KPDSB appoints Shawnda Norlock as Superintendent of Student Achievement and Equity

Media Release - November 30, 2022

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Shawnda Norlock as Superintendent of Student Achievement and Equity. 

Norlock started teaching with the KPDSB in 1999.  She has held various system responsibilities, including technology-enabled learning special assignment teacher, principal and vice-principal at Red Lake District High School and most recently central administrator in secondary program and achievement.  Norlock has led the student success and expanded and extended program portfolios system-wide.  She holds a BSc and BEd from the University of Manitoba and an MEd in Educational and Digital Technology from Ontario Tech University.

Norlock stated, "I am honoured to serve and support the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board in a senior leadership role.  I am proud to be part of this system, where we continue to put students first and provide innovative and equitable learning opportunities for all.  It is essential that students identify their strengths, see what they can achieve and what is possible, know that they can shape their lives, and know that we believe in them.  I look forward to continuing to learn and implement best practices and programs in our schools to advance student achievement and well-being and fostering creativity, innovation, and a culture of inclusion."

Christy Radbourne, Director of Education, added, "We are thrilled to add a skilled, experienced and lifelong KPDSB educator to our Senior Team.  Shawnda is a welcome addition who will bring a strong connection to KPDSB communities and an unwavering commitment to students, equity, and student achievement."

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KPDSB and CUPE Local 1939 Reach Tentative Settlement

Media Release - June 9, 2023

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is pleased to advise that an agreement on local terms and conditions for the 2023 to 2026 Collective Agreement has been reached with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1939 (representing Caretaking and Trades/Maintenance Staff).

Details of the agreement remain confidential until ratification by the Local and the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board. 

Christy Radbourne, Director of Education, stated, “We are pleased to reach a positive outcome with our CUPE partners in education and look forward to continuing our productive relationship over the next four years.”

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KPDSB launches new section of website for Mental Health supports, checks in on Capital Projects for 2017-18

Media Release - May 10, 2018

Trustees met at the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board’s Kenora Board Office on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, for a regular board meeting. 

The May Kids Come First presentation titled ‘Students with Abilities and Special Education Co-op Program – Beaver Brae Secondary School’ was received by Trustees.  Beaver Brae Secondary School’s Vice-Principal Lisa Achilles was joined by students and community members to talk to Trustees about a new Special Education Co-op being offered at Beaver Brae this school year.  Goals of the program include preparing students for employment, and educating community employers on opportunities for hiring students and their ability to be valuable contributors to the employment sector.  Community partnerships are crucial to the program, in particular is the school’s partnership with the Kenora Association of Community Living (KACL).  Trustees heard firsthand the pride and enjoyment felt by the students, as well as the close bonds between the students, their mentors and program/school staff. 

Candice Kerkermeier, Mental Health Lead, presented the Children’s Mental Health Update.  Kerkermeier presented a new section on the KPDSB’s website for Mental Health resources and support in recognition of Mental Health Week (May 7-11).  Included in the new section is links to:

• KPDSB Mental Health and Addictions Strategic Plan
• Mental Health Student Resources
• Mental Health Parent/Guardian Resources
• Mental Health Staff Resources
• Mental Health in Schools
• Mental Health Monthly Newsletter
• Trauma Informed Resources
• Crisis Supports (includes crisis phone numbers for youth and adults)

To view the entire section of the website, please visit *|SITE_URL|*pages/view/mental-health.

Steve Parker, Assistant Manager of Facility Planning and Development, presented the 2017-2018 Capital Projects Update.  Parker updated Trustees on on-going and planned work on KPDSB classrooms and schools for the school year.  Major projects include completion of Sioux North High School in Sioux Lookout, a major renewal of Beaver Brae Secondary School’s (Kenora) Technology wing, major renewal of Ear Falls Public School, and installing tunable LED lighting in all KPDSB schools. Parker also spoke to new applications available to monitor school and building systems to reduce utility consumption with an added benefit of classroom access to the application for teaching and learning, as well as work in a handful of elementary schools through the Childcare Capital Grant.

