Minutes of Connect Charter School Society, Board of Directors Meeting January 24, 2015 at Connect Charter School

Board members present: Wendy Baillie (Vice Chair), Mark Blake, Luana Comin-Sartor, Tim Edwards, Susan Gaetz, Denise Kitagawa, David McKenzie, Gavin Peat, Dave Robinson, Mackenzie Regent and Jeff Turner.

Board members absent: Harold Lemieux (Chair), Chas Filipski, Lindsay Hogan, Dr. Ashley Nixon, and Dr. Norm Vaughan.

Staff present: Susan Chomistek (Superintendent), Darrell Lonsberry (Principal), Scott Petronech (Assistant Principal), Dr. Phil Butterfield (Assistant Principal), Myra Penberthy, (Secretary Treasurer).

Board Vice Chair Ms. Wendy Baillie declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 11:59 am.

Motion 37.14 by Mark Blake, THAT the January 24, 2015, Board meeting agenda be approved. Carried

Motion 38.14 by Luana Comin-Sartor, THAT the December 16, 2014, Board meeting minutes be approved. Carried

Ms. Myra Penberthy and Ms. Luana Comin-Sartor presented the November 30, 2014 financial statements which were reviewed at the December 19, 2014, Audit & Finance committee meeting.

Motion 39.14 by Denise Kitagawa, THAT the financial statements for November 30, 2014, be approved as received. Carried Motion 40.14 by Dave Robinson, THAT the resignation of Ms. Michelle Hodgson as library technician be accepted with regret. Carried

Review of Proposed Regulations of the new education Act, Denise Kitagawa • Ms. Kitagawa recognized the work of Mr. Don Falk, Superintendent of New Horizons School, who has summarized the impact of the new regulations on charter schools. • Ms. Kitagawa met with Ms. Chomistek, Mr. Lonsberry, and Dr. Butterfield and has summarized the policy work that is necessary. See Appendix “A”.

Meeting with the Minister of Education, Susan Chomistek • Ms. Chomistek and Ms. Baillie will be attending the meeting on February 4, 2015, in Edmonton on behalf of Connect Charter School. • The Board discussed the questions presented by the Minister of Education: two or three examples of how we are moving forward with the Inspiring Education agenda, the two key challenges we are facing, and our perspective regarding Grade 12 Diploma weightings. Connect Charter School will respond specifically to these questions at the meeting.

The meeting terminated at 12:40 pm.

______Wendy Baillie, Vice Chair

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting January 24, 2015

Appendix “A”

Meeting Notes January 12, 2015

Attendees: Susan Chomistek, Darrell Lonsberry, Phil Butterfield, Denise Kitagawa Purpose: To review the proposed regulations for the new Education Act so as to identify any established Connect Charter School Society Board policies that may need to be updated and any areas where we may need to develop new policy. NOTE: Don Falk (Co-Vice President of TAAPCS and Superintendent, New Horizons Charter School) prepared a highlighted and annotated version of the draft regulations, which was very helpful in focusing our review. Background: The new Education Act received Royal Assent in late 2012 and is effective September 2015. In order to meet legislative requirements, 16 regulations have been developed to support the Act. The regulations are open for public comment until January 31, 2015. Following the comment period, the regulations will go through the final stages of the government approval process. It’s our understanding that we will need to align our policies and procedures with the regulations not later than September 2015. More information (including anticipated timing re: final versions of the regulations) may be available from Randy Clarke’s presentation to TAAPCS on January 16. Summary: A number of existing policies will need to be updated and reviewed and a couple of new policies may be required. A detailed overview begins on the page 2 of these notes. Governance Committee Board Procedures Regulation Petitions & Public Notices Regulation Facilities Committee Borrowing Regulation Finance and Audit Committee Alberta School Foundation Fund Regulation Borrowing Regulation Disposition of Property Regulation Investment Regulation School Fees Regulation Student Transportation Regulation School Operations Committee Petitions and Public Notices Regulation Student Record Regulation Student Transportation Regulation School Councils Regulation (David McKenzie?) PLUS all others listed above Timing: To meet the September 2015 deadline, we will need to have all revised/new policies approved not later than the end of the current school year. Accordingly, any policy changes will have to be approved no later than the June 16 Board meeting and any new policies will have to have first reading no later than the May 19 Board meeting. Because the Board doesn’t always meet in June, we may wish to aim for a one- month shorter timeframe. We also need to keep in mind that we don’t know when we’ll have the final version of the regulations.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting January 24, 2015 2

Detailed Discussion Notes: Alberta School Foundation Fund Regulation • describes how/when Alberta Education will fund schools for each eligible student • applies to charter schools • no policy work required; Finance and Audit Committee may wish to review for information purposes Board Procedures Regulation • entirely new • applies to charter schools • Governance Committee to review and update policy (and potentially by-laws) as required Borrowing Regulation • new regulation but much of it is in the current School Act • applies to charter schools • Finance and Audit Committee to review, primarily for information but also to specifically for any implications re: short-term computer equipment financing • Facilities Committee to review and consider implications of section on energy conservation financing Charter Schools Regulation • much of this is in the current School Act and associated regulation • a few points have implications for our next charter renewal and annual AEP/AERR submissions • the province-wide cap of 15 charter schools is not in the new regulation • individual charter enrolment caps continue in the new regulation • for information only, subparagraphs 8(1)(c) [evidence the charter board is working collaboratively with stakeholders and demonstrating broad levels of community engagement] and 8(1)(d) [evidence the charter school uses research-informed practices to create innovative learning environments and improve standard learning outcomes] are in existing regulation, but to this point haven’t been consistently applied in the charter renewal process • new regulation re: multiple locations (paragraph 10) o A charter board may operate a charter school in more than one location only if a single school building cannot accommodate the expected number of students identified in the charter • TAAPCS has highlighted the following new (unfunded) regulation (paragraph 13) o A charter board is responsible for sharing research, innovations and best practices with other educational stakeholders, including post-secondary and public schools • for information only, subparagraphs 14(6) [no member of a governing body of a charter board shall receive remuneration for acting as a member of the governing body] and 14(7) [a board may reimburse members of its governing body for any expenses they incur in the course of performing their duties] are in existing regulation Disposition of Property Regulation • a few changes to existing regulation that have potential implications for our quest for a second campus • Finance and Audit Committee to determine whether any changes are needed to policy 3.02 Fiscal Management and/or whether a new policy is required for disposition of property Early Childhood Services Regulation – N/A to Connect Charter School Establishment of Separate School Districts Regulation – N/A to Connect Charter School Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting January 24, 2015 3

Home Education Regulation – N/A to Connect Charter School Investment Regulation • entirely new, with no similar existing regulation and no similar content in the current School Act • Finance and Audit Committee to determine what changes are needed to policy 3.02 Fiscal Management and/or whether a new policy is required Petitions and Public Notices Regulation • School Operations Committee to draft new policy (needed to comply with Division 2, paragraph 9 re: administration of petitions other than those received under section 102, 111 or 190 of the Education Act) • initial thoughts are that the policy statement should refer to communications policy first and this new policy would be a “last resort” • Governance Committee to determine whether any changes to by-laws or governance policy required by Part 2 – Public Notice Private Schools Regulation – N/A to Connect Charter School School Council Regulation • initial review suggests existing School Council policy and by-laws should be fine / grandfathered • Darrell and/or David McKenzie and/or Denise to review with School Council executive School Fees Regulation • all new regulation, applies to charter schools • working group to review existing policy 3.01 (Darrell, Susan, Myra, Denise) • then to Finance and Audit Committee (and others as needed?) Special School Tax Levy Plebiscite Regulation – N/A to Connect Charter School Student Record Regulation • School Operations Committee determine what changes are needed to policy 6.01 (including ensure appropriate delegation of Board authority re: 2 and other items, be aware of what needs to be culled or added during next systemic records review) • for information, definition 2(1)(n)(vi) re: provision of specialized supports or services may help TAAPCS as it continues to lobby for inclusive education funding for charter school students Student Transportation Regulation • School Operations Committee to review relative to existing policy 5.01 Transportation • Finance and Audit Committee - do we need a transition plan re: our current surplus?

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting January 24, 2015 4 Minutes of Connect Charter School Society, Board of Directors Meeting February 24, 2015 at Connect Charter School

Board members present: Harold Lemieux, (Chair), Wendy Baillie (Vice Chair), Mark Blake, Luana Comin- Sartor, Tim Edwards, Chas Filipski, Lindsay Hogan, David McKenzie, Gavin Peat, Dave Robinson, Mackenzie Regent and Jeff Turner.

Board members absent: Susan Gaetz, Denise Kitagawa, Dr. Ashley Nixon, and Dr. Norm Vaughan.

Board Chair Mr. Harold Lemieux declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 5:45 pm. Mr. Lemieux thanked Ms. Baillie for acting as Chair in his absence. He also thanked the Board retreat organizers for all their help during the Board retreat.

Motion 41.14 by Lindsay Hogan, THAT the February 24, 2015, Board agenda be approved. Carried Motion 42.14 by Mark Blake, THAT the minutes of the January 24, 2015 Board of Directors meeting be approved. Carried

Motion 43.14 by Gavin Peat, THAT the Connect Charter School calendar for the 2015-16 school year be approved. Carried

The Connect Charter School calendar for the 2016-17 school year was presented as an information item.

Motion 44.14 by Dave Robinson, THAT Motion 6.13 approved by the Board on September 13,2013 is hereby revoked. Carried

Motion 45.14 by Luana Comin-Sartor, THAT an amending agreement with the Calgary Board of Education to amend the Lease Agreement dated June 24, 2014 for the Clem Gardner School building by inserting a new Article 15A to allow for the installation and operation of a bouldering wall is approved. Carried Motion 46.14 by Tim Edwards, THAT Approval is granted for the purchase, installation and operation of a bouldering wall in the school gymnasium in accordance with the policies and procedures developed by the administration and the Lease Agreement for the Building. Carried

The bouldering wall will be constructed over the summer months upon securing a contract with the construction company.

Motion 47.14 by Luana Comin-Sartor, THAT the Board ratifies and approves the full time contract for Emily Morrow-Fick, Library Technician commencing February 17, 2015 with a three month probationary period. Carried

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting February 24, 2015

Ms. Susan Chomistek presented the highlights of the 2015 Strategic Plan as well as the changes. Susan expressed her thanks for the extraordinary efforts of the Board during the retreat and also for arranging the visit to the school by Calgary West MLA Mike Ellis on February 3.

Ms. Susan Chomistek reviewed the leadership report and gave highlights of the report (Appendix “A”).

Motion 48.14 by Mark Blake, THAT the Board approve the Strategic Plan for the 2015/2016 year. Carried

Working group report for researching a second campus, Mark Blake • The group is evolving from the work and discussion that happened at the Board retreat. • The working group concluded that a second geographically separate campus is in line with the Charter’s vision and goals. • The group will investigate opportunities and bring it back to the Board to make decisions. • A second campus would require an enrollment cap increase.

External Collaboration, Dave Robinson • See attached “Appendix “B”. • There are Draft terms of reference for the committee to work on. • A strategy for tracking and displaying outcomes is being developed.

School Council, David McKenzie • School calendars for 2015/16 and 2016/17 were discussed.

Communications, Lindsay Hogan • There will be a formal meeting prior to the next Board meeting. • A draft communications policy will be going to the school operations meeting for review.

Facilities, Tim Edwards • Hybrid energy system for the school is being explored to generate power for the school. • There was a meeting with teachers to review priorities and a survey is being distributed. • A list of priorities will be developed prior to the next Board meeting.

School Operations, Susan Chomistek • Committee report is in Appendix “C” • Next meeting will be March 3rd to review policies that will be impacted by the regulations. • A draft fees policy is presented as an information item. • The 2015/16 fees will be set at the March Board meeting.

Secretary Treasurer Report, Myra Penberthy • The Connect Charter School Society financial reporting profile prepared by Alberta Education for the last six years was presented as an information item. • The budget will be prepared in draft form for the March 17, 2015 Audit and Finance committee meeting. • A condensed operating statement for January 31, 2015 was drafted and presented to the audit and Finance committee for their review.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting February 24, 2015 2

Governance, Wendy Baillie • No formal meeting. • To cultivate critical external relationships was a key priority identified at the Board retreat. There was a meeting of three key groups to review relationships (external collaboration, communications, governance) and to brainstorm ways to foster targeted efforts in that area for 2015.

General discussion ensued regarding Board engagement, Alberta Education regulations and the meeting with the Minister of Education, Alberta Education representatives and other charter school Board Chairs and Superintendents.

The meeting terminated at 7:30 pm.

______Harold Lemieux, Chair

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting February 24, 2015 3

Appendix “A” ECC Meeting Feb 17th 2015

Attendees: Darrell Lonsberry, Susan Chomistek, Phil Butterfield, Scott Petronech, Deb Scott- Pylypiw, Tom Collins, Gavin Peat, Dave Robinson (Chair) Regrets: Torben Bech-Hansen, Norm Vaughan, Lori Wilhelm-Einsporn

The agenda addressed the brainstorming session notes from the Board retreat (Jan 24, 2015 – summary attached below).

ECC vision. Discussion highlighted on our current strengths in technology, inquiry and critical thinking. The core pillars are wrapped together in a strong culture that promotes risk taking and allows for the acceptance for failure as part of the learning process. We are not explicitly involved in bleeding edge innovation across the board at Connect although that does occur on a smaller scale.

Action item: Dave R will update the Terms of Reference for future discussion.

Our message. Conversation centred on how easy it is to fall into the trap of developing outputs for public consumption rather than outcomes. To date we have been good at identifying the output (number of in-service teachers, hits on the web and blog, attendees at IWest etc). The future goal is to find ways to measure successful outcomes of how we are doing.

Brainstormed possible ways to do this. A research project by one of our teachers/admin, or possibly a student teacher project. Can we engage Med and PHd Ed to use Connect as an exemplar?

Also identified the need to contact the other Charters to see if there is any common ground we can develop around messaging or shared successes.

Action item, Susan C.

Our audience. Our current audience has evolved primarily through interactions with interested parties. This has mainly been teachers from across Western Canada with a disposition to continued skill development and pre-service teachers. There are at least three other audiences we could target: those who instruct, principals and parents (as well as Alberta Ed). How we effectively add to an already busy outreach program was debated although there are clearly benefits to reaching principals and instructional leaders since they clearly influence a larger population of educators.

Overall Connect has a very low attrition rate relative to the broader system primarily because it has a culture that appeals to teachers. Discussed former staff as a possible source of instructive outcomes we would be able to use as an illustration of school culture carried forward.

Action item senior admin team will reach out to some of our former staff to discuss.

Next meeting date in March to be determined.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting February 24, 2015 4

Summary notes ECC brainstorming session Board Retreat January 24, 2015

Discussion was focused around some key themes of our messaging, our culture, secondments and defining our collaborative goals with respect to students, alumni, teachers, staff, admin and the greater educational community. Discussion items can be grouped into four themes that the External Collaboration Committee has been charged with further refining. The ECC story or vision. Revisit our vision and confirm that it is the story we need or wish to share. Tailor this to the specific audience while maintaining consistency especially of our key messages. Focus on the communications side of things (ie collaborative work with the Communication Committee). Work with other charter schools to see if we can find some common ground in messaging particularly with respect to some of the myths surrounding charter schools. Our ECC measures. Can we create more accurate measures of the effectiveness of ECC efforts. ECC/Communications committee Research Who are present day standout examples of vision sharing (educational or otherwise) that we can learn from to develop future strategies for sharing our story and developing effective relationships. Are we missing the boat at all by continuing to refine our same efforts rather than identifying new and more effective strategies? In particular with regard to newer social media trends? The stakeholder group Teacher institutes for new teachers and seasoned veterans Inform and develop better relationships with post-secondary faculty. For example University Day, or more messaging by our students outside the walls of the school.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting February 24, 2015 5

Appendix “B” Connect Charter School Superintendent/Leadership Team Report Board of Directors Meeting - February 24, 2015 1. Exemplary Teaching, Learning, and Leadership in Connect Charter School

Having a Culture of Innovation and Inquiry-Based Practice are two of the descriptors in the Exemplary Learning and Teaching Frameworks. Ms. Lorrie Emin will be presenting to the Board of Directors on the exceptional work that is being done within the visual arts program and how this exemplifies the ideals within the Inspiring Education agenda. Whether students are working within the discipline of three dimensional art, exploring clay, plaster, or wood sculpture, developing skills in two dimensional media, such as painting, fused glass, Japanese paper marbling, photo transfer, or exploring gel mediums and piping tools, they are developing positive skills and attitudes through the culture of innovation and the disposition of inquiry.

Environmental and Outdoor Education is one of the key descriptors in both the Exemplary Learning and Teaching Frameworks, and this has been a key area of focus for Connect Charter this year. Promoting environmental and global awareness to inspire our students to become informed and active citizens has always been a very important pillar within our school. Ms. Deirdre Bailey planned our staff retreat, which was held on February 12 and 13 at Kamp Kiwanis, in a very purposeful manner, and we were fortunate to have the expertise of Mr. John Cadman, Mr. Greg Neil, Ms. Shashi Shergill, Mr. Jason Avramenko, Ms. Heather Rattai, Ms. Marla Paxton, Mr. Jared McKenzie, Mr. Andrew Bolen, and Ms. Lorrie Emin. During the retreat and throughout this school year, there has been much discussion and planning to make final decisions for programming for students as we move away from using Camp Sweet for all of the grades to using it for three of the grades and having other programming available for the remainder of the students. This has given our school an opportunity to re-examine outdoor education across all grades. The staff has looked carefully at curricular ties and connections, and they have also considered the specific outdoor pursuits and leadership opportunities for students. As a result of this careful consideration, the staff has very purposefully identified both fall and spring programs in the environmental and outdoor education realm. We are pleased with the progress we are making and appreciate the leadership of the staff and their extraordinary student- centred efforts.

2. Science Fair 2015

Under the very capable direction of Mr. Kevin Sonico and Mr. Louis Cheng, Science Fair 2015 was a great success. We were fortunate to have 20 excellent judges for the projects, and their positive and constructive feedback to the students was much appreciated. Thank you to the teachers and parents for supporting the students. 25 of the projects have been entered for the Calgary Youth Science Fair at the University of Calgary on April 17 and 18.

3. Empowering Minds

From January 22 to 24, 45 grade nine students attended Empowering Minds at Camp Chestemere. The majority of the funding for this is provided through the Werklund Foundation with a nominal feel collected from the parents of the students who are attending. At the end of the camp, all of our students spoke of the impact it had on their lives. Additionally, several of our Connect parents spoke and mentioned their gratitude to the staff and to the administration of the school. Ms. Shashi Shergill, Mr. Jason Avramenko, Mr. Kevin Sonico, and Mr. Patrick Tam also attended and supported the students. After the students and parents spoke, a private donor approached the Werklund Foundation and offered full funding for an additional 20 Connect students who will be attending the Empowering Minds camp next week. Additionally, a partnership was formed so all students

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting February 24, 2015 6

in grade nine will be able to attend in upcoming years. We are very proud of our students, staff, and parents.

4. Registration for the 2015/16 school year

We held an information session for prospective Connect parents at the end of January, which was well received. We didn’t see the same number of parents attend this session compared to previous years, as we have 54 siblings on our waitlist for grade four this coming August. In order to help parents make an informed decision and to allow those grade three students who may be joining us next year to see what we do and how we do it, we held two open house sessions on February 10th. Families who are in the top 200 on our waitlist who attended the information session were invited to sign up for the open houses, where they were toured around the school during the school day by our students. We were so pleased with the number of students who volunteered to tour the parents, and they so represented our school so well. We will begin offering spots to families by the middle of March in order to have filled all of the open spots for the 2015-2016 school year by the time we open registration in mid April. We will again utilize an on-line registration and fee payment system.

5. Board Retreat January 23 and 24

The visionary leadership of Denise Kitigawa and Dave Robinson, in combination with Wendy Baillie’s experience and expertise in strategic planning, was of immense value during the development of the agenda for the Board Retreat. The two day session was very informative and valuable, and we are grateful to the board participants and everyone who contributed to the success of the 2015 Board Retreat. The students and teachers appreciated the opportunity to spend some time with the board members on the Friday afternoon session, sharing exemplars of learning and teaching and discussing their work. There were many good ideas generated through the dialogue sessions, which are reflected in the draft Strategic Plan 2015 that will be presented to the board. Thank you, also, to the Board Members who have contributed since the retreat during committee meetings, working groups, and as ambassadors in the community. We are fortunate to have such an active, engaged Board of Directors.

6. Meeting with the Minister of Education

On February 4, 2015, the Minister of Education, Honourable Dirks, met with all Charter School Board Chairs or Vice Chairs and superintendents. Minister Dirks had requested that each school identify two or three examples of how they are moving forward with the Inspiring Education agenda, give a brief review of two key challenges the schools are facing, and provide perspective regarding Grade 12 diploma exam weightings. The Board input at the retreat in response to these three items was much appreciated, and the efforts of Wendy Baillie, Luana Comin-Sartor, and Harold Lemieux to develop and refine the presentation, the letter of invitation to the Minister, and the material to leave for his perusal were much appreciated. Wendy, as Vice Chair, presented in a very eloquent and compelling manner, and some of her comments and examples were referred to by the Minister in his closing comments as great examples for education. We are very grateful for the continued visionary work of the Board of Directors to support our school.

7. The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools (TAAPCS)

Upcoming TAAPCS Meetings May 6/7, 2015 (Medicine Hat), October 28/29, 2015 (Calgary) EAC Meeting Schedule Feb. 20, April 17, & June 5, 2015 School Leadership Learning Initiative Session Dates March 19 (Calgary), May 8 (Medicine Hat) Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting February 24, 2015 7

Appendix “C”

School Operations Committee Report – February 2015 SUMMARY: · Final version of new Regulations not yet available · Updated procedures for 3.01 - Fees Policy included in Dropbox as information item to Board · Next School Operations Committee meeting will be March 3

DETAILS: New Regulations · As of Feb 20, there is no new information on the Alberta Education website re: timing for final version of the Regulations. We are proceeding on the basis that Connect policies must align with the new Regulations upon proclamation of the new Education Act (currently scheduled for September 1, 2015).

3.01 Fees Policy · In early February, a small working group reviewed 3.01 - Fees Policy in the context of the proposed School Fees Regulation. The working group did not identify any required policy changes. Changes to procedure are required to align with the proposed School Fees Regulation. · It is possible there will be differences in the final version of the School Fees Regulation. However, given that the Board will be setting the Fees for the 2015/16 school year at the March 2015 Board meeting, the procedures were updated to reflect the version of the School Fees Regulation currently available. · Members of the School Operations Committee and Finance and Audit Committee were invited to review / provide feedback on the proposed changes to procedure. · In order that the revised procedures are in effect when the Board sets the Fees charged for the 2015/16 school year, a black-lined copy of 3.01 - Fees Policy is included in the Dropbox as an information item for the February 2015 Board meeting.

March 3 School Operations Committee Meeting · Agenda items include: In response to proposed regulations: • 5.01 - Student Transportation • 6.01 - Student Records • New policy development in response to proposed Petitions and Public Notices Regulation On-going work: • 6.10 - Educational Field Trips & Outdoor Education Excursions • 8.01 - Occupational Health & Safety Program & related Appendix 3

Submitted by Denise Kitagawa

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting February 24, 2015 8 Minutes of Connect Charter School Society, Board of Directors Meeting March 17, 2015 at Connect Charter School

Board members present: Harold Lemieux, (Chair), Wendy Baillie (Vice Chair), Mark Blake, Luana Comin- Sartor, Tim Edwards, Chas Filipski, Susan Gaetz, Lindsay Hogan, Denise Kitagawa, Dr. Ashley Nixon, Gavin Peat, Mackenzie Regent and Dave Robinson.

Board members absent: David McKenzie, Jeff Turner and Dr. Norm Vaughan.

Mr. Rick Fawcett, Portfolio leader at Connect Charter School, made a presentation on the work in which he is currently involved. He shared one of the videos he has created in order to tell the story of Connect Charter School students, titled “Inquiry Lives Here”. It was a meaningful and rich presentation of the grade nine humanities class examining the historical relationship between aboriginal and non-aboriginal peoples of Canada with an emphasis on the events that were significant to their relationship. The series of videos captures this and other great examples of inquiry at Connect Charter School.

Board Chair Mr. Harold Lemieux declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 5:55 pm.

Motion 49.14 by Denise Kitagawa, THAT the March 17, 2015, Board agenda be approved. Carried Motion 50.14 by Tim Edwards, THAT the minutes of the February 24, 2015 Board of Directors meeting be approved. Carried

There was a discussion of the capital plan and the report to be submitted to Alberta Infrastructure.

