Standing Committee Monday, November 9, 2020 Trustee Board Room

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board 20 Education Court, P.O. Box 2558 Hamilton, ON L8N 3L1

AGENDA: Immediately following Board Meeting

1. Call to Order Written Delegation Submissions: 2. V. Djurdjevic re: Naming Memorial (SC) school 2.1 MP Bratina re: Naming Memorial (SC) school 2.2 MPP Miller re: Naming Memorial (SC) school

3. Approval of the Agenda 4. Declarations of Conflict of Interest

Reports from Staff: 5. Naming Committee Report: Memorial (Stoney Creek) 6. Naming Committee Report – Greensville 7. Effective Communication Report 8. Adjournment 2-1

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustees Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board 20 Education Court, Hamilton Ontario

November 6, 2020

Delegation submission for the Memorial –Stoney Creek Site

Package consist of 2 parts

Book “Nikola Tesla for Kids”—hard copy already distributed

Electronic package that will that will provide additional information and support for Nikola Tesla Elementary School.

Sincerely,

Vic Djurdjevic, BA, CPA, CMA President Nikola Tesla Educational Corporation

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Malcom Samuel Theodor Hodgins Cymbaluk Aoki Nikola Tesla Scholarship Winner

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2.1-1 2.2-1 2.2-2 5-1

EXECUTIVE REPORT TO BOARD

TO: BOARD

FROM: Manny Figueiredo, Director of

DATE: Education November 9, 2020

PREPARED BY: Jeff Gillies, Superintendent of Student Achievement

RE: Naming of the New School on the Memorial SC Site

Action X Monitoring  Recommended Action:

That the following three submissions by the School Naming Advisory Committee be considered for the new elementary school at the Memorial SC site pending completion of construction and opening by January 2021.

Recommended names (unranked and in alphabetical order)

• Achievement • Battlefield Stoney Creek • South Meadow

Rationale/Benefits:

The School Naming Advisory Committee is putting forth the listed names in no particular order. The submissions were reviewed according to the guiding principles outlined in the Board policy and procedure.

The School Naming Advisory Committee met on October 13, 2020 to discuss and consider the public consultation report and all names suggested. The Committee used several rounds of voting to come to consensus for the recommendations to be considered by Trustees.

Background:

As part of the Lower Stoney Creek Accommodation Review, the Board of Trustees approved the closure of Memorial SC and Mountain View pending Ministry of Education funding for a new school on the Memorial SC site.

On June 17, 2017, the Ministry of Education announced funding for a new $12 million, 495 pupil place, K-8 elementary school on the current Memorial SC site. The new school is scheduled to open for students on January 4, 2021. 5-2 According to HWDSB's policy, the naming of school process will begin at the closure of two or more schools and consolidation into a new build on an existing or new site.

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) recognizes that naming schools, or sections of the school, provides a unique opportunity to further develop an identity for the school, its students, its community, its staff and the Board.

Names for schools chosen under this policy must consider the following guiding principles:

• reflect HWDSB’s vision, mission, commitments and community composition • provide inspiration to students • have community and district acceptance • be appropriate for the whole district • have local community, district, provincial, Canadian or international significance • where appropriate and possible, address underrepresented groups.

A name chosen for a school, or a section of the school, is expected to have community acceptance while being appropriate for the whole district.

HWDSB solicited suggestions for names of the new elementary school from stakeholder groups through the completion of an online survey, and/or by mailing or emailing written correspondence to HWDSB. The survey was posted from January 14 to February 28, 2020 and resulted in 736 responses with 40 names suggested.

The school Naming Advisory Committee consisted of the following individuals:

Name Role Cam Galindo Ward 9 & 10 Trustee / Co-chair Maria Felix Miller Ward 3 Trustee Jeff Gillies Superintendent of Student Achievement, Family of Schools 1 / Co-chair Mark Taylor Communications Karen Milligan Hamilton Public Library, Archivist Eddie Grattan Principal, Memorial SC/Mountain View Sherry DelMastro Vice-Principal/On-Site Administrator, Mountain View Dragana Ljubicic Memorial School Council Candace Cooper BobbiKahlon Mountain View School Council Dale Byers Jason Rusnak Memorial Home & School Association Stacey Smith Sarah Solter Memorial Teachers Jenn Staples Angela Hoffman Mountain View Teachers Alvira Pink Isabella Memorial Students Chirjeev Harman Mountain View Students Selena Victoria Hernandez Memorial Community Rep. Jordan Kinzie Mountain View Community Rep.

5-3 The summary of consultation findings (Appendix-A) as well as a description of recommended names provided by the Hamilton Public Library (Appendix-B) is included with this report. All names submitted through the consultation process were considered.

The following names are presented, in alphabetical order, for consideration. The committee believes all names uphold the guiding principles.

Achievement

Dictionary – definition - noun. something accomplished, especially by superior ability, special effort, great courage

From educationevolving.org: Students are achieving when they acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will prepare them to lead happy and successful lives.

Battlefield Stoney Creek

During 1813 the Americans planned to invade Upper Canada from Detroit and the Niagara Peninsula. In late May, an American force crossed the Niagara River, seized Fort George, and with about 3500 troops moved inland in pursuit of the British who retreated to Burlington Heights. At Stoney Creek, a surprise night attack by about 700 regulars of the 8th and 49th Regiments of Foot under Lt.-Col. John Harvey halted the American advance and allowed the British to re-establish their position on the Niagara frontier. The Americans retreated to Forty Mile Creek and subsequently to Fort George.

Battle of Stoney Creek National Historic Site of Canada is a memorial park built on the site of a battlefield from the War of 1812. It is located at the edge of the Niagara escarpment on the east side of the town of Stoney Creek, Ontario. The site includes the Gage House, the Stoney Creek, Smith’s Knoll and the Stoney Creek Cemetery Monument, the Dunnington-Grubb and Stoney Creek Cemetery landscape; archaeological resources; and objects held in repositories and on the site. Official recognition refers to the Battlefield Park and Smiths Knoll cemetery which encompasses the Stoney Creek Memorial, the cemetery and Gage House.

Parks Canada Directory of Federal Heritage Designations

South Meadow

South Meadow is a neighbourhood in Stoney Creek that is bordered by Queenston Road, Millen Road, the Niagara Escarpment and Green Road.

Southmeadow Crescent is also located near the new school on the Memorial Stoney Creek site.

5-4 Appendix A - 1

Names Suggested for Memorial (Stoney Creek) Site Superintendent Jeff Gillies Achievement Public School • Dictionary – definition - noun. something accomplished, especially by superior ability, special effort, great courage • From educationevolving.org: Students are achieving when they acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will prepare them to lead happy and successful lives. Bronte Elementary School • The name Bronte is attached to Lord Horatio Nelson who was Duke of Bronte. United Empire Loyalists were some of the original Ontario settlers and the UEL has strong connection throughout Ontario. • Bronte Creek and what was Bronte township are located in what is now the Town of Oakville Clara Hughes • Born - September 27, 1972 in Winnipeg • She is an Olympian. She competed as a cyclist and as a speed skater (winning medals in both the summer and winter games) She is an advocate for mental health and has been a spokesperson for Bell Let’s Talk. • Hamilton Ontario has hosted the Commonwealth Games as well being very engaged in a variety of sports and recreation including cycling. Colonel Chris Hadfield • Born August 29, 1959 in Sarnia, Ontario • He is an engineer. • Now retired, Col Hadfield was an RCAF fighter pilot and part of NASA as a Canadian astronaut. • He was the first Canadian to walk in space. He has been to Hamilton as a keynote speaker. 5-5 Appendix A - 2

