October 31 2024 • Issue #59
Learning opportunities and initiatives demonstrating commitment to Thames Valley's Multi-Year Strategic Plan.
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TVDSB hosts Truth and Reconciliation
Day of learning
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On Monday, September 30, many London-area grade seven and eight students participated in a day of learning in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
The event was held in collaboration with Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and the Wampum Learning Lodge at Western University to honour residential school survivors and remember those who did not make it home.
The day included a solo performance by JUNO award-winning artist William Prince.
Read more about the day on CTV News.
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National Custodial Workers Recognition Day | |
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October 2 was National Custodial Workers Recognition Day.
On this day we were proud to acknowledge the incredible custodians and maintenance staff who keep Thames Valley's schools and workplaces clean and safe.
Thank you to the many custodial and maintenance workers in Thames Valley who ensure our facilities are in great shape to learn and work. You are an integral part of the Thames Valley team!
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TVDSB alumna Maggie MacNeil visits Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School | |
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On Wednesday, October 3, retired Olympic gold medalist and Sir Frederick Banting alumna, Maggie Mac Neil, visited her alma mater to promote Respect in Sport.
Mac Neil attended a pre-game fundraising event where she spoke to her fellow Banting Broncos.
Maggie shared that she loves to visit Banting whenever she’s back London, stating: “Whenever I get a chance to come back, I do.”
Read more about Maggie’s visit in the London Free Press.
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On October 5, we celebrate World Teacher’s Day.
Teachers in Thames Valley deserve recognition and appreciation for the exceptional care and professionalism they demonstrate every day.
We are so proud of the incredible teachers across the district who support and educate students to maximize their unique potential.
Thank you to our Thames Valley teachers for your tireless efforts in building a bright future for each student that enters a TVDSB classroom. You are appreciated!
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Special Education Community
Engagement Session
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On Wednesday, October 9, we were pleased to invite families, community members and students with special needs to share their voice with Thames Valley at the Special Education Community Engagement Session.
The event was an opportunity for Thames Valley representatives to listen and learn from participants’ living experiences and ideas to make our board more welcoming and inclusive.
We would like to thank everyone who came out to make this event a success. The feedback that Thames Valley received will help to inform our practices moving forward.
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Truth and Reconciliation Learning - Guided Art Lessons with Moses Lunham | |
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In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thames Valley students had the opportunity to learn from Moses Lunham through step-by-step painting tutorials. Moses Lunham is a celebrated Indigenous artist from Kettle and Stony Creek Point First Nation.
These paintings were created by the Grade 6 classes at West Oaks Public School, following a guided art lesson by Moses. Students learned the power of storytelling through art while honouring the resilience of First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities.
Learn more about Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on our website.
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Lead your way at Westminster! | |
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Westminster is a diverse and welcoming school with a population of about 975 students and an enthusiastic team of educational staff, dedicated to helping students achieve excellence.
Westminster has an incredible leadership program where students are given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and gain confidence to reach their full potential.
Westminster is known for its strength in a variety of programs, which include English, Math, Drama, Visual Arts, Music, and Technology. They offer multiple Specialist High Skill Major (SHSM) programs, and provide courses in University, College and Workplace pathways for students to pursue their careers and meet their academic goals.
Watch these videos to learn more about the opportunities available to students at Westminster!
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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month | |
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When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from online threats, knowing is half the battle.
That’s why the Thames Valley District School Board will offer tips and resources each month to help students, families and school communities stay safe online. We are kicking off this initiative in October, by marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
“Cybersecurity threats represent a real danger for everyone in our board. It’s easy to become a victim. That’s why we have resources available to help schools and our school communities stay safe,” said Bill Tucker, Interim Director of Education of the Thames Valley District School Board.
Looking for some resources you can use at home? Check out the following information:
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Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Education Appreciation Day | |
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October 24 is Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day!
This is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing work of Child Care Workers and Early Childhood Educators across Thames Valley.