Motion 51.14 by Luana Comin-Sartor THAT the Connect Charter School capital plan submission to Alberta Infrastructure be approved with the caveat that the lease payment for the second campus be confirmed with Alberta Infrastructure. Carried

Motion 52.14 by Dave Robinson, THAT the School Fees for 2015/16 including: Enrichment $475, Transportation $785, Laptop Maintenance/insurance $60, and Lunchroom supervision of $50 per student be approved. Carried

Motion 53.14 by Chas Filipski, THAT Policy 6.05 Student Admissions be amended as presented. Carried Motion 54.14 by Mark Blake, THAT Policy 7.01 Communications be amended as presented. Carried

Motion 55.14 by Dave Robinson, THAT Ms. Lisa Nelson’s resignation be accepted with regret. Carried

Ms. Susan Chomistek reviewed the leadership report and gave highlights of the report, (Appendix “A”).

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting March 17, 2015

External Collaboration, Dave Robinson • There was no meeting. School Operations, Denise Kitagawa • Reviewed the updated Policy 3.05 on fundraising, which was changed to reflect the name change. • The report is in Appendix “B”.

Audit & Finance Committee report Luana Comin-Sartor • The committee met on March 17, 2015 at 4:00 pm. • The financial statements for the quarter ended February 28, 2015 were reviewed and will be submitted to the Board for approval at the April 21, 2015 Board meeting. • The 2015/16 Budget assumptions were reviewed. • The Capital plan submission for Alberta Infrastructure was reviewed for 2016/17. • The next meeting will be April 16, 2015 at 7:30 am.

Working group report for researching a second campus, Mark Blake • The report is in Appendix “C”.

Facilities, Tim Edwards • The committee met on March 11, 2015. • The meeting minutes are available in Appendix “D” • A list of priorities has been developed with input from the teachers and students. • The first priority is classroom furniture. • A feature wall in the classrooms will be painted through volunteers or professional painters. • Mr. Ronsky has investigated possible options to replace boilers. There will be a meeting with the Calgary Board of Education on March 18, 2015 to discuss these options.

Communications, Lindsay Hogan • Meeting on March 9, 2015. The minutes are in Appendix “E”. • April meeting will be a report on the audit on the rebranding process. • Continue to assist the leadership team in regards to communication pieces.

Research & Innovation, Dr. Norm Vaughan • No meeting

Governance, Harold Lemieux • No meeting.

School Council, Mark Blake • Parent summit is coming up, Saturday April 25, 2015. • The transportation survey results were discussed. • There will be an April meeting to discuss fundraising and in May there will be the Annual General Meeting.

General discussion ensued regarding the article, The New Work of the Non Profit Board. Is there anything that administration can do differently to make sure that we can retain the excellent Board members that we currently have? What is our number one goal we want to accomplish this year?

The meeting terminated at 7:30 pm.

______Harold Lemieux, Chair

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting March 17, 2015 2

Appendix “A” Connect Charter School Superintendent/Leadership Team Report Board of Directors Meeting – March 17, 2015 1. Exemplary Teaching, Learning, and Leadership in Connect Charter School

Engagement in Learning, Collaboration, and Communication are descriptors within the Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership Frameworks. As a Portfolio Leader, Mr. Rick Fawcett has dedicated leadership time to supporting teachers and students within these areas and will be presenting information oh his work to the Board of Directors. Recent efforts to document the Teaching and Learning components of the frameworks have resulted in several two to five minute videos that Mr. Fawcett prepared in conjunction with the teachers. https://www.youtube.com/user/connectcharter These are then used to demonstrate some of the best practices that are occurring at the school. In addition to documenting exemplary teaching practices, Mr. Fawcett’s rich background experiences in curriculum and assessment allows him to work within the Humanities and the Math/Science areas, as well as providing support in other curricular areas.

The Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership Frameworks highlight Inquiry-based Practice, which is one of the key pillars in our charter. This occurs every day in Dave Bennett and Heather Melville’s grade four classes. Activities throughout the year have been building up to the study in Science on Wheels and Levers. From taking observations of an unknown object (which turned out to be an owl pellet) to a blind study of tomato seeds from space, students have been learning to question like scientists. Students are developing an understanding that design prototyping and testing are key ways of working like mechanical engineers. They are applying their knowledge of simple machines to modify a complex machine – the bicycle. Experts in the field, Two Wheel View, are working with the students to give them the mechanical know how to pull apart the inner working of bicycles. In the end, students will test their designs to record the changes and effectiveness of their designs. Not only will the students have explored a real world problem, but they will also know how to repair and maintain bicycles. Two Wheel View wrote a blog on their work with our students. https://connectcharterschoolblog.wordpress.com/2015/03/11/bike-science/ Mr. Bennett and Ms. Melville are also participating in the Galileo Project at Connect Charter.

Engagement in Learning and Student Success are two of the descriptors in the Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership Frameworks that describe the experience and opportunities that students have within the Performing Arts program that Mr. Andrew Bolen has developed at Connect Charter School. The grades 7 through 9 Concert Band performed three songs in the Alberta International Band Festival at the Rozsa Theatre at the University of Calgary on February 24, 2015. The acoustics were amazing and the students received very positive comments from the adjudicators. The Grade 6/7 Beginner Concert Bands performed at the Calgary Performing Arts Festival at the Jubilee Auditorium on March 2, 2015. This is the largest and most significant event of the year for the beginner concert bands, and it is an excellent opportunity for our young music students to experience the Jubilee and stage performance before an audience and adjudicators. There were approximately 100 grade six students and 20 grade seven students in attendance, divided into two concert bands for two performances. Mr. Bolen was able to arrange a break between the performances so each band was able to watch the other band perform and could benefit from the comments of the adjudicators. In the second band's warm-up and

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting March 17, 2015 3

performance, it was apparent they had carefully listened to and benefitted from the comments of the adjudicators. The bands received an excellent rating and a very good rating from the adjudicators. This is the first excellent rating for our Grade 6 beginner band at this festival. There were parents in attendance at both performances. The adjudicators made positive comments about the Connect Charter School Grade 6 band program, as well as student engagement, conduct, and performances. Mr. Bolen was very grateful for the parent volunteers in attendance for both of these events. The students performed proficiently and represented Connect Charter School very well.

2. Partner Research Schools

Establishing partnerships with post-secondary institutions demonstrates Connect’s commitment to fostering an authentic and rigorous action research mindset within our staff. Focusing on the premise that teachers are researchers by virtue of their role in education, our challenge becomes one of developing a common research language and a spectrum of methodologies that align with exemplary teaching, learning, and leadership practice. The Partner Research Schools initiative of the University of Calgary provides a forum to create school-researcher relationships based on common interests and areas of expertise. We are continuing our involvement with PRS and are beginning to evolve important research partnerships as a result.

3. Pre-service Teachers

Connect has become a highly sought after practicum placement for pre-service teaching programs in Alberta. We currently have six MRU teacher candidates participating in a pilot program that provides an extended (16 week) practicum placement during which seminar and course work takes place within the school setting and is integrated into the practicum experience. Three U of C student teachers have returned for the second practicum leading to conclusion of their pre-service program, and in addition we have a candidate from the ‘Bridges to Teaching’ program completing a practicum in a grade 9 math/science class in order to become qualified to teach in Alberta. In addition, a second year student teacher from the University of Lethbridge has begun an art practicum that will extend to the end of April. Finally, a first year U of C pre-service teacher will begin her initial practicum in a grade 7 math/science class after spring break, bringing to twelve the number of student teachers engaged in teaching, learning, and research at Connect this term.

4. Canadian Geographic Article

The efforts of Connect Charter School teachers, Mr. Greg Neill and Mrs. Margaret Leland, and their students are highlighted in the January/February 2015 Canadian Geographic article, New geo-spatial software connects with kids. http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/magazine/jf15/worldview.asp Lynn Moorman, an assistant profession at MRU worked with the development team at WorldView to create and test this powerful new geospatial software tool. Our students participated in the trials for the app in December of this year providing valuable feedback to the software developers as this tool is being designed specifically for educational use. There will be an official launch of the application at Mount Royal University on April 16, from 1:00 to 3:00. Board members are welcome to attend this.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting March 17, 2015 4

5. Student Showcase at the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University

As a culminating activity for an inquiry into the relationship between aboriginal and non- aboriginal people in Canada, the grade nine students showcased their work and engaged in critical, academic conversations with pre-service teachers at the University of Calgary and MRU campuses. Throughout this inquiry unit, students were able to consider and articulate multiple perspectives. They were able to hear from many different experts, and were fortunate to be able to host a lecture by a leading authority in Canada on aboriginal relations, Dr. Dwayne Donald, from the University of Alberta.

6. Superintendent Interviews of Parents 2015

Parents attending the student-led conferences on March 12 and 13 were invited by the superintendent to provide an informal response to two basic questions, "What causes you to believe that Connect Charter School is a very good school and what suggestions for improvement would you offer?" A total of 50 parents were interviewed. As well, in the next few weeks, staff members will be interviewed and students as class groups will be interviewed. The feedback gathered through this process will be summarized in the sixth annual report on parent, staff, and student feedback prepared by the superintendent.

7. Letter from the Minister of Education

We received a letter from Minister Dirks in response to our invitation to visit Connect Charter School. In addition to positive comments about Connect Charter School, he asked that we contact his scheduling coordinator to set up a meeting. We will inform you when a date has been confirmed. 8. The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools (TAAPCS)

Upcoming TAAPCS Meetings May 6/7, 2015 (Medicine Hat), October 28/29, 2015 (Calgary) EAC Meeting Schedule April 17, & June 5, 2015 School Leadership Learning Initiative Session Dates March 19 (Calgary), May 8 (Medicine Hat)

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting March 17, 2015 5

Appendix “B”

Connect Charter School Operations Committee Board Report – March 2015 For approval: • Updated policy 6.05 Student Admissions (see Dropbox) • Updated policy 7.01 Communications (see Dropbox) For information: • Updated procedures for policy 3.05 Fundraising (see Dropbox) • A full set of March meeting minutes is attached, but for convenience here is a copy of the table showing which committees we’re relying on to review certain policies for alignment with the Education Act and associated Regulations: Governance Committee Board Procedures Regulation Petitions & Public Notices Regulation Education Act 33(1)(k) – code of conduct for Board members NOTE: Harold has noted a few required by- law changes that will be included on the agenda for our next AGM Facilities Committee Borrowing Regulation (for information only) Finance & Audit Committee Alberta School Foundation Fund Regulation Borrowing Regulation Disposition of Property Regulation Investment Regulation School Fees Regulation (completed by School Ops Comm) Student Transportation Reg (completed by School Ops Comm) School Council (Mark Blake) School Councils Regulation

Appendix “C” Connect Charter School Second Campus Working Group Minutes and Report

Attendees: Mark Blake Phil Butterfield Susan Chomistek Tim Edwards Mackenzie Regent Jeff Turner

Location: CCS – Collaboration Room Meeting started: 5:40 PM MST Wed March 12, 2015

Proposed Agenda: ● Review discussion at February 24 Board meeting. ● Discuss next steps and build to do list

Discussion:

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting March 17, 2015 6

The group reviewed the discussion at the previous board meeting and agreed that the working group has the mandate to explore the opportunity of a second Connect Charter campus and the means to go about realizing this goal.

The broad guidelines to apply to the efforts of the working group will be:

● Focus on the creation of a second campus not an expansion of the current campus or a satellite campus; ● The effort should not be looking to duplicate the school, but to establish a second campus that honors the "guiding principles of the charter"; ● The second campus should be within the municipal bounds of Calgary but not located in the southwest quadrant of the city; ● The initial size of the school should be targeted to be grades four through seven with up to four classes per grade (i.e. 400 students to start) with the plan to “ramp-up” to by adding grades eight and nine over the subsequent two years of operations. ● The working group will be open to all potential options in the creation of a second campus including taking over an unused school facility, repurposing an existing building and building a purpose-built stand-alone or shared use facility.

The team discussed whether Connect’s charter cap must be fulfilled before a new campus would be considered or approved. Susan and Phil provided a bit of history on how the current cap of 720 came about. Susan then clarified that from her most recent discussion with Avi Habinski from AB Ed. on the subject he said that the school does not have to be at the cap prior to either expanding the cap or requesting a second campus.

Phil then shared that the approach that many charter schools are adopting is to expand the cap and then use the expanded cap as a rationale for a new campus. This approach appears to be supported by AB Ed.

The group discussed what the best approach to take with AB Ed. would be and it was agreed that a “two-pronged” preliminary proposal would be best. The proposal would both request an increase to Connect’s enrollment cap and formally state that we are pursuing a second campus. The proposal would be preliminary in that it would outline the options we are evaluating for a second campus without specifically requesting a particular approach.

In drafting the preliminary proposal it was suggested that reviewing other Charter’s proposals may be helpful and insightful. Calgary Art’s Academy and Foundations for the Future were two that were suggested.

As for finding possible alternative use or shared use facilities it was agreed that we should research how to best engage a professional commercial real estate broker. A concise statement of requirements must be drafted to provide to such resources.

The group also discussed connecting with the Communications and External Collaboration Committees to help with identifying experts and stakeholders that could assist with our second campus efforts. This step will make sense once we have defined and agreed on a specific set of requirements and approach.

Actions and Next Steps The following actions and next steps were agreed upon: 1. Susan to contact Foundations for the Future and Calgary Art's Academy to explore their interest and receptivity to sharing their proposals and experiences with our working group. 2. Susan to talk to Avi Habinski at AB Ed. to get a sense of the Ministries current approach to Charter enrollment caps and facility requests and alert him to the fact that a preliminary proposal is likely coming from Connect Charter. 3. Draft statement of requirements for a real estate broker. Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting March 17, 2015 7

4. Research process, timelines and potential costs to undertaking a commercial property search with a professional broker. 5. Draft outline of preliminary proposal to AB Ed.

Meeting ended at 7:55 p.m.

Appendix “D”

Connect Charter School Facility Committee Minutes

Attendees: Tim Edwards – Chair Darrell Lonsberry Susan Chomistek Denise Kitagawa Mark Blake Scott Petronick Dale Ronsky

Location: CCS – Collaboration Centre Meeting started: 4:00 PM MST Wed Mar11, 2014

Proposed Agenda: • Reviewed our capital plan so it with our 3 year education plan that we have to submit to the government • 2014 project priorities • AB Education Capital Plan • Facility Enhancement Plan (the $100K) Options: 1. Furniture 2. Security access 3. Breakout spaces 4. School/classroom ventilation 5. Paint

Discussion: Reviewed the Alberta Ed capital plan submission. Darrell and Myra to align the submission with the November 2014 Ed Plan and AERR and clarify statements to best communicate that lease amount is for a second facility.

Reviewed 2015 teacher survey and priorities. It was noted that the teachers are clear that the short term highest priority is classroom furniture. The term classroom is preferred to be called “learning centers” and teachers would like to improve all aspects of furniture and accessories (white boards, wall paint, etc) to enhance learning. Decision was made to proceed with optimizing furniture/accessories with the majority of 2015 enhancement funds. The full amount of funds will be “committed” prior to Aug 31, 2015.

The desire is to also paint a feature wall in each “learning centre”. There was discussion about how to standardize which wall is the feature wall. Colour should be selected with some scientific/learning benefit basis to enhance the learning space. Colour may also tie to the furniture being assigned to that space. For cost control, painting could be coordinated through parent/volunteers...but for expediency, a professional paint quote and painter may be engaged to expedite a few rooms. Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting March 17, 2015 8

Discussion about facility equipment and utility consumption. Tim and Dale have met with a few suppliers regarding options to replace a boiler and supply the school with electricity and/or hot water. At present time the most attractive option appears to be CHP (Combined Heat and Power). Dale and Time will meet with Earl (CBE) to discuss steps forward and evaluate if there is CBE support/interest in the project. At a high level it involves an approximate $225k investment for 6-8 year payback.

Discussion about hot water supply to the school. Currently the school is utilizing a 50 gal hot water tank that is at the end of life and insufficient. We need to investigate solutions as this is considered to be core. Tim and Dale to discuss with Earl for advice.

Meeting adjourned at 5:15 PM

Appendix “E” Communications Committee Meeting Date: 3-9-15 Attendees: Wendy Baillie, Chas Filipski, Darrell Lonsberry, Susan Chomistek and Lindsay Hogan Missing: Scott Petronech Meeting began at 5:30pm Points of discussion • The meeting began with the committee reviewing the revised communications policy. A big thank you to the Operations Committee for assisting in the revitalization of the communications policy. This policy will be brought to the Board for review at the March 17 Board meeting. • A key deliverable from the 2014/2015 Communications Plan is to complete a non-invasive audit on the rebranding initiatives. The committee has begun discussions with key members of the administration, teachers, students, parents and other educators. The audit is not complete; however, we have commit to completing the audit prior to the April Board meeting. • We discussed continuing to refer to the school as Connect or Connect Charter School rather than CCS in all verbal and written communication. • The committee will continue to work with the administration to update the 5 key messages to reflect the rebranding. Once these messages are revised, the committee will ensure there is consistency among all other communication tools: blogs, website, spectrum, administration, staff, board members etc. • Board bios and pictures have not been finalized. The Communications Committee would like to have all Board bios finalized for the April Board meeting. We will also work with a member of the Connect staff to coordinate pictures for all Board members. • Connect website – we discussed the challenges associated with updating information to different areas of the website and being able to update the content. Historically Darrell Lonsberry and Scott Petronech have been responsible for updating content. The Committee discussed the different documents and sections that require continual updating: policy manuals, Board minutes, Board bios/photos, sliders, newsletters etc. We discussed assigning different members of the administration as well as staff to have ownership of specific updates. For example, Chris Dittmann works with a group of students each month to help develop the content and formatting of the monthly newsletter and Nola Shewfelt manages uploading the newsletter to the website. • We also discussed creating “how to” manuals for every uploading process to allow for cross-training as well as risk mitigation. • The committee will revise a general confidentiality agreement that the administration can use for volunteers. Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting March 17, 2015 9

• Darrell Lonsberry had a phone interview with the Herald regarding Connects waitlist and registration • Darrell Lonsberry shared with the committee that parents are looking for transparency regarding fees that are being collected and where they are being allocated. The communications committee will assist with format. Meeting finished at 6:30pm

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting March 17, 2015 10 Minutes of Connect Charter School Society, Board of Directors Meeting April 21, 2015 at Connect Charter School

Board members present: Harold Lemieux, (Chair), Wendy Baillie (Vice Chair), Mark Blake, Luana Comin- Sartor, Tim Edwards, Chas Filipski, Susan Gaetz, Denise Kitagawa, Gavin Peat, Mackenzie Regent, Dave Robinson and Dr. Norm Vaughan.

Board members absent: Lindsay Hogan, David McKenzie, Dr. Ashley Nixon and Jeff Turner.

Board Chair Mr. Harold Lemieux declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.

Dr. Phil Butterfield presented on Inclusive Education at Connect Charter School. Dr. Butterfield introduced the Inclusive Education team of Ms. Marla Paxton, Counselor, Ms. Abby Saadeh, Inclusive Practices Coach, Ms. Jessica James, Educational Assistant and Ms. Leanne Riley, Educational Assistant. Dr. Butterfield presented the history of inclusion of mild/moderate/gifted students as well as severe and multiple coded children in the school. Although our demographics in this area demonstrate that we are inclusive, we do not get inclusive practices funding which the other public schools receive. The team shared their work on inclusive education practices at Connect Charter School and discussed the many student successes that are occurring as a result of the work in this area.

Motion 56.14 by Chas Filipski, THAT the April 21, 2015, Board agenda be approved. Carried Motion 57.14 by Luana Comin-Sartor, THAT the March 17, 2015 Board of Directors meeting minutes be approved. Carried

Ms. Myra Penberthy reviewed the February 28, 2015, Connect Charter School Society quarterly financial statements.

Motion 58.14 by Dr. Norm Vaughan, THAT the February 28, 2015 Financial Statements for Connect Charter School Society be approved. Carried

Ms. Denise Kitagawa, Chair of the School Operations Committee, presented Policy 7.02, School Council, and a new policy, Petitions Policy.

Motion 59.14 Denise Kitagawa, THAT Policy 7.02 School Council be approved as amended. Carried

Motion 60.14 by Denise Kitagawa, THAT the Petitions Policy be approved for first reading. Carried

The 2014/15 Draft budget update brought the Board up to date on the budget process and gave the Board information on the implications for Connect Charter School. Ms. Myra Penberthy and Ms. Susan Chomistek led the budget review and presented the Alberta Education funding statement for Connect Charter School and the draft budget which will be refined and presented for approval at the May 19, 2015, Board meeting.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting April 21, 2015

See Appendix “A” for the Audit & Finance Committee meeting minutes from April 16, 2015, which were submitted by Ms. Luana Comin-Sartor, Chair of the Audit & Finance committee.

Motion 61.14 by Dave Robinson, THAT the Board approves a full-time temporary teaching contract beginning on April 29, 2015, and terminating on June 30, 2015, for Ms. Brittney Glinsbockel.

Carried

Motion 62.14 by Susan Gaetz, THAT an independent contractor agreement be approved for Mr. Robert Pegg, beginning on April 20, 2015, and terminating on October 30, 2015. Carried

Motion 63.14 by Mark Blake, THAT an independent contractor agreement be approved for Mr. Ron Sweet, beginning on April 20, 2015, and terminating on October 30, 2015. Carried

Ms. Susan Chomistek reviewed the leadership report and gave highlights of the report, (Appendix “B”)

Governance, Harold Lemieux • There was a meeting April 21, 2015, at 4:00 pm. • Reviewed the Board procedure policy that will be included in the May drop box. • The Education Act requires a Code of Ethics but it does not apply to Charter Schools. • The view of the Governance committee is that we should have a Board Code of Ethics, which they will draft for the Board’s review.

Facilities, Tim Edwards • No formal meeting. • Calgary Academy visit was highly informative. • Classroom painting is one of the priorities of the facility enhancement budget. • The facilities committee has recognized that in the short term we can cut facility spending but long term it is very important to invest in our facility.

Research & Innovation, Dr. Norm Vaughan • Nothing to report.

Communications, Chas Filipski • No meeting. • Rebranding will be presented as a group at the May or June Board meeting. • Thank you to Ms. Denise Kitagawa for taking pictures for the Board biographies.

External Collaboration, Dave Robinson • No report.

School Operations, Denise Kitagawa • A big thank you to Ms. Susan Chomistek who reread the act and regulations. • Thank you to the Board for their hard work on the policy rewrites and review.

Working Group for researching a second campus, Mark Blake • No formal meeting.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting April 21, 2015 2

• The committee visited Calgary Academy, with tour facilitator, Mr. Doug Rogan. It is a fantastic facility of which they are very proud. The planners took a nontraditional approach to building the school and used wood frame construction rather that cement blocks. • The next step is for the group to come together for a meeting.

School Council, Mark Blake • Parent Summit is coming up, Saturday, April 25, 2015, which will include keynote and breakout sessions. • There was a School Council meeting in April to review and approve fundraising commitments. • School Council nominations and AGM to occur in May. • Dialogue with Darrell included an update on the Connect Charter School budget and the provincial budget.

The meeting terminated at 7:30 pm.

______Harold Lemieux, Board Chair

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting April 21, 2015 3

Appendix “A” Connect Charter School Audit & Finance Committee Meeting Minutes April 16, 2015

I. Call to order Luana Comin-Sartor called to order the regular meeting of the Audit Committee at 7:30 am on April 16, 2015 at Connect Charter School.

II. Roll call The following persons were present: Luana Comin-Sartor, Mackenzie Regent, Gavin Peat, Myra Penberthy, Susan Chomistek and Darrell Lonsberry. The agenda was reviewed and approved as stated.

III. Open issues The discussion was focused primarily on the refinement of the 2015/16 school budget in light of the funding guidance from Alberta Education (AE). Items of to help with the context of the budget include:

1. Overall revenue was increased by an immaterial amount (approx. $60K)

2. There is NO additional funding for an increase in the student population; consequently management has made the decision that the classroom size remains the same at 25 students.

3. Additional funding for Inclusive Practices was NOT directed to Connect.

4. There is a perception by Alberta Education that the charter schools have accumulated a significant surplus that is not being utilized.

5. Our funding for administrative expenses, which is calculated on a pool of expenses, has been reduced by over $45K due to the lease reduction.

6. A further reduction of $45K to administration spending has been dictated by AE; this is the third such reduction that has had a cumulative reduction of $approx. $150K Administration Spending for Connect

7. A view of the Accumulated Surplus from Operations (ASO) from across all school boards in Alberta shows that the ASO has grown from $302 million in 2012 to $460 million in 2014. Consequently, AE has prohibited school boards from dipping into surplus in order to modify operational behaviours for 2015/16 (without Ministerial approval) and require a balanced budget.