Dale Earnhardt Sr. Elementary School • Born April 29, 1951 in North Carolina USA, Died Feb 18, 2001 in Florida USA • He was a professional race car driver and team owner. Stock car racing is popular throughout North America. There is currently an operating short track located in Hamilton, in the Flamborough area Devan Bracci-Selvey Memorial School* • Born 2005 – Died Oct 7, 2019 • He was killed outside of Winston Churchill Secondary school. Devan was 14, his killer(s) were also youths. • There was an outcry about bullying particularly occurring in schools in the Hamilton area. Diana Spencer • Born - July 1, 1961, United Kingdom, Died – August 31, 1997 France • Hamilton Ontario has a deep connection with the British Royal family with many visits be various members of the family since the 1800s. Lady Diana was a keen advocate for education although she was an average student • Lady Diana did not visit Hamilton on the two Royal visits which occurred during her connection to the royal family. Donald V. Brown Public School • The Brown family has operated a funeral home in Stoney Creek, ON since 1955. • Mr. Brown has been an active community member and raised his family in Stoney Creek. In 1992 he was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award. Dr. David “Dan” Offord Elementary • Renowned child psychiatrist who devoted his life and career to improving the lives of children, especially disadvantaged children, around the world • Professor emeritus in the department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario • Regarded as one of the world’s leading experts in child development • Member of the Order of Canada in 2001 for his work to better the lives of children • Died of cancer on April 10th at the age of 70 5-6 Appendix A - 3

Emily Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake) (1861-1913) • Indigenous Canadian poet, author and performer • Born in her family home (Chiefswood), on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario • Notable for her poems, short stories and stage performances that celebrated her mixed-race heritage, drawing from both her English and Indigenous cultures • Died of breast cancer in 1913 • Monuments have been erected in her honour • Designated a Person of National Historic Significance in 1945 • In 1961, Canada Post created a commemorative stamp in her honour – she was the first woman (other than the Queen), the first Indigenous Canadian and the first author to be honoured • Elementary schools have been named in her honour, including one in Hamilton, Ontario Florence Lawrence Secondary • Born Florence Annie Bridgwood (1886-1938) in Hamilton, Ontario • Canadian American stage performer and film actress • Often referred to as “the first movie star” • Appeared in almost 300 films throughout her career • Appeared in her first silent motion picture in 1906 • In 1937, Lawrence was diagnosed with an incurable bone disease • Lawrence committed suicide in 1938 George Hamilton Public School • George Hamilton (1788-1836) • Founded the city of Hamilton, Ontario • Local businessman, politician and militia officer • Hamilton purchased land and laid out the original town between the waterfront and the Niagara Escarpment by making roadways and selling house and business lots to settlers • The village of Hamilton was incorporated in 1833 and became an official city in 1846 • Every year on the Civic Holiday in August, Hamiltonians celebrate George Hamilton Day in honour of the city’s founder Gord Downie (1964-2017) • Canadian rock singer-songwriter, musician, writer and activist. Lead singer and lyricist for The Tragically Hip from 1984 until his death • Widely regarded as one of the most influential and popular artists in Canadian music history 5-7 Appendix A - 4

• Involved with environmental activism and Indigenous affairs such as reconciliation • Hamilton city council voted to commemorate him with plaque at First Ontario Centre • Downie was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor in 2015 and died of cancer in 2017 at the age of 53 Green Memorial • Maintains some of the Memorial site’s name and Green may refer to the greenery near the location ie. parks Helen Kinnear Elementary School • Helen Kinnear (1894-1970) born in Cayuga, Ontario • First female lawyer to argue before the Supreme Court of Canada, the first woman in the British Commonwealth to be made a King’s Counsel, and the first woman appointed as a judge by the government of Canada • Active member of the Liberal Party of Canada and active in overcoming women’s inequality in society • Awarded a medallion from the John Howard Society for “Distinguished Humanitarian Service” • In 1993, Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp in honour of her achievements

Memorial Elementary School* • Name of existing school site Mount Memorial Public School • Combination of names from current Memorial Stoney Creek and Mountainview schools Mountain View Memorial • Combination of names from current Memorial Stoney Creek and Mountainview schools Nathan Cirillo Memorial • Born December 23, 1989 – October 22, 2014 • He attended Sherwood SS in Hamilton, ON. He was a Class A Reservist with the Argyll – Sutherland Highlanders based in Hamilton, ON 5-8 Appendix A - 5

• He was killed in a shooting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa October 22, 2014. He was guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier when he was shot. • In 2015, Corporal Nathan Cirillo Free Run Area on Golf Links Rd in Ancaster was named after him Neil Peart Elementary School • September 12, 1952 – January 7, 2020 • He was born in Hamilton, ON • Canadian musician who was best known as the drummer and primary lyricist of the iconic Canadian rock band RUSH. He was a published author of seven books. He died from brain cancer. • From the RUSH website; “What is a master but a master student? And if that’s true, then there’s a responsibility on you to keep getting better and to explore avenues of your profession.” Nikola Tesla Public School* • Born July 10, 1856 in what is now Croatia – Died January 7, 1943 in USA • Hamilton was the First Electric City in Canada and has the oldest continuous operating hydroelectric power generation station in Canada. • Part of Burlington Street in the industrial area of Hamilton was renamed Nikola Tesla Boulevard in 2016. • Tesla never actually visited Hamilton, ON but, there is a large organization In Hamilton that supports the inventions of Tesla and raised the funds for re naming the roadway. Peace Valley Public School • Until 2003 there was Peace Memorial School located on East 36th Street in Hamilton. • There is also an organization; United Nations Culture of Peace Hamilton Fund. This organization was instrumental in installing a Peace Garden at Hamilton City Hall. Pierre Trudeau Elementary School • Born Oct 18, 1919 Died Sept 28, 2000 • Was the 15th Prime Minister of Canada (from 1980-1984) • He visited Hamilton Ontario many times during his tenure in public office. 5-9 Appendix A - 6

Red Hill Valley School • Red Hill Valley is in south eastern area of Hamilton Ontario. The Red Hill Creek flows from Albion Falls down to Hamilton Harbour. • In 2007 The Red Hill Creek Valley Expressway was constructed. • There is a branch of the Hamilton Public Library also named; Red Hill Branch located on Queenston Rd near Hwy 52 Ridgewood • Public School in Mississauga Sara Calder Memorial School* • Sara Calder (1846-1914) • Philanthropist • Sara founded the Hamilton branch of the Women’s Art Association and Vice-President of different organizations • In 1899 she became the first president of the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society and led the purchase and preservation of the Gage Homestead, along with helping to open Battlefield Park to the public • She raised money to build the Battlefield monument on the Gage property, which was constructed in 1913 to honour those who had fought in the Battle of Stoney Creek, and to commemorate 100 years of peace between Canada and the U.S. • After the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, Sara raised money to erect a statue of the late queen in Hamilton’s Gore Park South Meadow Elementary • South Meadow is a neighbourhood in Stoney Creek and is bordered by Queenston Road, Millen Road, Niagara Escarpment and Green Road • There is also Southmeadow Crescent in Stoney Creek located near Memorial Elementary School Stoney Creek Memorial Elementary • Modified name proposal for existing Memorial (Stoney Creek) Terry Fox (1958-1981) • Canadian athlete and cancer research activist • Diagnosed with cancer in 1977 and had his right leg amputated • In 1980, he began the Marathon of Hope and embarked on a cross- country run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. 5-10 Appendix A - 7

• The Terry Fox run was established in 1981 and has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries, and is the world’s largest one day fundraiser for cancer research • Fox is considered a national hero and has many statues, roads, parks and buildings across the country, named in his honour Tim Horton Elementary School • Tim Horton (1930-1974) born in Cochrane, Ontario • Professional Canadian hockey player, who played 24 seasons in the NHL • In 2017, Horton was named one of the 100 greatest NHL players in history • He played with the Toronto Maple Leafs and won 4 Stanley Cups with the team • Successful businessman, he co-founded the Tim Hortons fast-food chain • Opened his first Tim Hortons in Hamilton, Ontario on Ottawa Street • By 1968, Tim Hortons had become a multi-million dollar franchise • Died in a car crash in 1974 • In 1977, he was inducted posthumously into the Hockey Hall of Fame Viola Desmond (1914-1965) • African Canadian civil rights activist and businesswoman from Nova Scotia • In 1946 she challenged racial segregation at a movie theatre by sitting in a whites-only seating area and refusing to leave • Convicted of a minor tax violation for the difference between the seat she paid for and the one she occupied • Her case was one of the most highly publicized cases of racial discrimination in Canada and helped start the modern civil rights movement in this country • Pardoned posthumously in 2010 • In 2012, Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp in her honour • In 2018, she became the first Canadian woman to be featured alone on a Canadian bank note • Named a National Historic Person and became the first woman of colour to be featured in a Heritage Minute William Foltarz Memorial School • Unable to locate any relevant information on this name

6-1

EXECUTIVE REPORT TO BOARD

TO: BOARD

FROM: Manny Figueiredo, Director of

DATE: Education November 9, 2020

PREPARED BY: Jane Macpherson, Superintendent of Student Achievement

RE: Naming of the New Greensville Site School

Action X Monitoring  Recommended Action:

That the following three submissions by the School Naming Advisory Committee be considered for the new elementary school at the Greensville Site currently under construction and completion is expected for the new school opening January, 2021.

