confederation College will have opportunities to share learning spaces with one another.

The space will be leased to Confederation College with the cost to renovate the space being funded up front by the KPDSB to be recovered through a capital charge that will be included in Confederation College’s long term lease of 10-15 years. The total cost of the project is $400,000 and will be paid from the Board’s accumulated surplus.

Work at RLDHS will begin in June 2014 with a planned completion date of September 2014.

Aileen Yakiwchuk, Principal of RLDHS, stated “We are absolutely excited about this partnership and the opportunities it provides for RLDHS students, as well as members of our community. It provides a chance for community members to get post-secondary education, or to upgrade and enhance their current education, right in their home community. This is a great opportunity to build on our current relationship with Confederation College as we continue to explore community partnerships that pertain to fields that are pertinent to our community such as mining or nursing.”

Jim Madder, President of Confederation College, added “This partnership will enable Confederation College to expand our student capacity and further develop our School College Work Initiative (SCWI) opportunities including dual-credit and School Within a College (SWAC) programming, while also supporting the Red Lake community. We look forward to our continued relationship with KPDSB, working together to support student success and achieve our shared goal of bringing quality education to Red Lake.”

KPDSB set to make big changes to King George VI PS in Kenora

Media Release - April 9, 2014

At the April Board Meeting, held on Tuesday, April 8, in Savant Lake, Trustees approved an exciting capital project for King George VI Public School in Kenora.

With the redistribution of attendance boundaries in Kenora as a result of the sale of Lakewood Public School to Seven Generations Education Institute, an increasing demand for Special Education services at King George, and a growing Full-Day Early Learning - Kindergarten Program enrolment, we have identified several changes to make to the school during the summer of 2014.

Changes will include reconfiguration of the school’s library to allow for more space for a renovated resource and therapy classroom for Special Education programming, the relocation of the current day care to make room for our growing Full-Day Early Learning – Kindergarten Program, and the addition of a classroom by renovating underutilized change rooms beside the school gym.

Also planned is a new site plan to expand and enclose the Kindergarten play area, add additional staff parking, and increase the size and location of the parent/visitor parking and drop-off areas (‘Kiss and Ride’ areas), as well as the creation of a school bus loop to improve student safety and traffic flow.

Total cost of the project is $1.2 million. $375,000 will be paid through child care retrofit funding received from the Ministry of Education with $824,000 coming from the Board’s accumulated surplus.

Work at King George will begin in June 2014 with a planned completion date of late September 2014.

Lynn McAughey, Principal of King George VI Public School, stated “Staff, students, friends and families of King George VI Public School are eagerly anticipating this summer’s construction project, expanding and renovating to meet the needs of our growing school population. With close access to Kenora’s community recreation services, the dedicated work of our talented and kind staff, as well as newly improved and renovated spaces, King George VI Public School students have a bright future.”

Sean Monteith, Director of Education, added “The board continues to support its Kenora Education strategy by investing significant resources into the city’s schools which now includes King George VI Public School with an investment in Kindergarten and special education equivalent to our work at Valleyview Public School. The Board is extremely proud of its success in the Kenora area.”

April Board Meeting Highlights

Media Release - April 9, 2014

Trustees met at Savant Lake Public School on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, for a regular board meeting.

Trustees welcomed new student trustee Norman Beardy-Miles from Queen Elizabeth District High School in Sioux Lookout. Norman will sit with the Board for the 2014-15 school year.

KPDSB to build new secondary school in Sioux Lookout!

Media Release - April 2, 2014

The KPDSB, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Education, is elated to announce plans to construct a new secondary school in Sioux Lookout to replace Queen Elizabeth District High School. The new school is expected to cost more than $30 million with the Ministry of Education funding $24 million of the total cost.

The school will be the first of its kind in Northwestern Ontario. In addition to new, state-of-the-art learning spaces, the new building will also include spaces for our partners, including FIREFLY, the Meno Ya Win Health Centre, Confederation College, Lakehead University, and the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids). Students and staff will have access to community supports right in the building, bringing the resources our most vulnerable students need directly to them, in their school setting.

Minister of Education, Liz Sandals, said “By continuing our support for new school buildings and renovations across Ontario, we are providing our children with better places to learn. This contributes to student success in school and beyond and creates construction jobs in local communities like Sioux Lookout.”

Dave Penney, KPDSB Board Chair, stated “We have been trying for a number of years to obtain the funding for a new school and I, along with all of the trustees, are extremely pleased that the Board can now proceed with a new high school in Sioux Lookout. Once completed, it will provide a top quality learning environment for all area students for years to come. The Board would like to thank all of the partners to the project and the Ministry which have made this long time dream become a reality.”

Sean Monteith, KPDSB Director of Education, added “While the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board has built schools before, the Queen Elizabeth District High School project represents something much more than a community-based accomplishment. It represents the aspirations of an entire organization, an organization that characterizes itself on being there for all students. Building a new high school in Sioux Lookout symbolizes a new beginning for so many, hope for future generations of kids and their families, and the coming of our finest hour. As Director of Education, words cannot express the gratification and pride I have today, a day that will be remembered for many years to come.”

KPDSB celebrates official opening of Valleyview's new Kindergarten rooms

Media Release - April 3, 2014

The official grand opening of Valleyview Public School’s new Kindergarten rooms was held today in Kenora.

Construction on the more than $1 million addition to Valleyview Public School began in July 2013 and was completed in December 2013. The new addition boasts bright and safe spaces for our youngest learners where they can explore their interests in a space designed and built to meet their learning needs. The entire addition, both the interior and exterior, is also completely handicap accessible. The addition of the classrooms allows for more space for Valleyview’s growing enrolment, including the expansion of its new Kindergarten French Immersion program to include Grade 1 for September 2014.

While some additional work will start up in the spring at the school, including landscaping of the school yard and the installation of new playground equipment, Kim Carlson, Facilities Manager, says the project is on time and on budget.

Carlson stated “The experience and cooperation of general contractor, Jarnel Contracting, expedited the construction process with little disruption to the school’s day to day operations. Nelson Architecture’s design allowed us to stay on budget and meet timelines to create an impressive, welcoming and bright learning environment for our students.”

Jason McDonald, Principal of Valleyview Public School, added “We are grateful and overjoyed to be able to celebrate a construction project designed to provide our youngest learners with the best possible start to their educational careers, and to provide additional learning space for our growing Valleyview family.”

Sean Monteith, Director of Education, said “The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board will in 2014 have brought the Full-Day Early Learning - Kindergarten Program to every one of its elementary schools. The Valleyview Public School Kindergarten addition project is part of a facility renewal process in Kenora that capitalizes on our surging Kindergarten registration numbers and the benefits of a very successful Kenora Education Strategy that was implemented last year. The Valleyview Public School community should be very proud as we celebrate their accomplishment with them."

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