Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee Meeting Previous Agendas and Minutes

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York Region District School Board

2015 Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee Meeting Agendas and Minutes

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York Region District School Board Page 3 of 533
Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee

Thursday, January 15, 2015 The Education Centre
7:00 pm, Board Room Aurora
AGENDA
Roll Call
1 Approval of Agenda
2 Declaration of Conflict of Interest
3 Voting for Committee Chair and Vice-Chair
4 Receipt and Approval of Minutes November 13, 2014
5 Presentation
• Secondary School Review – Margaret Roberts, Leslie Johnstone 30 Minutes
6 Community Events and Updates
7 Student Report
8 Staff Report
9 Report from the Board
10 Goal Setting Process
11 Policy Updates
• Policies for review on YRDSB website
12 Future Presentations
• Diversity events in schools
• Impact of Residential School Systems on First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities
• Committee members equity work
• Student representative presentation
• Accessibility in schools
• School Fees
• National Housing Survey – The Regional Municipality of York
• Eco Schools
13 Adjournment
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EIAC AGENDA Page 4 of P5a3g3e 2
JANUARY 15, 2015
Community Members at Large
Karlo Cabrera
Kristine Carbis
Donna Cardoza
Saadia Mahdi
Judy Michel
Vidya Shah
Alick Siu
Cathy Tustin
Haran Vijayanathan
Lindsay Watson

Community Representatives
Michael Bowe, York Region Children's Aid Society
Janice Chu, United Way York Region
Jason Hastings, The Regional Municipality of York
Tazmeen Lalani, Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC)
Micole Ongman, Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)
Ricky Veerappan, York Regional Police

Trustee Representatives
Juanita Nathan
Billy Pang
Allan Tam
Carol Chan - Alternate

Student Representatives
Harii Mahesh, Student Trustee
Daniel Roytman, Student Trustee
Megan Afshar, York Region Presidents’ Council President
Hannah Bender, Student at Large

Staff Support
J. Philip Parappally, Director of Education
Cecil Roach, Coordinating Superintendent, Equity and Community Services
Camille Logan, Principal, Inclusive School and Community Services
Janani Pathy, Secondary Principal, Middlefield Collegiate Institute
Lisa Leoni, Elementary Principal, Parkland Public School
Uzma Jalaluddin, Secondary Teacher, Markville Secondary School
Towana Brooks, Elementary Teacher, Lakeside Public School
Dawn Adams, Manager, Accommodation Planning
Sarah Phillips, Administrative Assistant, Equity and Community Services

Ex Officio
Trustee Anna DeBartolo, Chair of the Board
Trustee Nancy Elgie, Vice-Chair of the Board

Next Meeting: February 12, 2015
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ROUTINE
YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
EQUITY AND INCLUSIVITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

MINUTES, MEETING #6 NOVEMBER 13, 2014

The Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC) met at 7:06 p.m. in the Board
Room of the Education Centre, Aurora on Thursday, November 13, 2014 with
Committee Chair D. Cardoza presiding and the following members present:

Community members: N. Barrow-Aw, K. Carbis, D. Cardoza, C. McBain,
J. Paul, V. Shah (via audio conference), A. Siu and
H. Vijayanathan

Community representatives: M. Bowe, J. Chu, J. Hastings, M. Ongman and
R. Veerappan

Trustee members: C. Chan and J. Nathan

Student members: Student Trustee D. Roytman, YRPC President M. Afshar
and Student at Large H. Bender

Staff members: Coordinating Superintendent, Equity and Community
Services C. Roach, Principal, Inclusive School and
Community Services C. Logan and Secondary Principal
J. Pathy, Secondary Teacher U. Jalaluddin, Manager,
Accommodation Planning D. Adams

Also in attendance: Administrative Assistant S. Phillips

Regrets: Community members A. Dimilta and J. Michel,
Community representative T. Lalani, Trustee A. Tam,
Director of Education J. Parappally, Elementary Principal
L. Leoni and Elementary Teacher T. Brooks

CALL TO ORDER

Committee Chair D. Cardoza called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. She thanked
members for their contribution and commitment over the past year.

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EIAC MINUTES PaPgAeG 6E o 2f 533
NOVEMBER 13, 2014

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

(*)1. Moved by A. Siu, seconded by H. Vijayanathan:

That the agenda be approved as written.