Recommended names (unranked and in alphabetical order)

• Crook’s Hollow • Greensville • Webster’s Falls

Rationale/Benefits:

The School Naming Advisory Committee is putting forth the three listed names in no particular order. The submissions were reviewed according to the guiding principles outlined in the Board policy and procedure.

The School Naming Advisory Committee met virtually on October 14, 2020 to discuss and consider the public consultation report and all names suggested. The Committee used several rounds of voting to come to consensus for the three recommendations to be considered by Trustees.

Background:

In June 2014, Trustees approved the closure of Greensville and Spencer Valley and the construction of a new school on the Greensville school site. The new elementary school on the former Greensville site is located at 625 Harvest Road, Dundas, Ontario. This new JK-8 school is part of a joint community project that includes a City of Hamilton Community Centre, and a Hamilton Public Library location.

According to HWDSB's policy, the naming of school process will begin at the closure of two or more schools and consolidation into a new build on an existing or new site. 6-2

Names for schools chosen under this policy must consider the following guiding principles:

A name chosen for a school, or a section of the school, is expected to have community acceptance while being appropriate for the whole district.

HWDSB solicited suggestions for names of the new elementary school at the Greensville Site in Hamilton from stakeholder groups through the completion of an online survey, and/or by mailing or emailing written correspondence to HWDSB. The survey was posted from January 14 to February 28, 2020. 228 responses were received online and by mail/email. In total, 33 names were put forward for consideration.

The school Naming Advisory Committee consisted of the following individuals:

Name Role Alex Johnstone Ward 11 & 12 Trustee/Chair

Paul Tut Ward 13 Trustee Jane Macpherson Superintendent of Student Achievement Mark Taylor Communications Ben Dyment Archivist, HWDSB Educational Archives Ryan Johnston Hamilton Public Library Audrey Hensen Principal, Spencer Valley Denise Minardi Principal, Millgrove

Michelle Toner School Council, Spencer Valley Tanya Sanders Teacher, Spencer Valley Bryce Pinnegar Student, Spencer Valley Thomas Brittain Student, Spencer Valley Rita Hardenbrook Community Rep, Spencer Valley Laura Zonta School Council, Millgrove Megan MacCuish Teacher, Millgrove Sarah May Community Rep, Millgrove Pamela Crichton Home and School Association

The summary of consultation findings is attached. All names were considered.

6-3 The following names are presented, in alphabetical order, for consideration. The committee believes all names uphold the guiding principles.

Crook’s Hollow

Crook’s Hollow is situated on Spencer Creek to the west of present day Greensville. While today the former community of Crooks Hollow is a ghost town, the name has lived on as a conservation area that offers a quiet retreat on Spencer Creek.

The community of Crooks Hollow was one of the leading industrial areas in Upper Canada (Ontario) during the 19th century. This picturesque location was named after James Crooks, a Scottish-born businessman, militia officer, justice of the peace, and politician (born 1778; died 1860) who built his first mill there in 1813. Known as the Darnley Mill, it produced flour for the British Army. Paper making machinery was installed in 1872 and the mill continued to operate until 1934 when it was destroyed by fire. The ruins of this three-story stone structure still stand at the side of the road which winds along the Creek.

Greensville

The community of Greensville is situated on the banks of Spencer Creek and is named for the Green family. Originally, the site on which they settled was known as Franklin Corners and later as Joyce’s Corner. In 1846, the name was officially changed to Greensville.

John Green, Sr. was an United Empire Loyalist (U.A.E.) originally from New Jersey who, in 1799, began the process of acquiring land and water use rights in West Flamborough. He formally purchased land in 1801 and moved to the property in 1808, building a cabin and small grist mill. He sold 129 acres to his son William and sold off small parcels of land where the village of Greensville now stands.

In 1884, a community school, School Section No. 5, was built to replace a two-room frame schoolhouse erected in 1848. On February 1, 1848, a parcel of land (1/8 of an acre) was purchased for erecting a schoolhouse. A two- roomed frame schoolhouse was built on the grounds and continued to be used until 1884 when it became necessary to erect a larger school. Built in 1884, this new two-room brick structure began operating. In 1889, the school trustees purchased an iron bell which continued to be used until the 1950s when an electric bell system was installed. In 1951, the old brick school was going to be demolished, however, these plans never materialized. Rather, classrooms, offices, washrooms, staff rooms and a gymnasium-auditorium were gradually added over the next two decades merging the old and new structures. In 1998, the Greensville School celebrated its 150th anniversary.

Webster’s Falls

Located on the southern edge of Greensville in the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, Webster’s Falls is the region’s largest waterfall and has been a popular destination throughout the history of the area.

Its name has varied over time, however, the most consistent has been Webster’s Falls after Joseph Webster, Sr., who purchased the waterfall and the 78 acres of land surrounding it in the early 1820s. In 1830, his son, Joseph Webster, Jr., built the Ashbourne Mill which produced various types of flour until the mill was destroyed by fire in July 1898. In 1899, the remains of the Ashbourne Mill’s dam were used by then-owner George Harper as the basis for the second Hydro generating electric power plant in Ontario. The power generated by this station was used to give the town of Dundas its first street electricity. In 1917, the Public Utilities Commission of Dundas bought Webster’s Falls and the surrounding lands for the town’s waterworks department. The area, along with the close-by Tews Falls, is now owned and managed by the Hamilton Conservation Authority as part of the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area.

6-4 Appendix B - 1

Names Suggested for Greensville Site – New School Superintendent Jane Macpherson Achievement Public School • Dictionary – definition - noun. something accomplished, especially by superior ability, special effort, great courage • From educationevolving.org: Students are achieving when they acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will prepare them to lead happy and successful lives. Akon Elementary • Akon (Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam, b. 1973) is a Senegalese- American R&B performer/producer. Blue Water Elementary School • May refer to the scenic waterfalls Deer Wood Elementary • White-tailed deer are a native species commonly found in local woodlands. Dundas Waterfalls Public School • Webster Falls and Tew Falls, local waterfalls E. Lloyd Betzner Elementary School • 1924–2004 • West Flamborough resident with many contributions to local community: farmer, school board chair, served on chamber of commerce, owner and operator of Betzner Farm Equipment • Together with his wife Jean, many years of involvement in organizing the Rockton World’s Fair 6-5 Appendix B - 2