The discussion ensued to consider these directives into the refined budget presented, and discuss the strategy for engaging. The budget present notes a deficit of $163K for 2015/16. The deficit for 2014/15 is forecast to be under budget by $130K ( $395K vs. $265K).

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting April 21, 2015 4

The strategy for discussion with AE is:

1. Recognize the position AE is in optically with growing ASO

2. Demonstrate that Connect has complied with a year over year reduction of operating surplus without acknowledgement. The result is protection of operating surplus at other charter schools (all financial information is public – collect and present)

3. Demonstrate the fact that Connect is most like public schools in AB from a student profile perspective and therefore the lack of Inclusive Practices funding is unfair.

4. Present solution to AE for the short term: given fiscal discipline in 2014/15 $130K of expected surplus was not spent therefore allow Connect to apply the underspent $130K to 2015/16. This gives AE an additional year to help Connect with Inclusive Practices funding

IV. Carryfoward to next Audit Committee meeting a) Policy review for Audit & Finance

V. Adjournment Luana Comin-Sartor adjourned the meeting at 9:15 am. Minutes submitted by: Luana Comin-Sartor

Appendix “B”

Connect Charter School Superintendent/Leadership Team Report Board of Directors Meeting – April 21, 2015

1. Exemplary Teaching, Learning, and Leadership in Connect Charter School

Student Success is a descriptor in the Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership Frameworks. We were very excited to hear over the Spring Break that one of our students was invited to attend a Nationals Final competition in Ottawa in May. In 1994, Canadian Geographic Education introduced the Canadian Geographic Challenge as a way to get young people interested in geography. Now in its twentieth year, this was the first year the challenge was conducted at Connect Charter School. Open to students in grades 7 through 12, the challenge began at Connect with Mr. Greg Neil facilitating a few fun lunch time challenges leading up to a school-wide competition. In February, eight students participated in the school-wide challenge, which Mr. Neil organized. The challenge consisted of forty questions related to a variety of geographical concepts. Aaron Abraham, the only Grade 8 participant, won the school-wide challenge and advanced to the Provincial Championships. After a few weeks of studying and practice, Aaron participated in the Provincial Challenge in early March. This challenge was online and required Aaron to answer 50 Geographical Questions, competing against the other school champions in Alberta. We were thrilled to learn that Aaron had won the Provincial Challenge and that he had accepted an invitation to attend the National Finals being held in Ottawa May 2-4th. We are very proud of Aaron and wish him the best in the competition and are grateful to Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting April 21, 2015 5

Mr. Neil for providing opportunities beyond our school for our students to experience success.

The Grade Six Math/Science team at Connect Charter, John Cadman and Jocelyn Monteith, and their student teachers, Luke Irwin and Rebecca Moschopedis, have been intentional in designing inquiries that value authenticity and innovation. Authenticity is a pillar of our Exemplary Teaching and Learning Framework, and is an integral part of Meaningful Curriculum Design and establishing a learning community of innovators and risk-takers. Over the course of the school year, students have participated in authentic learning experiences that have generated deeper levels of understanding and intellectual engagement, fostering ingenuity and innovation. In March, the grade six students were presented with the following aeronautic engineering challenge, How Does An Aeronautic Engineer Approach a Problem? An Inquiry Approach to Air, Aerodynamics and Flight. In pursuing their solution to the design challenge, students used the knowledge they gained from a myriad of experiences such as Skyping with Tom Gregory, a retired NASA aeronautic engineer about flight stability and lift, attending several Theory of Flight lectures presented by Dr. Leon Cygman from MRU, and attending a presentation on biomimicry by Dr. Emily Marasco, who is the U of C Associate Dean from Schulich School of Engineering. With six of her engineering students, Dr. Marasco also engaged the students in several “engineer challenges”. Fifteen Connect Charter School students were able to attend and experience the MRU Commercial Pilot Flight Simulators. These experiences and the availability of experts and in class experiments enriched the learning opportunities for the students. Many students have applied the knowledge gained from their research to imagine and create their gliders. From there, students will move into the experimentation stage of the design process. This is when students will get to test their glider design for lift in a wind tunnel, observing the structural integrity and stability of their design. Next, students will perform several launches of their glider from a controlled launch pad, measuring the distance covered to calculate the proficiency rating of their design. After students have analyzed the results of their tests, they will move into the improvement stage of the design process, making the necessary modifications to their design. To celebrate the students’ engineering ingenuity and innovation, they will conduct their final glider launch at the Springbank Airport in one of their hangers with special guest expert Dr. Leon Cygman. For more details on how the grade six students approach an aeronautic engineering problem, please visit the Grade 6 Blog http://grade6connects.edublogs.org/

Leadership, Communication, and Research Focus are important elements within our Exemplary Teaching Framework. Ms. Deirdre Bailley has represented Connect Charter School recently at two conferences in Western Canada. Along with members of her former grad cohort from the University of Calgary, she presented at the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies 2015 Provoking Curriculum Conference at the University of British Columbia. The presentation was entitled “Storytelling in the Ecological Heart of Curriculum” and focused on exploring ideas of storytelling, ecology, inquiry and curriculum in relation to pedagogical practice in the contemporary political, social and economic contexts of education. Additionally, she was invited to sit on an opening panel discussion along with JC Couture from the ATA and Josh Hill from Rocky View at the Ed Camp Conference. The topic was "How will teaching and learning need to evolve to meet the needs of 2030? What should we be doing now and in the future so all students can be successful and be prepared for their futures?” The panel opened the conference, which was widely Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting April 21, 2015 6

attended by both teachers and pre-service teachers from the Calgary area. We are appreciative to our staff for their professional contributions, for accepting the invitations to contribute their research and ideas, and for representing Connect Charter School so very well.

2. Bouldering Wall Designs

With the final approvals for the bouldering wall in place, we have moved on to the exciting phase of design. The supplier is able to paint a custom design on the wall, so we have been working with students to come up with some ideas on what the wall should look like. The invitation was extended to all family groups to contribute ideas. Mrs. Melville’s and Mr. Lonsberry’s family groups have taken a particular interest in designing the wall. So far the designs are very interesting and creative, with a few of them standing out as actual design possibilities. We will continue to work with students to finalize the design and send off the concept to Rockwerx in the next two weeks so that the wall can be manufactured and shipped in time for a summer installation. We need to coordinate the installation of the wall with the asbestos abatement work that will already be happening in four classrooms this summer. The CBE has arranged for the classrooms to have the asbestos-containing ceiling tiles removed and new tiles and lights installed, so we will be contacting that same contractor to drill the mounting holes for the bouldering wall panels as the cavities in the cinder block walls in the gym are full of vermiculite, which contains asbestos. We are excited to see the student design become a reality!

3. School Council Parent Summit

The fifth annual Connect School Parent Summit will be held on Saturday, April 25, at our school. The summit offers a unique opportunity for parents to connect with other parents and to learn from an insightful speaker series featuring qualified experts on parenting. The event features five professionals who will speak on a variety of relevant topics, offering new ideas for effective parenting. Event participants will have the opportunity to attend two speaker workshops. Each speaker will provide topic insights to address common parenting dilemmas followed by a question and answer period. The afternoon is dedicated to a keynote address by parenting expert, Julie Freedman-Smith of Parenting Power! Please let us know by April 21 if you would like to attend, and we will register you. We are very grateful to our School Council and the organizing committee for doing an exceptional job, once again, in having effective professional development available for the parents in our school community. Details on the event can be accessed at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/parent-summit-connect-charter-school-tickets-15922744357

4. Charter School Research

Since legislation was first enacted in 1994 to permit the establishment of public charter schools in Alberta, sporadic research has been conducted to explore the effectiveness of charter school programs on education and student success. Dr. Lynn Bosetti and Dr. Phil Butterfield are engaged in a pilot study of Alberta public charter schools with a focus on policies and politics that influence school performance. Findings and implications for further research will form the basis of a paper to be published in the Journal of Global Education and will be presented at the Canadian Society for Studies in Education (CSSE) conference in Ottawa in June. Based on the pilot study, the researchers will be seeking a grant to

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting April 21, 2015 7

conduct an extensive project delving into the effectiveness of charter schools as autonomous entities and as key players in the larger public education system.

5. The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools (TAAPCS)

Appendix “C”

Connect Charter School Operations Committee Board Report – April 2015

For approval: • Updated policy 7.02 School Council (see Drop box)

For first reading: • New policy Petitions (see Drop box)

For information: • The provincial election seems to have delayed the release of the final version of the Regulations supporting the Education Act. I now expect the final version of the Regulations to be released sometime after May 5th. Despite the delay, nothing has changed in the messaging from Alberta Education and school jurisdictions are still expected to be ready for the new Education Act and associated Regulations come September. • Susan C. met with me on April 7th so that we could complete one last review of the Education Act and draft Regulations to confirm our scope of work. Some of the areas we initially thought we’d have policy work turned out not to be the case. But there are a few things we missed in the first walk through, so we still have a reasonable amount of stuff to get through before our last Board meeting of the school year in June. We met. An updated scope of work is attached (see next page).

Submitted by Denise Kitagawa

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting April 21, 2015 8

• Committee • References • Scope of Work • Governance • Board Procedures Reg; • Policy 1.04 Role & Ed Act 52, 64-69 Responsibility of the Board By-laws (timing = Nov AGM) • • Petitions & Public • Public notice Notices provisions only • • Ed Act 86(1) • Policy 1.05 Role of Board Member • • Ed Act 33(1)(k) – Trustee • Charter schools are Code of Conduct exempted from this requirement. Might want a Board Member Code of Conduct anyhow. Future consideration. • Facilities • Borrowing • Information Only • Finance & • Alberta School • No policy required. Audit Foundation Fund Review to assess whether there are any changes to timing of receipt of funds from Alberta Ed. • • Borrowing • Low priority. No policy required. For information only. Only applies if we want to borrow funds. NOTE: Agenda for Apr 16th • Disposition of Property • Low priority. No Finance & Audit committee policy required. For included these items. information only. Only applies if we • dispose of property with a value > $50,000. • • Investment Regulation • No policy required. Regulation applies so should be reviewed to ensure our Investment practices follow the requirements. • • Ed Act 142(1) – Make-up • Terms of reference to of Audit Committee be updated. Recruiting for 2 (two) non-director audit committee members is underway. Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting April 21, 2015 9

• • School Fees • Updated policy (procedures only) presented to Board 24-Feb. • School • Petitions and Public • New policy – Operations Notices Petitions. For first reading 21-Apr. • • Student Record • Updated policy. In progress. Susan & Darrell preparing first draft. • • Student Transportation • Updated policy. For approval Apr or May. • • School Councils • Updated policy. For approval 21-Apr. • • Ed Act 33(2) – A board • Updated policy shall establish, implement (Student Conduct). and maintain a policy Possible new policy respecting the board’s (Safe & Caring obligation…to provide a Learning welcoming, caring, Environment). In respectful and safe progress. Susan & learning environment that Darrell are doing includes the first pass. establishment of a code of conduct for students that addresses bullying behaviour. Ed Act 33(3) prescribes rules re: the code of conduct.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting April 21, 2015 10 Minutes of Connect Charter School Society, Board of Directors Meeting May 19, 2015 at Connect Charter School

Board members present: Harold Lemieux, (Chair), Wendy Baillie (Vice Chair), Mark Blake, Lindsay Hogan, Denise Kitagawa, David McKenzie, Dr. Ashley Nixon, Gavin Peat, Mackenzie Regent, Dave Robinson, Jeff Turner and Dr. Norm Vaughan.

Board members absent: Luana Comin-Sartor, Tim Edwards, Chas Filipski and Susan Gaetz.

Staff present: Susan Chomistek (Superintendent), Scott Petronech (Assistant Principal), Dr. Phil Butterfield (Assistant Principal), Myra Penberthy, (Secretary Treasurer).

Ms. Lorrie Emin, Art teacher at Connect Charter School showed some student artwork and explained the Art program at Connect Charter School. The program incorporates inquiry-based learning into Art. The children design & create independent projects which reveal that they are willing to go deeper and practice meaningful curriculum implementation, a part of exemplary learning. They prepare a plan where they consider the following questions: Why are you creating the art? What is meaning or message you want to convey? What area or skill do you want to explore & build skills in? Ms. Emin was applauded for her exemplary teaching practice at Connect.

Board Chair Mr. Harold Lemieux declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

Motion 64.14 by Denise Kitagawa THAT the May 19, 2015, Board agenda be approved. Carried Motion 65.14 by Dave Robinson, THAT the April 21, 2015 Board of Directors meeting minutes be approved. Carried

Motion 66.14 by Dave Robinson, THAT the Board ratify the granting of consent for the use of the name “Connect Charter Parent Society” from “Calgary Science School Parent Fundraising Society”. Carried Motion 67.14 by Denise Kitagawa THAT the Board accepts with regret Mr. Dan McWilliam’s letter of resignation. Carried

Motion 68.14 by Denise Kitagawa THAT the Board accepts with regret Ms. Tammy Berry’s letter of resignation. Carried

Motion 69.14 by Lindsay Hogan, THAT the Board approves a continuing full-time teaching contract effective August 17, 2015 for Mr. Jared McKenzie. Carried Motion 70.14 by Jeff Turner, THAT the Board approves a continuing full-time teaching contract effective August 17, 2015 for Ms. Heather Melville. Carried Motion 71.14 by David McKenzie, THAT the Board approves a continuing full-time teaching contract effective August 17, 2015 for Mr. Patrick Tam. Carried

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting May 19, 2015

Motion 72.14 by Dr. Ashley Nixon, THAT the Board approves a temporary full-time teaching contracts from August 17, 2015 to June 30, 2016 for Ms. Jocelyn Monteith, Ms. Gail Stevenson, Mr. Dave Bennett and Ms. Cynthia Nilsson. Carried Motion 73.14 by Mark Blake, THAT the Board approves a temporary full-time teaching contract for Ms. Trish Haugrud effective August 17, 2015 until Ms. Erin Piper returns from maternity leave or no longer than June 30, 2016. Carried

Discussion on the change in government ensued. There was agreement that invitations to visit our school should be extended to government officials. The debate of the candidates was hosted by Connect Charter School and it was recommended that a collective student document be created and shared. Another important document to be shared would be the report to the Minister of Education prior to the election.

Leadership Team Report, (Susan Chomistek, Phil Butterfield & Scott Petronech) • Ms. Susan Chomistek reviewed the Leadership team report and gave highlights of the report, Appendix “A”.

External Collaboration, Dave Robinson • No report.

School Operations, Denise Kitagawa • Ms. Denise Kitagawa reviewed the highlights of the School Operations report, Appendix “B”.

Secretary Treasurer and Audit & Finance Committee Report (Myra Penberthy, Luana Comin-Sartor) • Ms. Mackenzie Regent reviewed the Audit & Finance Committee report and Ms. Myra Penberthy commented on the Secretary Treasurer’s report, Appendix “C”.

Working Group for researching a second campus, Mark Blake • There was a meeting during the month. • The group looked at the impact of the election on the acquisition of a new facility. • Ms. Susan Chomistek met with Mr. Roger Neipert, Superintendent and Ms. Reta Morgan, Secretary Treasurer from Foundations for the Future Charter Academy to review their acquisition process for their facilities. • Needs statement will be an objective of the committee as a communication tool and to formalize our needs as a Board.

Facilities, Denise Kitagawa • No formal meeting. • Possible paint colors for the classrooms were reviewed with parents who have expertise in that area. • Classroom painting is one of the priorities of the facility enhancement budget.

Communications, Lindsay Hogan • Ms. Lindsay Hogan reviewed the highlights of the Communications report, Appendix “D”.

Research & Innovation, Dr. Norm Vaughan • No formal meeting. • Dr. Norm Vaughan, Ms. Wendy Baillie, Ms. Susan Chomistek and Dr. Phil Butterfield attended Foundations for the Future Charter Academy Board meeting to present our Research and Innovation projects. The presentation was very well received.

Governance, Harold Lemieux • There was no meeting since April 21st. The minutes of the April 21st meeting are attached as Appendix “E”.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting May 19, 2015 2

School Council, Mark Blake • The Annual General Meeting occurred in May. • School Council has a small surplus in their bank account so they may not need to draw the $3,000 for next year. • Fun Lunches raised approximately $25,000 for school use. • The new school council executive was elected.

The meeting terminated at 7:45 pm.

______Harold Lemieux, Board Chair

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting May 19, 2015 3

Appendix “A” Connect Charter School Superintendent/Leadership Team Report Board of Directors Meeting – May 19, 2015

1. Exemplary Teaching, Learning, and Leadership in Connect Charter School

Collaboration, Meaningful Curriculum Implementation and Lifelong Learning are all integral parts of our Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership Frameworks. The recent election announcement provided another opportunity for students to engage in the democratic process. The Humanities teams in grades six and nine, Jody Pereverzoff, Gail Stevenson, Shashi Shergill, and Jason Avramenko used the election to provide students with an authentic learning experience. Our school participated in the Student Vote program, a parallel program that runs alongside provincial and federal elections. We are one of 800 schools in Alberta that registered. The grade 6 students ran the Student Vote polling station and 585 Connect students were part of the 87,000 students who cast their vote on May 4th. The provincial student vote results were shared with the public along with the election results on May 5th. As part of the coverage, Global interviewed Gail Stevenson outside our school. CIVIX, the organization that coordinates Student Vote, was so impressed with what the teachers and students were doing with regards to social media and involvement of the entire school population and community that they interviewed several of our students and included them in a video, Student Vote 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxH8XJKM5GI The grade 9 classes ran simulated political parties alongside this event, and the grade 6 students had the opportunity to view grade 9 press conferences and a leadership debate. The issues the grade 9 students presented were the same issues that Albertan politicians presented in their party platforms. The students in grades 6 and 9 also hosted and participated in a Candidates’ Forum at Connect. The students were excited for the opportunity to ask the candidates of Calgary Glenmore pressing questions that concerned them and the public. Many students enjoyed discussions with their parents around the issues. The grade 6 students also took on an educational role and used their knowledge and information they curated to inform the grades 4 and 5 students. Students felt it was important that all the student voters made an informed choice and understood the platforms. Over the course of this term, students developed a valuable understanding of the voting process and the importance of being a part of the democratic process. Students were engaged in many conversations both inside and outside of the classroom around the many local and provincial issues brought to light by this election.

Outdoor and Environmental Education is a descriptor on our Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership Frameworks and forms one of the key pillars in our Charter. Spring is an incredibly busy time at Connect Charter School as many of our outdoor and environmental education programs take place. All of the grade 6 students participated in a winter camp at Ribbon Creek in January and February, where they cross-country skied, built quinzees, and practiced winter survival skills. The remainder of our classes are immersed in a three or four day experience over the next two months. At the grade 4 level, the students will be going on a Southern Alberta History Tour with a focus on historical viewpoints. The grades 5 and 7 students have just returned from Fort Steele, which had strong historical and environmental contexts. The grade 8 students will participate in the Rocky Mountain Tour, which is grounded in the science and humanities curriculua as well as having the outdoor education and environmental awareness components. As part of the leadership development at Connect Charter School, the grades 8 and 9 students play leadership roles at many of the camps. These leaders are trained and supported through an Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting May 19, 2015 4

Outdoor Education Leadership elective designed and taught by John Cadman. They receive training and guidance before going on the camps, and we have found this has a powerful impact on both the leaders and the younger students. All of our grade 9 students go to Camp Sweet for an outdoor and environmental education component and as a culminating experience celebrating six years of developing skills and attitudes with regards to leadership, environmental awareness and stewardship, and competence in outdoor education skills.

In our April Leadership Report on Student Success, we informed the Board that one of our students was participating in a National Geographic competition. We are pleased to report that Aaron Abraham placed second at the Nationals Final competition in Ottawa. He competed primarily against high school students, and we are very proud of his accomplishment.

2. Update on Superintendent Interviews for 2015

As a follow-up to the March 12 and 13 interviews of 50 parents, I am in the process of interviewing all of the staff members. As well, over the next few weeks Darrell will join me for the interviews of students as class groups. The feedback gathered through this process will be summarized in the sixth annual report on parent, staff, and student feedback prepared by the superintendent. 3. The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools (TAAPCS)

Upcoming TAAPCS Meetings October 28/29, 2015 (Calgary) EAC Meeting Schedule June 5, 2015

Appendix “B” Connect Charter School Operations Committee Board Report – May 2015

• No committee meeting since last Board meeting.

• Given the change in provincial government and the likelihood that the NDP will want to do a detailed review the Education Act and Regulations, the proclamation date is likely to be delayed, perhaps to the start of the 2016/17 school year.

• Since most of our remaining policy changes to align with the Education Act would only be effective upon proclamation of the Act, we have opted to defer bringing anymore of these policy changes to the Board until we have a better indication of the government’s plans.

• If the May 26th Education Act / Regulations meeting between charter school and Alberta Education representatives goes ahead as scheduled, we may have a better sense of the government’s at that time.

• Members of the School Operations Committee and School Administration will continue to work on the rest of the policies so they are ready for review / approval at a future Board meeting. Thanks to Jeff, Susan C. and Darrell for their work on several policies over the past month.

• Thanks also to Myra for posting the last batch of updated policies to the school website.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting May 19, 2015 5

Appendix “C” Connect Charter School Audit & Finance Committee Meeting Minutes April 16, 2015

I. Call to order Luana Comin-Sartor called to order the regular meeting of the Audit Committee at 7:30 am on May 12, 2015 at Connect Charter School.

II. Roll call The following persons were present: Luana Comin-Sartor, Mckenzie Regent, Gavin Peat, Myra Penberthy, and Susan Chomistek. The agenda was reviewed and approved as stated.

III. Open issues • The minutes from the April 16, 2015 meeting were approved.

• The discussion was then focused primarily on the refinement of the 2015/16 school budget in light of the funding guidance from Alberta Education (AE) and uncertainty given the recent change in provincial government.

1. The refinement of the budget reduced the deficit from -$163,866 to -$124,394 primarily from professional development and collaboration envelop.

2. We also reviewed a preliminary summary for AE submission with a focus on the Fee Revenue Schedule. Discussion ensured on the definition of the various categories. Management was to seek further clarification on the categories for refinement of the presentation. All other forms were reviewed; no further comments to note from the committee.

• The Audit Committee reviewed and recommended for approval the Connect Charter School Capital plan for $200,000 for student laptops and IPads. This amount is funded primarily from the enrichment fees collected annually.

• The Audit Committee reviewed the business case to join the School jurisdiction consortium to contract Natural Gas with Direct Energy in order to stabilize and be able to predict the cost to Connect. The Audit Committee recommended for approval that Connect join the consortium and contract its Natural gas with Direct Energy.

IV. Carryfoward to next Audit Committee meeting a) Policy review for Audit & Finance

V. Adjournment Luana Comin-Sartor adjourned the meeting at 8:45 am. Minutes submitted by: Luana

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting May 19, 2015 6

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting May 19, 2015 Secretary Treasurer’s Report

Audit & Finance Committee Meeting On May 12, 2015 the Audit and Finance Committee met. Items on the agenda included the Operating and capital budget for 2015/16; Policy review based on the new school act and regulations; White paper on reserves and the Membership in the commodity purchasing consortium. Although the Committee approved the draft operating ($124,000 deficit) and capital budgets ($200,000 for student laptops & I Pads), subsequent to the meeting, Alberta Education announced that the deadline date had been extended to June 30, 2015 in order to give the new government time to review the funding for 2015/16. We will be approving the budgets at the June 16, 2015 Board meeting. The Policy review was deferred until more details are obtained on the approval of the new Education Act and regulations.

Commodity Purchasing Consortium We have an opportunity to join a commodity purchasing consortium with 42 other school jurisdictions across the province. Currently we are purchasing our natural gas from Direct Energy at the market rate on a monthly basis. The purchasing consortium allows us to have fixed rates from November to April every year, with a set rate based on our average consumption. The Facilities committee, wisely asked the following questions which we will be researching: 1. Are there penalties in lieu of notice since the notice period is 2 years? They were not apparent in the contract provided. 2. What are the estimated savings (as a percentage) that most boards experience with the consortium vs. market rate for the Oct-April fixed rates? 3. Can we increase the natural gas consumption needs or is there a secured rate and the overage would be at a market rate? We have determined that we can enter into purchasing electricity when our contract expires and there is an opportunity to purchase other items as well.