- Carried -

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Committee Chair D. Cardoza asked any trustee who has a direct personal interest or
direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any matter being discussed during the meeting to
state their conflict and the nature thereof. No conflicts were declared by trustees at this
time.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

J. Chu noted that on September 18, 2014 her alternate A. Wong was in attendance.
The minutes will be updated to reflect this addition.

(*)2. Moved by K. Carbis, seconded by C. McBain:

That the minutes of the September 18, 2014 Equity and Inclusivity Advisory
Committee meeting be approved as amended.

- Carried -

THE YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD STRATEGY AND RESOURCES
TO SUPPORT FIRST NATION, MÉTIS AND INUIT STUDENTS IN YORK REGION
PRESENTATION

Committee Chair D. Cardoza welcomed B. Schouten, Principal, Leadership
Development, First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

Coordinating Superintendent, Equity and Community Services C. Roach noted that
equity for First Nations, Métis and Inuit means closing the gap for these students.

Note: Community representative M. Ongman entered the meeting at 7:13 p.m.

B. Schouten informed the committee that there has been increased awareness around
the world regarding issues related to indigenous peoples. He noted that the land that
we currently occupy is Williams Tree and that several indigenous groups have claim to
the land. He shared that the Board partners with the Chippewa’s of Georgina and that
many students from this community attend school in the York Region District School
Board (YRDSB).
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NOVEMBER 13, 2014

Ontario’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy is helping to increase
awareness and support achieving excellence in order to close the education gap.
Georgina Island members are part of a YRDSB education steering committee.

B. Schouten informed the committee that there is a band-operated school on Georgina
Island called Waabgon Gamig for students in kindergarten to grade five which is
supported by two teachers. Beginning in grade six, students attend Morning Glory
Public School followed by Sutton District High School. The partnership with the
Chippewa’s of Georgina Island is a model for the province and Board provides supports
such as technology and the Chippewa’s of Georgina provide support in terms of cultural
learning and resources.

B. Schouten noted that self identification is a key component of the provincial policy and
there are 296 First Nations, Métis and Inuit students who have self identified in 89
schools across the Board. The team supporting First Nations, Métis and Inuit students
and families consists of Joseph Chow, Lynette Early and Mary Mccue.

Professional learning was provided last year for teachers of native studies and every
school is strongly encouraged to offer a native studies class. Students that see
themselves in the curriculum have a sense of pride and engagement, are more willing to
acknowledge their First Nations, Métis and Inuit background and share experiences.

He noted that this year every Welcome to Kindergarten package includes the book Bear
Listens. First Nations, Métis and Inuit subjects are the focus of three keynote speakers
at Quest and the equity panel on November 19, 2014.

B. Schouten answered questions on how students can self identify, access to the
Ministry’s document, transportation, support for Two Spirited students, engaging
students in the schools and at home, and the number of First Nations, Métis and Inuit
students.

Committee Chair D. Cardoza thanked B. Schouten for the interesting and informative
presentation.

(*)3. Moved by A. Siu, seconded by J. Paul:

That the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee receive the York
Region District School Board Strategy and Resources to Support First
Nation, Métis and Inuit students in York Region Presentation for
information.

- Carried -

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NOVEMBER 13, 2014

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND UPDATES

H. Vijayanathan informed the committee of two upcoming events; The Rainbow Family
Circle on November 23, 2014 and the Aids Committee of York Region and MyHouse
Action
Required new location open house on December 1, 2014. Details will be emailed to members.

R. Veerappan informed members of York Regional Police’s December Holidays in the
Action
Village on December 6, 2014 that showcases holiday traditions from around the world.
Required
Details will be sent electronically to members.

J. Chu informed the committee that the report on homeless youth that was undertaken
Action
by York University and the Research Network will be released soon. Details will be
Required
communicated to members when available.

STUDENT REPORT

Student Trustee D. Roytman made the following remarks.

“As stated in Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy, education in the York
Region District School Board is based on the principles of acceptance and inclusion of
all students. These principles can be seen throughout the Board, ingrained in the
actions of staff, and reflected in the thoughts and principles of fellow students. Often, we
forget the copious amount of work and dedication it takes to produce the final product
we call our education, and as students we must continue to acknowledge the effort put
forth by educators to ensure that every student feels welcome, included, and
appreciated.