Ella Shepherd Public School • Possibly Ella Sheppard of the Fisk Jubilee Singers (see Sheppard- Moore above). Ella Shepherd with this spelling is managing partner of Mulberry Coffeehouse on James Street North in Hamilton. Emily Carr Elementary • 1871–1945 • Canadian artist and writer, from British Columbia. Her paintings are known for their post-impressionist/modernist style. She was influenced by indigenous art and inspired by the natural environment. Escarpment elementary school • The Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton is commonly referred to as “the Mountain” by locals • More than 100 waterfalls and cascades flow over Hamilton Mountain within city limits Fallsview Elementary school* • May refer to the many waterfalls found in Hamilton or Niagara Falls • Also the name of a casino in Niagara • There is a Fallsview residence above the intersection of Tew’s Falls and Webster’s falls on the Bruce Trail Gordon Downie Elementary School • 1964-2017 • Canadian rock singer-songwriter, musician, writer and activist. Lead singer and lyricist for The Tragically Hip from 1984 until his death • Widely regarded as one of the most influential and popular artists in Canadian music history • Hamilton city council voted to commemorate him with plaque at First Ontario Centre Green Valley Elementary School • Green valley may refer to scenic Greensville Greenborough Valley Public School • Combination of Flamborough and Greensville

6-6 Appendix B - 3

Greendale • There is a Greendale Dr. in Hamilton • Also a Greendale Early Learning & Child Care Centre in Hamilton Greensville Public School* • Greensville is a community in Flamborough • Both Webster’s Falls and Tew’s Falls are located in Greensville Greg Van Geffen* • Greg Van Geffen was a public-school trustee for Dundas and west Flamborough for wards 13 and 14 in 2014 from Dundas, Ontario John Green Public School • United Empire Loyalist, early settler in West Flamborough township, after first settling and building mills in Grimsby; in 1797 he built a grist mill on the creek near Greenville (village named for his family). John Webster Public School • Not clear which John Webster is meant. The Webster family were early settlers in the area, for whom Webster’s Falls is named, but father and son were both named Joseph Webster. Johnson Tew Elementary School/ Tews Public School • Farmer and politician; he served first as councillor (1905–1907, 1912) and later reeve of West Flamborough (1913–1914, 1922–1926) • Johnson Jex Tew, his son, was also a school trustee and volunteer firefighter. • Part of what was once the Tew farm is now the Johnson Tew Park and Arboretum in Greensville near the school site. Journey New Beginnings Public School • Journey can be defined as traveling from one place to another; passage or progress from one stage to another. Lloyd Tew or Johnson Tew Public School • See above for Johnson Tew. I was not able to find information on Lloyd Tew. 6-7 Appendix B - 4

Mary Kelly memorial school • This is a common name, and it’s unclear which Mary Kelly is meant; however the Register of Certificates of Common School Teachers, 1861–1870, in the Wentworth County Board of Public Education file at Local History & Archives, lists the name Mary Kelly twice in its pages, once with Post Office address Dundas, and then with Post Office address Greensville. Montgomery elementary school • Unclear which Montgomery this refers to, whether a local family or possibly Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery of Anne of Green Gables fame. Viscount Montgomery is an existing HWSDB elementary school in Hamilton New Green Elementary • New school built on Greensville site; also an allusion to innovation towards environmental protection. Nikola Tesla Public School* • Born July 10, 1856 in what is now Croatia – Died January 7, 1943 in USA • Hamilton was the First Electric City in Canada and has the oldest continuous operating hydroelectric power generation station in Canada. Possibility Elementary School • By definition “a chance that something might exist, happen, or be true” Sheppard-Moore Elementary School • Ella Sheppard Moore (1851-1914) was a soprano, pianist, and composer • She was a direct descendant of Andrew Jackson and was born on The Hermitage, Jackson’s plantation • She taught music in Nashville and was part of the Fisk Jubilee Singers • In 2009, the Ella Sheppard School of Music was founded and has provided free musical instruction to hundreds of children in Chicago • Part of Burlington Street in the industrial area of Hamilton was renamed Nikola Tesla Boulevard in 2016. 6-8 Appendix B - 5

• Tesla never actually visited Hamilton, ON but, there is a large organization In Hamilton that supports the inventions of Tesla and raised the funds for re naming the roadway. Spencer Creek • Spencer Creek is a creek in Flamborough, Ontario • It was named after Spencer Gorge, a “Y” shaped gorge • Originally known as Flamboro’ or Morden’s Creek. • In the early decades of the nineteenth century, the water flow of the creek was sufficiently strong to power a large number of mills. Particularly in what is now the Greensville area, the Honourable James Crooks established a concentration of mills of various types to harness that water power. • Spencer Creek flows through West Flamborough townships and provides the water for two of the Hamilton area’s most historic and scenic waterfalls, Webster’s and Tew’s Falls. • Both waterfalls are located along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, just downstream from the historic village of Bullock’s Corners, location of the still standing West Flamborough Township Hall. Spring Valley • Spring Valley Elementary is a school in Copetown, Ontario and is part of the HWDSB Sydenham Central • May refer to the road or the falls • Sydenham Falls is a 15-metre-high ribbon waterfall near the Spencer Gorge/Webster’s Falls Conservation Area • The falls are found on Sydenham Creek close to Sydenham Road. The falls are named after Baron Charles E.P.T. Sydenham, Governor- General of Upper Canada from 1839-1841 • Sydenham Road was opened in 1840’s Websters Falls Elementary* • Waterfall located in Greensville • It is the largest waterfall in the region and one of the most popular. • 22-metre classical curtain waterfall that is part of the Spencer Gorge/Webster Falls Conservation area 6-9 Appendix B - 6

• Joseph Webster was born in England in 1809. He purchased seventy- two acres of land in 1822, which contained the waterfall that now bears his name • The Webster family once operated a flour mill about 150 yards from the top of the falls and their residence is still standing Western Elementary • May refer to Western University in London or Western Ontario Appendix C - 1

Naming of Schools Consultation March 19, 2020

Report on Findings

Purpose of Consultation Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) asked the community to provide feedback on naming of the new school on the Greensville site (serving students currently attending Spencer Valley Elementary School and Millgrove Elementary School) and the new school on the Memorial (Stoney Creek) site (serving students currently attending Memorial Stoney Creek and Mountain View Elementary School). Respondents were asked to choose a name that:  reflects HWDSB’s vision, mission, commitments and community composition  provides inspiration to students  has community and district acceptance  is appropriate for the whole district  has local community, district, provincial, Canadian or international significance  addresses under‐represented groups The feedback was requested through a survey which was posted online from January 14, 2020 to February 28th, 2020. Most responses were received online (n = 710) and some by mail (n = 26), including 18 from an elementary school class in the form of drawings and names. Of the 710 responses received online, 145 were removed because they were duplicates, trolling responses, or were left blank. The total of online responses was therefore 565.

Respondent Characteristics The majority of the responses were from parents/guardian (n = 249, 44%) followed by those who responded “other” (n =153, 27%). Students made up 16% (n = 93) of the sample, community members made up 7% (n = 39), and staff made up 5% (n = 31) responses. Of the 565 responses received online, the total number of respondents who said they have children was 71% (n = 225) and 29% (n = 92) said they do not have children. Of those who have children, 44% (n = 98) have two

Appendix C - 2

Naming of Schools Consultation March 19, 2020

Report on Findings

children, 38% (n = 86) have one child, 13% (n = 30) have three children, 4% (n = 10) have four children, and less than 1% (n = 1) have five or more children.

Summary of Findings The following were the five most frequent names for each school site:

Greensville Site Memorial (Stoney Creek) Site

1. Greensville Public School (125) 1. Nikola Tesla (214)

2. Nikola Tesla (16) 2. Memorial Elementary School (41)

3. Greg Van Geffen (11) 3. Sara Calder Memorial School (15)

4. Webster’s Falls Elementary (6) 4. Devan Bracci-Selvey Memorial School (8)

5. Fallsview Elementary school (5) 5. Marie Louise Robbins Elementary School (6)

Appendix C - 3

Naming of Schools Consultation March 19, 2020

Report on Findings

The following are the names suggested for the Greensville site. The names have been listed in alphabetical order and indicate the number of responses for each name offered. Where no number is indicated after a suggested name, this means the name was only offered once. Where respondents gave a reason for the name they chose, this is indicated in the “comment” column.