Association of School Business Officials of Alberta (ASBOA) conference On May 3-6, 2015 I had the opportunity to attend the ASBOA conference in Edmonton. We had the honor of having as a keynote speaker Ms. Iris Evans, former MLA and cabinet minister. She was very articulate in sharing some of her experiences in government and her advice for business officials in relationship building. We also had several other keynote speakers and educational workshops. I received my Certified School Business Official framed certificate and pin which was an honour. I would like to thank the Board for the opportunity to attend the conference.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting May 19, 2015 7

Appendix “D” Communications Committee Meeting Date: May 13, 2015 In attendance: Chas F, Wendy B, Lindsay H, Susan C, Darrell L Missing: Scott L Meeting started at: 3:20pm

Discussion Points:

- With the new government and questions regarding the NDP's status on Charter schools, finalizing Connect's elevator speech is crucial - committee will work on drafting this with administration. - Bio's are done and will be uploaded to website. Pictures will be finalized during the May meeting and will also be uploaded. Format will be similar to staff profiles. - Continued discussions from the March committee meeting regarding "cross-training" of tasks. It was discussed that Nola will oversee uploading newsletters, handbooks and calendar uploads. Myra will continue to maintain Board meeting minutes, by-laws and any additional updating of Board bios and pictures. - Looking to switch the server that the website sits on. Currently shares the same server where the "family" zones sit. Looking to transition this to Go-Daddy during the summer. - The newsletter format will become fully digital. The Communications Committee will bring forward a few content and email format suggestions to the June meeting - hopeful to implement the new format for the 2015/2016 school year. - A parent survey will be going out shortly. A few questions regarding if there is additional information parents are interested in having included in the newsletter. - Looking at Family zone and the class websites - looking to create some consistent formatting, yet allowing teacher autonomy. - Creating of a Connect app. What does this look like? What is the potential of this? - Continue to update the "5 messages" - Audit discussions are continuing.

Meeting finished at: 4:35

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting May 19, 2015 8

Appendix “E”

Minutes of Connect Charter School Society Governance Committee Meeting held on April 21, 2015

In Attendance: Harold Lemieux (Chair), Wendy Baillie, Dave Robinson, Luana Comin-Sartor, Susan Chomistek. Regrets: Lindsay Hogan

The meeting was called to order at 4:15pm 1. Motion moved by Luana: Agenda approved. 2. Motion moved by Wendy: Minutes of October 21,2014 meeting approved. 3. The draft amendments to Policy 1.02 - Board Meeting Procedures - were reviewed and discussed. The main changes are to the Procedures section which are needed to comply with the new regulations scheduled to become effective on Sept.1, 2015. Some changes were suggested. Action: Harold will incorporate the changes into the draft to be send to the Board for their review and comments. The amended policy will be on the May Board agenda for approval. 4. Harold advised that Section 33(k) of the new Education Act requires a Code of Ethics for Board Trustees, but this doesn’t apply to Charter Board Directors. It is the Committee’s view that a Code of Ethics is good governance practice and should be adopted by the Board. Action: A Code of Ethics will be drafted for review and adoption later in the year.

5. Discussion of matters for future work: • Some By-Law changes will be required when the Education Act is proclaimed. • The new Act requires Audit Committees to have 2 non Director members; one with a business background and one with advanced education experience. Luana suggested we recruit a member with qualifications to be an Audit Committee Director member in 2 years. The members will be needed in the fall. • Will have to start thinking about new directors for the Nov. AGM. • Susan mentioned that Gary Andrews does Board performance reviews should we be interested. She will get more information.

The meeting terminated at 5:15 pm. Harold Lemieux, Chair

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting May 19, 2015 9 Minutes of Connect Charter School Society, Board of Directors Meeting June 16, 2015 at Connect Charter School

Board members present: Harold Lemieux, (Chair), Wendy Baillie (Vice Chair), Luana Comin-Sartor, Tim Edwards, Chas Filipski, Susan Gaetz, Denise Kitagawa, Dr. Ashley Nixon, Gavin Peat, Mackenzie Regent and Dave Robinson.

Board members absent: Mark Blake, Lindsay Hogan, David McKenzie, Jeff Turner and Dr. Norm Vaughan.

Ms. Deirdre Bailey, portfolio leader for Outdoor Education at Connect Charter School and Mr. John Cadman portfolio leader for Outdoor Education for next school year, gave a review of the 2014-15 year. Deirdre spearheaded the Connect outdoor education website and reviewed the structure and organization of the website. Outdoor skills leadership, ecological consciousness and sustainability, and risk management are part of the program for students. Ms. Bailey also reviewed the year in a pictorial of the year’s experiences. The Board was very impressed with the level of planning, organization and risk management which goes into the program for students.

Board Chair Mr. Harold Lemieux declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 6:25 pm.

Motion 74.14 by Tim Edwards, THAT the June 16, 2015, Board agenda be approved. Carried Motion 75.14 by Dave Robinson, THAT the May 19, 2015 Board of Directors meeting minutes be approved. Carried

Motion 76.14 by Luana Comin-Sartor, THAT the Board approves the Connect Charter School Society 2015/16 operating budget. Carried Motion 77.14 by Luana Comin-Sartor, THAT the Board approves the Connect Charter School Society 2015/16 capital budget for $200,000 for student technology. Carried

Motion 78.14 by Luana Comin-Sartor, THAT the Board approves the May 31, 2015, financial statements. Carried Motion 79.14 by Tim Edwards, THAT the Board change the September board meeting date to September 8, 2015. Carried

Motion 80.14 by Dave Robinson, THAT the following staffing changes are approved:

1. Accept Ms. Valerie Barnes’ resignation with regret;

2. Accept Ms. Donna Alden’s resignation with regret;

3. Change the temporary full-time teaching contract for Ms. Jocelyn Monteith, beginning August 17, 2015, to June 30, 2016, to a continuing contract effective August 17, 2015;

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting June 16, 2015

4. A temporary teaching contract effective August 17, 2015, for Ms. Brittney Glinsbockel until Ms. Saadeh’s maternity leave is complete;

5. Change the temporary full-time teaching contract for Ms. Gail Stevenson, beginning August 17, 2015, to June 30, 2016, to a continuing contract effective August 17, 2015;

6. Change the temporary full-time teaching contract for Mr. Dave Bennett, beginning August 17, 2015, to June 30, 2016, to a continuing contract effective August 17, 2015;

7. Change the temporary full-time teaching contract for a maternity leave for Ms. Trish Haugrud to a probationary teaching contract effective August 17, 2015, until June 30, 2016;

8. Change the full-time temporary teaching contract for Ms. Cynthia Nilsson to a probationary teaching contract effective August 17, 2015, until June 30, 2016 and;

9. A temporary, full-time teaching contract for Jerome Makasiar effective August 17, 2015 until the maternity leave for Ms. Erin Piper is complete. Carried

Motion 81.14 by Chas Filipski THAT the Board moves to in-camera. Carried Motion 82.14 by Susan Gaetz, THAT the Board moves out of in-camera. Carried

Governance, Harold Lemieux • There has not been a meeting since April 21st. No report.

School Council, Mark Blake • School Council - At the June meeting the School Council approved a proposal by the Parent Summit committee to increase the Parent Summit budget for next year and in doing so add a complementary mini student summit. The committee has already met with school administration to secure buy-in for the concept. The additional budget for the Summit will be drawn from the surplus that the School Council has been carrying forward for the past year. The net result is that the School Council will be seeking its typical $3,000 budget allotment from the Board for the 2015/16 school year. .

External Collaboration, Dave Robinson • No report.

Facilities, Tim Edwards and Darrell Lonsberry • The painting of the 24 classrooms as well as the Art Room and the Drama Room will happen over a 2 week period. • Classroom furniture is another priority of the facility enhancement budget which includes white boards and soft furniture for the grade 7-9 classrooms, bean bag chairs for the grade 4-6 classrooms, and student chairs. • Co-generation boiler systems are being pursued as an alternate source of heat.

School Operations, Denise Kitagawa • No meeting or report.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting June 16, 2015 2

Secretary Treasurer and Audit & Finance Committee Report (Myra Penberthy, Luana Comin-Sartor) • Audit & Finance Committee report in Appendix “B”.

The meeting terminated at 7:55 pm.

______Harold Lemieux, Board Chair

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting June 16, 2015 3

Appendix “A” Connect Charter School Superintendent/Leadership Team Report Board of Directors Meeting – June 16, 2015

1. Exemplary Teaching, Learning, and Leadership in Connect Charter School

Research Focus, Leadership, and Communication are all integral parts of our Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership Frameworks. Dr. Phil Butterfield recently represented our school at the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE) conference at the University of Ottawa. He had an opportunity to present the findings of his research into instructional leadership in Alberta public charter schools, as well as to co-present with Dr. Lynn Bosetti on the ‘Politics of Reform: Charter schools 20 years later’. A profound take away from the conference is the value of, and need for more, educational research in the area of moving from theory to practice. Connect is very well positioned to be a key player in school-based action research that focuses on this critical need. The CSSE conference is being hosted at the University of Calgary in June 2016 and will potentially provide an excellent forum for Connect teachers to share their research findings.

2. Outdoor Education Update

The final outdoor education trips of the year have now been completed. Following the grade 8 Rocky Mountain Tour to Jasper and the grade 4 Southern Alberta History Tour, the grade 9’s said farewell to Camp Sweet with one last night hike and campfire. The 6/7 spring OE elective culminated with an overnight hike to Quaite Valley and the Advanced Outdoor Ed elective for grade 8/9 students participated in a three day / two night hike around Kananaskis Lakes. With the transition of the Environmental and Outdoor Education Portfolio Leadership from Deirdre Bailey to John Cadman, we are looking forward to a continuation of Deirdre’s passion and enthusiasm as John steps into this new role with a tremendous skill set and a shared vision for the future of outdoor education at Connect.

3. Association of Canadian Mountain Guides Climbing Gym Instructor Level 1

In anticipation of the bouldering wall being completed this summer, Mr. Greg Neil has completed the ACMG Climbing Instructor Level 1. This was an extremely challenging course, and it took much time and energy over the past year to complete. The course prepared Mr. Neil to manage risk and safety on the wall, to monitor the structure of the wall, to perform maintenance as necessary, to ensure the staff are aware of the supervision ratios, and to provide assistance with climbing skills Having someone trained at this level was a necessary component for our school to obtain insurance for the wall. We are very grateful to Mr. Neil for his commitment and dedication, and we extend our congratulations to him!

4. The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools (TAAPCS)

Upcoming TAACS Meetings October 28/29, 2015 (Calgary)

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting June 16, 2015 4

Appendix “B” Connect Charter School Audit & Finance Committee Meeting Minutes June 12, 2015

I. Call to order Luana Comin-Sartor called to order the regular meeting of the Audit Committee at 7:35 am on June 12, 2015 at Connect Charter School.

II. Roll call The following persons were present: Luana Comin-Sartor, Mackenzie Regent, Gavin Peat, Myra Penberthy, and Susan Chomistek. The agenda was reviewed and approved as stated.

III. Open issues • The minutes from the May 12, 2015 meeting were approved.

• The discussion was then focused primarily on the finalization of the 2015/16 school budget in light of the funding guidance from Alberta Education (AE) and further guidance provided by the new provincial government.

1. The revenues have increased primarily by adding 14 students as increased enrolment is now going to be funded. No other material changes from the draft budget presented on May 12

2. A significant portion of the meeting was spent on the messaging in the Highlights section of the budget document to be submitted. Further clarification regarding the downward trend in Connect’s Operating Surplus is to be presented as there is no longer room to cut. Finally, the projected staffing statistics were refined and the notes to be provided that further cuts will impair Connect’s ability to deliver on the Charter as stated.

• The Audit Committee again reviewed the Connect Charter School Capital plan for $200,000 for student laptops and IPads. As there was no change, the Audit Committee recommended the budget be approved by Board. This amount is funded primarily from the enrichment fees collected annually.

• The Audit Committee reviewed the May 31, 2015 third quarter financial statements. There were no material variances of note. The Audit Committee recommended the financial statements be approved by the Board

• Future Audit Committee dates confirmed for September 24 and October 27.

IV. Carryforward to next Audit Committee meeting a) Policy review for Audit & Finance deferred until further guidance is provided by the new Minister of Education

V. Adjournment Luana Comin-Sartor adjourned the meeting at 8:45 am. Minutes submitted by: Luana Comin-Sartor Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting June 16, 2015 5 Minutes of Connect Charter School Society, Board of Directors Meeting June 25, 2015 at Connect Charter School

Board members present: Harold Lemieux, (Chair), Wendy Baillie (Vice Chair), Mark Blake, Chas Filipski, Denise Kitagawa and Gavin Peat.

Board members present via teleconference: Susan Gaetz, David McKenzie, Dr. Ashley Nixon, Mackenzie Regent and Dave Robinson.

Board members absent: Luana Comin-Sartor, Tim Edwards, Lindsay Hogan, Jeff Turner and Dr. Norm Vaughan.

Staff present: Susan Chomistek (Superintendent), Darrell Lonsberry (Principal), Myra Penberthy, (Secretary Treasurer).

Board Chair Mr. Harold Lemieux declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.

Motion 84.14 by Chas Filipski THAT the Board moves to in-camera Carried

Motion 85.14 by Mark Blake THAT the Board moves out of in-camera. Carried

In-camera, the Superintendent and Principal provided the Board with the background on a personnel issue and the steps taken. The recommendation is that the contract of the employee be terminated without cause. The Board accepts the recommendation.

Motion 86.14 by Denise Kitagawa. THAT the Board approves the termination of the contract for Employee 1125 without cause. Carried

The meeting terminated at 5:35 pm.

______Harold Lemieux, Board Chair

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting June 25, 2015

Minutes of Connect Charter School Society, Board of Directors Meeting September 8, 2015 at Connect Charter School

Board members present: Harold Lemieux, (Chair), Mark Blake, Tim Edwards, Chas Filipski, Susan Gaetz, Denise Kitagawa, David McKenzie, Dr. Ashley Nixon, Gavin Peat, Dave Robinson, Jeff Turner and Dr. Norm Vaughan.

Board members absent: Wendy Baillie (Vice Chair), Luana Comin-Sartor, Lindsay Hogan, Mackenzie Regent.

Mr. Darrell Lonsberry introduced the new teachers of Connect Charter School for the 2015/16 school year: Mr. Stephan Barg, Grade 5 Humanities, Mr. Jerome Makasiar, Grade 4 Math & Science, Ms. Brittney Glinsbockel, Grade 4 Humanities and Ms. Kimberley Slack Grade 6 Humanities .5 FTE (absent). The teachers spoke of their pre-service teacher experiences and the transition to full-time positions at Connect Charter School. Presenting a very positive perspective, each of them spoke highly of the university preparation programs and the support they had received at the school from the teachers and administration. Mr. Lemieux thanked them for their efforts and for the presentation.

Board Chair Mr. Harold Lemieux declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 5:52 pm.

Motion 1.15 by Denise Kitagawa, THAT the September 8, 2015, Board agenda be approved. Carried Motion 2.15 by Chas Filipski, THAT the June 16, 2015 and June 25, 2015 Board of Directors meeting minutes be approved. Carried

Ms. Susan Chomistek, Superintendent, presented reflections on the 2014/15 School Year and Connect Charter School Action plan for the 2015/16 School Year, Appendix “A”.

Ms. Susan Chomistek also presented the Superintendent Action Plan for 2015/16, Appendix “B” and the Connect Charter School Parent, Student and Staff Interviews – Executive Summary, Appendix “C”.

The Board was very engaged in asking questions and discussing points along the way to advance the discussion.

Mr. Harold Lemieux, Board Chair, thanked Ms. Chomistek for the very comprehensive narration of the 2014/15 school year and the 2015/16 action plan which highlighted her outstanding leadership during her first year at Connect Charter School. The Board congratulated the leadership team for a smooth startup of the 2015/16 school year.

Motion 3.15 by Dave Robinson, THAT the Board ratifies and approves the following staff contracts:

1. A temporary part-time teaching contract, for Ms. Kimberley Slack, from August 17, 2015, to June 30, 2016;

2. A temporary teaching contract for Mr. Stephan Barg, from August 17, 2015, to the end of the maternity leave for the assigned position;

3. The employment contract for Ms. Suzanne Veteikis in the position of Library Assistant / Technician. Carried Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015

Motion 4.15 by Mark Blake, THAT the Board approve an extension of the full-time teaching contract for Ms. Brittney Glinsbockel to June 30, 2016.

Carried

Leadership Team Report, Susan Chomistek, Darrell Lonsberry Phil Butterfield & Scott Petronech Ms. Susan Chomistek reviewed the Leadership team report and gave highlights of the report, Appendix “D”. The Provincial Achievement Test results will be shared at the October School Council and October Board meetings.

Dr. Phil Butterfield gave a presentation on Camp Gardner, currently leased by Scouts Canada.

Mr. Darrell Lonsberry, principal of Connect Charter School, shared an announcement regarding Ms. Shashi Shergill receiving the Governor General’s award for teaching excellence in Humanities.

Governance, Harold Lemieux • There has not been a meeting since April 21st. No report.

Research & Innovation, Dr. Norm Vaughan • Dr. Vaughan gave a great presentation during the staff meeting at Connect Charter School on the Research & Innovation grants.

School Council, Mark Blake • The first School council meeting was on September 1, 2015. The Meet the Teacher night and Family Barbeque were great successes.

External Collaboration, Dave Robinson • No report.

Working Group for Researching a Second Campus, Mark Blake • No report

Communications, Chas Filipski • No report.

Facilities, Tim Edwards • Huge accolades to Mr. Darrell Lonsberry for the facilities enhancements including painting and student furniture.

School Operations, Denise Kitagawa • No report.

Secretary Treasurer and Audit & Finance Committee Report (Myra Penberthy, Luana Comin-Sartor) • Secretary Treasurer’s report, Appendix “E”.

The meeting terminated at 8:25 pm.

______Harold Lemieux, Board Chair

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015 2

Appendix “A” Connect Charter School

Reflecting on Key Accomplishments in the Past School Year and Outlining Priorities for Action for the 2015-2016 School Year

Susan Chomistek - September 1, 2015

As superintendent of Connect Charter School, I will make reference to the action plan from the 2014/15 year, provide observations and reflections on what has been accomplished thus far, and identify areas for continued focus. In collecting evidence for this report, several major themes and areas of accomplishment became clear. One of the most striking areas of accomplishment I noted was in the success of Connect Charter School students as learners as reflected in a wide range of measures and indicators, including interviews of students and staff, conversations with current students and alumni, and during formal and informal observations. The students embrace the goals of the school and are very involved in their learning. During the student interviews, they expressed an appreciation for the staff at Connect Charter School in providing an exemplary learning environment. Additionally, the commitment and ongoing support from the parents is very evident and clearly contributes to the success of the students and allows for diverse opportunities. The dedication and exemplary leadership of the administrative team as well as the strong support and leadership from the Board of Directors are further key elements in ensuring success for all students. A true measure of the effectiveness of the various initiatives as a school community is the degree to which they support the work of the staff and ultimately foster the success of our students.

Major accomplishments over the past school year include the following:

1. Initiatives to Promote Connect Charter School as a Crucible for Change and a Centre for Collaboration and the Sharing of Exemplary Practices Relating to Learning, Teaching, and Leadership

There were a number of exemplary initiatives facilitated by the Communication and Collaboration Coordinator Erin Couillard-Piper, the Portfolio Leaders, the administration, as well as by members of the Connect Charter School staff to promote the active involvement of the school staff in hosting visits to the school, participating in visits to other schools, as well as an incredible number of additional professional development activities. Over the 2014/2015 school year, there were over 460 visitors to the school. The hosting of the fourth annual Innovate West conference in October 2014 with 164 participants was a tremendous success in promoting the school as a centre for collaboration and the promotion of exemplary teaching and leadership practices. The school also hosted two networking days. One focused on Physical Education, with 30 participants from public school jurisdictions, public charter schools, and universities attending the networking day. The second day was an Inclusive Practices networking day with 54 participants from charter schools, private schools, and public schools. In addition to this, several staff presented at universities or at conferences or were referenced in national magazines or during university lectures.

• Dr. Phil Butterfield represented our school at the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE) conference at the University of Ottawa. He presented the findings of his research into instructional leadership in Alberta public charter schools, as well as co-presented with Dr. Lynn Bosetti on the ‘Politics of Reform: Charter schools 20 years later’. • Ms. Deirdre Bailey represented Connect Charter School at two conferences in Western Canada. Along with members of her former grad cohort from the University of Calgary, she presented at Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015 3

the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies 2015 Provoking Curriculum Conference at the University of British Columbia. She was also invited to sit on an opening panel discussion at the Rocky View Ed Camp. • Ms. Abby Saadeh co-presented with Dr. Norm Vaughn at the IDEAS 2015 Conference at the University of Calgary on “Pathways to Success: The Joy and Challenge of Implementing Student eLearning Plans”. • Reference was made in the Education Canada magazine to the exemplary learning and teaching that occurred with Mr. Greg Neil and his students in the Northern Gateway Project. Additionally, methodologies used in Mr. Neil’s classroom are being shared at the University of Calgary. • Mr. Scott Petronech presented at the Apple Education Leadership Institute in Toronto using a case study for Connect Charter School. • The efforts of Connect Charter School teachers, Mr. Greg Neill and Mrs. Margaret Leland, and their students were highlighted in the January/February 2015 Canadian Geographic article, New geospatial software connects with kids. Lynn Moorman, an assistant profession at MRU, collaborated with our teachers and students and with the development team at WorldView to create and test the software.

A focus of the External Collaboration Committee was to have more of our students and teachers present at universities or other venues in the city or province. Our grade nine students presented at Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary. As a culminating activity for an inquiry into the relationship between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people in Canada, Connect Charter School grade nine students showcased their work and engaged in critical, academic conversations with pre-service teachers at the University of Calgary and MRU campuses. Throughout this inquiry unit, students were able to consider and articulate multiple perspectives. They heard from many different experts, and were fortunate to be able to host a lecture by a leading authority in Canada on aboriginal relations, Dr. Dwayne Donald, from the University of Alberta

2. Participation in the Alberta Charter Schools Association Research Project and Initiatives to Promote Charter Schools as Centres of Research, Innovation, and the Development of Exemplary Practices in Learning, Teaching, and Leadership

Board members and members of the leadership team played active leadership roles in the TAAPCS’ sponsored research on charter schools in Alberta. Members of the leadership team were involved in the TAAPCS program funded by Alberta Education to explore the Alberta Education framework for school leadership and to develop exemplary leadership practices, which could be replicated in other school jurisdictions. As well, board members and members of the leadership team were involved in promoting the role of charter schools as centres of research in the development of innovative practices in learning, teaching and leadership.

3. Promoting the Development of Exemplary Teachers through Partnerships with University Teacher Preparation Programs

Connect has become a highly sought after practicum placement for pre-service teaching programs in Alberta. In the first four months of the school year, a University of Lethbridge student teacher completed his PS III practicum. Six MRU teacher candidates participating in a pilot program that provided an extended (16 week) practicum placement during which seminar and course work took place within the school setting and was integrated into the practicum experience. Three U of C

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student teachers also completed their pre-service programs at Connect. In addition we had a candidate from the ‘Bridges to Teaching’ program complete a practicum in a grade 9 math/science class in order to become qualified to teach in Alberta. A second year student teacher from the University of Lethbridge completed a practicum in the spring, bringing to twelve the number of student teachers engaged in teaching, learning, and research at Connect during the 2014/15 school year. In addition to the practicum placements, ten students from the education department at Hokkaido University came to Connect to observe effective inquiry in action and an innovative learning environment. Hokkaido University has a partnership with the University of Calgary, and Dr. Dressler recommended that our school be an important component of the Hokkaido tour.

4. University of Calgary Partner Research School

Establishing partnerships with post-secondary institutions demonstrates Connect Charter School’s commitment to fostering an authentic and rigorous action research mindset within our staff. Focusing on the premise that teachers are researchers by virtue of their role in education, our challenge is one of developing a common research language and a spectrum of methodologies that align with exemplary teaching, learning, and leadership practice. The Partner Research Schools initiative of the University of Calgary provides a forum to create school-researcher relationships based on common interests and areas of expertise. We are continuing our involvement with Partner Research Schools and are beginning to evolve important research partnerships as a result.

5. Connect Charter School Research and Innovation Projects

There has been a great deal of interest within the school and beyond, shown in the Connect Charter School Research and Innovation projects which started in the 2011/12 school year. Staff members can access the $2000 per project funding provided by the Board of Directors to undertake a rich variety of Research and Innovation projects based on the Connect Charter School frameworks for Exemplary Learning, Teaching and Leadership. Dr. Norm Vaughn, Dr. Phil Butterfield, and Susan Chomistek presented at the TAAPCS Conference and to the Foundation for the Futures Charter Acadmy’s Board of Directors. While the R and I projects have been very successful since the inception of the program, there were very few projects for the 2014/15 school year, making this an area of focus for the upcoming year.

