It is with a deep commitment to the Catholic education of our students that I present the Director’s Annual Report, 2013. This on-line, interactive annual report outlines our Catholic school board’s continued commitment to provide faith-based and faith-filled learning opportunities for our students, and I am happy to share with you a few of our recent accomplishments.

This Annual Report has captured the voices of our students as they tell their stories about learning in the schools of the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board. I am sure you will be inspired and amazed as they share how our Catholic schools continue to inspire and nurture strong communities of faith, engaged communities of learning and compassionate communities of service.

Jody DiRocco
Director of Educaiton

The spirit at Nicholson Catholic College helped the school win the “Most Impressive Display of Community Spirit” in the Belleville Santa Claus Parade. A number of school groups participated in the parade and helped with decorating the float. The leadership class was instrumental in designing and assembling the float with guidance from their teacher Ms. Zanette. The peer mentors, the school band, the student council, the social justice group and the cheerleaders all participated in the parade as well, and certainly added to the ensemble of community on the float. The award is a reflection and recognition of the school’s efforts to build community through school spirit!

Morgan Beatty, a Grade 8 student at St. Carthagh Catholic School in Tweed, is currently serving as a Legislative Page at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. She is learning how the province is governed, how laws are made and how they assist in this process. Morgan is learning the roles and functions of key parliamentary figure and the Officers of the House, and is seen here posing with MPP Todd Smith.

Tom Dall of Belleville has been acclaimed as Chair of the Board for 2014, following elections at the Inaugural Meeting of the Board December 3rd.

John Brisbois of Quinte West has been acclaimed to serve as Vice-Chair, and Catharina Summers of Kingston has been acclaimed to serve as Chair of the Finance and Operations Committee. The Inaugural Meeting of the Board officially commences the 2014 Board year.

“I extend a thank you, to my trustee colleagues, for providing me with the opportunity to once again serve as your Chair,” he said in his Inaugural Address. “I appreciate your confidence in me and will honour that confidence through consultation, collaboration and a deep commitment to you, to students and staff, and to the constituents of the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board. The mission of Catholic education in Algonquin and Lakeshore remains strong and vibrant as we continue to embrace the pillars of Discipleship, Scholarship and Stewardship. We are at our best when we support and nurture each other in our efforts to be people of faith, people of hope, and people of integrity. Throughout our Catholic School Board we relentlessly pursue success for each student; we commit to academic excellence; and we educate our students in faith-based and faith-filled learning environments.”

Tom Dall was active for many years on a local School Council before being elected a Trustee of the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board in November 2000. He was the Vice-Chair of the Board for 2003-2004 and was elected Chair of the Board for 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2009-2010 and for 2012-2013. He has served on various committees – the Special Education Advisory Committee, the System School Council, the Supervised Alternative Learning Committee, and the Suspension/Expulsion Committee. He has served as a Director on the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic Education Foundation since 2004 and was elected as Chair of the Foundation for the 2007-2009 term and for the 2009-2011 term. Tom is currently Chair of the local organizing committee for the upcoming 2014 Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association AGM and Conference.

The Frink Centre had a recent from a special guest! Delaney Austin, a Grade 8 student from Georges Vanier Catholic School in Belleville, presented a cheque for $149.95 to Bea Heissler of the Friends of the Frink Centre at their Annual General Meeting held at Quinte Conservation Headquarters. The funds were raised by Delaney and her friend Christina Fernando through an action research project focused on raising awareness of local environmental issues and sustainability. Funds were raised partly in school and partly through friends and family. The Friends of the Frink were warmed by the generous donation and offered sincere thanks to both Delaney and Christina for their support of our local gem – the H.R. Frink Outdoor Education Centre.

To learn more about the H. R. Frink Centre and the programs available to our staff and students please visit our Outdoor & Experiential Education site.

Kiwanis Club of Belleville has recognized the efforts of two retired teachers from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Belleville. The club, currently represented monthly at Our Lady of Fatima by Rev. Robert Flindall, has been active in sponsoring the Terrific Kids Program in this and many Belleville schools for more than 20 years. The enthusiasm of the school staff for the opportunity to celebrate "values education" led to teachers Jan Sosiak and Lyell Shaver writing the lyrics to a song, now known as the Fatima Terrific Kids Song. Their goal was to include every child, every month, in knowing that they are all Terrific Kids. This very song, that has been celebrated monthly for more than 17 years at the school, was the focus of the recent banquet that honoured Jan and Lyell. Club members had the opportunity to hear and then sing the song with the support of some members of the school choir, under the directorship of teacher Susan McCourt-Bolduc. The club hopes to share the song with other schools in the Kiwanis catchment area.