Name Suggested for Greensville Site Comment (n = 228) Achievement: A thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill. Something accomplished, especially by superior ability, special effort, great courage, etc.; a great or heroic deed: his remarkable achievements in art. The act of achieving; attainment or accomplishment: the achievement of one's object. Achievement Public School Achievement values are “the incentives or purposes that individuals have for succeeding on a given task” (Wigfield, 1994, p. 102). “When students value a task, they will be more likely to engage in it, expend more effort on it, and do better on it” (Wigfield, 1994, p. 102). Akon Elementary (3) Blue Water Elementary School (2) Deer Wood Elementary There’s a lot of deer in the area, and lots of woods and forests. Dundas Waterfalls Public School E. Lloyd Betzner Elementary School (2)

Ella Shepherd Public School (3) Previous long term principal at the school who was a great influence on many of her students Emily Carr Elementary Significant for artistic contributions to themes regarding indigenous populations and Canadian landscapes. Escarpment elementary school (2) Fallsview Elementary school (5) Because of the falls in the area Gordon Downie Elementary School (2) Significant Canadian figure and rock musician Green Valley Elementary School (4) Greenborough Valley Public School Greendale

Appendix C - 4

Naming of Schools Consultation March 19, 2020

Report on Findings

Greensville Public School (125) Not sure why we need to rename the school. The school has been serving children in the area since 1848. Important to keep for historical reasons. I've lived here for 40 years and all my children attended both Greensville and Memorial-it is important to keep the local identity and history. The name represents the area and should be kept. Greg Van Geffen (11) John Green Public School The village of Greensville and old Greensville school were named after John Green Sr. a United Empire Loyalist who settled in the Greensville area in 1799. He sold lots from his land to develop the area for business and industry etc John Webster Public School Johnson Tew Elementary School Journey New Beginnings Public School Lloyd Tew or Johnson Tew Public School

Mary Kelly memorial school Montgomery elementary school New Green Elementary Nikola Tesla (16) Possibility Elementary School The name “Possibility” reflects HWDSB’s motto of curiosity, creativity and possibility, reflecting on student potential to achieve outstanding things. Sheppard-Moore Elementary School Ella Sheppard was a former principal of Greensville School and Maude Moore was a former teacher of Greensville School. These two ladies taught with each other and many people know who they are. Also Maude Moore taught at Spencer Valley School for the first 10years it was open. These two ladies grew up in this area and raised their families here as well. There is lots of history from these two ladies and it would be nice to see them recognized. Spencer Creek (3) Spring Valley Sydenham Central Tews Public School (4)

Appendix C - 5

Naming of Schools Consultation March 19, 2020

Report on Findings

Webster’s Falls Elementary (6) Webster’s Falls has tremendous historical significance for the area including being the reason the area was settled and contributing to this area. Today it is hailed as Hamilton’s largest and most famous geographic landmarks. It draws people from around the world and ties the communities of west Flamborough together. Western Elementary

The following are the names suggested for the Memorial (Stoney Creek) site. The names have been listed in alphabetical order and indicate the number of responses for each name offered. Where no number is indicated after a suggested name, this means the name was only offered once. Where respondents gave a reason for the name they chose, this is indicated in the “comment” column.

Name Suggested for Memorial Comment (Stoney Creek) Site (n = 366) Achievement: A thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill. Something accomplished, especially by superior ability, special effort, great courage, etc.; a great or heroic deed: his remarkable achievements in art. The act of achieving; attainment or Achievement Public School accomplishment: the achievement of one's object. Achievement values are “the incentives or purposes that individuals have for succeeding on a given task” (Wigfield, 1994, p. 102). “When students value a task, they will be more likely to engage in it, expend more effort on it, and do better on it” (Wigfield, 1994, p. 102). Bronte Elementary School Clara Hughes Colonel Chris Hadfield Dale Earnhardt Sr. Elementary School Devan Bracci-Selvey Memorial School  Because he should be remembered and never forgotten. (8)  This tragedy brought together our entire school board.  I think this would be a tribute to a young man.  A young Hamilton boys whose life was cut short while on school property-he deserves to be remembered for years to come.  A memorial but also a change in school history for the new bullying committee Diana Spencer

Appendix C - 6

Naming of Schools Consultation March 19, 2020

Report on Findings

Donald V. Brown Public School Donald V. Brown (Don) has been a role model in the Stoney Creek Community. His life has been dedicated to serving the community, sponsoring numerous sports teams (Hockey, Baseball, Rugby, Soccer are just a few) Supporting many community churches and missions. I believe by naming the school after him would carry a wonderful Legacy. Dr. Dan Offord Elementary Emily Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake) Florence Lawrence Secondary George Hamilton public school Gord Downey Green Memorial Helen Kinnear Elementary School Jack Finan Memorial School (5) John J Kelso John Wilson Julie Payette As a woman is science and our Governor General. She is a fabulous example of who we may aspire to be. Laurier Elementary Lincoln Alexander Memorial Madeline L. Chabot Mrs. Chabot will be retiring in June 2020 with 30 years of experience in teaching, all of them at Memorial Stoney Creek School. Another interesting thing is that all of her student teaching was done at this same school, too. Marie Louise Robbins Elementary  Marie Robbins in a local teacher who reflects HWDSB's vision, School (6) mission and priorities.  Her life was all about volunteering and helping people. She served on many community organizations.  At the end of her life, she asker her family to donate all her books to the ESL program.  She is a community leader who had her career at Memorial.  She was a great teacher and continued her passion of teaching at Memorial.

Appendix C - 7

Naming of Schools Consultation March 19, 2020

Report on Findings

Memorial Elementary School (41)  The name suits the geographical area and has historical and cultural significance.  It is the original name of the school and should be kept the same. The school has a long history in the community and honours people lost in previous wars.  A new name is unnecessary Mount Memorial Public School (3) Mountain View Memorial (2) This name is suitable for the geographical location and combines existing school names. Nathan Cirillo Memorial (3) Hamilton needs to honour this man from East Hamilton who lost his life serving our country. Neil Peart Elementary School (2) Nikola Tesla Public School (214)  Not only is the community largely populated with families of the same ethnic background as Nikola Tesla, but it also provides a role model and inspiration to students to be successful in sciences an aspire to become innovators.  One of the greatest inventors of all time, and he played a major role in bringing electricity to the Hamilton/Stoney Creek area.  Would be very inspirational to the students & community at large.  I want our kids to go to schools named after people who are inspirational in terms of being immigrants, advancing humanity's knowledge, innovation, etc.  Tesla was a man of excellent values that represents the values of STEM education and HWDSB’s vision of curiosity, creativity, and possibility.  The power of invention and critical thinking (outside of the box)  He's an important figure in science who did important things very close to our local community.  Represents innovation and who wanted to create sustainable energy available to people for free. Person of iconic figure who started the technological wave long before the current generation fathomed it

Peace Valley Public School We want to live together in peace and its in a valley by the ridge of the escarpment Pierre Trudeau Elementary School

Appendix C - 8

Naming of Schools Consultation March 19, 2020

Report on Findings

Red Hill Valley School Ridgewood (2) Sara Calder Memorial School (15)  Her interest in heritage, art and community. She was also a strong determined woman who got things done.  We would not have Battlefield House Museum and monument without her. Sara Calder was a woman of great strength and ability, who used her knowledge to help build the Village of Stoney Creek and the surrounding Hamilton and Wentworth County. Sara took interest in Canada’s emergence as a nation. In 1894 she founded the Hamilton branch of the Women’s Art Association.  She was vice-president of the Council of Women of Canada improving the lives of women and children. In 1899, as first president of the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society, she led the purchase and preservation of the Gage homestead and helped open Battlefield Park to the public.  Through her tireless leadership the Battlefield monument was raised in 1913 to honour those who fought in the Battle of Stoney Creek and to commemorate 100 years of peace between Canada and the United States. Founder of Battlefield Park & saved gage home & farm. Founder of women’s art society amongst many other accomplishments South Meadow Elementary (2) The name is taken from Hamilton-Wentworth’s names for various communities (e.g. Westdale, Bartonville, Normanhurst). If you look at a city map the new school will be within what the city refers to as the “South Meadow” district. It also shows no favouritism for the names of either existing school. Stoney Creek Memorial Elementary (4) We must continue to honour people who died in war Terry Fox (2) Tim Horton Elementary School Viola Desmond William Foltarz Memorial School

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Executive Summary Topic: Effective Communication Report

Context HWDSB's Board of Trustees have approved a Strategic Directions for 2016-20 and staff have developed an Annual Plan for 2019-20. The five priorities are Positive Culture and Well-Being, Student Learning and Achievement, Effective communication, School Renewal and Partnerships.