6. Research Project with Mount Royal University

We participated in a federally funded research project through Mount Royal University to participate in a study that will provide insight into how transformative pedagogies can be enacted within a realistic approach to teacher education. The approach is based on experiential learning and the intent is to have the pre-service teachers more effectively transform experience into knowledge. The project was very successful and we were pleased with the process and look forward to the results being released.

7. Joint Initiative with the Galileo Educational Network Association for the Development of a Resource for Learning and Teaching through a Disposition of Inquiry

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Work had been undertaken on the rewriting of an Alberta Education resource that focused on learning and teaching through a disposition of inquiry. Five illustrated examples were shown based on the work that was done at our school by our teachers, as well as in other schools in Alberta. We are very pleased to have contributed so extensively to the Alberta Education funded resource.

8. Implementation of Leadership Portfolio Positions

The results from the parent, student and teacher surveys showed very strong support for the work that was completed by the portfolio leaders in furthering our charter goals. With the outdoor and environmental position, concerted efforts were made all year in consultation with teachers and students to outline a future vision based on the successes of the past. Developing capacity within the school during our retreat and professional development days and outlining a very strong and detailed plan for outdoor education was a key focus for the year. This included developing a scaffolded approach to adding to the skills and knowledge base from grades four through nine. The leadership component for students was enhanced and expanded. In the portfolio area of leadership and citizenship, new programs were developed and existing programs enriched. Among the many opportunities this year, we were chosen as one of two hundred schools in Canada for the junior leadership program, Right to Play. Students were able to attend workshops to develop leadership skills, which they then used to enhance programming for students in our school. Another opportunity occurred when the Werklund Foundation recognized exemplary student leadership and citizenship with our grade nine students and agreed to fund the Empowering Youth program for all grade nine students in the upcoming year. In the surveys, the students and parents expressed appreciation for the new opportunities that were given to them. In the area of Curriculum and Assessment, teaching and student learning was made visible through blogs and videos. These were used to help others within our province to see the work that is occurring in our classrooms. One of the videos was used in the Galileo work to document exemplary inquiry in action. A key component of this position was the element of reflection on teaching practice. Working with teachers to design, implement, and assess strong inquiry based learning has resulted in creating an environment where deeper understanding of concepts can occur. 9. Achieved Apple Distinguished School Designation

The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate Apple’s vision of exemplary learning environments. The selection of Connect Charter School as an Apple Distinguished School highlights our success as an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic accomplishment.

During the next school year we will continue to build on these and other accomplishments, and we will pursue recommendations for further action including those identified in the Connect Charter School Strategic Plan – Lead Share Transform, which was approved by the Board of Directors in February of 2015.

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Priorities for Action for the 2014 – 2015 School Year

1. Work Collaboratively with Alberta Education and Other Partners in Education in Serving as a Crucible for Change and Promoting the Successful Implementation of the Inspiring Education Agenda

We need to continue to build close working relationships with Alberta Education and other partners in education in pursuit of the goal of serving as a centre for research-informed practices, innovation, and the development of exemplary learning, teaching, and leading. If we are to serve in a key role to bring about a transformation in education in Alberta, it will be important to work with other charter schools and the Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools to demonstrate to Alberta Education and other stakeholders in education that charter schools have an important role to serve. Specifically we shall: 1) Invite Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Minister of Education, other Alberta Education leaders, and other key government, corporate and community leaders to visit Connect Charter School to engage in a dialogue on strategies to promote a transformation in education and become involved in joint ventures designed to achieve the Inspiring Education goals. 2) Involve the members of the Connect Charter School staff, Board of Directors and the External Collaboration Committee in building on the significant accomplishments and pursuing further enhancements relating to the goal of having Connect Charter School recognized as a centre for collaboration in learning, teaching and leadership. 3) Continue to celebrate the unique mandate of charter schools as centres of innovation, research, and the development of exemplary practices and to promote among our charter school colleagues’ joint initiatives to become recognized and respected for this important role in education. 4) Create an environment through teacher led professional learning networks that models engaged learning, ethical citizenship, and the entrepreneurial spirit. 5) Continue to develop the leadership capacity among all Connect Charter School students and staff through the development of meaningful leadership activities.

2. Develop Long Term Scenarios and an Implementation Plan for Connect Charter School Related to the 15 Year Charter Renewal and a Second Campus

The 15 year charter enables Connect Charter School to pursue opportunities to expand our realm of influence and to increase opportunities for better serving our students, facilitating the professional growth of our staff, and working collaboratively within the school community and beyond in promoting exemplary learning, teaching, and leadership. Specifically we shall: 1) In a purposeful manner, develop options and strategies through the Connect Charter School Board working group for researching a second campus. 2) Continue to work with Alberta Education to address the request, which was first made in January 2013 by the Board of Directors and then readdressed twice in 2015, for a suitable second facility to accommodate a middle school (grades 4 to 9) student population.

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3. Use the Connect Charter School Descriptors of Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership as Living Documents and Frameworks for Action in Promoting Student Growth as Learners and the Professional Growth of Teachers and Administrators.

The Connect Charter School Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership documents were developed with the active involvement of students, staff, parents, and members of the Board of Directors to reflect the charter goals and guiding principles and the unique characteristics of Connect Charter School as a public charter school. In the 2013/14 school year, the exemplary teaching and learning frameworks were revised and updated. The exemplary leadership framework was revised and updated in the 2014/15 year. These documents have served the students and staff well, and there is much more that can be accomplished in making them living documents. Specifically we shall: 1) Continue to develop the Connect Charter School learner growth plans based on the exemplary learning framework to document areas of strength, areas for further growth, and a distinctive plan for each student to experience success. Building on the success during the 2014/15 school year where all students in the school developed learner growth plans and profiles, continued work will be done on the existing document to modify and enrich the information that is already present to effectively document student growth and reflections on their learning. 2) Further enhance the student survey instrument to provide feedback to teachers based on the exemplary learning and teaching frameworks and ensure that teachers use this throughout the school year to solicit feedback from their students to further refine and improve their practice. In addition to this, we will explore other approaches for hearing the student voice. 3) Develop a staff profile of areas of strength and areas for growth based on the Connect Charter School Exemplary Teaching Framework, which can be used in organizing professional learning experiences, and developing personalized learning plans. In the 2014/15 school year, staff used Pathbrite, the online portfolio tool that the students use, to document areas of strength, areas for further growth, and a growth plan based on their professional learning needs. 4) Use a distributed leadership model based on areas for growth and support as identified by teachers. Three portfolio leadership positions were created in the areas of: i. Environmental and Outdoor Education, ii. Citizenship, School Leadership, and Staff Wellness, and iii. Curriculum and Assessment. These leadership positions will be of further support for the professional development of teachers.

4. Promote and Enhance the Work of the School through Research Initiatives and Active Partnerships with Key Stakeholder Groups

Connect Charter School has a history of a strong presence and active, effective involvement with many and varied stakeholder groups. We will continue to build on the relationships that have been developed thus far, as well as to expand our scope of influence. Specifically we shall work with the following groups: 1) Alberta Education- • Serve on the School Technology Advisory Committee (STAC) which provides a forum for K-12 stakeholders to provide pedagogical and technical advice to Alberta Education about technology initiatives, opportunities, and issues related to technology implementation in the learning system

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• Work with jurisdictions who are involved in curriculum prototype development • Pursue the idea of serving as a crucible for change through joint ventures with Alberta Education • Continue to be involved in the Tell Them For Me learner engagement surveys 2) University of Calgary- • Continue to be actively involved in pursuing joint ventures with the University of Calgary as a Partner Research School • Continue to be very actively involved in serving as a partner school for the teacher preparation programs and explore the possibility of working with the university in undertaking teacher preparation pilot projects • Continue with the collaboration with Galileo 3) Mount Royal University- • Continue to involve Mount Royal University faculty in projects to enrich learning and teaching • Continue to serve as a partner school for the Teacher Preparation Program 4) Calgary Regional Consortium- • Continue to explore opportunities for joint ventures with the Calgary Regional Consortium in providing professional development programs such as the very successful mathematics lesson study programs and the Innovate West conferences which have been hosted at the Connect Charter School • Serve on the Calgary Regional Consortium Technology Advisory group 5) Alberta School Jurisdictions- • Establish working relationships with other school jurisdictions to provide opportunities for Connect Charter School teachers for short-term exchanges and co-learning experiences with teachers in other schools as well as job-embedded professional development experiences • Continue to build on the positive work that has been done with other charter schools in Alberta through the TAAPCS organization and continue the active involvement with the School Leadership Learning Initiative 6) Werklund Foundation – • Continue to build on existing programs and initiatives to promote student leadership development in Connect Charter School through experiences supported by the Werklund Foundation • Expand the Empowering Minds program to include it as an integral part of the grade nine curriculum 7) Partnerships with Corporations and Community Agencies- • Actively pursue opportunities to enhance learning and teaching in Connect Charter School through the authentic involvement of "outside experts" and through partnerships and joint ventures

5. Research and Innovation Projects

Continue with and expand the Research and Innovation projects and implement enhancements for these utilizing the $20,000 which has been allocated for the current school year. Specifically we shall: Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015 9

1) Encourage teachers to maintain a research focus in their teaching and encourage students to develop the disposition of researchers 2) Encourage teachers to explore areas of interest or areas for professional learning by undertaking a Research and Innovation project 3) Build on previous Research and Innovation projects, consider and implement appropriate recommendations and continue to make enhancements based on these projects

6. Explore Suggestions for Further Consideration Generated through the Superintendent Interviews of Students, Parents, and Staff Members

An Executive Summary of the document relating to the superintendent interviews of 50 parents, approximately 600 students (as class groups) and 47 staff members is posted on the school website. In addition to the areas of commendation and the strong support that is shown for the Connect Charter School goals and the tremendous appreciation for the excellent contributions and professionalism of the staff, there are a number of suggestions for further consideration that should be reviewed. Specifically, the following suggestions from parents, students and staff should be given further consideration:

The following suggestions for further consideration (with a response rate of 6% or more) were identified through the parent interviews:

I. Enhance Communication Processes (26%) – Representative comments include: • Better communication with parents • Put on more workshops for parents; teachers could have workshops for parents on topics such as assessment or inquiry • I am now checking Edmodo more and getting the information, so perhaps there needs to be more training for parents earlier in the year II. Carefully Consider the Benefits of Looping (14%) – Representative comments include: • Looping of grades is fantastic when the child has a strong relationship with the teacher and when the class is a good fit for them, but it can be a long two years when the situation is not ideal • Consider looping changes when teaching and learning styles are very different - as the students get older, the looping is less effective; grades 8 and 9 should not loop at all III. Different Approaches to Assessment and Reporting Should be Considered (14%) – Representative comments include: • It is a huge adjustment when kids go to high school; changing the grading system as they get older might help them have a better sense of what their marks are • I don’t like the report cards • From the information that is given, I do not know how to help my child; use the talent and intelligence of the staff to create a better system IV. Review the Electives Offered (10%) - Representative comments include: • Would like to see the electives revamped so there are more hands on activities • Could we tap into parents as partners in the electives

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• Would love to see electives on a rotational basis: For example, offer a second language, technology (coding or robotics) • Talk to teachers as what they might see as the categories for electives and then plan them at the beginning of the year V. The Bussing System Should be Examined (8%) – Representative comments include: • Expand the area that buses travel; we live outside the city and it is very difficult to get our child to an existing route (we would pay extra money to have this service) • Our bussing route was very problematic this year VI. Continued Support for the Performing and Visual Arts (8%) - Representative comments include: • Would like to see the visual and performing arts supported as well as the band program is supported; parents could perhaps work with leads to assist here • Visual arts is a strong program; can parents help even more here VII. Consideration should be Given to Offering A Second Language (6%) – Representative comments include: • It would be good to have a second language offered; my children were in French Immersion before this • I acknowledge the difficulty in adding this dimension to the current schedule and teacher setup, but it is a drawback to have no language options for 6 years VIII. Transition to High School (6%) – Representative comments include: • Ensure a smooth transition to high school • Make sure students are prepared for high school and university IX. Continued or Improved Strong Academic Standards (4%) - Representative comments include: • Make sure there are strong academic standards even after the PATs are gone • More rigour in academics

There were a total of 17 suggestions for further consideration generated through the parent interviews and this feedback is included in the comprehensive summary document.

The following suggestions for further consideration (with a response rate of 25% or more) were identified through the student interviews:

I. Outdoor Space Enhancements (92%) – • Make Clem’s Garden bigger and have a bigger naturalization centre • More playground equipment • More basketball courts and repaint the lines on the existing courts • Have a water fountain outside, both for the students and for the community after hours • Create an outdoor space for a covered classroom • Make a paved area in the compound II. Indoor Space Enhancements (83%) – • Create places to spread out our backpacks or have lockers in the younger grades • Bean bag chairs • Repaint classrooms • Warm water • More solar tubes or natural light • Change rooms Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015 11

• Wheelchair access to the stage • Microwaves in the halls or classrooms • Upgrade windows so they open III. Offer Second Language Electives (75%) – • We would like to have an opportunity to learn a second language IV. Make Provision for more Interschool and Intramural Sports Teams (75%) – • We would like to have more opportunities for intramural and inter-school sports-including soccer, floor hockey, and football • There should be teams for grades 4 and 5 • We would like to expand the teams we play V. Changes to School Electives (67%) – • We like the school electives and would like to have them more often • More cooking electives VI. Changes to Family Groups (58%) – • Double period for family groups • Change family groups every 2 to 3 years • Have family groups for grades 4 to 6 and 7 to 9 - more outside activities for all family groups • Family groups for grades 4 – 8; grade 9 students use family group time for flex time VII. Changes in Supervision (25%)– • Freedom during the lunch hour to move around to other classes • Have the supervisors spread out on the playground instead of bunched up in one place • Play zone for rainy days • Open campus in grade 9

There are an additional 30 suggestions for improvement generated by the students which are outlined in the full summary document.

The following suggestions for further consideration (with a response rate of 19% or more) were identified through the staff member interviews:

I. Continue with the Work on a Strong Focus on our Charter Pillars (40%) -Representative comments include: • We have started on a very deliberate path to improvement. Let’s talk about the pillars and examine them. We had outdoor education retreats focused on this pillar and I felt this was very effective. Let’s do the same for inquiry and technology • I really like the pillars of our charter I think we need to delve deeply into each of them and make sure that everyone understands why we are doing what we are doing II. Do More to Address the Special Learning and Personal Development Needs of our Students (26%) – Representative comments include: • Continue building capacity for inclusion • More time spent with inclusive practices coach would help • As a staff, we should look at the research on gender and learning III. Enhance and Celebrate Professional Development Programs and Initiatives (21%) – Representative comments include:

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• With always pushing ourselves as professionals to the next level, sometimes we don’t reflect enough on what we have done before we move on to something else • With Professional Development, I would like to bring in more experts who would help us enhance what we are already doing (Galileo) • I really like the Professional Learning Networks: could we dedicate more time to these IV. Leadership and Leadership Opportunities (19%) – Representative comments include: • I would like to see admin in the classrooms even more. I have valued the interactions this year • Everyone has strengths and would love to contribute; as the portfolio positions evolve, give other people opportunities to have these positions

As well there are 39 other suggestions for improvement outlined in the interview full summary document.

7. These are the specific recommendations in the Connect Charter School Strategic Plan 2015 – Lead, Share, Transform which shall be addressed as 2015/16 Board Priorities:

1) The External Collaboration Committee and members of the school leadership team will develop a plan for Board approval to have the Connect Charter School serve as a crucible for change and innovation and a catalyst in the development of a network of pre-service teachers, teachers, and school leaders dedicated to effectively implementing the Alberta Education Inspiring Education transformation agenda. 2) Support will continue for staff members to conduct Research and Innovation projects including financial consideration and the expertise of education researchers from partnering universities. Enhancements will be made to the program to promote the sharing of research findings within the school and beyond. 3) Connect will identify options for enhancing and expanding the current facility and will actively pursue arrangements for a suitable second facility to provide a middle school program (grade 4 to 9) in keeping with the current charter guiding principles, vision, mission, and goals 4) Members of the Board, administration, and school staff will continue to serve as key communicators and will place a high priority on establishing positive working relationships and networks within government, including Alberta Education, with universities, school jurisdictions and other partners in education in fulfilling the mandate of the strategic plan to lead, share, and transform.

Respectfully submitted, Susan Chomistek

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Appendix “B” Connect Charter School Superintendent Action Plan for the 2015–16 School Year Susan Chomistek - September 1, 2015 As the superintendent of Connect Charter School, I will make reference to the action plan from the previous year, provide observations and reflections on what was accomplished during the 2014-15 school year, and identify areas for continued focus and action. There were several major accomplishments involving the members of the Connect Charter School community during the past school year. Major accomplishments over the past school year include the following: 10. Initiatives to Promote Connect Charter School as a Crucible for Change and a Centre for Collaboration and the Sharing of Exemplary Practices Relating to Learning, Teaching, and Leadership There were a number of exemplary initiatives facilitated by the Communication and Collaboration Coordinator Erin Couillard-Piper, the Portfolio Leaders, the administration, as well as by members of the Connect Charter School staff to promote the active involvement of the school staff in hosting visits to the school, participating in visits to other schools, as well as an incredible number of additional professional development activities. Over the 2014/2015 school year, there were over 460 visitors to the school. The hosting of the fourth annual Innovate West conference in October 2014 with 164 participants was a tremendous success in promoting the school as a centre for collaboration and the promotion of exemplary teaching and leadership practices. The school also hosted two networking days. One focused on Physical Education, with 30 participants from public school jurisdictions, public charter schools, and universities attending the networking day. The second day was an Inclusive Practices networking day with 54 participants from charter schools, private schools, and public schools. In addition to this, several staff presented at universities or at conferences or were referenced in national magazines or during university lectures: • Dr. Phil Butterfield represented our school at the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE) conference at the University of Ottawa. He presented the findings of his research into instructional leadership in Alberta public charter schools, as well as co-presented with Dr. Lynn Bosetti on the ‘Politics of Reform: Charter schools 20 years later’. • Ms. Deirdre Bailey represented Connect Charter School at two conferences in Western Canada. Along with members of her former grad cohort from the University of Calgary, she presented at the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies 2015 Provoking Curriculum Conference at the University of British Columbia. She was also invited to sit on an opening panel discussion at the Rocky View Ed Camp. • Ms. Abby Saadeh co-presented with Dr. Norm Vaughn at the IDEAS 2015 Conference at the University of Calgary on “Pathways to Success: The Joy and Challenge of Implementing Student eLearning Plans”. • Reference was made in the Education Canada magazine to the exemplary learning and teaching that occurred with Mr. Greg Neil and his students in the Northern Gateway Project. Additionally, methodologies used in Mr. Neil’s classroom are being shared at the University of Calgary. • Mr. Scott Petronech presented at the Apple Education Leadership Institute in Toronto using a case study for Connect Charter School. • The efforts of Connect Charter School teachers, Mr. Greg Neill and Mrs. Margaret Leland, and their students were highlighted in the January/February 2015 Canadian Geographic article, New geospatial software connects with kids. Lynn Moorman, an assistant profession at MRU, collaborated with our teachers and students and with the development team at WorldView to create and test the software.

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A focus of the External Collaboration Committee was to have more of our students and teachers present at universities or other venues in the city or province. Our grade nine students presented at Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary. As a culminating activity for an inquiry into the relationship between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people in Canada, Connect Charter School grade nine students showcased their work and engaged in critical, academic conversations with pre-service teachers at the University of Calgary and MRU campuses. Throughout this inquiry unit, students were able to consider and articulate multiple perspectives. They were able to hear from many different experts, and were fortunate to be able to host a lecture by a leading authority in Canada on aboriginal relations, Dr. Dwayne Donald, from the University of Alberta

11. Participation in the Alberta Charter Schools Association Research Project and Initiatives to Promote Charter Schools as Centres of Research, Innovation, and the Development of Exemplary Practices in Learning, Teaching, and Leadership Board members and members of the leadership team participated in the TAAPCS’ sponsored research on charter schools in Alberta. Members of the leadership team were actively involved in the TAAPCS program funded by Alberta Education to explore the Alberta Education framework for school leadership and to develop exemplary leadership practices, which could be replicated in other school jurisdictions. As well, board members and members of the leadership team were involved in promoting the role of charter schools as centres of research in the development of innovative practices in learning, teaching and leadership.

12. Promoting the Development of Exemplary Teachers through Partnerships with University Teacher Preparation Programs Connect has become a highly sought after practicum placement for pre-service teaching programs in Alberta. In the first four months, a University of Lethbridge student teacher completed his PS III practicum. Six MRU teacher candidates participating in a pilot program that provided an extended (16 week) practicum placement during which seminar and course work took place within the school setting and was integrated into the practicum experience. Three U of C student teachers also completed their pre-service programs at Connect. In addition, we had a candidate from the ‘Bridges to Teaching’ program complete a practicum in a grade 9 math/science class in order to become qualified to teach in Alberta. A second year student teacher from the University of Lethbridge completed a practicum in the spring, bringing to twelve the number of student teachers engaged in teaching, learning, and research at Connect during the 2014/15 school year. In addition to the practicum placements, ten students from the education department at Hokkaido University came to Connect to observe effective inquiry in action and an innovative learning environment. Hokkaido University has a partnership with the University of Calgary, and Dr. Dressler recommended that our school be an important component of the Hokkaido tour. 13. University of Calgary Partner Research School Establishing partnerships with post-secondary institutions demonstrates Connect Charter School’s commitment to fostering an authentic and rigorous action research mindset within our staff. Focusing on the premise that teachers are researchers by virtue of their role in education, our challenge is one of developing a common research language and a spectrum of methodologies that align with exemplary teaching, learning, and leadership practice. The Partner Research Schools initiative of the University of Calgary provides a forum to create school-researcher relationships based on common interests and areas of expertise. We are continuing our involvement with Partner Research Schools and are beginning to evolve important research partnerships as a result. 14. Connect Charter School Research and Innovation Projects There has been a great deal of interest within the school and beyond shown in the Connect Charter School Research and Innovation projects which started in the 2011/12 school year. Staff members can access the $2000 per project funding provided by the Board of Directors to undertake a rich Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015 15

variety of Research and Innovation projects based on the Connect Charter School frameworks for Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leading. Dr. Norm Vaughn, Dr. Phil Butterfield, and Susan Chomistek presented at the TAAPCS Conference and to the Foundation for the Futures Charter Academy’s Board of Directors. While the R and I projects have been very successful since the inception of the program, there were very few projects for the 2014/165 school year, making this an area of focus for the upcoming year.

15. Research Project with Mount Royal University Connect Charter School participated in a federally funded research project through Mount Royal University to participate in a study that will provide insight into how transformative pedagogies can be enacted within a realistic approach to teacher education. The approach is based on experiential learning and the intent is to have the pre-service teachers more effectively transform experience into knowledge. The project was very successful and we were pleased with the process and look forward to the results being released.

