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London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership

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Agenda

LMLIP Education Sub-council Date and Time: January 14, 2015 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Meeting Location: Kinsmen Community Centre, Rm. 4

Item Description

1. Chair’s Opening Remarks2. Adoption of November 12, 2014 Minutes

3. Additions to Agenda4. Central Council Update: Muriel Abbott5. Update from Annual Implementation Plan

i. Joint Education/Employment Workgroup – Ashley Pattersonii. Supports for Students – Huda Hussein & Phil Myersiii. Supports for School Staff – Kristibeth Kelly-Delgadoiv. Supports for Parents – Mahin Ghasemiyaniv. Community Partnership Committee Update – Emily Low/Helen Pattersonvi. Potential collaboration with the Justice & Protection Services Sub-council - Kathy

Milczarek

6. Partnering with the Experiential Learning Centre at Western- Phil Myers7. New Business

i. Presentation: Kate Kennedy, Access Centre for Regulated Employment (30 min)ii. Video from Literacy Link South Central - Muriel Abbott

8. Chairperson’s Closing Summary and Review of Action Items

9. Adjourn

10. Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 11, 2015.4:30-6:30 pm, Kinsmen Community Centre, Rm. 4

11. Upcoming meetings dates: The second Wednesday of every two months:

2015: March 11, April 8, June 10, September 9, November 112016: January 13, March 9


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Minutes

LMLIP Education Sub-council Date and Time: January 14, 2015 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Meeting Location: Kinsmen Community Centre, Room 4

Present: Muriel Abbott, Mahin Ghasemiyani, Kathy Milczarek, Phil Myers, Huda Hussein, Ermina Melkic, Denise Taylor-Edwards, Helen Patterson, Jennifer Paterson, Lissette Ochoa, Kristen Caschera

Regrets: Kristibeth Kelly-Delgado, Ashley Patterson, Esra Ari, Kate Kennedy, Emily Low, Sheila Carson, Mo Jeng, Ana Enriquez-Johnson Gebre Woldemicael

Absent: Janet Pinder, Xiaoxiao Du, Nazia Bano, Kelly Smith

Item Description Information, Update, Action, Lead and Due Date

1. Chair’s Opening RemarksMuriel Abbott welcomed the group and Ermina Melkic, interim Project Assistant.

2. Adoption of Previous Minutes

Motion to approve November 12, 2014 Minutes was moved by Phil Myers, seconded by Kathy Milzcarek, and approved.

3. Additions to AgendaOne addition was made to the agenda with a third item added to new business – Recruiting research participants – Phil Myers. A motion to approve the amended agenda was moved by Kristen Caschera, seconded by Denise Taylor-Edwards, and approved.

4. Central Council Update – Muriel Abbott

a. LMLIP’s Day of Learning – January 26Agenda for the day includes: An Overview of Demographics & the Labour Market in London and Middlesex; Information from the 2014 Provincial Summits, Immigration 101; celebrating the work that has been done in the last five years by LMLIP and the community; and the changes in the immigration model & the implications on settlement. She encouraged members to register for the day. Official email and Eventbrite invitation will be emailed on January 15.

b. Media Engagement Work Group

It was reported that the Ontario Trillium Foundation has approved funding to support the

Phil and Muriel volunteered to assist at the January 26 Event


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We Are London TV show led by the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board. The new season of We Are London will include Oxford, Elgin and London-Middlesex. The funds will support the show for two years.

c. “Race Relations” Award

LMLIP won the “2014 Diversity, Race Relations and Inclusivity” Award from the Municipal Council on the recommendation of the London Diversity & Race Relations Advisory Committee, City of London.

d. Co-chair recruitment

Central Council is in the process of recruiting a new Co-chair to replace Janet Tufts as she is moving out of the country. The Co-chair will be selected from existing Central Council members. Those interested will submit an application. A new Co-chair will be in place by March 2, 2015.

5. Update from Annual Implementation Plan

a. Joint Education/Employment Workgroup

Ashley Patterson and Gebre Woldemicael are both away, so no report was available. Huda Hussein noted that the group had met and she would share the notes from the meeting when available.

b. Supports for Students – Huda Hussein and Phil Myers

The homework club will continue till the end of the school year. They are still accepting tutor volunteers, especially for high school students. Currently, the program is running at full capacity and has started to accept registrations for the March program. A waiting list has been created. French speaking tutors are in demand.

