At the Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Regular Board meeting, the Board recognized the outstanding contributions of volunteers within KPR schools, received a construction update on Northglen Orchard Public School, and approved a motion to develop procurement policy changes that prioritize the procurement of Canadian products wherever feasible, among other decisions.
KPR Volunteers – National Volunteer Week
In honour of National Volunteer Week, Trustees recognized school volunteers with Accolade awards. The recipients were among a host of individuals nominated by schools throughout KPR for the time, effort and dedication they share on behalf of students.
“This year has, once again, included many wonderful opportunities for our students to participate in memorable experiences and activities. Volunteers help students be successful each school day by starting off with a nutritious meal or enjoying a hot lunch or healthy snack throughout the day. Whether planning events, coordinating fundraisers, tutoring students in literacy, or fostering a sense of belonging – the time, talents, and passion of volunteers benefit KPR students and staff immensely,” says Jaine Klassen Jeninga, Chairperson of the Board. “We celebrate these individuals as representatives of the countless contributions of volunteers across our schools who are so critical in providing a rich educational experience for our students and school communities.”
The Board lauded these individual volunteers, with Director of Education Rita Russo sharing the remarks noted below for recipients:
Pam Graham
Baltimore Public School
Pam Graham is a dedicated and selfless volunteer whose unwavering commitment to the well-being of students at Baltimore Public School makes a meaningful impact every day. Pam goes above and beyond, not only offering her time in the classroom and at school events, but also diligently working behind the scenes to secure funding for much-needed improvements. Her efforts have resulted in several successful grant applications, including funding for a brand-new playground that was awarded this year.
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Elizabeth Stapells, with Ferdinand the Dog, and Susan Wilson, with Min the Dog
Ganaraska Trail Public School
Recognized for providing a unique approach to literacy that supports the interests, strengths, and needs of students, Elizabeth and Ferdinand, Susan and Min have consistently volunteered each week at Ganaraska Trail Public School for the past few years. Susan and Min are proud members and ambassadors of the Therapeutic Paws of Canada program, and Elizabeth and Ferdinand are part of the St. John’s Therapy Dog Organization. They dependably arrive each week eager to read (and to be read to) by emerging readers in Kindergarten to Grade 5.
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Surekha Addanki, Megan Elliott, Alicia Konkin, Ashley Pleau, and Valerie White (Central Public School Breakfast Club)
Central Public School
We would like to acknowledge this group of dedicated parents who have successfully revived Central Public School’s Breakfast Program after nearly a decade. These volunteers arrive at school early each morning to provide hot and cold breakfast items to approximately 30 students daily. Their care and warmth create a space that fosters well-being and a sense of belonging for students.
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Ashley Kiriakakis
Dr. G.J. MacGillivray Public School
Recognized for her ability to engage and empower students and community, Ashley works tirelessly on behalf of the students of Dr. G.J. MacGillivray Public School. With nearly 900 students in the building, Ashley runs the Hot Lunch Program, organizes the volunteers, deliveries, orders and responds to requests, questions and any issues that may arise. Running this program three days a week for students in 39 homerooms is no small feat, it may save a little time for busy parents, the kids enjoy a treat, local businesses are supported, and the broader school community benefits from the fundraising component.
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Samantha Dennis,
Edmison Heights Public School
Samantha Dennis ensures that the students at Edmison Heights Public School have a positive start to their school day with a nutritious meal, a kind smile and sense of belonging. Samantha understands food safety, the nutrition policy and how to leverage community partners to increase nutritious options for students. One example of Samantha’s resourcefulness is her collaboration with the neighboring high school, where space is used by volunteers to bake fresh muffins. Samantha independently seeks out fundraising opportunities to ensure that the nutrition program has sufficient funds to operate at a high level each year.
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Steven Riddell
Kaawaate East City Public School
Recognized for establishing a strong foundation for student achievement in literacy, Steve reads one-on-one and in small groups with a variety of junior-age students. He never fails to show his passion, understanding and ability to make connections with the students. His commitment to Kaawaate East City Public School has been unwavering, attending three times per week, and always with positive energy and enthusiasm to be around young minds. The students look forward to their time with him each week and are filled with joy when he arrives.
Learn more about the wonderful contributions of these KPR volunteers through spotlight stories that will be shared next week, during National Volunteer Week.
Northglen Orchard Public School – Construction Update
As part of the Resource Committee Report, administration provided an update to the Board on timelines for building the new school. While the project continues to move forward, it was noted that the extended winter and spring weather has resulted in construction delays to concrete, block work and other components of the school’s construction.
As a result, while staff will continue to work with the contractor to try and reduce delay wherever possible, at this time the updated timeline targets a building completion date of late November, 2025, with occupancy by students and staff likely early in the new year.
“Any construction delay is regrettable, and we will do everything we can to move the completion of this project forward as soon as possible,” says Klassen Jeninga. “We know that this new 21st century learning facility will benefit the students, staff, families and members of this community for generations to come.”
Procurement of Canadian Products
This evening Trustees approved a motion brought forward by Trustee Cathy Abraham that the Board’s Resource Committee, at its next meeting, review the Board’s Procurement policy to prioritize the procurement of Canadian products wherever feasible. As part of this review, staff have been asked to evaluate and develop policy changes to prioritize the procurement of Canadian products wherever feasible.
“We are pleased to support this motion that will bring a focus to our buying power and procurement practices and policies in supporting Canadian companies and businesses not only through these challenging times but on a go forward basis,” says Klassen Jeninga.
It was noted that the approved motion aligns with recent provincial policy directives restricting Ontario government entities, including school boards, from procuring from U.S. businesses.
Other decisions
Trustees also:
reaffirmed the Board’s membership in the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association for 2025, and appointed Trustee Angela Lloyd as the Director and Delegate Member to the Association; Trustee Diane Lloyd was appointed as the Alternate Delegate Member.
approved revisions to Board policies, and received several reports for information.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