16. Joint Initiative with the Galileo Educational Network Association for the Development of a Resource for Learning and Teaching through a Disposition of Inquiry Work had been undertaken on the rewriting of an Alberta Education resource that focused on learning and teaching through a disposition of inquiry. Several illustrated examples were given based on the work that was done at our school by five different teachers, as well as in other schools in Alberta. We are very pleased to have contributed so extensively to the Alberta Education funded resource. 17. Implementation of Leadership Portfolio Positions The results from the parent, student, and teacher surveys showed very strong support for the work that was completed by the portfolio leaders in furthering our charter goals. With the outdoor and environmental position, concerted efforts were made all year in consultation with teachers and students, to outline a future vision based on the successes of the past. Developing capacity within the school during our retreat and professional development days and outlining a very strong and detailed plan for outdoor and environmental education was a key focus for the year. This included developing a scaffolded approach to adding to the skills and knowledge base from grades four through nine. The leadership component for students was also enhanced and expanded. In the portfolio area of leadership and citizenship, new programs were developed and existing programs enriched. Among the many new opportunities this year, we were chosen as one of two hundred schools in Canada for the junior leadership program, Right to Play. Students were able to attend workshops to develop leadership skills, which they then used to enhance programming for students in our school. Another opportunity occurred when the Werklund Foundation recognized exemplary student leadership and citizenship with our grade nine students and agreed to fund the Empowering Youth program for all grade nine students in the upcoming year. In the surveys, the students and parents expressed appreciation for the new opportunities that were given to them. In the area of Curriculum and Assessment, teaching and student learning was made visible through blogs and videos. These were used to help others within our province to see the work that is occurring in our classrooms. One of the videos was used in the Galileo work to document exemplary inquiry in action. A key component of this position was the element of reflection on teaching practice. Working with teachers to design, implement, and assess strong inquiry based learning has resulted in an environment where deeper understanding of concepts can occur. 18. Achieved Apple Distinguished School Designation The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate Apple’s vision of exemplary learning environments. The selection of Connect Charter School as an Apple Distinguished School highlights our success as an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic accomplishment. Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015 16

During the next school year, we will continue to build on these and other accomplishments and we will pursue recommendations for further action including those identified in the strategic plan, which was approved by the Board of Directors in February of 2015. We need to continue to build close working relationships with Alberta Education and other partners in education in pursuit of the goal of serving as a centre for research-informed practices, innovation, and the development of exemplary learning, teaching, and leading. We have been able to establish a strong foundation for continuing to build on the proposal to formalize the development of the Connect Charter School Centre for Collaboration in Learning, Teaching and Leadership. If we are to serve in a key role in the Alberta Inspiring Education agenda to bring about a transformation in education in Alberta, it will be important to work with other charter schools and the Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools. This will demonstrate to Alberta Education and other stakeholders in education that charter schools have an important role to serve as centres of innovation for the development of exemplary practices. I will focus my action strategies on the following three goals which I believe should be priorities for action: providing and promoting instructional leadership, promoting and enhancing the work of the school, and supporting the work of the Board of Directors. I have identified the following action strategies for each of the three goals and have noted some key indicators in parentheses and bold font: Providing and Promoting Instructional Leadership 1. Establishing positive, respectful relationships with every staff member through strategies including the following: ongoing informal interactions; classroom visits; supporting student projects and special initiatives; providing feedback and sharing ideas through informal discussions, written documents, appreciation certificates and teacher evaluation reports; attending and participating in teacher and school leader team meetings, staff meetings, staff retreats and PD days, and attending school functions and special events.(I continue with efforts to have a strong presence in the school community. Preliminary results from the superintendent survey that was issued to all staff indicates that the commitment made in this area is valued and that staff would like to see continued emphasis on this area of leadership.) 2. Working closely with the leadership team in providing support and assistance on an ongoing basis. Developing and implementing action strategies with a focus on instructional leadership through the weekly leadership team meetings. (The superintendent, principal, assistant principals and secretary-treasurer meet weekly to identify needs and develop action strategies to address these needs. An ongoing record is maintained of items that were discussed and the items remain on the agenda until appropriate action has been taken.) 3. Promoting leadership development using the Alberta School Leadership Competencies as a framework. (Continue the work that had been started with Connect Charter School leadership team in using the Alberta Education school leadership framework as a focal point for enhancing leadership practices with an emphasis on providing effective instructional leadership. Survey results from the teachers indicate a strong appreciation for the efforts of the administrative team in supporting them in their work within the school. Preliminary meetings have been held with the administration to discuss how the instructional leadership format for the upcoming year will develop. A team approach will be used with the leadership growth plans aligning with the Connect Charter School Action Plan. This will continue to be a priority as well as developing action plans for enhancing the work of the administrators and others in school leadership roles as instructional leaders.) 4. Being actively involved in the recruitment and selection of new teachers and assisting in providing ongoing support for new teachers. (I am involved in the interview and selection process for new teachers. I will spend time in their classrooms and through informal discussions offer support and assistance. During the upcoming school year, I will complete written evaluations of teachers as part of the process for recommending teachers for permanent certification.) 5. Promoting exemplary teaching based on Connect Charter School’s descriptors of exemplary teaching and student learning through a variety of initiatives. (The Exemplary Teaching, Learning, and Leadership

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015 17

documents will continue to serve as living documents to guide teaching practices. The documents will be used as a framework for each teacher to develop a professional learning plan. The learning plan will be documented using Pathbrite, the online tool which is also used by the students. The Exemplary Learning document serves as a guide for students to inform them of the expectations for learners in Connect Charter School. This year, work will continue on further refining the learner profile/student growth plan for all students which is in keeping with the Alberta Education Action on Inclusion initiative and will be used to personalize learning experiences and to have every Connect student experience success as a learner. In addition to this, the Connect Charter School Exemplary Teaching framework will be used as a foundation for teacher recruitment and hiring, teacher evaluation, teacher professional growth and the organization of professional learning activities.)

Promoting and Enhancing the Work of the School 6. Serving as an advocate and ambassador for Connect Charter School and promoting positive, productive working relationships with: Alberta Education; the Association of Alberta Public Charter schools; the College of Alberta School Superintendents; the Galileo Educational Network Association; the University of Calgary; Mount Royal University; the University of Lethbridge; the Calgary Regional Professional Development Consortium; the Calgary Board of Education; the Calgary Catholic School District and other stakeholders in education. (I have had several meetings this year and have upcoming meetings scheduled. Together with the leadership team, a concerted effort to be involved with our partners in education is a focus.) 7. Providing assistance and support to the Portfolio Leaders and school leadership team members in promoting partnerships and joint ventures for the benefit of the school. (We are grateful for the strong partnerships we have developed with the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, the Werklund Foundation, and the Calgary Regional Consortium. Continued efforts will be made to encourage continued collaboration.) 8. Participating with members of the school leadership team in programs and initiatives sponsored by Alberta Education, the Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools, the College of Alberta School Superintendents and other educational organizations, which are designed to promote school improvement. (Continued involvement and leadership in CASS, the TAAPCS School Leadership Learning Initiative, and with Alberta Education. Will pursue further opportunities with other organizations.) 9. Supporting the participation of the school in research initiatives, pilot projects and joint ventures which are designed to enhance learning and teaching. (Connect Charter School will build on the work that was initiated through the Alberta Education Inclusive Practices project involving the development of personalized growth plans for each student to experience success. There will be a strong commitment to the very successful board initiative to foster opportunities for teachers to engage in action research through the $20,000 budget allocation for Connect Charter School’s Research and Innovation Fund. This will be an area of focus for the year. The involvement of teachers, Board members, and students in sharing their experience through presentations and blogs has been exceptional. We are looking forward to continued work in this area.) 10. Work with the portfolio leaders and other members of the school community in considering ideas to continue promoting student leadership and ethical citizenship, to further the long term plans for outdoor and environmental education, and to continue to work with inquiry-based learning and quality assessment. (We will continue with the transformative work that was done during the 2014/15 school year by the Portfolio Leaders and the staff at Connect Charter School.) 11. Pursue ideas for "hearing the student voice" including the possibility of having student think tanks and processes for providing feedback to their teachers in regard to their learning experiences, including what is working well and suggestions for improvement. (During our Strategic Plan Retreat in February, students Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015 18

formed a part of the information seeking sessions by providing feedback directly to the Board members. In May and June of this year, through the process of interviewing each of the classes at every grade level, a wealth of valuable feedback relating to areas of commendation and suggestions for further consideration was gathered. Darrell Lonsberry accompanied me, and this format proved to be very effective. We will be building on this success based on positive feedback from the students and will seek opportunities for “hearing the student voice” on a more regular basis. Teachers will be encouraged to seek information from the students based on the Exemplary Learning and Teaching frameworks. Additionally, there will be students at some of the board meetings over the course of the year.) 12. Continue to develop and promote initiatives to foster authentic, meaningful parental involvement in the education of their children. (There are numerous examples in which parents were provided opportunities for meaningful involvement in the education of their children including the very successful parent volunteer program, the parent conference, and the active School Council. For the upcoming year, the School Council is expanding the parent conference to include a student and a staff segment. There is a solid foundation of meaningful parent involvement on which to continue to build in the new school year.)

Supporting the Work of the Board 13. Working closely with the Secretary-Treasurer in overseeing the financial operation of the school and carrying out responsibilities associated with the work of the Board. (There are challenges associated with the tight financial situation and overseeing the implementation of the deficit budget. I appreciate the strong leadership provided by our secretary-treasurer and the Audit and Finance Committee.) 14. Actively participating in Board committee meetings. 15. Facilitating and supporting the work of the Board and providing leadership in keeping with the role description of the Superintendent. 16. Promoting Connect Charter School as a centre of excellence and innovation in striving to fulfill the mandate as a charter school. (There is tremendous potential in promoting Connect Charter School as a centre of excellence and innovation in the transformation of education in keeping with Connect Charter School’s Strategic Plan: Lead-Share-Transform. We have an excellent opportunity to expand the realm of influence of the school through the universities and with Alberta Education.) 17. Working with members of the school leadership team and members of the Board of Directors in revising the strategic plan in keeping with the 15 year charter guiding principles, vision, mission and goals and using the strategic plan as a, "living document" which serves as a framework for action. Specifically the following priorities for action which have been identified during the past school year should be addressed:

5) Develop a plan to have Connect Charter School serve as a crucible for change and innovation and a catalyst in the development of a network of pre-service teachers, teachers, and school leaders dedicated to effectively implementing the Alberta Education Inspiring Education transformation agenda. 6) Implement strategies to extend purposeful classroom visits, align growth plans across all members of the school community, including students, and continue with the partnership model of collaborative inquiry that was initiated in the 2014/15 school year. 7) Complete the extensive work that was started during the 2014/15 school year on the outdoor education component of our charter. Develop a long-term plan for programming in technology and for reviewing the other pillars of the Connect School charter. 8) Implement initiatives with the ultimate goal for the school to serve as a living laboratory and to develop energy conservation strategies that can be used to inform sustainability plans and possibly be replicated in other schools. Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015 19

9) Work collaboratively with the Communications Committee and the school leadership team to formalize and implement a communications plan.

The foregoing provides an overview of key goals, a brief description of action strategies that were implemented in the 2014-15 school year, and plans for action in the 2015 – 2016 school year. I will be responsive to emerging situations and will address challenges and pursue opportunities as they arise during the school year.

Respectfully submitted, Susan Chomistek

Appendix “C” Connect Charter School Superintendent/Leadership Team Report Board of Directors Meeting – September 8, 2015

1. Exemplary Teaching, Learning, and Leadership in Connect Charter School

Environmental and Outdoor Education is one of the descriptors in our Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership frameworks. Following a media release that Scouts Canada was relinquishing their lease on Camp Gardener, the leadership team has made some initial inquiries about the site. Further information will be presented during the Board meeting.

2. School Opening

Connect Charter School got off to a great start for the 2015-2016 school year. Following a very successful staff retreat on August 17 and professional development day on August 18, the arrival of students on August 20 went very smoothly. The focus of the staff professional development retreat was on inclusive practices and zones of regulation. Commendations are extended to the caretaking, office and teaching staff members for all their hard work in preparation for the new school year. There were a number of projects undertaken over the summer, including the installation of the bouldering wall and painting in all 24 classrooms plus the art and drama classrooms. Additionally, storage units for the music and art rooms were installed. The opening day parent reception and meet the teacher days were very well attended by parents and there were many comments of appreciation. Our first trips to Camp Sweet with the grades 6 and 7 students and to Ribbon Creek with the grade 5 students departed the first week in September. In the next few weeks, the grade 4 students will embark on the Southern Alberta History Tour, the grade 8 students will travel for the Rocky Mountain Tour, and the grade 9 students will spend a week at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. Parent, student and staff volunteers for grades six and seven worked diligently at the annual Camp Sweet work bee on August 29.

3. Registration of Grade 4 Students

We are anticipating an overwhelming response from parents with children in kindergarten who will be given the opportunity on September 15 to register their child to attend the Connect Charter School four years into the future.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015 20

4. Innovate West Conference

The fifth annual Innovate West Conference will be held at Connect Charter on October 23-24, 2015. The reception for IWest will be at the University of Calgary EEEL building. Keynote speakers will include Adam Robb, who developed and taught the Energy and Innovations course for the Career and Technology Centre at Lord Shaughnessy High School, Karen Lirenman, a Division I teacher with the Surrey Academy of Innovative Learning, and Dr. Sharon Friesen, Vice Dean of the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary and President of the Galileo Educational Network. This year’s conference focuses on Teachers as Action Researchers and explores the themes of inquiry, collaboration and innovation in education.

5. Alberta Education and the Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools (TAAPCS) Meetings

September 24 – Meeting with Alberta Education Field Services Liaison for Connect Charter School, Beverley Barca, and Pam Halverson, Director, Metro Services Branch, Field Services

September 25-Tentative TAAPCS Executive Advisory Committee meeting- Red Deer

October 28 - TAAPCS Banquet (More details to follow)

October 29 - TAAPCS AGM (More details to follow)

October 30 - TAAPCS Conference (More details to follow)

Appendix “D”

Connect Charter School Parent, Student and Staff Interviews - Executive Summary Susan Chomistek – August 20, 2015 The sixth annual superintendent interviews of parents, students, and staff members were conducted over several weeks in the spring of 2015 as a component of the ongoing school evaluation process. On March 12 and 13 during student-led conferences, and over the next two weeks, 50 parents were interviewed. In May and June, grades 4 to 9 students as class groups (24 classes - approximately 600 students) were interviewed. I was pleased that Mr. Darrell Lonsberry was able to join me for all of the student interviews. As well, 47 teacher and support staff members were interviewed. The feedback generated through the two questions "What causes you to believe that Connect Charter School is a very good school?” and “What suggestions for improvement would you like to offer?” has been organized as commendations or recommendations for further consideration, on the basis of common themes, which were identified through a thematic analysis process. The frequency of common themes is indicated in parentheses and denotes the percentage of respondents who mentioned the theme during the interviews. Parent Interview Responses - Key Themes The following major areas of commendation (with a response rate of 18% or more) were identified through the parent interviews: 1. Connect Charter School is a Great School (96%) – Representative comments include:

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015 21

• I believe Connect Charter is a very good school for students primarily due to its tri-fold mandate: inquiry, technology and outdoor education. These are the magical things that are making education work for my children • My child likes coming to school; the mission and values of the school are positive • My child loves school (5) • Appreciate the opportunities students have had at this school – there are more opportunities here than I can find anywhere else (2) 2. The Teachers and Support Staff are Very Dedicated and the Quality of the Teaching is Excellent (90%) - Representative comments include: • A very important factor within our school is energized, passionate, specific teachers. These are not average teachers. They have energy and interest. I believe this leads from the top down and is also indicative of charter schools • Teachers are engaged and involved • There are passionate, energetic teachers who want to do well • I have appreciated the excellent qualifications of the staff 3. The Outdoor and Environmental Education Program is Excellent (66%) – Representative comments include: • Connect Charter offers students of many diverse backgrounds the opportunity to learn while participating in wonderful outdoor programs and camps at each grade level • Field trips and outdoor education programs are beyond what is offered elsewhere • The outdoor education component is very positive for my child (10) • The electives in outdoor education are great 4. The Emphasis on Learning and Teaching through a Disposition of Inquiry is Highly Valued (32%) – Representative comments include: • Inquiry based, hands on learning is a great fit for both strong students and emerging learners • It is good for our children who love to explore the world • We have appreciated the very innovative approach that is used and the focus on learning through inquiry • Our son transitioned into a high school redesign school for 21st century learning very well because of the experience at Connect 5. The Emphasis on Developing Students as Ethical, Respectful, and Responsible Individuals is Highly Valued (30%) – Representative comments include: • Students are treated with respect and as responsible citizens, not as children • There is a culture of collaboration and sharing • The school creates confidence in students • The leadership development is excellent • I appreciate the focus on developing an attitude of global citizenship • Students are given more freedom, and they do well with the increased level of responsibility that goes with this 6. The Communication Processes used by the Classroom Teachers and Throughout the School are Very Good (24%) – Representative comments include: • Communication is excellent • I appreciate Edmodo and the blogs (4) • I like being connected through Edmodo; I can work with my child at home • The notes that are sent home have been helpful • The teachers regularly check in with us Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015 22

• I liked the approach with student-led conferences; it was much more condensed • I liked parent teacher interviews in the fall; I felt listened to 7. The Administration Provide Strong Leadership for the School (20%) – Representative comments include: • The administrators genuinely care • I appreciate the thought behind decisions • The administrators make me as a parent feel appreciated • The teamwork within the administrative team is evident • Our current administration team has many strengths

Appendix “D”

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015 Secretary Treasurer’s Report

Draft Financial Statements

The draft financial statements for August 31, 2015 are in progress, and currently show a deficit of $295,000. Once the Audit and Finance committee review the draft financial statements they will be presented to the Board.

Audit

Our audit is scheduled for the time period of October 13 – 16th, 2014. The auditors will be working over the fall break, which allows them to have space and ensures there is a minimal disruption to school operations. In June we had a walkthrough of our internal controls, which allowed for a portion of the work to be completed ahead of time. Our Audit and Finance committee will be meeting with the auditors to review the Audited Financial Statements on November 13, 2015.

TAAPCS

Please let me know if you would like to attend the TAAPCS meetings October 28th and October 29th in Calgary.

Respectfully submitted, Myra Penberthy

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting September 8, 2015 23

Minutes of Connect Charter School Society, Board of Directors Meeting October 20, 2015 at Connect Charter School

Board members present: Harold Lemieux, (Chair), Mark Blake, Chas Filipski, Susan Gaetz, Denise Kitagawa, Dr. Ashley Nixon, Gavin Peat, Mackenzie Regent, Dave Robinson, Jeff Turner and Dr. Norm Vaughan.

Board members absent: Wendy Baillie (Vice Chair), Tim Edwards, Luana Comin-Sartor, Lindsay Hogan and David McKenzie

Staff present: Susan Chomistek (Superintendent), Darrell Lonsberry (Principal), Dr. Phil Butterfield (Assistant Principal), Scott Petronech (Assistant Principal), Myra Penberthy, (Secretary Treasurer).

Mr. Harold Lemieux introduced Ms. Shashi Shergill, recipient of the prestigious Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching. A video presentation, developed by Ms. Deirdre Bailey, which formed a part of the submission, was shown to the Board. Ms. Shergill spoke of the supportive environment within the school and at the Board level and of the exemplary teaching practices of her colleagues within the innovative environment of Connect Charter School. Ms. Shergill also outlined the selection process and talked about her week in Ottawa. Several questions were posed, and Mr. Lemieux extended congratulations on behalf of the Board.

Board Chair Mr. Harold Lemieux declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 6:10 pm.

Motion 5.15 by Mark Blake, THAT the October 20, 2015, Board agenda be approved. Carried Motion 6.15 by Chas Filipski, THAT the September 8, 2015, Board of Directors meeting minutes be approved. Carried

Ms. Myra Penberthy presented the 2014/15 Alberta Education fall budget update, which is due to Alberta Education by November 30, 2015. There were no changes from the spring budget and the narration included Inclusive Education funding shortfalls and the timing of revenues received in March due to the split payments by Alberta Education. Ms. Mackenzie Regent commented on the role of Audit & Finance Committee in the process as well as their support of the narrative around the comments section. Mr. Harold Lemieux recommended adding a comment on the elimination of the Communication and Collaboration position, which had to be cut but is part of our requirement to share our practice within our charter mandate.

Motion 7.15 by Dave Robinson, THAT the 2015/16 Fall Budget update for Connect Charter School Society be approved. Carried

Ms. Myra Penberthy with input from Mackenzie Regent, reviewed the Draft financial statements for August 31, 2015, along with the variance analysis and cash flow statement.

Motion 8.15 by Mackenzie Regent, THAT the Draft Connect Charter School Society financial statements for the year ending August 31, 2015, be approved. Carried Motion 9.15 by Dave Robinson, THAT the Board ratifies and approves the following staff contracts:

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting October 20, 2015

1. An employment contract for Ms. Jessica James commencing August 17, 2015, until June 30, 2016; 2. An employment contract for Ms. Leane Riley commencing August 17, 2015, until June 30, 2016. Carried

Darrell Lonsberry presented the Provincial Achievement Test results and vetted it through the Board. Connect students did very well, again, exceeding the provincial average for grades 6 & 9.

Leadership Team Report, Susan Chomistek, Darrell Lonsberry Phil Butterfield & Scott Petronech • Ms. Susan Chomistek reviewed the Leadership team report and gave highlights of the report, Appendix “A”.

Communications, Chas Filipski • No meeting

External Collaboration, Dave Robinson • No meeting

School Council, Mark Blake • Parent summit is gaining momentum. • Student summit with supporting themes will be a new addition to the parent summit with student only participation, October 26, 2015. • Dialogue with Darrell included discovery learning not equating to inquiry learning. • Elevator speech was suggested as an education piece for our learning community.

Working Group researching a second campus, Mark Blake • Meeting Oct 20, 2015, at 4:00pm • Connect Charter is looking for a potential second campus • Facility space is still uncertain. • Camp Gardner is also a way of investigating another space for our students. • A letter to the Minister of Education to increase our enrollment cap and to have consideration for a second campus will be drafted by the working group.

School Operations, Denise Kitagawa • No meeting. The committee will be reviewing the safety audit document and how Board policy can be amended to reduce our exposure to risk.

Governance, Harold Lemieux • There was a meeting on October 20, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. although there was no quorum. • We have two parent positions to be filled for the 2015/16 year. • We will possibly be filling one non parent position. • Terms of reference for the Second Campus Working Group committee was requested so the Board can approve them and establish a permanent committee.

Research & Innovation, Dr. Norm Vaughan • No meeting.

Secretary Treasurer and Audit & Finance Committee Report (Myra Penberthy, Mackenzie Regent) • Minutes of the Audit & Finance committee and the Secretary Treasurer’s Report in Appendix “B & C”.

The meeting terminated at 7:30 p.m.

______Harold Lemieux, Board Chair

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting October 20, 2015 2

Appendix “A”

Connect Charter School Superintendent/Leadership Team Report

Board of Directors Meeting- October 20, 2015

1. Exemplary Teaching, Learning, and Leadership in Connect Charter School

One of the descriptors within the Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership Frameworks is Collaboration, promoting and supporting a culture of collaboration in our school community and beyond. Gavin Peat and Jeff Turner have been instrumental in connecting with our teachers and giving them and our students opportunities to collaborate at the University of Calgary. Four of our teachers and their students will be presenting to and interacting with pre-service teachers at the U of C. We are grateful for the efforts of our Board members in organizing and facilitating these outreach opportunities.

Dr. Norm Vaughn facilitated having two classes of pre-service students attend at our school for tours and conversations with students and teachers. Scott Petronech led the tours. We are grateful for the opportunity to make teaching and learning visible, as this benefits our teachers and students, too.

Dr. Vaughn also connected two professors from Mount Royal University with our physical education team. Astrid Heidenreich is a sessional instructor and Dr. Stephen Price’s program areas are Physical Literacy and Sport and Recreation Management. Last week and again this week, Ms. Heidenreich brought a class of students to Connect to observe the physical education program at our school. In the upcoming weeks, the student teachers will return to our school and teach the students based on their observations, research, and planning. Other students will be going to MRU to be involved within Dr. Price’s class for further work and interactions with his university class. We appreciate the opportunity to work so closely with our university partners and for the efforts of Mr. Schmeichel and Mr. Cadman to facilitate these very worthwhile endeavours.

A timely invitation from Dr. Kevin O’Connor at MRU led to all 104 of our grade 4 students traveling to Tim Horton’s Children’s Ranch in Kananaskis on Sept. 29th to engage in inquiry projects with seventy 3rd year teacher candidates. The focus of their inquiry was ‘waste in our world’, and they explored innovative ways of addressing waste management and recycling in an environmentally sensitive region.

Another descriptor within our Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership Frameworks is Environmental and Outdoor Education, promoting and providing outdoor, environmental, and global stewardship experiences. We have now completed all of our fall trips, and we are very pleased with the quality of the trips and how well our students represented our school. Once again, we had great parent participation and our staff provided exemplary leadership in the planning and implementation of the programs. This was the first year that we have modified the format for the fall trips. Last year, we spent a great deal of time designing a new model based on a shared vision for outdoor education. Some of the trips that we typically went on in the spring became our fall trips such as the Rocky Mountain Tour, the Southern Alberta History Tour, and the Ribbon Creek trip. Based on the feedback we have received thus far, the changes have been very successful. Our Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting October 20, 2015 3

last trip will be the grades 8 and 9 overnight backpacking trip. Changes have been made to this course, also, with more leadership opportunities for the students in the preparation for the trip and during the three days they spend in the Kananaskis.

On a different level of outdoor education collaboration, Dr. Phil Butterfield was asked to address an on line class of graduate students in the MEd (Interdisciplinary cohort), facilitated by Jeff Reading, on the importance of certification and competency in building outdoor education capacity. It was apparent from the feedback that there is considerable interest in planning an outdoor education networking day. Phil will be coordinating this endeavor with John Cadman for the new year.

2. Education Plan and Annual Educational Results Report

Members of the leadership team have been involved in making reference to the board’s strategic plan as well as feedback that has been received from students, parents, and staff through surveys and interviews as a report on the past school year and an education plan for the next three school years is prepared for submission to Alberta Education. The Education Plan and Annual Educational Results Report will be presented for approval at the November, 2015, meeting of the Board of Directors.