Congratulations are extended to Ron Finkle for receiving the 2013 Ontario Ministry of Training Colleges & Universities “Minister’s Award for Apprenticeship Training”. Ron Finkle Electrical Services was nominated by Paul Denison and Jeff LaCroix, for providing work placements for cooperative education and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) students over many years. In addition, a number of graduating students from the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board have been hired by Finkle Electric and they have successfully completed their apprenticeship training with this organization.

Ron was formally presented with the Minister’s Award by Graham Wallis, MTCU Service Delivery Manager, and Paul Denison, at the Belleville MTCU apprenticeship office. From a lengthy list of 2013 nominees, Ron Finkle Electrical Services was chosen as one of the four provincial award winners.

The nomination of Ron Finkle Electrical Services for this award recognizes a tremendous supporter of the ALCDSB and its students. To receive this prestigious award is a tribute to what Ron has done in assisting students investigate the apprenticeship pathway, and for many, to help them establish careers in the electrical industry.

Why is it still so important that I designate my taxes to the Catholic School Board?

Recently, you received a Property Tax Assessment Notice from MPAC. By ensuring that you are registered as a separate school supporter, you are helping to deliver as powerful message to the Ontario government about the level of support for publicly-funded Catholic education in our district.

Now more than ever, it is essential that all partners in Catholic education work together to demonstrate in a tangible way, their commitment to and belief of Catholic education and in the protection and preservation of our educational system. One way to do this is by ensuring that your school tax support is designated English-Separate.

Being identified as an English Separate (Catholic) Supporter …
	Your children are able to attend Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic elementary schools You can vote for Catholic school Trustees You are counted as a supporter of Catholic education in Ontario
For information on changing your Direction of School Support Designation, contact your local Catholic school or click the “Direction of Tax Support” link.

The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board has long been a community leader in helping those in need. As followers of Christ, we are challenged to strengthen our communities by assisting those who are most vulnerable.

Although we are blessed to live in a rich province in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, many among us struggle financially. One in eight children and many people with disabilities are marginalized by poverty. Recognizing the inherent dignity of every human person, we are called by grace to respond in faith and love. The Catholic community has always been involved in service to the poor through Catholic agencies and organizations, through the actions of religious orders, and through the generosity of our parishes. "The Church's love for the poor . . . is a part of her constant tradition. This love is inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes, of the poverty of Jesus, and of his concern for the poor.” _i

In the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, the social teachings of the Church are integrated into the curriculum and the broader life of the schools around a structure of service, education and action. Whether it is a food drive, a class discussion about poverty in our world, or participation in a public awareness action, Catholic schools have demonstrated consistent leadership in charity and justice. The caring and empathetic culture of our school communities is based on the teachings of the Catholic Church, and is manifested in the principles of equity, inclusiveness and respect. In solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world, our school communities work to bring hope to people in need, both in our schools and in the broader community. By supporting organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Holy Childhood Association, and the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, our staff and students answer the call to action. Through our collective efforts, we can and do help those in need.

The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic Education Foundation redirected its fundraising efforts in 2007 to address the topic of poverty in our schools. To date, dozens of families facing financial crises have been aided through the Foundation. Through the creation of an Emergency Response Fund, schools have access to funds to support children and families in crisis, providing assistance in the form of food and clothing, the provision of eyeglasses, Epipens, or medical supplies, and many other financial needs.

Our school system is committed to supporting children and their families living in economically disadvantaged circumstances. At the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board “we accept the call to be imitators of Christ by embracing the Beatitudes through authentic witness at the school, community, and global levels. Rooted in our commitment to transmit our Faith and Catholic Tradition, we are inspired to build communities dedicated to the formation of young people who recognize their gifts and responsibilities to contribute to the transformation of the world into a more just and loving society for all.” ⁱⁱ _________________________________________
ⁱCatechism of the Catholic Church #2444
ⁱⁱ Strategic Plan

Making the transition from elementary school is an exciting journey for students and parents/guardians. We are pleased that you have decided to continue your journey in our Catholic Secondary Schools where young people are formed in their faith and educated to be responsible citizens of the world. This publication contains much of the practical information that can be helpful to you.