INTEGRATION OF CATHOLIC FAITH COMMITTEE Monday, January 22, 2018 Catholic Education Centre, Board Room 6:30 p.m.

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1 YORK CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD AGENDA INTEGRATION OF CATHOLIC FAITH COMMITTEE Monday, January 22, 2018 Catholic Education Centre, Board Room 6:30 p.m. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We are gathered on the ancestral lands and waters of all Indigenous Peoples, who have left their footprints on Mother Earth before us. We respectfully acknowledge, those who have walked on it, those who walk on it now, and future generations who have yet to walk upon it. We pray to the Creator for strength and wisdom that all may continue to serve as stewards of the earth. 1. OPENING PRAYER D. Murgaski Page 2. ROLL CALL D. Murgaski 3. ELECTION OF CHAIR D. Murgaski 4. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIR D. Murgaski 5. REVIEW OF THE TERMS OF REFERENCE Chair 2 6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Chair 7. APPROVAL OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES: a) Integration of Catholic Faith Committee Meeting of Oct. 23, 2017 Chair 3 8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 9. PRESENTATION(S): a) Mental Health and Well-Being (To be distributed) Dr. Geoff Sorge b) Well-Being and Catholicity M. Way Skinner 7 c) Adult Faith Development K. Pickard-Lefterys 16 d) Faith Ambassador Program K. Pickard-Lefterys/S. Ulgiati 16 e) Curriculum Refresh S. Ulgiati 19 f) Native Studies English Courses S. Ulgiati ACTION ITEMS: N/A 11. DISCUSSION / INFORMATION ITEMS: N/A 12. NOTICES OF MOTION 13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM(S) 14. ADJOURNMENT Trustees on ICF Committee: T. Ciaravella, C. Ferlisi, D. Giuliani, T. McNicol, A. Stong Lord, We thank You for Your greatness. When we are weak, You are strong. Give us a measure of Your strength so that we might not give into doubt. Help us honour You in all our ways. We make this prayer in Jesus name, Amen.

2 YORK CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INTEGRATION OF CATHOLIC FAITH (STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD) TERMS OF REFERENCE (January 22, 2018) The Integration of Catholic Faith Committee will support the York Catholic District School Board s Mission, Vision, Core Values and Strategic Commitments and good Governance as outlined within these terms of reference. 1. Purpose/Mandate: 1.1 To develop strategies to understand, promote and protect Catholicity throughout York Catholic District School Board. 1.2 To receive staff presentations and offer suggestions related to: (i) the implementation of both new and established Religious Education and Family Life curricula (ii) themes and student activities for Catholic Education Week, retreats and Faith Days (iii) Adult faith development initiatives (i.e. Faith Ambassadors) (iv) Student Social Justice Initiatives (v) Honoring sacred space and celebration of prayer throughout the board 1.3 To share information from the Elementary Religious Education Advisory Committee. 1.4 To promote awareness of equity and inclusion. 1.5 To foster strong parish, home and school partnerships. 1.6 To communicate efforts to support Share Life. 1.7 To promote awareness of Indigenous history and culture in order to broaden the understanding of all staff and students. 1.8 To promote initiatives that supports the achievement and well-being of Indigenous students. 2. Expected Outcome of the Committee s Work: 2.1 Relevant and engaging religious education programs and experiences for staff and students. 2.2 A culture in which daily interactions and practices are respectful and inclusive, and inspired by Gospel Values. 2.3 Support for members of our community on their faith journeys. 2.4 Increased awareness of Indigenous culture. 2.5 Initiatives for Indigenous student achievement. 3. Committee Membership: 3.1 The Integration of Catholic Faith Committee will be comprised of five Trustees. 4. Resource Personnel: 4.1 Superintendent of Curriculum & Assessment 4.2 Superintendent of Education: Secondary 4.3 Superintendents of Education: Elementary 4.4 Principal of Student Success 4.5 Coordinator: Religion, Family Life, Equity 4.6 Consultants: Religious Education, Family Life, Equity, Adult Faith, Student Engagement 4.7 Administrative Assistant, Director s Office As agenda requires: Curriculum, Planning, Plant, and Transportation Department Staff 5. Meeting Schedule and Time: 5.1 The Integration of Catholic Faith Committee will meet at least three times a year or as needed. 2 Trustee Membership: T. Ciaravella C. Ferlisi D. Giuliani T. McNicol A. Stong Last Revision/Approval Date: January 22, 2018