3. Governor General’s Award Celebration Ceremony

On October 1, 2015, we held a celebration ceremony at our school to honour Ms. Shashi Shergill, who has received the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching. As a part of the ceremony, we also celebrated the exceptional work that has been done within our school community over the past few years. Three MLAs, Greg Clark, Mike Ellis, and Stephanie McLean, attended the celebration and spoke positively of Ms. Shergill and the work that is being done within our school. Kevin Fleming from CTV Calgary attended the ceremony and reported on the recognition. http://t.co/bWwGONIZCx Gil Tucker, from Global television interviewed Ms. Shergill and some of the students and prepared a segment, too. http://globalnews.ca/news/2248701/calgary-teacher-gets-top-marks- for-work-in-the-classroom/ We were grateful to David Scott and Sharon Friesen from the University of Calgary for attending and speaking and to four alumni, Hannah Burlet, Kate Langille, Ben Krett, and Taryn Knorren, who also spoke. Wendy Baillie very eloquently brought congratulations on behalf of the Board. We are pleased that Ms. Shergill will attend the Board meeting to speak of her experiences in Ottawa and on receiving this award

4. Remembrance Day Ceremony

The Remembrance Day Ceremony will be held at our school on November 10, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. The theme this year will be “The Faces of Peace”. Mr. Al Muirhead will be playing the trumpet again, our band and drama students will be performing, and a video is being compiled based upon the theme. We are always very proud of this ceremony and the involvement of the students and staff in a solemn, respectful show of tribute and reflection. We would like to invite any Board members who are able to attend to join us.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting October 20, 2015 4

5. Alberta Education School Technology Advisory Committee

I was invited to become a member of the School Technology Advisory Committee and attended my first meeting on October 6. One of the key reasons for the invitation was because of the positive reputation of Connect Charter School within Alberta Education. The purpose of the School Technology Advisory Committee (STAC) is to provide a forum for K-12 education stakeholders to provide advice to Alberta Education on learning and technology policies, practices, and future directions for the use of technology in the education system. This year the Ministry is seeking input related to the implementation of the Learning and Technology Policy Framework and other technology-related initiatives. The committee consists of representatives from K-12 school authorities, post-secondary institutions and stakeholder organizations. Members are selected because they play a leadership role with respect to K-12 learning and technology in their jurisdictions or organizations.

6. Physical Education Networking Day

A key focus area in the Board Strategic Plan is to provide leadership in exemplary learning, teaching, and leading. A very successful Physical Education Networking Day was held on September 19, 2015, at our school. The Keynote Speaker was Kyle Shewfelt. He spoke of the importance of keeping young people involved in sports and the role the teacher/coach plays in this. Much discussion followed the keynote address. Sixteen participants, ranging from elementary teachers through to university professors, attended. We were fortunate that Gavin Peat came to support the networking day. The responses from participants were very positive. Based on feedback, another networking day will be held on April 9, 2016, with a modified format. The focus will be on a key issue, Assessment in Physical Education, and will consist of informal presentations followed by a large group format discussion. This will be the fifth physical education networking day at our school.

7. Alberta Education and the Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools (TAAPCS) Meetings

• October 28 - Superintendents' meeting 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Deerfoot Inn. • October 28 - Charter Board Directors' meeting 3:30 - 4:30 at Deerfoot Inn • October 28 - Halvar Jonson Dinner @ 6 p.m. at Deerfoot Inn • October 29 - TAAPCS meetings 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Deerfoot Inn • October 29 - SLLI session 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Deerfoot Inn • October 30 - Conference 2015 9 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. at North Glenmore Park Community Center and Calgary Girls' School

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting October 20, 2015 5

Appendix “B” Connect Charter School Audit & Finance Committee Meeting Minutes September 23, 2015

I. Call to order Luana Comin-Sartor called to order the regular meeting of the Audit Committee at 7:35 am on September 23, 2015at Connect Charter School.

II. Roll call The following persons were present: Luana Comin-Sartor, Mckenzie Regent, Gavin Peat, Scott Petronech, Myra Penberthy, and Susan Chomistek. The agenda was reviewed and approved as stated.

III. Open issues • The minutes from the June 12, 2015 meeting were approved.

• The draft financial statements for August 31, 2015 were reviewed. For the year, the actual deficit was less than the budgeted deficit by $90K. Items of note on the Operating Statement were:

o Overall, Total Revenue exceeded budget by $30K primarily driven by Alberta Education grants exceeding expected forecast offset by lower than expected Other Income (mainly lower interest income)

o Enrichment and Outdoor expenses fees continue to exceed the revenue generated for these activities by $51.8K. This has been a conscious decision by management to keep the fees as low as possible for as long as possible.

o Overall Total Expenditures were less than budget by $60K primarily driven by lower than expected amortization (non-cash), Payroll & Benefits and Computer Technology offset by higher than expected Facility Costs and Instructional expenses.

o Facilities Costs were not overspent but were deemed expense not capital for accounting given the improvements did not extend the life of the building.

o Computer Technology was lower than expected due to Cost savings in areas such as software and internet fees.

• In respect to the Statement of Financial Position, the Surplus accounts are down significantly in line with the fact that the school has been operating at a deficit; currently $262,675 remains in the operating reserve.

• A discussion ensued with respect to the Cash Flow projections and timing of Cash Flow from the Ministry. The committee discussed whether there were any risks in respect to the timing of Alberta Education (“AE”) payments relative to payroll obligations, the month of March a was specifically highlighted.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting October 20, 2015 6

• Action: Management was going to determine if in fact there could be a risk and the magnitude/likelihood of such a risk. Action: The AC members were going to try to provide examples of risk management policies/standards for management’s review and consideration.

• The discussion was then focused primarily on the Fall Budget update of the 2015/16 school budget for AE

o There have been no changes to the Budget since last presented to the Board. Of note, the budget assumed enrollment of 612 students and 2015/16 enrollment sits at 606 students

o Management was encouraged by the AC to continue highlighting the messages from previous submissions regarding: (1) Inclusive Education Funding, (2) The School’s Financial Position and small reserve position and (3) add a comment regarding Funding in advance of expenses instead of in arrear of expenses as school boards have been forced to build reserves surpluses in order to ensure obligations (primarily payroll) are met.

IV. Carryforward to next Audit Committee meeting a) Policy review for Audit & Finance deferred until further guidance is provided by the new Minister of Education

V. Adjournment Luana Comin-Sartor adjourned the meeting at 8:45 am. Minutes submitted by: Luana Comin-Sartor

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting October 20, 2015 7

Appendix “C”

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting October 20, 2015 Secretary Treasurer’s Report

Draft Financial Statements

The draft financial statements for August 31, 2015 are complete and currently show a deficit of $305,000. This is $90,000 less than the budgeted deficit giving us a remaining accumulated operating surplus of $263,000 at August 31, 2015. The Audit and Finance committee reviewed the Draft Financial statements at their meeting on August 23, 2015. Going forward we are basically operating from a balanced budget with the exception of timing differences.

Audit

The Audit & Finance committee met with our auditors, Grant Thornton, on September 23 to meet the new Audit assurance partner, Ms. Tracey Zehl. She is very competent and accomplished and was formerly an audit partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP from 2007 to 2014. She serves as the President of the Board of Ronald McDonald House, Southern Alberta.

Our audit was scheduled for the time period of October 13 – 16th, 2015. The auditors were onsite and worked through our Alberta Education draft financial statements and notes. They performed testing and we answered all their queries and provided all the requested schedules. Our Audit and Finance committee will be meeting with the auditors to receive their report on the Audited Financial Statements on November 13.

Secretary Treasurer’s Meeting

The Calgary ST’s had a meeting at FFCA hosted by the Calgary Arts Academy Secretary Treasurer on October 8, 2015. The major topic of conversation was the audited financial statement package, namely the new unaudited schedules that are now required. Some of the accounting systems are not providing the required information on Inclusive Education and English language learner expenses.

TAAPCS

The next meetings are scheduled for October 28th and October 29th in Calgary and there will be 7 attendees from Connect Charter School so we are well represented.

Respectfully submitted, Myra Penberthy

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting October 20, 2015 8

Minutes of Connect Charter School Society, Board of Directors Meeting #1 November 24, 2015 at Connect Charter School

Board members present: Harold Lemieux, (Chair), Wendy Baillie (Vice Chair), Mark Blake, Luana Comin-Sartor, Tim Edwards, David McKenzie, Dr. Ashley Nixon, Gavin Peat, Mackenzie Regent, Dave Robinson, Jeff Turner and Dr. Norm Vaughan.

Board members absent: Chas Filipski, Susan Gaetz, Denise Kitagawa and Lindsay Hogan.

Staff present: Susan Chomistek, via Skype (Superintendent), Darrell Lonsberry (Principal), Dr. Phil Butterfield (Assistant Principal), Scott Petronech (Assistant Principal), Myra Penberthy, (Secretary Treasurer).

Guests : Joni Carroll, Ryan Carter, Jeff Dowes and Jennifer Hittel

Board Chair Mr. Harold Lemieux declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm.

Motion 10.15 by Dr. Norm Vaughan THAT the November 24, 2015, Board agenda be approved. Carried Motion 11.15 by Tim Edwards THAT the October 20, 2015, Board of Directors meeting minutes be approved. Carried

Ms. Luana Comin-Sartor presented the Audit & Finance committee report on the AFS, and discussed the Audit & Finance committee meeting minutes. Ms. Myra Penberthy presented the 2014/15 Audited Financial Statements for Board approval. Ms. Comin-Sartor recommended that the Audited financial statements be approved

Motion 12.15 by Luana Comin-Sartor THAT the Board approves the August 31, 2015 Audited Financial Statements (Alberta education reporting format) as presented. Carried

Motion 13.15 by Mark Blake THAT the Board accept Ms. Lindsay Hogan’s resignation as a Director with regret. . Carried The meeting terminated at 6:05 p.m.

______Harold Lemieux, Board Chair

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting November 24, 2015

Minutes of Connect Charter School Society Annual General Meeting Held November 24, 2015 at Connect Charter School

Members Present: Harold Lemieux (Chair), Wendy Baillie (Vice Chair), Mark Blake, Joni Carroll, Ryan Carter, Luana Comin-Sartor, Jeff Dowes, Tim Edwards, Jennifer Hittel, David McKenzie, Dr. Ashley Nixon, Gavin Peat, Mackenzie Regent, Dave Robinson, Jeff Turner and Dr. Norm Vaughan.

Staff Present: Susan Chomistek via Skype (Superintendent), Darrell Lonsberry (Principal), Scott Petronech (Assistant principal), Dr. Phil Butterfield and Myra Penberthy (Secretary treasurer).

Harold Lemieux called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. There was a quorum.

Motion 14.15 by Norm Vaughan, THAT the November 24, 2015, Annual General Meeting agenda be approved Carried

Motion 15.15 by Dave Robinson, THAT the minutes of the November 18, 2014, Annual General Meeting, be approved.

Carried

The Audited Financial Statements for the year ended August 31, 2015, for the Connect Charter School Society were presented.

Motion 16.15 by Tim Edwards THAT the following directors each be nominated for a 3 year term: Wendy Baillie, Luana Comin-Sartor, Chas Fillipski and Gavin Peat. and THAT the following parent directors each be nominated for a 1 year term: Mark Blake, Susan Gaetz, David McKenzie, Joni Carroll and Jennifer Hittel And THAT Harold Lemieux be nominated for a one year term as past Chair. Carried Motion 17.15 by Dave Robinson THAT nominations cease. Carried Motion 18.15 by Norm Vaughan THAT the following directors each be elected for a 3 year term: Wendy, Baillie, Luana Comin-Sartor, Chas Fillipski and Gavin Peat. and THAT the following parent directors each be elected for a 1 year term: Mark Blake, Susan Gaetz, David McKenzie, Joni Carroll, Jennifer HIttel and

Connect Charter School Society Annual General Meeting November 24, 2015

THAT Harold Lemieux be nominated for a one year term as past Chair. Carried

Terms of Service Board NOV 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Member Baillie Wendy 4/7 1 1 2 3 1 Blake Mark 2/3 1 1 Carroll Joni 1/3 1

Comin- Luana 1/3 1 2 1 1 Sartor Edwards Tim 9/9 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 Filipski Chas 4/9 1 2 3 1 Gaetz Susan 2/3 1 1 Hittel Jennifer 1/3 1 Kitagawa Denise 4/5 1 1 1 2 Lemieux Harold 9/9 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 PC McKenzie David 3/3 1 1 1 Peat Gavin 4/9 1 2 3 1 Regent Mackenzie 2/9 1 2 Robinson Dave 2/9 1 2 3 Turner Jeff 3/9 1 2 3 Vaughan Norm 8/9 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2

(Please note that the election of the board members would have occurred at the November AGM)

The meeting terminated at 6:20 p.m.

Denise Kitagawa

Connect Charter School Society Annual General Meeting November 24, 2015

Minutes of Connect Charter School Society, Board of Directors Meeting #2 November 24, 2015 at Connect Charter School

Board members present: Dave Robinson (VC), Harold Lemieux (PC), Wendy Baillie, Mark Blake, Joni Carroll, Luana Comin-Sartor, Tim Edwards, Jennifer Hittel, David McKenzie, Gavin Peat, Mackenzie Regent, Dave Robinson, Jeff Turner and Dr. Norm Vaughan.

Board members absent: Denise Kitagawa (C), Chas Filipski and Susan Gaetz.

Staff present: Susan Chomistek via Skype (Superintendent), Darrell Lonsberry (Principal), Dr. Phil Butterfield (Assistant Principal), Scott Petronech (Assistant Principal), Myra Penberthy, (Secretary Treasurer).

Guests: Dr. Ashley Nixon, Ryan Carter and Jeff Douwes.

Past Board Chair Mr. Harold Lemieux declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 6:22 pm. Mr. Lemieux thanked Dr. Ashley Nixon for his outstanding service to the Board and was appreciative of all his contributions. New board members, Ms. Joni Carroll and Ms. Jennifer Hittel were welcomed.

Motion 19.15 by Dave Robinson THAT the November 24, 2015, Board agenda be approved as amended. Carried Motion 20.15 Mark Blake THAT Luana Comin-Sartor be granted permission to be absent due to work commitments for 3 or more consecutive Board meetings recognizing that she will fulfill her role as Chair of the Audit & Finance Committee. Carried Motion 21.15 by Luana Comin-Sartor THAT the following are appointed as Officers for the 2015/16 year: Chair, Denise Kitagawa, Vice Chair, Dave Robinson, Chair of the Audit & Finance committee, Luana Comin-Sartor. and THAT Myra Penberthy is appointed as Secretary Treasurer for the 2015/16 year. Carried Motion 22.15 by Luana Comin-Sartor, THAT Grant Thornton LLP is reappointed as auditor for the year ending August 31, 2016, as recommended by the Audit & Finance committee. Carried Motion 23.15 by Harold Lemieux, THAT the Board approve the establishment of a Second campus committee and the terms of reference included in Appendix “A”. Carried

Mr. Lemieux thanked the Directors, Administration and the Superintendent for their support and assistance to him during his term as Chair.

In the absence of Denise Kitagawa, David Robinson took the Chair.

Motion 24.15 by Tim Edwards, THAT the following are appointed as members and chairs of the Board committees for the 2015/16 year: Governance, Denise Kitagawa (C), Dave Robinson, Wendy Baillie, Luana Comin-Sartor, Harold Lemieux Audit & Finance, Luana Comin-Sartor (C), Gavin Peat, Mackenzie Regent Facilities, Tim Edwards (C), Mark Blake, Joni Carroll Communications, Chas Filipski (C), Wendy Baillie, Jennifer Hittel Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting November 24, 2015

School Operations, Denise Kitagawa (C), Jeff Turner, Susan Gaetz External Collaboration, Dave Robinson (C), Norm Vaughan, Gavin Peat Non-Board members, Lori Wilhelm Einsporn, Debra Scott Research & Innovation and Professional Assistance, Norm Vaughan (C), David McKenzie Second Campus, Mark Blake (C), Gavin Peat, Jeff Turner, Mackenzie Regent. Carried

Mr. Darrell Lonsberry presented the Annual Education Results Report and 3 year Education Plan. There were questions and a discussion afterwards. Mr. Lonsberry thanked Ms. Susan Chomistek and the leadership team for all their hard work preparing the document.

Motion 25.15 by Mark Blake. THAT the Board approves the 2014-15 Annual Education Results Report and 3 year Education plan as presented. Carried

Motion 26.15 by Jeff Turner That the Board approves the Board meeting dates: 2015: December 15 2016: Jan 22 & 23 retreat, Feb 9, Mar 8, Apr 12, May 17, June 14, Sept 13, Oct 18, Nov 22 Carried

The board discussed the Board recognition dinner and decided to have Dr. Ashley Nixon and Ms. Lindsay Hogan determine the date as they will be the guests of honour.

Motion 27.15 by Harold Lemieux, THAT the Board approves the employment contract of Ms. Dawn Davis, from Nov 16, 2015 until June 30, 2016. Carried

Governance, Harold Lemieux • There was a meeting on November 17, 2015 • The committee discussed recommendations for nominations of new board members and committee composition. • There was also a discussion on succession planning for Board committees.

Secretary Treasurer Report, Myra Penberthy • Secretary Treasurer’s Report in Appendix “B ”.

Leadership Team Report, Susan Chomistek, Darrell Lonsberry, Scott Petronech & Phil Butterfield • Mr. Darrell Lonsberry presented the leadership team report in Appendix “C”

Research & Innovation, Dr. Norm Vaughan • The number of pre-service teachers at Connect Charter School from the universities is stellar. • Dr. Phil Butterfield has suggested taking on a project which looks at the Impact of pre-service teachers on teachers at Connect Charter School.

External Collaboration, Dave Robinson • No meeting

School Council, Mark Blake • Tuesday November 3, 2015 was a meeting • Discussed the treasurer’s report Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting November 24, 2015 2

• Fun lunch gave a report they have supplied over 3,000 lunches so far this year.

School Operations, Ashley Nixon • Minutes of the last meeting were reviewed. • Appendix “D”

Facilities, Tim Edwards • No meeting this month.

Communications, Wendy Baillie • The committee will be having a meeting in the near future.

Second campus, Mark Blake • Did not meet in November • Draft letter to the minister to increase the enrollment cap and support for a second campus is being worked on by the committee.

The meeting terminated at 7:05 p.m.

______Dave Robinson, Board Vice Chair

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting November 24, 2015 3

Appendix “A”

Committee Terms of Reference

1. Name and Type of Committee Second Campus Committee

2. General Purpose Investigate the feasibility of creating a second Connect Charter campus and present findings regarding alternative approaches, possible locations and development process to the Board.

3. Key Duties & Responsibilities Research the alternative approaches to creating a second campus (i.e. secure school location from Alberta Ed., repurpose non-school facility to Connect’s use, create shared use facility, etc.) Review best practices and approaches utilized by other Charter schools in the province. Establish dialogue with Alberta Education for process and funding guidance. Draft appropriate requests and applications to Alberta Ed. Document alternatives and present to the board for decision.

4. Level of Authority To make recommendations to the Board

5. Reporting Relationship To the Board

6. Composition and Appointments Three to four Directors (appointed annually), School Principal or Assistant Principal, Superintendent.

7. Meetings As required

8. Resources a. The new Education Act b. Societies Act and Regulations c. By-Laws of the Society d. School Charter

9. Specific Annual Objectives Create a recommendation to the Board of how to best proceed with the establishment of a new campus.

10. Reports and Target Dates Monthly reporting to the Board

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting November 24, 2015 4

11. Review and Evaluation Process Annually

12. Approval Date and Review Date Annual Review

Appendix “B” Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting November 24, 2015 Secretary Treasurer’s Report

Draft Financial Statements

The financial statements for October 31, 2015 were shared with the Audit & Finance Committee on November 16, 2015. The year-to-date results show a surplus of $3,000. Although there are timing differences increasing revenue, there are also offsetting timing differences increasing expenses. We are predicting to be on budget for yearend.

Audit

The Audit & Finance committee met on October 27, 2015 to review the draft audited financial statements in the Alberta Education reporting format. They provided me with some excellent feedback to follow up on with Alberta Education and our auditors. I would like to thank the Audit & Finance committee for all their help with the review process and the ongoing advice they give me.

The Audit & Finance committee met with our auditors, Grant Thornton, on November 18 to review the audited financial statements as well as the report to the Audit & Finance committee. The audit went well and there were no issues to report.

Board members leaving

I would like to thank all the board members who are leaving the board: Ms. Lindsay Hogan, Mr. Harold Lemieux, as Board Chair and Dr. Ashley Nixon. You have all made outstanding contributions to the Board, have been willing to step up to the plate on numerous occasions and have exceeded the expectations of what the roles have dictated. Thank you for all the time and energy you have poured into your participation and duties.

Respectfully submitted, Myra Penberthy

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting November 24, 2015 5

Appendix “C” Connect Charter School Superintendent/Leadership Team Report

Board of Directors Meeting- November 24, 2015

1. Exemplary Teaching, Learning, and Leadership in Connect Charter School

One of the descriptors within our Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership Frameworks is Collaboration, promoting and supporting a culture of collaboration in our school community and beyond. Working with Gavin Peat and first year education students at the University of Calgary, 100 of our grade six students participated in activities which were organized through the U of C. Through large group activities and in separate stations, 10 U of C students worked using the principles of physical literacy and the foundations of Canada Sport for Life to plan and facilitate the lessons. We appreciated the efforts of Dean Schmeichel, John Cadman, and Collin Ellis, a student teacher from the University of Calgary, for organizing this very authentic experience for our students and Gavin Peat for initiating this opportunity for collaboration.

Another opportunity for collaboration is occurring with Mount Royal University. Elementary Generalists from MRU are teaching students at Connect Charter on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They are focusing on developing physical education based lessons within the Program of Studies. Lesson planning, classroom management, and physical literacy are key components of their experience. The mentorship of John Cadman, Chris Dittman, and Dean Schmeichel has been very appreciated by the pre-service teachers as well as the opportunity to work with energetic, enthusiastic, and respectful students.

On Tuesday, November 17, a further opportunity for collaboration occurred when 29 educational assistant candidates from MRU visited our school to gain insight on our inclusive practices program and the role of the EA in supporting teaching and learning. Our three EAs made themselves available to meet with the group at the beginning and end of their tour to share their knowledge, experience, and wisdom. The candidates expressed their appreciation and many of them asked to be considered for positions within the school and to have their children put on the wait list!

Two further descriptors within our Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership Frameworks are Environmental and Outdoor Education and Innovation. Alumni Swarochish Goswami, a second year university student, presented to our students in the Entrepreneurial and Environmental elective, which focuses on designing and marketing products from waste materials. The money earned in this program goes to Brown Bagging, which provides lunches for Calgary children. Interested in sharing his experiences with youth, Swarochish gave a very dynamic, engaging, and inspiring presentation. As founder of Canada Thinks, Swarochish has made an impact in four cities and over 500 communities across Canada. Canada Thinks is a registered non-profit organization that hosts conferences across Canada and has used the revenue to establish Canada's first-ever National Youth Fund (NYF). NYF provides grants and scholarships to youth entrepreneurs. Swarochish is also a Student Ambassador for Alberta's Ministry of Education and an accomplished high school debater. As a member of Team Canada, he won the European Schools Debating Championships in 2013 and been a two-time finalist at the Canadian Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting November 24, 2015 6

National Debating Championships. He was recently invited to represent Canada at the 2015 Oxford Schools Debating Championships and has been ranked as the second best debater in the Americas. Having such accomplished alumni as role models for our students is very positive, and Swarochish credited his time at Calgary Science School with giving him a strong basis in the development of creative and critical thinking skills as well as in developing competencies in debate and presentation. Swarochish was recently recognized as a 2015 Top 20 Under 20 award recipient. Thank you to Jody Persevezoff for organizing this very worthwhile presentation for our students.

Two other descriptors within our Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership Frameworks are Inquiry-based Practice and Engagement in Learning. We were very fortunate, once again this year, to have the expertise of Dave Robinson in a geological field study undertaken by 100 of our grade seven students. The students traveled to the Bow Valley stopping at the base of Mt. Yamnuska and finishing with a hike to Grassi Lakes. Dave guided the entire trip sharing invaluable geological insight into our local environment. The students were incredibly engaged and developed a much deeper understanding of geological thinking as a result of the authenticity of the experience. Ms. Jocelyn Monteith and Mrs. Deirdre Bailey organized and participated in the field study and commented on the incredible knowledge and passion that Dave has. They also expressed their gratitude for Dave’s commitment to this important aspect of the curriculum and his willingness to invest such significant time and resources in supporting teachers and students throughout the process.

