Strategic Priorities in Action

May 2, 2022 • Issue #36

Learning opportunities and initiatives demonstrating commitment to Thames Valley's Strategic Priorities and Operational Goals

Congratulations to TVDSB Math Learning Coordinator Derek Tangredi for being recognized as a 2021 Knowledgehook Impact Influencer. Derek has a passion for all things STEM that started at a young age.

He knows that students want to have a voice when it comes to their learning. With this in mind, Derek treats his relationship with students as a partnership where they lead each lesson as he guides them through authentic and meaningful experiences.

To help support the destreaming work that is happening in secondary schools, Derek and the TVDSB Math team have been working collaboratively to bring this programming to elementary students.

Thames Valley District School Board extends its congratulations to Scott Purvis, Principal at Cedar Hollow Public School for his recognition as an OPC Difference Maker by the Ontario Principals' Council (OPC).

Established in 2018, the Ontario Principals' Council Difference Maker Award program annually awards principals and vice-principals who exemplify the professionalism of Ontario school leaders and make a difference in students’ lives.

“Every day, parents share their children’s lives with educators across the Valley and entrust us to help their children to be their best. As a Principal, I am afforded the opportunity to make an impact, no matter how small, with every child I am privileged enough to work with.”

Scott received this prestigious award at the Ontario Principals' Council’s 22nd Annual Awards Dinner last month. He has worked tirelessly alongside outstanding administrators in Thames Valley to foster a strong community of educational leaders capable of achieving great things for their students.

This month, TVDSB launched a social media campaign highlighting the many displays of kindness by students and staff across the district. The outpouring of submissions for this event was tremendous. Here are a few examples of the many acts of kindness that took place.

Grade 8 students at Riverside PS held a food drive as a way to give back to the community during Ramadan and Easter. Over the last 2 weeks, the classes worked collaboratively to plan, organize and collect almost two thousand food items to donate!. Way to go, Rams!

Olivia is a student at Oxbow PS battling cancer with tremendous support from her family and community. The outpouring of love from the Oxbow school community is a wonderful reminder of how far kindness can go to help people when they need it the most.

A great example of how our TVDSB students are spreading kindness! Students at Innerkip Central School are hanging bullying out to dry with their pink shirts bulletin board. Students explained on the shirts how they could prevent bullying and how to be a good friend.

We’re spreading kindness this month at TVDSB! These students at South Dorchester PS painted positive vibes rocks and sold them to the community. $600 was raised and used to purchase necessities for a shelter in St. Thomas.

James Dunn is a West Elgin SS graduate and two-time Paralympic hockey silver medallist. He is an excellent #TVDSB ambassador and true role model for students. James is the youngest player to make the Canadian Men’s Paralympic Hockey Team. His journey to the Paralympics speaks to his strength, resilience and courage.

We will be cheering him on towards his goal of bringing home a gold Paralympic medal. Excellence starts at Thames Valley!

An exciting new virtual co-operative pilot project launched in February in partnership with Apple.

Students from Sir Wilfrid Laurier SS and Oakridge SS are gaining hands-on computer programming experience from industry experts on app design, coding, artificial intelligence and data foundations.

This innovative learning opportunity has helped these students gain practical experience and make informed post-secondary decisions.

We want to shine a spotlight on the creative excellence that can be found in our St. Thomas and Elgin County schools.

For many students, school offers a welcoming place to nurture their creativity and explore the arts. The incredible talent of our St. Thomas and Elgin County secondary students is on full display today at the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, where their inspiring work is proudly featured in the Great Beginnings exhibition.

Congratulations to these impressive young artists!

Bruce Smith & Meagan Ruddock,

Elgin County Trustees