Mission: We empower students to learn and grown to their full potential in a diverse world.

Commitment: We are committed to learning, equity, engagement and innovation

Priority: Effective Communication – We will improve our communication through comprehensive strategies.

Summary The following report includes:

• The review of the 2019-20 implementation of the HWDSB Annual Plan, Effective Communication, and the draft strategies of the 2020-21 HWDSB Annual Plan, Effective Communication • Appendix A: Effective Communication Road Map • Appendix B: 2019-20 Highlights in Communication Planning: Safe Schools: Bullying Prevention and Intervention Panel and COVID-19 Communication • Appendix C: 2019-20 Analytics: Website and Media Exposure

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is committed to improving and expanding its ongoing communication with students, parents, staff, and the community in order that we can work collaboratively to provide the best education possible. This commitment is outlined in our Strategic Directions under the priority, Effective Communication.

The Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan was adopted in June, 2018 and came directly out of the recommendations from the Communications Audit. Links to the two publications are provided below for reference:

• Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan • Communications Audit, conducted by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA)

The vision for communications and engagement is clear: HWDSB honours all voices, with an increase focus and intentionality on the racialized, marginalized and equity seeking groups within our community. In addition, staff will foster engagement by building trust, nurturing relationships and maintaining the confidence of the Hamilton community. The goal of the plan is to create a culture of communications and engagement through the implementation of its Strategic Directions.

The Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan outlines five priority areas: Leadership, Staff Ambassador, Digital Engagement, Student Outreach, and Partnerships. Highlights of the Staff Ambassador priority and Digital Engagement priority are reflected as identified strategies within the Board Annual Plan, Effective Communication.

An overview of the Leadership and Student Outreach priorities are provided in this report as well. An update on the Partnerships priority will be submitted as a mid-year update in December and in April.

Through this report, Trustees will learn how staff are making a commitment to enhancing internal and external communications, connecting to HWDSB’s Strategic Directions and demonstrating outcomes through the various initiatives. 7-2

HWDSB Annual Plan Report

Name of Report: Effective Communication Report

Date: November 2020

Priority: Effective Communication 2019-20: We will improve our communication through comprehensive strategies.

Goal: Improve internal and external communications.

Target: Implement year two of the 2018-2021 Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan

Strategies outlined in the 2019-20 Board Annual Plan are taken from the priorities in the Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan, adopted in June 2018, and based on the recommendations from the Communications Audit completed in 2017. Links to the two publications are provided below for reference:

• Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan • Communications Audit, conducted by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA)

The Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan outlines five priorities: Leadership, Staff Ambassador, Digital Engagement, Student Outreach, and Partnerships. Highlights from the Staff Ambassador priority and Digital Engagement priority are reflected in the 2019-20 Board Annual Plan, Effective Communication (see Appendix A). An update on the Partnerships priority is shared with the Program Committee as a mid-year update in December and in April. An overview of the Leadership and Student Outreach priorities are provided in this report as well.

The objectives of the five areas are reflected in these five questions:

1. Do LEADERS have what they need to be effective in the system? 2. Do STAFF know where to find information to be productive? 3. Do PARENTS engage with HWDSB through online opportunities? 4. Do STUDENTS feel connected and engaged in school life? 5. Do PARTNERS feel engaged and valued while working with HWDSB?

Strategy: Implement standard digital platforms to improve communications with staff, parents and students.

The Digital Engagement priority has four parts: Digital Platforms, Digital Citizenship, Digital Storytelling, and Feedback (Thoughtexchange). Staff initiated a strategy that would standardize digital platforms to improve communication with staff, parents and students. The purpose of this standardization is to improve internal and external communication and support the function with the appropriate tool to use. These platforms are channels of communication, sources of information, and tools for sharing information about HWDSB.

Staff continue to narrow the number of channels used and provide clarity in a once crowded network of platforms.

The Digital Engagement Advisory Ad Hoc Committee met twice in the 2019-20 school year. The mandate of the Digital Engagement Advisory Ad Hoc Committee is to: • Implement standard digital platforms and support transitions to improve communications with staff, parents and students.

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• Discuss governance and functionality of internal and external web-based platforms/tools and applications. • Implement a vetting process to review new and existing platforms and applications through a lens of Privacy, Program, Communications, Procurement and IIT. • Review relevant guidelines, resources or procedures that support platform standardization. • Liaise with the 21st Century digital engagement work that will happen in 2019-20 to seek alignment • The expectation is to have approx. 5 meetings during the school year and aligned with the Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan to end in 2020-21.

On January 28, 2020 Executive Council directed staff to outline a plan that would standardize teaching and learning platforms. The following direction was provided: 1. All HWDSB educators have a blended learning component to their program using a Board standard tool and are expected to provide blended learning on a regular basis. 2. The Board standard blended learning “space” will be an integration of The Hub and MS Teams with a developmental continuum of tasks and tools with The HUB being the predominant tool by Grade 7. 3. Competing platforms and apps will be completely phased out by September 2020 including: Google Classroom, SeeSaw, Remind, and Class Dojo. Access within the HWDSB network for these tools will be restricted. 4. The learning approach to the new blended learning expectations will include: o Program and Specialized Services focuses on pedagogy o IIT focuses on transitioning of files, etc. o Summer Institute 2020 focuses on blended learning o Summer Learning will be blended 5. Draft and begin implementation the 21st Century Strategy beginning in September 2020

COVID-19 accelerated the implementation of the Digital Engagement priority. HWDSB confirmed the standardized platforms as The Hub and Microsoft Teams. Throughout the Ministerial closure period, this direction was validated by parents/guardians in a Thoughtexchange and Virtual Classroom Guidelines were created.

The Thoughtexchange results included 4,009 participants, 6,425 thoughts, and 134,439 rates assigned. High- rated ideas/concepts related to standardized digital platforms from the Thoughtexchange include:

“HWDSB needs to invest in an online platform that all teachers use so that the delivery method to students is consistent (aka Google Suite/Classroom). This is necessary so that teachers can be trained, students know where to go, there is consistency among classes and everything can be accessed online.”

“Teachers should all use the hub when assigning work.”

“Students with multiple teachers would benefit if all of the teachers were using the same applications.”

“A more unified system for all students. I have 4 kids and the delivery method for each child is different which is difficult. Some are done via the blog, some via email, some google drive.”

The Digital Engagement Advisory Ad Hoc Committee met again on May 20, 2020.

Approved platforms include: 1. MS Teams: Microsoft Teams is a unified communications/collaboration tool 2. The HUB: Learning Management System 3. Power School: Student Information System and Powerteacher Pro 4. Parent Portal: Parent communication 5. Safe Arrival: A student absence reporting system 6. School Messenger: A notification system that allows phone calls home to families 7. Hour Republic: Tracking Community Involvement Hours 8. Career Cruising: Career exploration, planning, and option sheets platform 9. Gigit Marketplace: Volunteer opportunities platform 10. School Website: Digital storefront for school 11. Microsoft O365: Email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. 2

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12. Intranet: HWDSB hosts a restricted communications network for employees only 13. Intranet (Team sites): Platform for accessing shared content

School Messenger By May 2020, parents and guardians were receiving a significant amount of communication about COVID-19, distance learning, and critical updates from the Board through School Messenger. Communication was provided to families about how to customize preference in the way that parents wanted to receive information (i.e. phone, email, app or text).

