Weekly Update - September 29-October 3/08

 

The following Weekly Update offers the latest news about what’s happening throughout the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR).

Board meeting

At last week’s Board meeting, trustees authorized administration to move forward with a redesign of plans for the new Apsley Central PS.  The new school, originally set to open in September 2009, will open later in the 2009/10 school year.  Trustees also received several reports for information, and approved a policy revision to tie the Board’s kilometre reimbursement rate to that of the federal government.   Additional information is available in the news release posted on the Communications Desk in FirstClass, and in the agenda posted in the Boardroom at www.kprschools.ca

 

Also new @ KPR

• Wanted: parents to join KPR’s Parent Involvement Committee. This group will work with school councils, parents and community partners to involve more parents in our schools.  Parents who want to join the committee should read the Board’s Parent Involvement Policy at  www.kprschools.ca/parents/involvement.php and show their interest at one of the following regional school council meetings:  Monday, October 20, 6:30 p.m. at Terry Fox PS in Cobourg; Wednesday, October 22, 7 p.m. at Clarington Central SS in Bowmanville; or Tuesday, October 28, 7 p.m. at Thomas A. Stewart SS in Peterborough.  If you have questions, please e-mail mary_mcgee@kprdsb.ca
• Schools system-wide have been implementing the Healthy Food for Healthy Schools Act, which came into effect September 1.  The legislation limits the amount of trans fats in daily school food services such as cafeterias, vending machines and breakfast and hot lunch programs.  The new law allows exemptions for up to 10 special event days per school, and for some foods naturally containing small amounts of trans fat, such as beef and milk.   Meanwhile, KPR is preparing a draft nutrition policy that will be shared with parents, guardians, students, staff, volunteers and community members for comment, later this fall.  For information on healthy foods in schools, please contact anita_simpson@kprdsb.ca
• The October 14 federal election is playing a role in schools across KPR.  Many elementary and secondary schools are participating in Student Vote, a national, non-partisan parallel election designed to encourage life-long voting habits from a young age.  In addition, secondary schools that will play host to all candidates’ meetings include the Northumberland Centre for Individual Studies in Cobourg, September 30; Adam Scott CVI in Peterborough, October 1; and Clarke HS in Clarington, October 2.  Finally, 33 KPR schools will house local polling stations on election day.  KPR is working with Elections Canada and principals to ensure student safety and security throughout the day at schools with polling stations.  For further information, please contact rusty_hick@kprdsb.ca
• All employees new to KPR are welcome to attend the next orientation session, Wednesday, October 15 at 4 p.m. at the Education Centre in Peterborough.  The program will include information about human resources, communications technology, WHMIS and workplace safety, and provide new employees the opportunity to meet their union representative.  For details, please contact linda_hotte@kprdsb.ca

 

Coming events

• Anaphylaxis Canada is offering two on-line information sessions - Managing Anaphylaxis in Secondary Schools, and Managing Anaphylaxis in Elementary Schools - from noon-1 p.m. on October 15 and October 22 respectively. The webcasts will address anaphylaxis management strategies, auto-injector training, as well as tips and strategies for creating an allergy safe school environment.  Each webcast is being offered free of charge.  For details, please visit www.anaphylaxis.ca

 

If you have questions or comments on the Weekly Update, please e-mail judy_malfara@kprdsb.ca