Over the past several months, under the leadership of Megan Afshar, the York Region
Presidents’ Council has continued to flourish and thrive, growing as an organization
while remaining true to the core values of equity and inclusion. The first York Region
Presidents’ Senate meeting was recently held where the idea of increasing and
promoting collaboration among student council presidents from across the Region was
put into action. We are excited to see this senate grow and flourish, leading to
interschool initiatives and student council collaboration.

On November 6, 2014, Harii and I attended the student pre-quest conference, where all
the students attending Quest had the opportunity to develop their thinking, and reflect
on the focuses of the conference. In addition to giving an opening address, Harii and I
had the opportunity of rotating between sessions and listening to the different opinions
and thoughts that were shared. We were very pleased to see the attendance and
participation of such a diverse group of students, from all ages, ethnicities and religions,
including representation from the First Nations, Métis and Inuit community. We would
like to thanks Richard McPherson and his team for organizing such an exquisite day,
and all the teachers who were present and supported the initiative. This day was
integral to the success of the students at Quest.
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NOVEMBER 13, 2014

On November 19, 20, and 21, the York Region District School Board will be hosting the
international Quest Conference. On November 19, 2014, Harii is going to participate on
the Equity Panel being facilitated by Allan Luke, and on November 21, 2014, I will be
participating in the Mobilizing Excellence and Innovation panel. We commend Quest
organizers for integrating and highlighting the student voice, and we are very excited to
see what is to come from all the discussions and vast array of opinions that are going to
be shared.

To conclude, I would like to leave you with a quote from John F. Kennedy. “If we cannot
now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.”

Thank you”

Committee Chair D. Cardoza thanked Student Trustee D. Roytman for his remarks.

(*)4. Moved by A. Siu, seconded by C. McBain:

That the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee receive the Student
Trustee Report for information.

- Carried -

STAFF REPORT

Coordinating Superintendent, Equity and Community Services C. Roach reiterated the
challenges being faced by First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and highlighted the
importance of having the First Nations, Métis and Inuit presentation at this time.

He reminded members to ensure that their expense reports for mileage are submitted.
Members were asked to consider having the Secondary School Programming
presentation in January.

Coordinating Superintendent C. Roach informed members that the EIAC Annual Report
provided to members for their review needs to be approved for recommendation to the
Board of Trustees at the January 19, 2014 Board Standing Committee meeting.

Principal, Inclusive School and Community Services C. Logan provided the following
update.

 Remembrance Day celebrations held in many schools across York Region included
the untold stories of Canadian soldiers from various ethnic backgrounds.
 Two equity training sessions were held in October. On October 17, 2014 the Equity
Symposium had Dr. Jasmin Zine as the keynote speaker and focussed on being an
ally. The Addressing Poverty in the Classroom with Paul Gorski took place on
October 24, 2014.
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NOVEMBER 13, 2014

 The Board’s equity work is being recognized across the Province and on
September 29, 2014 a presentation was given to the Ministry of Education Barrie
Regional Network.
 On November 6, 2014 a presentation was provided at the Ontario College of
Teachers conference that focussed on parent engagement to support learning.
 The Peace Tree conference was held on October 21, 2014 for grade five and six
students, and the Youth Voice conference is scheduled on November 27, 2014 for
grade seven and eight students.
 On November 1, 2014, Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) partnered
with the Sri Lankan Graduates of Ontario at an annual event that enabled students
to engage with professionals to discuss career goals.
 Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) continues to partner with the
Learning Disabilities Association of York Region to support students with learning
disabilities.
 There will be an Equity Panel at QUEST on November 19, 2014.

Coordinating Superintendent C. Roach provided an update regarding the Lottery and
Gaming Corporation’s online gambling initiative and how this might impact students. He
noted, part of the curriculum is to discourage gambling and other forms of additions.

He reiterated that the Every Student Counts Survey is on hold and will be raised again
after the new Board of Trustees has settled into their role.

(*)5. Moved by K. Carbis, seconded by M. Bowe:

That the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee receive the Staff Report
for information.

- Carried -

(*)6. Moved by H. Vijayanathan, seconded by C. McBain:

That the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee approve the EIAC
Annual Report and that it be forwarded to the Board for information.

- Carried -

Coordinating Superintendent C. Roach and R. Veerappan responded to concerns by
confirming that the Board is working closely with York Regional Police, community
groups and schools to address many of the issues related to the global Muslim
community.

Note: Trustee C. Chan withdrew from the meeting at 8:21 p.m.

2015 Agendas