Denise Taylor-Edwards noted that the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) will be organizing workshops for parents at the White Oaks Family Centre. Four teachers will be attending the workshops and their feedback will be valuable for this group.

Muriel Abbott noted the feedback received from teachers regarding this initiative is important in determining relevance of possible pilot projects in other areas and schools. She also noted that Supports for Students does not have a working group and this should be revisited and considered in planning for the next fiscal year.

Possible topics could be covered in the next phase of the We are London TV show.

c. Supports for School Staff

Phil Myers reported that the group delivered a workshop on December 5 to pre-service teachers at the Faculty of Education, Western University. Close to 25 students attended the session and evaluations were done but have not yet been collated.

Discussions with Fanshawe College-Early Childhood Educators Program are underway. The possibility of organizing workshops in February that would include both students and professors is being discussed.

It was also noted that the group may present on Professional Development Days for school staff at TVDSB again this year.

Huda to share notes once received from Wilma

Lissette to email volunteer recruitment poster to Phil, copy Huda

Details to be discussed at the next sub-council meeting.

Results will be shared once they become available


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It was noted that there is a challenge for those who were born in Canada and raised in a home where English is not the first language. This group of students tends to be missed.

d. Supports for Parents – Mahin Ghasemiyani

It was confirmed that the remaining 200 DVDs were delivered to LMLIP. Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) will support the launch by contacting designated persons within schools. School councils should receive DVDs by March.

Muriel Abbott suggested including public health nurses (PHNs) working within schools to support the distribution of the Welcoming All Voices (WAV) resource. PHNs in some schools have strong working relationships with the School Council and these parent leaders are the target group for the resource.

The group is currently facing the challenge of not having a chair. This challenge is affecting the work of the Group in terms of scheduling meetings and discussions related to the distribution of the resource and the DVDs. To date, only four binders were distributed in TVDSB and Catholic School Boards. It was noted that Arlene who has been instrumental in connecting the group to the Thames Valley Parent Involvement Committee (TVPIC) is no longer with TVPIC as she has been elected as a Trustee. She originally had offered funds through TVPIC that could be available to support the formal launch of the WAV resource and DVD and to print French WAV copies.

Muriel encouraged some brainstorming about other possible ways to support the distribution plan such as in-kind donations.

Mahin Ghasemiyani noted that a possible event in February or March is in the works for launching the WAV and the DVD. Distribution of the WAV package should be completed by March school break to enable school councils to use and incorporate information into next year’s programming.

Kathy Milzczarek noted that ESL teachers are interested in the binders; however the initiative is focused on parent leaders.

It was suggested by the workgroup use USB drives instead of DVDs for future distribution of the materials.

e. Community Partnership Committee Update – Helen Patterson

Helen Patterson reported that the last meeting was held in mid-December. They are currently updating the website to encourage “language training” rather than focus on Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC). Due to funding cuts, results from promotion and outreach can’t be tracked. Language assessment called “PBLA”-Portfolio Based Language Assessment was piloted in Ottawa and has now expanded to south western Ontario. The purpose is more effective and comprehensive language assessment, with students having the responsibility for maintaining the portfolio. From the teachers’ perspective, it can be complex and time consuming, however the pilot supports that it will benefit students. Currently the portfolio is paper-based (i.e. a binder). Comments from the group suggested that an e-portfolio could be a better solution for students’ record keeping.

f. Potential collaboration with the JPS sub-council – Kathy Milczarek

Two meetings have been held so far. The next meeting is scheduled for the end of

Denise volunteered to contact two co-chairs of TVPIC to make the connection to the workgroup

Lissette to share info with teachers.


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Funded

by:

Co-led by:

January. The original intent was to provide lesson plans related to parenting including aspects of discipline. The group decided not to create lesson plans on the Children Aid’s Society and the Women’s Community House as planned earlier given that sitting members are not trained for this. The group is taking a different route. They are discussing creating workshops with content on these two organizations related to issues of pertinence to immigrants and deliver them where immigrants are.