Parent Portal A new Parent Portal was launched on August 17, 2020, ahead of schedule, and due to a demand for direct parent communication related to COVID-19. The Parent Portal was launched with the question to parents about whether they wished to send their child to school in-person or in our remote learning program. In addition, staff asked parents whose child/ren were attending in person about the one-time attestation.

The new Parent Portal supports families who want to view their child/ren’s grades and attendance, complete school and board forms online, report an absence from school, pay for school items or events using School Cash Online, and find transportation information. More work is being done with direct communication between parent and child’s educator. The Parent Portal is available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Urdu, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, and Serbian.

Challenges related to Parent Portal

Prior to the launch of the Parent Portal, Office Administrators in schools had the ability to modify some fields of student, parent/guardian and/or family information (data) in HWDSB’s Student Information System. These modification allowances may been done to accommodate custodial matters, preference in parent email addresses, or family preference in which parent/guardian received school communication. Some fields within PowerSchool have since been clarified and mandated, whereas before there was some local flexibility. The Parent Portal standardized expectations related to the data.

Strategy: Implement an employee ambassador strategy.

When staff are viewed by the organization as ambassadors, they are placed first in the sequence of communication. This builds a strong internal communication network. Students, parents and community members become beneficiaries of this communication approach enhancing the HWDSB brand.

The 2019-20 school year presented challenges to the staff ambassador strategy but did not slow down our commitment to internal communications. The established Intranet supported internal communications, standardizing an internal platform for staff use. The reinvented QuickFinder and subsequent Employee Announcement Guidelines continue to keep staff informed about who to contact in the HWDSB family.

Information to staff during moments of crisis, labour, staffing reorganization, school closure or pandemic response has been at the forefront of our communications. Communication is shared through a revised Weekly Memo structure to Administrators, although during the pandemic has become to a Daily Memo system, and through Director’s emails.

Emails continue to be significant mode of communication for staff. Email guidelines have been developed and await approval by Executive Council in November 2020.

A sequence of internal communications tactics is waiting in the queue to support this strategy. Each tactic will be completed as stated in our Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan. Social media guidelines, employee orientation and on-boarding resources, and a refresh on our Visual Identity program have been identified to be complete by August 2021.

The strategy is building towards a customer service program, which has been postponed until the next edition of the Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan, aligned with the next edition of the Board’s Strategic Direction.

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Strategy: Enhance digital engagement for external audiences through a story-telling strategy.

A commitment to implement the story-telling strategy was provided by Executive Council on March 10, 2020. Staff have established a structure for creating and sharing positive experiences of students, staff and families within the community. Story-telling will include various forms of communication such as video and written articles to highlight students, partners, schools, programs and staff. All the stories will be done through an equity lens.

The areas and reason are as follows: • Students – because students influence students for success • Partners – because recognition will maintain relationships • Schools – because this is the entry to a family experience • Programs – because this is key to graduation • Staff – because staff morale is critical to everything we do

The framework is based on the audience or program profiled. The stories will be collected and shared on social media and linked to a dedicated web page.

Students: “One Minute With…” Idea: Profile students on different pathways to highlight the many ways to graduate and thrive. Example: 59 secs for Instagram video

Staff: “Leaders in their field” Idea: Profile staff receiving external awards to recognize the achievements and get to know staff beyond their job title. Example: Website post, social media feature

Schools: “Day in the Life” Idea: Capture student life inside HWDSB schools, filling the gap left by the Pulse Page feature. Example: Student photos/art/video from a school, build into FB/Instagram album

Partners: “In This Together” Idea: Highlight and thank the community partners that support HWDSB students. Example: Social media story for sharing across partner’s channels (e.g. Tweet thread, highly visible, shareable, with embed on website)

Programs: “Have you considered?” Idea: Highlight lesser-known programs across HWDSB to promote many ways to thrive. Example: Feature story or video

Additional Highlights of the Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan

The priority areas of Leadership and Student Outreach, while not directly included in the Board Annual Plan strategies, are being included as areas to highlight.

Leadership

Typically, in this section, several key leaders/groups are identified with an example of an initiative that supports their growth in communications leadership. The 2019-20 school year provided examples of learning and leadership through practical situation of crisis response for Executive Council, Trustees, Managers and Administrators.

• Equity Action Plan: HWDSB began the 2019-20 year with the launch of the Equity Action Plan at the Director’s Breakfast. Examples throughout the year surfaced where staff applied communications with equity and well-being support to address anti-Black racism, anti-Semitism, and anti-homophobia support towards the Two-Spirit & LGBTQIA+ community. Each example provides an opportunity to support students who are marginalized by the system and addresses inequities through an anti-oppressive framework. This communication supports critical social justice and promotes human rights perspectives.

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• Safe Schools: The death of a student heightened community concern about bullying. HWDSB appointed an independent Safe Schools: Bullying Prevention & Intervention Review Panel to co- ordinate, facilitate and gather feedback about bullying from students, families, staff and community partners. Communicating feedback opportunities is a priority.

• Labour Relations: Approximately 40 Labour Updates were provided to the community in 2019- 20 related to provincial job action. Collective agreements have been finalized with all union partners covering the period of September 1, 2019, to August 31, 2022.

• Global Pandemic: On March 13, 2020, HWDSB issued its first communication to families informing them about the Ministerial Order to close schools from March 14 to April 5 as an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. Since then, the pandemic continues to reshape school operations with enhanced public health measures. Effective communication has been our priority with staff and families. To date, 28 formal communication updates related to COVID-19 and School Reopening have been shared.

Parent Leaders are an identified group within this priority as they provide a leadership role on School Council, Home & School Associations, and the Parent Involvement Committee. Support for School Councils continued this year with an updated edition to the School Council Handbook and direct communication with School Council members through email and a distribution group.

The Manager of Communications and Community Engagement continued to do School Council outreach and visited School Council members representing the school community of Sir Winston Churchill. This included outreach with the secondary school’s School Council members and representatives from the area elementary schools. This additional visit brings the total School Council outreach opportunities to six in two years.

Each meeting is an opportunity to meet volunteers, share ideas and get feedback. Information was collected about the challenges and opportunities related to School Council business, communications with parents, and general support to enhance parent engagement. At the sessions, topics discussed included crisis response, social media and parent platform communications.

Student Outreach

Students have an interest in their education and their voice has incredible influence in the communications program at HWDSB. As stated in the Communications and Community Engagement Plan, the Student Outreach priority will keep the communications and community engagement program fresh and tuned into student voice. Students offer insight that is used for the purpose of research and the department’s role can provide opportunities to deepen student engagement.

• Student Advisory Groups: Students were engaged and or supported by the Communications and Community Engagement department in the following examples: o Safe Schools: Bullying Prevention and Intervention Review Panel o Black Youth Mentorship Program

• Take the Lead Conference: The Communications and Community Engagement team supported the Student Senate’s Take the Lead Conference by offering graphic design resources and offering workshops on both communication and engagement. The one-day event, February 13, 2020, was a success and the feedback from the sessions generated excitement from students to pursue strategies that would further promote student voice and empowerment.

Digital Engagement

Digital Agenda: In 2019-20, a new practice was established between Communications and Community Engagement and Purchasing departments to support Administrators in developing a Digital Agenda for parents and students. Staff introduced a digital content resource, which house standardized design covers and pages provided by HWDSB and will allow administrators to easily build and prepare the school agenda for printing.

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This means that the front and back design covers are Board approved, and the branding and templates for pages schools select will remain consistent across all HWDSB agendas. Administrators can build their school’s agenda with information that is appropriate for their school’s needs, the copy and physical pages included may differ between schools.

Staff did not meet the target to implement year two of the 2018-2021 Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan due to provincial labour sanctions and the global pandemic.

Priority: Effective Communication 2020-21 We will improve our communication through comprehensive strategies.

Goal: Improve internal and external communications.

