Provincially, there was a slight decrease of 1% from last year in the percentage of students who passed the test. Although there was a slight decrease of 2% from its 2009 results, the Board is pleased with the 1% improvement in its deferral rate. This year, only 4% of the Board’s students were deferred, meaning that their opportunity to write the test was postponed to another year, a substantial decrease of 8% in the deferral rate from 2005. The use of Assistive Technology has also allowed for greater participation of Students with Special Needs.

The Board is pleased with its ability to decrease the number of students deferred while sustaining an excellent success rate.

The OSSLT, introduced in 2002, measures whether students are meeting the minimum stand for literacy across all subjects to the end of Grade 9, according to the expectations set out in the Ontario Curriculum. Successful completion of the OSSLT is one of the 32 compulsory requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students who are unsuccessful on the test in Grade 10 can take the test again in the next school year or fulfill the diploma requirement by enrolling in and successfully completing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course.

The 11th annual Young Women’s Conference was planned by the Rainy River District School Board in partnership with the Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope (formerly the Atikokan Crisis Centre), Northwest Catholic District School Board, and United Native Friendship Centre. A total of 54 young women in Grades 7-12 participated in the conference, and were provided with information about the indicators of violence against young women and ways to support self and others in the future at school and in the community. In addition, the young women had the opportunity to journal, explore youth leadership and participate in workshops while learning to promote wellness, kindness and positive self-esteem. The ultimate goal of this conference is to support young women with information and a positive view for a hopeful future.

Following in the footsteps of the very successful Young Women’s Conference, Challenge 2010 was an outdoor adventure that involved young men from across the Rainy River District School Board in Grade 8, and high school students from Atikokan and Rainy River who acted as mentors and advisors for the Grade 8 students. High school young men were chosen by staff based on their leadership ability, and each elementary school principal was invited to select two young men in Grade 8 who they felt would benefit from the experience. The focus of the young men’s Challenge 2010 was on team building in an outdoor setting, and at the end of the conference, all participants demonstrated sufficient canoe skills to earn a certificate in Basic Canoeing – Level One from the Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association (ORCKA). In addition, the young men learned a number of related skills, and participated in a workshop discussing transition to high school. The young men’s response to the conference was extremely positive and organizers are already looking forward to Challenge 2011.

Anne Carradice brings to the position 25 years of combined teaching and educational leadership experience, and began her first full time role as a teacher with the Rainy River District School Board in 2003 at Nestor Falls School. She had demonstrated leadership at the system level and school level through her involvement in various committees and curriculum initiatives, in her role as Vice Principal of Riverview School, and her active contribution to community events and organizations. She is fluent in four languages, and has a great appreciation for cultural diversity and inclusiveness.

In support of the Board’s mission, “To empower all students to dream of the possibilities, to believe in themselves and to achieve”, Anne Carradice stated, “I have a dream that we continue to work together to ensure success for each and every child. A dream that you dream together is reality.”

Beth Fairfield brings to the position 19 years of teaching experience at the elementary and secondary levels, and has continued her dedication to student achievement as the Board’s Secondary Curriculum Coordinator for the past four years. She has demonstrated leadership by successfully implementing the Specialist High Skill Major program at Atikokan High School, and has been responsible for overseeing the delivery of the New Teacher Induction Program for the Rainy River District School Board. She works effectively and collaboratively with staff, students, parents and members of the school community.

“In my most recent position as Secondary Curriculum Coordinator I valued having the opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues from across the district to support the success of our students,” said Beth Fairfield. “As Vice Principal I look forward to working with the staff, students, and parents at North Star Community School and the learning experiences this new role will bring.”