6. Partnering with the Experiential Learning Centre at Western – Phil Myers

Supports for school Staff group did not have the capacity to proceed with this opportunity. If it arises again next year, it will be considered at that time.

7. New Business

a. Presentation - Kate Kennedy, Access Centre for RegulatedEmployment

The presentation was deferred to March as Kate sent her regrets due to illness.

b. Video from Literacy Link South Central – Muriel Abbott

The launch of the video took place in December around adult literacy among multicultural communities. Newcomers from the Latino, African and Arabic communities shared their perspective on literacy. The video is posted on http://llsc.on.ca/.

c. Research Opportunity – Phil MyersResearch is being conducted on Latin-American parents and their experience with London and Middlesex’s school system. The goal is to recruit 20 families. Phil Myers encouraged members to share the information and invite interested parties. One of the criteria is participating parents should have children enrolled in either elementary or high school. Phil Myers is the research assistant on this project and as such, she will present results to the Sub-council in June. LMLIP will benefit from the results.


Muriel Abbot requested the group to review last year’s plan and plan for next year. She encouraged members to come prepared with ideas at the March meeting. She thanked the group for their attendance and participation. She encouraged members to attend the Day of Learning on January 26.

She requested members to note upcoming meeting dates in their calendars.

9. Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

10. Upcoming meeting dates: The second Wednesday of every two months:

2015: March 11, April 8, June 10, September 9, November 18 (to be determined) 2016: January 13, March 9

Phil to forward recruitment poster in two weeks.

http://llsc.on.ca/


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Agenda

LMLIP Education Sub-council Date and Time: March 11, 2015 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Meeting Location: Kinsmen Community Centre, Rm. 4

Item Description

1. Chair’s Opening Remarks2. Adoption of January 14, 2015 Minutes

3. Additions to Agenda4. Central Council Update: Muriel Abbott5. Workgroup Updates:

i. Joint Education/Employment Workgroup – Ashley Pattersonii. Joint JPS/Education Workgroup- iii. Supports for Students –

a) Considerations for re-establishing a workgroupiv. Supports for School Staff –

a) Comments/feedback from Fanshawe sessionv. Supports for Parents –

a) Follow-up with TVPIC co-chairsb) Welcoming All Voices distributionc) Connections with the French School Boards

vi. Community Partnership Committee Update – Emily Low, Helen Patterson

6. New Businessi. Presentation: Kate Kennedy, Access Centre for Regulated Employment (30 min)ii. Review and highlights from the past year’s work plan. Begin updating the workplan for

2015-16.7. Chairperson’s Closing Summary and Review of Action Items

8. Adjourn

9. Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 8 2015, 4:30-6:30 pm. Location to be confirmed.10. Upcoming meeting dates: The second Wednesday every two months (No meeting in July).

2015: June 10, September 9, November 11 (November 11 may be changed to November 18 asNovember 11 as November 11 is a holiday for some)2016: January 13, March 9


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Minutes

LMLIP Education Sub-council Date and Time: March 11, 2015 4:30 – 6:30 pm


Present: Muriel Abbott, Mahin Ghasemiyani, Kathy Milczarek, Kate Kennedy, Mo Jeng, Ana Enriquez-Johnson, Helen Patterson, Emily Low, Kristibeth Kelly-Delgado, Nazia Bano, Clint Thomson, Huda Hussein

Regrets: Phil Myers, Ashley Patterson, Esra Ari,

Gebre Woldemicael, Sheila Carson, Lissette

Ochoa, Denise Taylor-Edwards Janet Pinder,

Jennifer Paterson, Kristen Caschera

Absent: Kelly Smith


1. Chair’s Opening RemarksMuriel Abbott welcomed the group and new member, Clint Thomson. A roundtable introduction was made.


A motion to approve the amended January 14, 2015 Minutes was moved by Kathy Milczarek, seconded by Helen Patterson, and approved.

3. Additions to AgendaA motion to approve the amended agenda, moving Kate Kennedy’s presentation to the beginning of the meeting, was moved by Kristibeth Kelly-Delgado, seconded by Kate Kennedy, and approved.

