Proceedings

Ted welcome:

Ted welcomed all the participants to the meeting and introduced Minister Pupatello as a Minister and an MPP whom he has deep respect for and truly admires.

Minister Pupatello:

The Minister spoke for about fifteen-minutes covering a range of topics.  She summarized the challenges and joys of being integrated into her new Ministry, how she is excited to be on the job, and how it is extremely busy right now because every issue seems to be coming to a head as the school year comes to a close.  She noted that she has been traveling across Ontario developing an understanding of the various issues and challenges that school boards are facing.

Break for Breakfast

Question and Answer:

1) What can the Minister do for the tornado stricken school on Hamilton Mountain?

-         Minister Pupatello:  Is aware of the situation and will discuss responsibility with the appropriate parties

2) Is the Minister aware that Waterdown does not have a French Immersion School?

-         Minister Pupatello:  Is aware of their campaign, stated that it is a function of the school board to determine where schools should be developed and is aware of the increasing demand for French oriented schools.

3) What are your personal objectives as the Minister of Education?

-         Minister Pupatello:  Is thrilled with peace and stability in the schools, is excited about extracurricular activities and developing young people into strong adults. She also expressed her passion about students with special needs.

4) Are there going to be any changes in the number of P.D. days?

-         Minister Pupatello:  There will be an increase in the number of P.D. days as part of Bill 78 which is in the final stages of debate at the Legislation.

5) 70% of graduating student are not moving onto post secondary, parents are concerned about losing grades 6 to 8 technology courses.

-         Minister Pupatello:  Ministry will bolster Secondary level technology courses before Primary Schools.

6) Has the Ministry had time to think about an expanded role for the Ontario College of Teachers?

-         Minister Pupatello: Yes.  There is a Bill before the house in 3rd reading, which speaks to the compensation of the Ontario College of Teachers.

-         Ted:  The standing committee for Bill 78 on his initiative looked at 60 other professional colleges and found that it had the lowest number of Professionals in their college.

7) Many teachers are teaching kindergarten kids without any experience in this kind of setting

-         Minister Pupatello:  I will pass this information onto the appropriate staff whom work with Teachers Colleges in Ontario.

8) Wants to promote more agriculture education and art education in school curriculum.

-         Minister Pupatello:  Thanked her for her comment and said that within the ministry people are speaking on her concerns.

Ted:

Thanked Minister Pupatello for coming

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 am.

Notes take by John Maier