Target: Continue to implement year two of the 2018-2021 Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan

Draft Strategies:

• Complete implementation of the Parent Portal to improve communications with our parents, guardians and caregivers • Standardize communications, including digital platforms, to improve communication with staff and students, especially during COVID-19 • Enhance digital engagement for external audiences through a story-telling strategy.

7-8 Effective Communication at HWDSB Our Strategic Roadmap Strategic Directions Strategic Communications (HWDSB Reimagined) & Engagement Plan (Four-Step Process)

5 Priority Areas 1. Research: Based on Strategic Directions, 5 Priority Areas, Communication Audit, and other.

Positive Culture Student Learning School & Well-being & Achievement Renewal 2. Planning: Based on the priorities within the Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan: Leadership, Effective Partnerships Staff Ambassadors, Digital Engagement, Student Communication Outreach and Partnerships. BOARD REPORT - OCTOBER BOARD REPORT - APRIL

Annual Plan Annual Plan Internal External STRATEGIES STRATEGIES Communications Communications Engagement

3. Implementation: Department Workplan --> Weekly Operations

4. Evaluation 7-9

Appendix B: Highlights in Communication Planning

SAFE SCHOOLS REVIEW PANEL

ISSUE The death of a student has heightened community concern about bullying. HWDSB appointed an independent Safe Schools: Bullying Prevention & Intervention Review Panel to co-ordinate, facilitate and gather feedback about bullying from students, families, staff and community partners. Communicating feedback opportunities is a priority.

COMMUNICATIONS GOAL: All HWDSB students, staff and families will share feedback around what HWDSB should start, stop and continue concerning bullying prevention, intervention, reporting and responding.

STAKEHOLDERS: • Racialized/Marginalized Students & Parents • Community Partners – geography based • Community Partners – bullying related • Student Senate • Union partners • PIC, SEAC, H&S chairs/co-chairs • Management • Stakeholders with general session • General student audience • General parent audience

COMMUNICATIONS

Promotion for stakeholder and public sessions • Flyer invitations • Media releases for: launch of consultations, invitation to public sessions, offer interviews with panellists, note media protocols, panel findings, actions to come • Social media posts • Emails with invitations and social media shares to specific stakeholders • Advertise and developed registration on Eventbrite • Post to local Events Calendars (HWDSB, city, Spec, HPL, WAG) • Ad campaign: Social media, HSR, media, Tim Hortons, billboards, etc. • Posts for Panel/school web pages • FAQ to Panel web page, as questions arise • School Messenger phone calls

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Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week (Nov. 18-22, 2019) HWDSB heard from its community and staff that we need more focus and support to deal with the challenge of bullying. We responded with dedicated opportunities to share information, learn from others and work toward enhancing our approaches. In 2019, this included: • Increased support for HWDSB Helps app: HWDSB Helps is a free and anonymous way for students to find help for themselves and one another. Concerns may relate to student mental health, bullying, substance use and more. When students, staff and families help promote a positive school environment, schools are safer and more welcoming places. This service receives anonymous messages and shares the report with staff who follow existing Board and school protocols. • Parent Awareness Package: We sent schools a parent package (postcard and magnet) to distribute to each student, promoting methods of reporting and ways to navigate a bullying concern. We also sent schools new posters related to the HWDB Helps app. • Lesson Plans: We developed lesson plans for schools, focusing on key themes. Lesson plan material was shared in the Weekly Memo folder and the Bullying folder of our Safe Schools intranet page. • PA Announcements and Social Media Themes: Aligned with the themes in the lesson plans, each day of Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, we asked schools to share specific announcements with students. HWDSB used the same themes for social media posts each day of the awareness week. • School Council Presentation: We developed and posted a bullying prevention presentation to the staff intranet. This was also posted to the School Council page of the HWDSB website, for use at each school’s upcoming school council meeting.

Sessions • 5 general sessions • 10 unique stakeholder sessions • 2 virtual follow-up sessions (Indigenous and Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Communities) • 2 Staff and Principals/VP sessions • 7 Panel-Only Sessions • One School Board Partner Session EVALUATION

Attendance KPI

General sessions had approximately 40-60 people in attendance, which means we exceeded our low KPI goals, but did not meet our high KPI goals for the general sessions according to the Safe Schools Communications Plan.

The Racialized/Marginalized community sessions on average had between 15-30 people in attendance. This means that in some cases we did meet our low KPI’s for these sessions and the attendance was only half of what our goals were for the sessions.

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Online Survey

The Student Peer Relations in the Context of COVID-19: Safe Schools Survey will launch on Monday, October 26, 2020 and close on Friday, October 30, 2020. Staff and family surveys will follow in the coming weeks.

The student surveys are designed to collect data intended to measure school climate characteristics such as bullying, relationships and well-being. Since our schools look very different from what they did one year ago when the Review Panel was formed, the survey is designed to ask some students about bullying and school climate now, and other students about school climate before the pandemic. This will hopefully provide us with a glimpse of changes that COVID-19 has had on school climate.

Feedback from participants/students at sessions

Students commented student awareness about the sessions could have been higher if their teachers or principals were more involved in the promotion of the panel sessions.

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School Reopening Safety Protocols Campaign Evaluation Research Target Audiences – Social media ads targeted people 16-60 years of age in the Hamilton area to reach: • Parents/guardians • Students • Community members • Other HWDSB stakeholders

What Themes for the School Reopening Safety Protocols Campaign include HWDSB Cares and Doing Our Homework To Keep Kids Safe. #HWDSBCares was used as the primary hashtag.

Why Create awareness to HWDSB stakeholders that schools are safe and caring places for students where they can continue to learn in clean and maintained learning environments, which abide by public health protocols.

Planning Reach at least 50,000 people (number based on approximate number of students) in Hamilton between the ages on 16-60 in order to inform students and parents/guardians of safety protocols, which are in place in HWDSB schools to keep students safe.

Budget Budget spend - $100 Twitter, $200 Facebook Boosts, $582.40 Facebook/Instagram ads = Total Spend $882.40

Social media ads, especially Facebook, do not always spend the full budget that we set. In the future, we should strategize longer periods of time in order to spend more money.

Communications A total of six ads were created for the campaign. Four were made available at an earlier time and they were first boosted through Facebook.

Boosted posts - Four ads in the campaign were boosted and collectively reached a total of 17,746 people. Boosting is much less effective than ad placement in reach.

Facebook Ads – All six ads were posted as Facebook ads as schools were reopening and during the beginning of classes. The ads each reached between 57,000 people to 68,000 people. Some individuals saw several of our ads as Facebook’s algorithm may have shown the ad to people who follow our pages or have shown an interest in HWDSB. This means, while our ads were seen 374,397 times, a total of 159,487 people saw our ads collectively.

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The two ads, which were most successful on Facebook, were also posted to Twitter ads.

Twitter Promoted Posts- Twitter spends more per impression and as a result has less impressions. One Twitter ad reached 18,538 people.

Analytics samples of these results have been added below.

Evaluation

Social media Platform Results: Individual Facebook ads exceeded our campaign targets by reaching over 50,000 people per ad. Collectively, all ads combined between Twitter and Facebook/Instagram reached more than 195,000 people in Hamilton.

Target audiences: People who are 18-35 years of age is our largest demographic, which proves we should be catering to mediums which support this, such as Instagram. Instagram accounts for over ¾ of our ad views. In future campaigns audience specifications can be even more targeted using this demographic information to better reach our audiences.

Sample Analytics/Visuals

Disinfectant Ad Reached: 68,846 people saw our ad over 5 days Demographics: Reached more women than men but only different by less than 100.

Placement: • Where the ad was seen the most – Instagram accounts for over ¾ of ad views. • Only 336 people of the 68,846 reached used a desktop device to view our ad and only 18,272 of the 68,846 people reached used Facebook. The remaining individuals saw the ad on Instagram. 7-14

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Appendix C 2019-20 Analytics (September 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020)

Total Media

Top Sources | Editorial

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Website data: Audience Overview for the 2019-20 school year