3 York Catholic District School Board MINUTES INTEGRATION OF CATHOLIC FAITH COMMITTEE Monday, October 23, 2017 Attending: Trustee Committee Members: Other Trustees: Absent with Notice: Administration: Recording: Presiding: T. Ciaravella, C. Cotton, C. Ferlisi, A. Stong E. Crowe Trustee D. Giuliani F. Bagley, N. DiNardo, M. Fedrigoni, D. Murgaski, L. Paonessa, K. Pickard-Lefterys, J. Sarna, S. Ulgiati, M. WaySkinner S. Greco A. Stong, Committee Chair 1. OPENING PRAYER 2. ROLL CALL: Trustee D. Giuliani absent with notice. 3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA THAT the October 23, 2017 agenda be approved as presented. MOTION: Ferlisi/Ciaravella CARRIED 4. APPROVAL OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES: Integration of Catholic Faith Committee Meeting of April 24, 2017 MOTION: Ciaravella/Cotton THAT the minutes of April 24, 2017, be approved as presented. (Committee Chair Stong requested explanations for Item 8b, Exploring Catholicity, be included in the minutes). CARRIED 5. BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTS OF PREVIOUS MEETING: NIL 6. PRESENTATION(S): NIL 7. ACTION ITEM(S): NIL 8. DISCUSSION / INFORMATION ITEM(S): a) New Evaluation of Religious Education in Primary Grades Kelly Pickard-Lefterys: Consultant: Religion, Family Life, Adult Faith, Equity presented an overview of the new Religious Education comment bank, that will be used in the primary report cards, as per the new Religious Education curriculum. K. Pickard-Lefterys shared that the primary teachers were extremely pleased to receive new Grade 3 textbooks, and were overjoyed with the digital portal. Resources to support the full implementation of the Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ program at the Grade 3 level were ordered centrally and shipped directly to schools. Pearson Canada has created online resources for home and parish. Information about the Religious Education Program for primary grades will also be shared at the Pastoral Zone Meeting on November 2 nd, Comments for Grade 4 will be developed in the school year by the E.R.E.A.C. Committee. Primary teachers reported they are pleased with the digital element and the ability to work with children in an interactive way. 3

4 b) New Secondary Religious Education Curriculum Michael Way Skinner, Coordinator: Religion, Family Life, Equity presented an overview of the new Secondary Religious Education Curriculum. The Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario and Institute for Catholic Education are developing resources for secondary implementation for Grades 9 to 12. This will be the approved Religious Education Curriculum resources for Religious Ed in all secondary schools in Ontario. The Religious Education Department will focus on supporting staff to build their confidence with content and Theological Concepts. At the November 24 th PA Day, secondary religion teachers will attend Sacred Heart CHS to review draft samples of the religious education curriculum. It is intended that final approval from the ACBO will be given in March 2018 for implementation in September of c) Update on Grade 11 Native Studies English Course Shannon Ulgiati, Consultant: Equity, Faith Leadership & Student Engagement presented an overview of the Grade 11 Native Studies English Course. Ms. Ulgiati reported on our efforts to promote awareness of Indigenous Peoples and culture. There are now 103 self-identified students, up from 91 and are working to put the online process easier to access. There is a high interest in course offerings by teachers and students. There are 106 sections this year (most Native Studies English), with 1563 students enrolled. There are summer camps that are offered by the Ministry of Education that teaches the self-identified students about their heritage. There are bursaries and grants that are available to these students as well. L. Paonessa noted that Dual Credit Courses assist secondary students in the completion of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and help them make successful transitions to college and apprenticeship programs. The dual credit courses provide students with an opportunity to enroll in a college course while they are still working towards their high school diploma. Trustees requested a Q&A info sheet for them to respond to parent questions about the new English Course (Appendix 1). Parents are seeking confirmation that the new course is equally rigorous to the other Grade 11 English course offered. Trustees also asked for a list of books that might be of interest for leisure reading to gain further awareness of indigenous people. (Post Meeting: List of books below) Medicine Walk - Wagamese, Richard Motorcycles & Sweetgrass - Taylor Drew Hayden One Native Life - Wagamese, Richard Buffy Sainte-Marie: It's My Way - Stonechild, Blair A Fair Country Saul - John Ralston Life Among the Qallunaat - Freeman, Mimi Aodla Mi'sel Joe - Andersen & Crellin The Inconvenient Indian King - Thomas Peace Pipe Dreams - Dennis, Darrell Algonquin Spring - Revelle, Rick Algonquin Sunset - Revelle, Rick Grey Eyes Busch - Frank Christopher The Next Sure Thing - Wagamese, Richard Him Standing - Wagamese, Richard One Story, One Song - Wagamese, Richard Where the Rivers Meet - Sawyer, Don Finally, a brief description of the Seven Grandfather teachings that link to our Catholic faith was also requested by Trustees. (Appendix 2). 9. NOTICE OF MOTION: NIL 10. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM(S): a) Adult Faith Development b) Faith Ambassador Program 11. ADJOURNMENT THAT the Integration of Catholic Faith Committee meeting adjourns at 8:40 pm MOTION: Ciaravella/Crowe CARRIED 4

