A PLACE FOR EVERY CHILD
Winnipeg School Division
School Trustee, Ward 2
I have now served as your elected School Trustee for Ward 2 for nearly a year. I am reaching out to provide some Winnipeg School Division updates as we begin the 2023/2024 school year.
During my campaign in the fall of 2023, I had the chance to meet with many Ward 2 residents who shared their thoughts related to education and the school experience.
THE THREE MAIN CONCERNS I HEARD WERE:
1) A desire for more before and after school childcare options
2) A desire for more neighbourhood-based childcare
3) An improved school experience for students with disabilities
I am proud to provide an update on the concrete action the Board of Trustees has taken to address these concerns.
Before and After School Childcare
In response to requests from Ward 2 residents we have thus far added 20 before and after school childcare spaces to École Riverview School. These spots were made available to students for September 2023, and all have been filled. We are proud to have begun meeting this urgent demand. I have followed up with families who brought this to my attention, and I’m extremely pleased to see that their childcare needs are being met for the upcoming school year. We are continuing our efforts to increase the number of spaces available in the future.
Childcare Options for Families
Effective this fall, we have also added 16 spots to the half day childcare program at École Riverview School (8 morning and 8 afternoon). This will ease the burden on families whose children attend the half day nursery and kindergarten programs at the school. These spots have been filled for the 2023/2024 school year. We have now allocated space within the school for the childcare facility and will work on increasing capacity in the future.
Advancing Inclusive Education
The Board of Trustees reestablished the Winnipeg School Division’s Inclusive Education Advisory Committee. This committee provides a platform for parents, teachers, and the community at large to share their concerns and ideas on inclusive education. The aim is to empower those who care for and work with students with disabilities – making them aware of their rights and how to advocate. Our priority this year is to get resource materials into the hands of parents, including the Supporting Inclusion and protocol handbooks. All members of the community are welcome to join the committee or attend meetings. For meeting dates, please connect with your school’s parent council or reach out to me directly at lbrothers@wsd1.org.
Welcome Chief Superintendent/CEO Matt Henderson
In August 2023 the Winnipeg School Division Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Matt Henderson as the new Chief Superintendent/CEO. Matt has served as the assistant superintendent for Seven Oaks School Division and was the founding principal of the Maples Met School. He has taught Grades 5-12, is a PhD Candidate at the University of Manitoba, and is an instructor at the University of Winnipeg. I was proud to be involved in Matt’s recruitment and selection as part of the school board. We are thrilled to welcome this passionate, inspiring educator to the Winnipeg School Division. We wish outgoing Chief Superintendent/CEO Pauline Clarke the best in her retirement.
It is my priority to stay closely connected to this community and the constituents I serve. Please know that I am alwayseager to hear your ideas and concerns. Please email me at lbrothers@wsd1.org to share the issues that are important to you.
Let's Chat!
Email me any time at lbrothers@wsd1.org with your concerns or ideas.