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Beaver Brae Bronco Cheerleaders to return to World Cheerleading Championships in Florida

Media Release - May 16, 2018

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board wishes to congratulate the Beaver Brae Bronco Cheerleaders and their coaches who will once again be representing the Manitoba Association of Cheerleading (MAC) and Northwestern Ontario at the 2019 High School World Cheerleading Championships at Disney World in Florida.  The event takes place in February 2019.

In yet another milestone for the team, the Bronco Cheerleaders have received the Paid Bid to the event.  The Paid Bid means that MAC will cover the costs of accommodations, park passes and all registration fees for the team.  The Bronco Cheerleaders had previously received At Large Bids in 2017 and 2018 (meaning the cost to attend had to be covered by the team and/or school). 

The Cheerleading Program at Beaver Brae expanded this school year to a team of 26 athletes, up from 19 during their previous visit to the world stage.  To date, the team has won numerous events and awards, including their most recent gold medal at the MAC Provincials last weekend in Winnipeg and the highest score in Senior School Cheer.

Deb Allan, Head Coach for the Broncos Cheer Team, credits the team’s unprecedented achievement at previous World Championships and here at home to the hard work and dedication of each and every student on the team, the support of their families, teachers and Bronco Alumni coaches, as well as Beaver Brae’s Bronco Cheer Academy. Beaver Brae has also announced a new Artistic Sports Physical Education credit for the 2018-2019 school year.

Allan stated “The standards, expectations and opportunities that we provide through Bronco Cheerleading not only builds exceptional athletes and students, but also prepares these young women for perseverance and success in their future.”

Tracey Benoit, Principal of Beaver Brae Secondary School, added “Deb is a committed coach who has brought our Bronco Cheer Team to a world class level. She has an extensive background which has allowed her to mentor many Bronco Alumni and create a strong coaching community. Deb’s philosophy is one of inclusion where she focuses on creating a supportive and positive environment for her team.  We’re proud of her and our hard working athletes and look forward to seeing them compete at the Worlds in 2019.”

Background

The Beaver Brae Bronco Cheerleaders won their first bid to the High School World Cheerleading Championships in February 2016.  The team was adjudicated in Winnipeg by a representative from the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), and shortly after, the Broncos were invited by the International Cheer Union to enter a second event at the world championships called Game Day, making the BBSS Broncos the first international team to compete in the event.

During that first visit to the world stage, the Bronco Cheer Team won a Bronze medal in the Junior Varsity division and were a finalist in the Game Day championship, winning a Silver Nations Cup. 

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KPDSB announces administration appointments for 2018-2019 school year

Media Release - April 30, 2018

Trustees met at Lillian Berg Public School on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, for a regular Board Meeting (the original April Board Meeting had been postponed from April 10, 2018).

On behalf of the KPDSB Senior Administration Team, Superintendent Caryl Hron presented the 2018-2019 Administration Report.  The following appointments were announced. 

Lillian Berg Public School (Vermilion Bay)

• Principal – Doris St. Jules (currently Vice-Principal of Ear Falls Public School)

Sioux Mountain Public School (Sioux Lookout)

• Principal – Darryl Tinney (currently Principal of Red Lake District High School)
• Tinney will join the current Vice-Principal Barbara Van Diest

Sioux North High School (Sioux Lookout)

• Vice-Principal – Andy Schardt (currently Vice-Principal at Queen Elizabeth District High School and Principal of Savant Lake Public School)
• Schardt will continue his work with Principal Wayne Mercer and current Vice-Principal Jennifer McMaster

Savant Lake Public School

• Principal – Holly Szumowski (currently Principal of Crolancia Public School in Pickle Lake)
• Szumowski will also continue in her role as Principal of Crolancia Public School

Golden Learning Centre (Balmertown)

• Principal – Grazia Cianci (currently Principal of Red Lake-Madsen Public School)

Red Lake-Madsen Public School (Red Lake)

• Principal – Debra Geary (currently Principal of Golden Learning Centre in Balmertown)

Red Lake District High School

• Principal – Shawnda Norlock (currently Vice-Principal of Red Lake District High School)
• Appointment of Vice-Principal at Red Lake District High School to be announced at a later date

Sean Monteith, Director of Education, said “On behalf of the entire Senior Administration Team I would like to congratulate these individuals on their assignments and their milestone achievements; and in doing so continue to recognize the depth of leadership in the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board.”

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