5 Integration of Catholic Faith Committee Appendix 1 NBE/ENG Curriculum Discussion Points Fall Universities and Colleges equally accept the Native Studies University Course and Regular English University Course as meeting the requirements for Admission. 2. Focus on content (eg. Shakespeare) as driving a course elevates it to one culture s (European) literature as high quality literature. Literary genius is also present in the works of other cultures as well (eg. Indigenous). 3. All Curriculum in Ontario adheres to the same scrutiny in the development process, models for program delivery, and assessment and evaluation methodology. 4. All Curriculum content is assessed for appropriateness, relevance, challenge, and accessibility in an age appropriate manner. Content is analyzed and approved by academic experts and educational experts. 5. Curriculum is developed with the focus primarily on student success. Attention is paid to differentiated instruction to meet the needs of each student in the classroom. Teachers develop individual student/class learning profiles that enable the teacher to maximize the success of each student as they learn any content. 6. All Policy & Resource Documents provide the policies and strategies underpinning the curriculum, the Trillium List of approved textbooks and other publications. 7. The rigor of a course is not in the content only, but in the consistent application of high yield learning strategies, diversified methods of evaluation to meet student learning style, and the delivery of success criteria and rubrics for students as they are empowered to engage in the process of learning, 5

6 The Seven Grandfather Teachings and Catholic Virtues Appendix 2 The Seven Grandfather teachings, also known as the Turtle Teachings or the Seven Living Principles, is a set of gifts given to the people so that they may live in harmony with creation. Here are some Catholic Connects: Note: The number 7 in Christianity is a sign of completion and wholeness. The 7 Grandfather teachings are what we need to live a life of harmony, completion, and wholeness..teaching Explanation Gifts of the Holy Spirit Virtues Love To know love is to know peace. If you love yourself, you would be living at peace with the creator and creation Counsel Piety Love/Charity & Faith two of the three Theological Virtues Wonder and Awe Peace and Joy are two of the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit Respect To honour all creation is to have respect for the Creator, Creation, creatures and people. Give regard for the value of all things. Wonder and Awe Justice Cardinal Virtue Ecological Justice is one of the Church s Social Teachings Courage To face life with courage is to know bravery. Make positive choices Fortitude Fortitude is one of the 4 Cardinal Virtues and stand up for your beliefs Hope is one of the three Theological Virtues Honesty To walk through life with integrity is to know honesty. Accept and act on truths through straightforward and appropriate communication. Counsel Honesty/Goodness is one of the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit Wisdom To cherish knowledge is to know wisdom (7 Grandfather Teachings). Know the difference between right and wrong, and apply it to you daily life. Wisdom Understanding Prudence & Temperance are two of the 4 Cardinal Virtues Humility To accept yourself as a sacred part of creation is to know humility. We must recognize the human need for balance in life. Piety Wonder and Awe Truth Be sincere in action, of character, and in utterance Knowledge Chastity, Faithfulness, Generosity, Gentleness, Kindness, Modesty, Patience, Peace, Selfcontrol, 6

