Highlights from the Board Room – March 25, 2025

Presentations

Director’s recognition for innovation and leadership

The Director’s Recognition for Innovation and Leadership Award celebrates individuals in Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) who have combined the characteristics of innovation and leadership to improve our system and advance the strategic direction goals of improving student learning and achievement, and fostering student and staff well-being. The award is presented by the director of education, Wes Hahn, at each TLDSB Public Meeting of the Board. Hahn introduced this month’s recipient who was nominated by the administrative teams at Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School and Gravenhurst High School:

Ontario Provincial Police officer and south Muskoka community liaison, Sam Bigley, was recognized for her dedication to building relationships with students and families in our communities. She cares deeply and works hard to ensure that the people in our schools feel valued, safe, respected, and included. Officer Bigley works inside TLDSB schools speaking with classes and supporting staff. In addition, she works with students outside of school, and in all instances, has a positive rapport despite some challenging situations. Time and time again, Officer Bigley has demonstrated empathy and understanding, ensuring that every situation is handled with care and fairness.

When one thinks of the role of a police officer, she redefines this role and this is what is truly innovative about her. Officer Bigley does not simply enforce rules and impose consequences; she listens, guides, supports – always striving to make a positive difference. She is a member of the community and inherently wants all individuals to be contributing community members to make South Muskoka a better place. Officer Bigley’s impact has reached, and will continue to reach, far beyond her role. She is a mentor, an advocate, and a trusted presence wherever she positions herself.

Ontario Provincial Police officer and south Muskoka community liaison, Sam Bigley

Director’s update

Director of education, Wes Hahn, highlighted the work of the Mental Health Team who service TLDSB students and support staff in every school – from delivering presentations to administrators, to ensuring schools are equipped with the resources they require. He also noted the work of the Human Resources Services and Business Services departments in the areas of staffing and budgeting, and highlighted how superintendents and administrators continue to focus on instructional leadership in schools which is linked to student success.

Pathways update

Hahn introduced superintendent of learning, Kim Williams, who is responsible for 9-12 Curriculum Services to present the work of the Pathways Team. Williams shared how programs such as the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), Dual Credits, and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) are making an impact on student achievement. Williams shared how both participation and graduation rates in these programs continue to increase. In the past two years, enrollment in SHSM has increased by 12 percent, OYAP increased by 37 percent, and Dual Credits increased by 4.6 percent.

2025 Board meeting schedule

Board meetings are open to the public to attend at the host location in-person. For viewing, the meetings are live-streamed and the link is made available on the tldsb.ca website on the day of the meeting.

MeetingDateTimeLocation
Public Board MeetingApril 22, 20256 p.m.Archie Stouffer Elementary School
Public Board MeetingMay 27, 20256 p.m.Lindsay Education Centre (LEC)
Public Board MeetingJune 10, 20256 p.m.Muskoka Education Centre (MEC)
Public Board MeetingAugust 26, 20256 p.m.Lindsay Education Centre (LEC)
Public Board MeetingSeptember 23, 20256 p.m.Muskoka Education Centre (MEC)
Public Board MeetingOctober 28, 20256 p.m.Archie Stouffer Elementary School
Public Board MeetingNovember 25, 20256 p.m.Lindsay Education Centre (LEC)
Organizational Meeting of the BoardDecember 2, 20256 p.m.Muskoka Education Centre (MEC)

Find it Fast

Calendar

School calendar

Safe @ School

Report form

Registration

School registration

Buses

Transportation info.

School Schedule
First bell
8:25 a.m.
Block 1
8:40 – 10:40 a.m.
Lunch / recess
10:40 – 11 a.m.
Block 2
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch / recess
1 – 1:20 p.m.
Block 3
1:20 – 3 p.m.
Dismissal
3 p.m.

School Websites

Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) Facility Services staff, Technology Services staff, and school administrators will continue to monitor infrastructure and power/internet/network outages at individual school locations over the weekend.

Families can expect communications from the Board on Sunday evening regarding any school closures and/or transportation for Monday, April 7.

We are incredibly thankful for the commitment and resilience of all staff, students, and their families this past week in dealing with the widespread damage and disruption across the Board.

Please know that our school staff remain committed to supporting families. Parents/guardians are encouraged to reach out to their school principal for assistance, if needed.