New Tattoos for Bluewater District School Board School In February, the student community council at Northport Elementary School unveiled winning designs in an internal competition to create tattoos for the school. Sophia Hestera's design was chosen for the K to grade...

Uplifting Leadership:  How Organizations, Teams, and Communities Raise Performance Review by Melanie Tait If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever. - St. Thomas Aquinas Uplifting Leadership: How Organizations,...

A Trustee Tool Kit for Changing Students' Lives In January, we held our 2015 Public Education Symposium. Among all the inspiring and energetic events at PES, a very clear highlight was hearing Peter Mansbridge speak eloquently, and with deep sincerity, of his vision...

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 Across the Boards Weblinks...

Well Aware Series Supports Mental Health Issues http://www.pearsoncanadaschool.com A new series of Canadian children's books has been released that tackles issues of mental health and wellness. Written for students in grades 4 through 8, the titles in the Well Aware...

DepartmentsLegal ViewMichael Hines, partner in the Ontario law firm Hicks Morley LLP, discusses some notable changes in the new Pupil Accommodation Guideline (2015).FeaturesCover Story:OPSBA's First Nation Trustees CouncilCorrecting the MythsBy Jennifer LewingtonFor...

​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...