7 York Catholic District School Board REPORT Report To: Integration of Catholic Faith Committee From: Administration Date: January 22, 2018 Report: Well-Being and Catholicity Well-Being and Catholicity The attached articles present current data and studies related to Faith / Spirituality and Mental Health. 1. MACLEANS, 2015 The Science is in: God is the Answer a) Focus on the impact of faith on Adolescent Development 2. TORONTO STAR, August 15, 2015 Want to be happy for life? Get religion, study suggests a) Joining a church helps keep depression at bay, especially late in life, European researchers discover. b) Focus on the impact of faith on the mental health of persons in their senior years. Prepared and Submitted by: Endorsed by: M. Way Skinner, Coordinator, Religion, Family Life, Equity D. Murgaski, Superintendent of Curriculum & Assessment 7

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16 York Catholic District School Board REPORT Report To: Integration of Catholic Faith Committee From: Administration Date: January 22, 2018 Report: Adult Faith Development at YCDSB Written on Our Hearts Adult Faith Development Faith Ambassador Program The attached pamphlet outlines a number of ways the Religion Department works to offer opportunities for Adult Faith Development including the Faith Ambassador Program. Prepared and Submitted by: Endorsed by: M. Way Skinner, Coordinator, Religion, Family Life, Equity D. Murgaski, Superintendent of Curriculum & Assessment 16

17 Board Support Documents Pamphlets, resources, guidelines, and implementation documents have been developed and distributed to assist staff as they work to build the Catholic dimension of our educational communities. 1. St. Tabitha s Gift: A Guideline for Charities at YCDSB 2. Liturgical Year in our Catholic Schools Pamphlets 3. Prayer Centers in Our Elementary and Secondary Schools (Inservices.) 4. All God s Children: An Implementation Guide for Implementation of Respecting Difference & Bill 13. (Inservices) EREAC: Elementary Religious Ed. Advisory Committee As an advisory committee EREAC has a broad range of representation. Membership extends for a renewable 2 year term. Director of Education, Superintendent of Curriculum Assessment, Religion Family Life and Equity Team, 2 Teachers - Primary Division, 2 Teachers - Junior Division, 2 Teachers Intermediate Division, 3 Administrators, 2 Parent Members, Trustee, Bishop, Priest /Parish Representative, OECTA Representative. As an advisory Committee, we have informed voices speaking about the areas of Religious Education, Family Life and Equity. Prayer Services/ Masses Friday Morning Prayers/Masses & Liturgical Season Prayers (CEC) Trustee Prayer Services/Masses Director Council Prayer Services & Masses Prayer/Masses Resources Religious Education AQ Parts 1,2,3 We continue to offer Religious Education Courses Additional Qualifications for Teachers/Administrators 3x per year (Fall, Spring, Summer). Written In Our Hearts YCDSB Adult Faith January 2018 We are increasingly aware of the importance of nurturing the spirituality of adults within our educational communities. Adult spirituality addresses such questions as: How can I proclaim the Good News when there are so many challenges to living the Gospel message? What role does prayer take in my professional life? How can I best evangelize our faith given these challenging times? What are the spiritual needs of our communities? How can my relationship with God, the Church, and my faith community inform my practice? Faith Ambassador Program Faith Ambassadors work to nurture the spiritual formation among the adults in schools and at the Catholic Education Centre through local activities and in partnership with local schools, retreat centres, and parishes. Faith Ambassador Committees consist of school Faith Ambassadors from schools including and associated with the local school. Each committee is supported by members of the YCDSB Religious Education/Family Life/ Equity Education Team. They are provided with financial, administrative and spiritual resources to support their projects. In 1999, the Religious Education Department at the York Catholic District School Board after consultation with TCDSB, it was decided to develop our Faith Ambassador Program. Currently, each school has two Faith. There are now four areas of schools. Links are also being made to the Catholic School Council Faith Committees. The Faith Ambassador program has frequently been cited as being one of the most important factors in improving staff morale in recent years. 17