2. Safe, Caring, and Respectful Environment

One of our primary areas of focus is to create a safe, caring, and respectful environment within our school. Last year we had a Health and Safety Audit conducted and we now have a draft report. We will be addressing the recommendations within the school and are working with the Operations Committee to address any policy changes. One of the elements that forms part of a safe environment is having regular evacuation and lockdown drills. Students and staff practiced our lockdown procedures under the watchful eye of two Calgary Police Service members on November 16th as part of our ongoing preparation to ensure we are able to respond to a threat within the school and take all necessary steps to reduce risk in such a situation. While this lockdown drill was announced ahead of time, we will have at least two more drills during the school year that will not be, and it is important that we are all aware of the procedures. The CPS members had very positive comments after the drill.

3. Education Plan and Annual Educational Results Report

The Education Plan and Annual Educational Results Report will be presented for approval at the November 24, 2015, meeting of the Board of Directors. It will then be posted on our website and shared with Alberta Education.

4. The CASS Connection Article

Our school has an article published in the Fall 2015 magazine, The CASS Connection. This edition of the publication, which is sponsored by the College of Alberta School Superintendents, focuses on the Ministerial Order on Student Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting November 24, 2015 7

Learning. Dr. Butterfield submitted an article which chronicles the journey within Connect Charter School: Developing Exemplary Practices in Support of the Ministerial Order on Student Learning. We are very pleased to be able to support exemplary practices throughout the province.

5. University of Calgary Deans’ Event

At the invitation of Werklund School of Education, we participated in a data gathering session at the U of C to assist researchers in defining the contemporary roles and responsibilities of deans in a variety of faculties. This data will be used to inform the future selection and professional development for deans within the university. We appreciated being invited to participate in this research experience.

6. College of Alberta School Superintendents’ Conference – November 5-6

Minister David Eggen spoke at the CASS Conference on November 5 and presented information on the priorities of the government over the next few months. He expressed his commitment to providing adequate funding for education and for advancing the Education Act for possible implementation in September of 2016. He said that the government is looking at the Act and accompanying regulations to ensure they are consistent with the beliefs of their government. He has asked CASS for input into some of the areas of the Act, and these will be considered before the Act is put forward in the Legislature.

Deputy Minister Lorna Rosen spoke on November 6 and provided more details into the future direction and key priorities for Alberta Education. Her four main areas of focus were on capital planning, school nutrition programs, school fees, and on key relationships within education. Both presentations provided insight and direction and were very positive.

7. Thank You

We are very grateful to the following directors who have served on the Board for Connect Charter School:

• Dr. Ashley Nixon’s wealth of background experiences has been invaluable to our Board. He has brought to the role the important perspective of a parent, and he contributed greatly as a member of the School Operations Committee. The comments he forwarded during the committee meetings were very thoughtful and reasoned, and he used his experiences in industry and as a parent to inform the decisions. Ashley’s passion for and gifts in photography and writing have enhanced our Connect! Blog and his material has been used when applying for grants and for showcasing our programs. Supportive and enthusiastic of our students and staff, Ashley has been an incredible asset, both on the Board and as a member of our school community. His insightful contributions to board and committee discussions will be missed, but we hope Ashley stays connected and continues to support our work on the School Operations committee as a non-director member, with added blog posts and pictures, with his connections to and support of teachers and students, and as the parent of a very talented daughter in grade seven!

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting November 24, 2015 8

• Lindsay Hogan has made significant contributions as a member of the Board of Directors of Connect Charter School. Her expertise on the Communications Committee was invaluable in spearheading the logo and name change initiative. Using a collaborative approach, Lindsay engaged all stakeholders and worked tirelessly from the initial phase, throughout the process, to the final evaluation and assessment. With her strengths in communication and leadership, Lindsay very effectively managed this very complex undertaking in a positive way and was able to lead the change process in an inclusive and respectful manner. Under Lindsay’s leadership on the Communications Committee, the broad mandate of including students, staff, and the larger school community was taken very seriously, and Lindsay focused on all audiences, never at the exclusion of any one group. In addition to her work on the committee, Lindsay’s contributions at board meetings were much appreciated. Her balanced approach of seriousness for the subject while still maintaining a great sense of humour will be missed. We wish Lindsay well in her new position and have no doubt she will continue to make a difference wherever she is.

• Harold Lemieux began as Board Chair in November of 2011. From the beginning of his time on the Board of Directors, his expertise in governance and law were of immeasurable benefit to Connect Charter School. An outstanding and professional leader, Harold’s influence was far-reaching. Highly respected throughout the province by Alberta Education personnel, Harold’s influence made a difference in major decisions that were made on behalf of the school. During TAAPCS meetings, Harold’s wisdom and understanding of issues was greatly appreciated. He consistently championed our charter and challenged decisions that were contradictory to our mandate. His knowledge of charter schools and the important role they play in research, innovation, and outreach has contributed to a change in the language and focus during TAAPCS meetings. Harold has always been a very strong supporter of the school, and has championed the work of the staff and the students. His calm, professional, and wise demeanor sets a tone that is most admirable. For our leadership team, Harold’s reasoned perspective consistently kept us focused on our mandate and what was truly important. We are grateful that Harold has graciously offered to stay on the Board as past chair, and we look forward to his continued leadership in that role.

8. Alberta Education and the Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools (TAAPCS) Meetings

January 14 and 15 - TAAPCS Regular Meeting – Red Deer Sheraton

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting November 24, 2015 9

Appendix “D” Connect Charter School Operations Committee Board Report – November 2015

• First meeting this school year will be December 2 at Connect Charter from 9 am – 2 pm. Any new (or continuing) Directors with an interest in the work of this committee are welcome to attend. Please let Susan C. or Denise know if you’re planning to attend so that we can order another sandwich.

• We have received SafeSide Consulting’s Risk and Safety Review report which includes: • Several policy recommendations relating to Risk Management, Safety, Health, Security and Emergency Preparedness. The School Operations Committee will review these recommendations at the December 2 meeting and will bring draft new policies and/or proposed policy revisions to the Board as appropriate. • Specific findings & recommendations re: Hazard Identification and Control. Darrell is organizing these into a matrix and identifying which Connect Charter staff members he will work with to document our response to each item. Review of the matrix will be a standing agenda item at future School Operations Committee until documentation of our response to each item is complete.

• Based on information from Alberta Education representatives, we anticipate the Education Act and associated Regulations will come into effect September 1, 2016, substantially unchanged from what we were working with prior to the election of the new government. Policy work that was suspended after the election needs to be resumed and completed prior to the end of this school year. • Minister Eggen has identified three items where he is undertaking further consultation with stakeholders: • the question of residency for students age 16 and over (n/a to Connect), • the question of accommodating high school students to age 21 (n/a to Connect), and • the question of school fees. • Minister Eggen recently wrote to all school boards in the province regarding the NDP government’s commitment to supporting safe, caring and inclusive schools for all students, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community. He has instructed Boards to ensure that our policies addressing how we’re meeting our responsibility to ensure that each student and staff member is provided with a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging and specifically addresses the Board’s responsibility as it relates to the LGBTQ community. We are to provide the Minister with a copy of Connect’s policy and any associated regulations/procedures not later than March 31, 2016.

• In addition to the above, the School Operations Committee’s scope of work for the 2015/16 school year will include the review and revision of policies identified as needing a refresh during the course of our committee work last year (e.g. Volunteers, Educational Placement of Students with Special Needs, Student Transportation).

• I would like to thank Ashley for his three years of service to this Committee and to the Connect Charter Board. His breadth and depth of corporate experience and his passion for quality education for our students have been so valuable in our policy discussions. I am grateful that he has agreed to continue supporting our work as a non-Director Committee member, attending meetings when his schedule permits and collaborating digitally when he is not. Thank you so much, Ashley!

• I would also like to than Margaret Leland and Jason Avramenko for bringing the teaching staff’s perspective to our discussions over the past two years and look forward to welcoming two new teachers to the table at our December 2 meeting. Submitted by Denise Kitagawa Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting November 24, 2015 10

Minutes of Connect Charter School Society, Board of Directors Meeting December 15, 2015 at Connect Charter School

Board members present: Denise Kitagawa (C), Dave Robinson (VC), Harold Lemieux (PC), Wendy Baillie, Mark Blake, Joni Carroll, Tim Edwards, Susan Gaetz, David McKenzie, Jeff Turner and Dr. Norm Vaughan.

Board members absent: Luana Comin-Sartor, Chas Filipski, Jennifer Hittel, Gavin Peat, Mackenzie Regent.

Dr. Phil Butterfield presented “Politics of Education Reform, Alberta Public Charter Schools 20 years later”, a project he worked on in collaboration with Dr. Lynn Bosetti, from the University of British Columbia, Okanagan. The Board appreciated all the work that Dr. Butterfield did on behalf of all charter schools.

Board Chair Ms. Denise Kitagawa declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 6:17 pm.

Motion 28.15 by Tim Edwards, THAT the December 15, 2015, Board agenda be approved. Carried Motion 29.15 Wendy Baillie, THAT the November 24, 2015, Board of Directors meeting #1 and #2 minutes be approved. Carried Motion 30.15 by Norm Vaughan, THAT the Board approves the 2016/17 Connect Charter School calendar and tentative 2017/18 Connect Charter School calendar. Carried Motion 31.15 by David McKenzie, THAT the Board approves the 2015/16 signing authorities of Denise Kitagawa (C), Dave Robinson (VC), Harold Lemieux (PC), Luana Comin-Sartor, Susan Chomistek, Darrell Lonsberry, Scott Petronech, Dr. Phil Butterfield and Myra Penberthy Carried Motion 32.15 by Susan Gaetz, THAT Policy 6.04, Student Health and Safety be approved as amended. Carried

Motion 33.15 by Dave Robinson, THAT the Board approve a change to Ms. Myra Penberthy’s contract from a 1.0 FTE to a .9FTE effective January 1, 2016, allowing the option of changing back to a 1.0 FTE if deemed necessary. Carried

Motion 34.15 by David McKenzie, THAT the Board approves a temporary employment contract for Ms. Carla Campos, beginning Dec 10, 2015 and continuing until the return of the cleaner on medical leave. Carried

Health and Safety Report, Darrell Lonsberry • Update on an employee’s accident, the causes and due diligence around the incident. • The health and safety audit recommended sharing near accident misses, which we have started doing. • Currently we have 6 fire drills per year and 3 lockdowns per year in regards to school evacuations. • The audit also recommended that a health and safety report appear on every Board agenda.

Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting December 15, 2015

Leadership Team Report, Susan Chomistek, Darrell Lonsberry, Scott Petronech & Phil Butterfield • Ms. Susan Chomistek presented the leadership team report in Appendix “A” • Regarding Camp Gardner, we are trying to confirm our partnership in regards to using the facilities for our Outdoor Education trips.

Second campus, Mark Blake • Did not meet in December. • The letter has been drafted letter to the Minister to increase the enrollment cap and support for a second campus.

Secretary Treasurer Report, Myra Penberthy • Secretary Treasurer’s Report in Appendix “B ”.

Governance, Denise Kitagawa • There has not been a meeting since November. • Our retreat will be in January and volunteers who are interested in participating in the planning, please let Ms. Kitagawa know.

Research & Innovation, Dr. Norm Vaughan • Four proposals have been received from Ms. Deidre Bailey and Mr. Kevin Sonico, Ms. Ivy Waite & Ms. Jaime Groeller, Mr. Jason Avramenko and the fourth proposal is from Dr. Phil Butterfield.

Communications, Wendy Baillie • The committee will be having a meeting in the near future.

School Operations, Denise Kitagawa • See minutes in Appendix “C” • All committees should review their terms of reference annually. • We have a working group who will be drafting a policy in regards to the use of social media which will involve input from the Communications committee. • Some costs will be incurred to address hazard identification and control recommendations in the Risk and Safety Review. As soon as practicable, cost estimates will be presented to the Board for review/approval. • The new risk management policy is being developed by Ms. Kitagawa and Ms. Chomistek and will be reviewed at the Board retreat.

Facilities, Tim Edwards • No meeting this month.

External Collaboration, Dave Robinson • No meeting

School Council, Mark Blake • Tuesday December 1, 2015 there was a School Council meeting. • The parent exchange survey was discussed.

The meeting terminated at 7:20 p.m.

______Denise Kitagawa, Board Chair

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Appendix “A”

Connect Charter School Superintendent/Leadership Team Report Board of Directors Meeting - December 15, 2015 1. Exemplary Learning, Teaching, and Leadership in Connect Charter School

Environmental and Outdoor Education is a key component of our charter and a descriptor in our Exemplary Learning, Teaching and Leadership Frameworks. Promoting environmental and global awareness to inspire our students to become informed and active citizens is a key goal. This year’s winter camps have been an opportunity to continue to build capacity within our staff. As has occurred in past years, all of our grade six home room classes will have an opportunity to participate in a three day two night winter camping experience at the Ribbon Creek Hostel. With support from administration and the Outdoor Education Portfolio leader, Mr. John Cadman, homeroom teachers will plan and run most of the outdoor experiences. Guides have been hired through a local business to facilitate some of the activities such as cross country ski instruction and the cross-country ski tours. At the school level, the organization for these trips has taken place over the course of the last few months. Online resources are available for students and their parents, and the information night is always well attended. Using the expertise within our school and taking responsibility for more of the teaching component has saved approximately $5500. This cost saving results in lower fees for our students. We are really pleased with the changes in the program and look forward to a positive experience for our students.

In addition to these winter trips, two grades 7 to 9 electives classes are also going to Ribbon Creek for a three day two night excursion. These trips are similar to the Terms 1 and 3 backcountry trips with a focus on building the needed skills to thrive as a team in the outdoors. These electives emphasize leadership in the form of caring for self, peers, and the group as a whole. The electives are filled to capacity.

Two more electives this term under the area of Environmental and Outdoor Education are a grades 6 and 7 winter elective and a grades 4, 5, and 6 Mission to Survive elective. The grade 6/7 program focuses on being comfortable in the outdoors, learning how to cook in a winter environment, and learning how to cross country ski. Once the skills are developed, the students will participate in a day trip in the Kananaskis country. The grade 4 to 6 elective focuses on basic outdoor skills, introducing students to the ten essentials of being prepared to participate in the outdoors. Navigation, fire building, preparing food, treating water, and being able to create a shelter are the beginning elements of this program. There is also a research component where the students need to get information on a notable outdoor enthusiast. Later in the elective, the students will Skype with an expert in this field.

As part of our staff training and developing skills in outdoor safety, several staff were trained or recertified last week in a Remote Responder First Aid and another group was recertified in a First Aid course. John Cadman, our Outdoor Education Portfolio Leader, has begun an eighty-hour course, in advanced adventure first aid.

Part of the Board’s Strategic Plan focus this year involves positive working relationships with our universities. Two of the descriptors in our Exemplary Teaching, Learning and Leadership Frameworks are Collaboration and Leadership and fostering positive working relationships with our university partners. On November 24, 2015, Susan Chomistek was a guest lecturer for Dr. Amy Burns in her class, Education 430 – Pragmatics of Teaching and Learning. One of our alumni, Taryn Knorren, was a member of the class, and she spoke of her positive experiences at our school. Susan has also been invited to participate in a working committee in the new year looking at current issues and challenges around pre- service teacher field experiences at the Werklund School of Education Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting December 15, 2015 3

2. Peace Festival

Each December our school hosts an event called Peace Festival. Peace Festival is our winter celebration that takes place through various activities over the last two weeks of school before the winter break. It is a celebration of hope and peace in our school and local community, through activities that encourage caring, passion, and empathy. Further, it is a recognition and awareness of our role as global citizens to act responsibly and ethically. The theme this year for Connect Charter School is Give a Little Bit. Grade 9 students, along with the Mini Me To We elective, will lead and organize activities for students that are fun and impart an important message connected to the theme.

Under the direction of the Mini Me to We elective and Mrs. Heather Fawcett, grades 4-6 home rooms will be sponsoring a donation drive for Inn From the Cold, a Calgary organization that focuses on families who are homeless. Different grades have been asked to focus on different items from the New Baby and Toddler Supplies Wish List. This is the second year our school has participated in this very worthwhile cause.

The second initiative is for grades 7-9 classes. Organized by some of our grade 9 students, each homeroom in the upper grades will be putting together a backpack of items to donate to Stephen’s Backpacks. A Calgary-based organization, “Stephen’s Backpacks for Children In Need Society” provides homeless and at-risk children with needed essentials. In each backpack will be hygiene items, school supplies, and even information about how to write a resume and learn proper nutrition. Since 2006, more than 34,000 children have been given a gift of hope from Stephen’s Backpacks Society” (stephensbackpacks.com)

On Monday, December 14, there will be a film screening of On the Way to School (6:00 to 9:30) and access to the Peace Festival Market featuring goods from Nepal benefiting HANDS Nepal, as well as Connect student crafts benefiting the Calgary Food Bank. Peace Festival activities will be held in the gym on Wednesday, December 16, and Thursday, December 17, where any and all proceeds will go to the Calgary Food Bank. Thank you to Ms. Groeller, Mrs. Waite, and our University of Lethbridge intern teachers Miss Shorrock and Miss Dvorkin, for their efforts in organizing the students to take on this leadership opportunity which is of great benefit to our students, and our local and global communities. Board members are welcome and encouraged to attend any of the activities that are being held! 3. Outdoor Education Networking Days A key focus area in the Board Strategic Plan is to provide leadership in exemplary learning, teaching, and leading. Our second networking day, which will focus on Outdoor Education, is being planned for January 8th and 9th. We are working with Westmount Charter School and the Calgary Arts Academy to plan and facilitate this. Environmental literacy and learning from expertise in other schools is a key component of this experience. Day 1 will take place at Connect and Day 2 will be at Mosquito Creek. We are hoping for between 25 and 30 participants. Board members are welcome to come and share their expertise.

4. Education Plan and Annual Educational Results Report The Annual Educational Results Report 2014-2015 and Education Plan 2015 – 2018 document which was presented at the November 24 meeting of the Board of Directors has been posted on the school website. As well, a two-page summary of the document, which is also available in the Dropbox, has been posted. This is a document that you may wish to refer to in highlighting the work of the school.

We had a very positive meeting to discuss the documents and results with Beverly Barca, our new Alberta Education liaison manager, on December 10, 2015. She spoke very

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positively about the excellent reputation Connect Charter School has within Alberta Education.

5. Student Teachers A cohort of seven pre-service teachers in the fourth year of the education program at Mount Royal University will be starting their final, 16-week practicum on January 11, 2016. Over the course of this placement, the student teachers will gradually increase their teaching load to 100% while also completing two course modules. The modules will be facilitated at Connect by MRU staff including former Connect teacher, Dr. Tanya Stogre, and Dr. Scott Hughes, and will consist of a capstone project and a music/art integration course. Together with the University of Calgary cohort, under the supervision of Gail Danysk, that is returning in February, Connect will be host to 9 pre-service teachers in the new year. In addition to these placements, we will be hosting two Educational Assistant students from MRU. 6. The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools (TAAPCS) January 14 and 15 - TAAPCS Regular Meeting – Red Deer Sheraton

May 5 and 6 – TAAPCS Regular Meeting – Edmonton

Feb. 26, Apr. 8, June 10 – Executive Advisory Council – Red Deer

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Appendix “B” Connect Charter School Society Board Meeting December 15, 2015 Secretary Treasurer’s Report

Draft Financial Statements

The financial statements for November 30, 2015 will be shared with the Board on January 23, 2016. The year-to- date results show a small surplus. Although there are timing differences increasing revenue, there are also offsetting timing differences increasing expenses. We are projecting to be on budget for yearend.

ASBOA (Association of School Business Officials of Alberta)

I attended the ASBOA issues forum on December 3, 2015 in Calgary. The annual issues forum is an opportunity to hear from Alberta Education on current issues and new reporting requirements and also to receive updates from the ASBOA working group committees. We also have an opportunity to meet in groups to give feedback on various topics. Alberta Education focused on the three areas for the Education Act that the Minister of Education is receiving feedback on: the student age increased maximum to 21 years, the student residency vs. family residency and school fees paid by parents. The Alberta Government will be allocating 45 million to reduce school fees. In addressing parent concerns around fees it was emphasized that the transportation fees will not be affected. The deputy minister also indicated that she would like monthly financial reporting from the school jurisdictions in order to monitor results prior to the General Reporting Entity reports March 31 and Audited Financial Statements August 31 of each year.

Mr. Gene Williams discussed Bill 8, the public education collective bargaining act which is due to take effect January 1, 2016. Between now and late-January TEBA will be established (teachers’ employers bargaining association). There will be one representative per school board with an elected Board of Directors. April 30, 2016 TEBA will be operational.

On December 4th, the second day we had a mini boot camp and in the afternoon we met with our committees to do some work for the association.

Secretary Treasurer’s meeting

On December 10, 2015 the Calgary secretary treasurers met at the Calgary Girl’s School Board office. We discussed benefit packages for employees, audit results and maintenance and caretaking shared services.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Respectfully submitted, Myra Penberthy

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Appendix “C” Connect Charter School Operations Committee Meeting Minutes - DRAFT

Date: December 2, 2015 Location: Collabrium Attendees: Denise Kitagawa (chair), Jeff Turner, Susan Gaetz, Susan Chomistek, Darrell Lonsberry, Myra Penberthy, Deirdre Bailey, Cynthia Nilsson

• The meeting commenced at 9:05. Denise welcomed new committee members Deirdre Bailey and Cynthia Nilsson (teacher representatives).

• We reviewed and approved the agenda, with the addition of approval of the last meeting minutes as an agenda item..

• The minutes of the March 3, 2015 School Operations Committee (SOC) meeting were approved.

• For the benefit of new committee members, we reviewed Policy 1.03 – Policy Development.

• As will be required by the new Education Act, we reviewed the SOC Terms of Reference and confirmed they are still appropriate (NOTE: as we work through the recommendations contained in the Risk and Safety report from Safe Side consulting, changes to the Terms of Reference should be reviewed again).

• We discussed the scope of policy work for the 2015/16 school year: o We need to resume and complete our work on the policy additions and revisions required to align with the new Education Act and associated Regulations (expected to come into effect September 1, 2016). o We have received Safe Side Consulting’s report on the Risk and Safety Review undertaken in the spring of 2015. The SOC will review and respond, as appropriate, to the Board Oversight and Policy Recommendations contained therein (see Attachment 1). NOTE: Safe Side Consulting’s report also includes recommendations re: hazard identification and control. These are being addressed by Administration. There will be associated costs (not budgeted), such as staff training, signage and storage. It’s too early to estimate the magnitude of these costs. Future SOC meetings will include a standing agenda item to receive a progress report re: the report’s recommendations relative to hazard identification and control. o Other policies, as identified or brought to the SOC. To-date: § Darrell has requested a review of 7.03 Volunteers § Deirdre advised the committee that teachers would appreciate some guidance around use of social media. Ensuing discussion raised a number of key points for inclusion in a new policy. Jeff, Darrell, Deirdre and Cynthia volunteered to work together to develop a first draft of a new social media policy for our next SOC meeting

Attachment 2 provides an overview of the scope of policy work for the 2015/16 year. For policy work to be done by other Board committees re: the new Education Act, the SOC will provide support as requested. • We reviewed the Board oversight and policy recommendations contained in the Safe Side Consulting report on the 2015 Risk and Safety Review. o In response to recommendation #1, a standing item “Health, Safety and Risk Management” will be on the agenda at each Board meeting beginning in December 2015. Administration has added the same standing item to the agendas for staff meetings.

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o In response to recommendation #2, Susan C., Susan G. and Denise volunteered to work together to develop a first draft of a new risk management policy. The aim is to have something for discussion at the January Board retreat. § Jeff referred us to the University of Calgary enterprise risk management policy. § Luana provided the SOC with a copy of Suncor’s risk management policy. o The remaining Board oversight and policy recommendations will be addressed as part of our scope of policy work for the 2015/16 school year.

• In response to a question for Deirdre and taking into consideration Minister Eggen’s recent email to all school boards concerning policy supporting the establishment of GSAs and QSAs (see Attachment 3), we agreed to defer discussion of 7.03 Volunteers to the next meeting and spent the balance of our time together updating policy 6.04 – Student Health and Safety and associated Appendix 3 which has been listed on the school website as “under review” since September 2013. Darrell undertook to review the updated draft with Shannon Mitchell-Flek. The updated policy will go to the Board for review and approval at the December 2015 meeting.

• The meeting adjourned at 2 o’clock.

Minutes prepared by Denise Kitagawa

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