Thank you for all that you do to help students achieve success!
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The Thames Valley District School Board, Ingersoll Safe Cycling Committee, and Ride to Thrive celebrated the successful launch of their collaborative cycling education initiative at Royal Roads Public School during the week of October 7. The program marks a significant milestone in promoting safe cycling and active transportation among local youth.
The inaugural Ride to Thrive program brought together students, educators and community volunteers in a comprehensive week-long cycling education experience. Students at Royal Roads Public School participated in hands-on learning sessions that combined safety instruction, practical skills development, and confidence-building exercises.
"This safe cycling partnership is an excellent example of our new Multi-Year Strategic Plan in action," said Thames Valley District School Board Chair, Beth Mai. "Working together with communities is one of the Strategic Directions at the heart of our plan. I am grateful that Thames Valley had the opportunity to collaborate with the Ingersoll Safe Cycling Committee and Ride to Thrive to bring this excellent learning opportunity to students at Royal Roads Public School."
Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with parents reporting increased interest in cycling among their children.
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October saw lots of activity by Thames Valley District School Board Trustees
October 13-19 marked Local Government Week in the Thames Valley District School Board. During that week, Trustees visited several schools within the district to talk to students about local government and the role trustees play. It was wonderful to connect with so many classes and schools. Trustees appreciate the warm welcome they received at local schools and the time spent connecting with staff and students in the community.
At the Board meeting on October 22, Trustees approved some important items:
- Trustees instructed staff to start two Attendance Area Reviews (AARs).
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South East London Attendance Area Review (SELAAR): The purpose of this attendance area review is to balance enrolment across John P. Robarts Public School, Summerside Public School, and a yet-to-be-named new elementary school in South East London. The new school is expected to open in the 2026-2027 school year.
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Adelaide Metcalfe Strathroy-Caradoc Attendance Area Review (AMSCAAR): The purpose of the review is to balance enrolment across Adelaide-Macdonald Public School, Caradoc North Public School, Mary Wright Public School and North Meadows Public School. and to establish an attendance area for a planned new elementary school in Strathroy.
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You can learn more about Attendance Area Reviews and how the community participates by visiting tvdsb.ca/planning
- Trustees approved the names of three new elementary schools under construction in Woodstock and London. The new school names were collected from community input, identified by the Naming Selection Committee and voted upon by the school communities:
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North Woodstock: Turtle Island Public School
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Northwest London: Northwest Public School
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Southwest London: White Pine Public School
- TVDSB trustees approved a phased process to end the purchase and sale of single-use water bottles, where it doesn’t impact student well-being, on all school properties. This phased process, which includes education about the importance of environmental stewardship, will begin in January 2025. This is in line with the board’s values, including sustainability.
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Meet Trustee Sheri Polhill | | |
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For almost 20 years, Trustee Sheri Polhill has served on the Board of Trustees for Thames Valley, representing Ward 1, 11, 12 and 14.
In fact, as the longest-serving trustee on the Board, Sheri feels her time around the Board table has made her the person who she is today.
She was first elected in November 2006, at a time when Thames Valley recommended closing several schools. At the time, Sheri lived close to Tecumseh Public School, one of the schools that might close, and felt she needed to do something about it.
“Schools provide a vital service to the community. The value of local schools, and the cost to the community if it closes, is a very important issue to me,” she said.
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While the situation may have changed since then – rising enrolment means TVDSB needs more schools and there’s a moratorium on closures – Sheri’s goals remain the same. She puts the community, in particular the needs of students and families – at the centre of everything she does as a trustee.
Sheri is a big proponent of:
- Parental involvement
- Mental health supports for Londoners and students of Thames Valley
- Helping students in need through the Thames Valley Education Foundation
Educated from Junior Kindergarten to University in Thames Valley, Sheri is the proud parent of two Thames Valley District School Board graduates.
She retired in 2023 from a career as a social worker and currently teaches at Fanshawe College.
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