​In July, the Near North District School Board announced with great sadness the passing of long-time trustee and former board chair Kathy Hewitt on July 27, 2015. She was 76. Kathy Hewitt started her service to public education in the 1970s as a parent volunteer at...

Upper Grand DSB Pilots Technology Program A pilot program launched in April by the Upper Grand DSB and the Wellington County Library System will provide easier access to technology for rural students. The board has purchased five Chromebook laptops, which have been...

The Ontario Public School Boards' Association offers six annual awards to recognize outstanding contributions to public education by individuals in Ontario. Award of Merit in Memory of Dr. Harry Paikin recognizes excellent service to public education from an active or...

Promoting Resilience and Mental Health in YouthReview by Melanie TaitDr. Patrick Carney's Well Aware: Developing Resilient, Active, and Flourishing Students is timely, engaging and informative. In this well-researched 2015 book, Carney, an Ontario educational...

Rule 39 One rule fits all The pond of our childhood sends out ripples that continue to lap at our hearts. So I was saddened to learn of the death of Tom Rowland. Mr. Rowland. My Mr. Rowland. Few will know who he was or his contribution to public education. Mr. Rowland...

​This site features selected articles written by staff of the Ontario Public School Boards' Association, and are copyright OPSBA. Copyright on articles by freelance writers remains with the author. Departments President's Message Book Review OPSBA Awards Across the...

FeaturesThe Power of Restorative PracticesBy Jennifer LewingtonIn schools, restorative practices can be used effectively to manage in-school conflicts and heal relationships between students. As author Jennifer Lewington writes, they also have the potential to...

OPSBA Launches Four New Professional Development Modules for Trustees All 14 previous modules have been updated for 2015 In September, the Ontario Public School Boards' Association joined with partner school boards and trustee associations to provide enhancements and...

All in the FamilyThe accommodation of childcare needsBy Michael Hines Any human resources practitioner will tell you that the duty of accommodation is one of the most frequently encountered and challenging issues that confront them. Despite the fact that this legal...

​Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB Elementary School Wins Award The Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB announced in September that Murray Centennial Public School in Trenton was awarded first place in the 2015 Gale/Library Media Connection Magazine TEAMS Award competition. Led by...

The Road Is Long Supporting the important role of school boards in collective agreements Over the past few months, with many hours spent on the road, I have found in music solace and relaxation. Never really a singer, I'm brave enough to sing when I'm alone and no one...

This site features selected articles written by staff of the Ontario Public School Boards' Association, and are copyright OPSBA. Copyright on articles by freelance writers remains with the author. Departments: President's Message Across the Boards Legal View PD Update...

​​Trustee Randy Sheppard Retires In February, Randy Sheppard, 78, retired from his position as trustee for the Near North District School Board, citing health issues. In his resignation letter, Sheppard wrote with pride at having worked with such dedicated teachers...

From "Built for Learning" Calm, Alert and Happy, by Stuart Shanker www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/Shanker.pdf Canadian Self-Regulation Initiative www.self-regulation.ca The MEHRIT Centre www.self-reg.ca The Third Teacher (Capacity Building Series)...

Visualizing Reconciliation in Canadian Schools In November 2015, Wab Kinew, a well-known Canadian broadcaster, musician and author, issued a Facebook challenge to Canadian students to explore reconciliation. With the help of their teachers, students collaborated...

Footprints, Legacy and Lessons Learned There are many definitions of leadership and as many differing opinions of what makes a "good leader" as there are people who ponder the question. The quest to define the essence of a "good leader" has made many self-appointed...

The Critical Role of Locally Elected School Boards for Canadian Democracy, Citizenship, and Educational Excellence John Lorinc has written an article in the October 2015 issue of The Walrus: "Class Dismissed, Do we really need school board trustees?" He raises salient...

The Critical Role of Locally Elected School Boards for Canadian Democracy, Citizenship and Educational Excellence​ The following essay has been edited for length and adapted with permission. The complete article is posted here on the Education Today page. By Dr. Lee...