18 Faith Ambassadors have also been ministering to the Board of Education by partnering with various members of administration to lead the prayer at regular Board meetings. The Faith Ambassador Program is directed toward nurturing Catholic educational spirituality. While we recognize the importance of spiritual nourishment of all the partners in Catholic education, the focus of this program is on teacher and staff spirituality. The Principal is the Faith Leader of the school. At the school level, Faith Ambassadors work with the administration to promote staff faith development and associated activities. In high schools, Chaplaincy teams are brought into Adult Faith Conversation. The Faith Ambassador is part of the spiritual leadership of the school. The task is to provide a more spiritual atmosphere in the school by creating the environment, occasions and support that facilitate staff faith development. See Faith Development Activities within the School, that describes a number of specific ways in which faith development can occur in the school. The Faith Ambassador assist in Faith Day activities. Faith Ambassadors also work at the area level to nurture their own spirituality and to plan spiritual development opportunities that are only feasible when several schools get together. Faith Ambassadors also work together in their areas to plan and implement joint activities. In those situations, it is imperative that the lines of communication be kept open between Faith Ambassadors, Administration, and in the case of high schools, Chaplaincy Teams. Catholic Education Week The Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association provides materials each year to School Boards to reflect the Catholic Education Week theme. The Advance Kit is provided each year in December, and includes prayers and reflection activities that are designed to support Adult Faith development and enhancement. Religious Education Inservices The YCDSB Religion Team has provided opportunities for Elementary and Secondary Teachers to gain greater knowledge and understanding of the Ontario Religion Curriculum both panels. Staff Retreats: Throughout the year, opportunities for staff retreats are offered. Teacher facilitators of Equity and Respecting Differences Groups in Secondary Schools, Faith Ambassador Chairs, and Luke 4:18. Revised Religious Education Curriculum New Elementary and Secondary Religious Education Programs that are being implemented in all Catholic DSB s in Ontario have addressed the identified need for Teacher faith formation and building faith knowledge. The online component of Growing in Faith Growing in Christ provided opportunities for staff to access Learning Modules regarding a number of faith topics. Also, each lesson in the program provides background knowledge and information, as well as opportunities for reflection to inform practice. Likewise, the new Secondary Religious Education Program is written to include opportunities for staff to build on faith knowledge, reflect, and pray. Faith Day Drawing from the overarching theme and subthemes of Catholic Education Week year, the Religion Team creates a variety of resource materials for YCDSB Staff. Each school develops a plan for the day which gives staff the opportunity to gather to reflect on and deepen their faith while building community and fellowship. 18

19 York Catholic District School Board REPORT Report To: Integration of Catholic Faith Committee From: Administration Date: January 22, 2018 Report: Curriculum Refresh and Native Studies Update Curriculum Refresh Revisions focus on strengthening the learning connected to Indigenous perspectives, cultures, histories and ways of knowing. This includes treaty education, the impacts of the residential school system, and the Indian Act. Draft curriculum revisions were shared in winter 2017 for soft implementation, followed by the anticipated final documents in winter 2018 and full implementation in Sept The implementation of these revised documents, address the TRC Calls to Action #62 and #63 Social Studies, grades 4-6 revision curriculums History grades 7&8 curriculum revisions Canadian History Since WWI CHC2D and CHC2P curriculum revisions Native Studies English Courses Update As of September 2018 all YCDSB high schools will be offering the NBE course at least in one panel. This school year we have currently 106 sections of the NBE running and 1665 students currently enrolled in these courses. Update will include interview with NBE teachers and example of a Inquiry based activity, examples of essay writing, exam rubrics/ evaluations and resources being used in the courses, and answers to FAQ. Prepared and Submitted by: Endorsed by: M. Way Skinner, Coordinator, Religion, Family Life, Equity D. Murgaski, Superintendent of Curriculum & Assessment 19