4. Kate presented on the Access Centre for Regulated Employment. Please see below:

Microsoft PowerPoint 97-2003 Presentation


a. The nomination committee reported their recommendation for appointingDev Sainani, a member-at-large since the inception of the Council as thenew Co-chair. Council endorsed the appointment of the new Co-Chair;

b. The Housing Video, coordinated by the Settlement Sub-council was shown.The video is one component of engaging landlords and tenants on issuesimpacting new renters. A forum is organized for April 28;


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c. LMLIP Day of Learning – Evaluation was positive, 81-90% rated it betweenexcellent and very good; respondents provided ideas about next steps;

d. Continue to recruit for members-at-large;

e. Three members from the Council, Vicki Esses, Mohamed Al-Adeimi andHuda Hussein have been invited to appear before the Standing Committeeon Citizenship and Immigration, the House of Commons to present onPromoting Economic Prosperity through Settlement Services and

f. Multimedia Engagement Work Group reported that a community producerwas hired through the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning andDevelopment Board. With the funding, the “We Are London” show willinclude Middlesex County, St. Thomas Elgin and Oxford Local ImmigrationPartnerships. Sub-councils submitted ideas for the show and this Sub-council submitted an idea for creating awareness on Portfolio BasedLanguage Assessment.

6. Work Group Updates

a. Joint Education/Employment Workgroup – Helen PattersonHelen Patterson reported that there was a small group at the last meeting on March 3, (please see attached notes prepared by Wilma de Rond).

Microsoft Word 97 - 2003 Document

b. Joint JPS/Education Workgroup- Kathy MilczarekThis group includes Kathy Milczarek, Mahin Ghasemiyani and Emily Low, (Education Sub-council); Ema Petrela and Faranak Aeeni (from the Justice and Protection Services Sub-council). Kathy reported that the group:

met a few times to discuss the objective of this project

has changed their approach with regard to workshops

requests members from the school board who have experiencewith writing lesson plans

explored creating a tool similar to the Welcoming All Voices resource insteadof a lesson plan

Muriel Abbott noted the objective of this project as per the Strategic Plan is to create a lesson plan to be delivered to language learners. Huda Hussein further clarified that the Justice and Protection Services Sub-council (JPS) has adapted newcomer outreach materials developed in Toronto with the help of the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and the London Police Service and created lesson plans on the London Police Service in 2012. JPS identified that similar work could be done focusing on Children’s Aid Society and Women’s Community House. JPS will provide the content and the Education Sub-council is requested to provide the expertise to create lesson plans. After some discussion the following was noted:

- Emily to send an email to the Community Partnership Committee to ask for someone to join the group

- Request copy of the Lesson Plan developed by TVDSB - Group to send their minutes to the Sub-council - Bring the item for discussion in April’s meeting


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Funded

by:

Co-led by:

c. Supports for StudentsConsideration for re-establishing a workgroup: deferred to April’s meeting

d. Supports for School StaffCurrently this group comprises Kathy Milczarek, Emily Low, Kristibeth Kelly-Delgado, Ana Enriquez-Johnson, and Phil Myers. The group reported that they conducted one workshop on diversity at Fanshawe College in February. Participants were faculty from the School of Human Services (not just Early Childhood Education). Twelve faculty members attended the workshop and provided positive feedback. The group used parts of previous presentations rather than the generic workshop template to develop this workshop. They indicated that future workshops all need to be customized to the audience. The group will continue to look for opportunities to engage school staff.

e. Supports for Parents – Mahin GhasemiyaniThe group reported that Mayssa El Sayegh accepted to be the chairperson for this group for the time being. Connections were made with the Thames Valley Parent Involvement Committee (TVPIC). A Leadership Workshop on the Welcoming All Voices resource is planned for April 27 at the TVDSB Education Centre (includes distribution of the binder and DVD). Further distribution of the resources will be done in September at TVPIC conference. Emily Low reported that she is connecting with both French school boards and ACFO who expressed interest in the resource. They have a current contact name for the Catholic School Board - John Mombourquette. She will update the Sub-council once she hears from them.

f. Community Partnership Committee Update – Helen PattersonCurrently in somewhat of a holding pattern as they need to know about budget. Suggested that due to ongoing changes it is better for clients interested in citizenship applications to check the website. Printed documents are no longer correct.


Muriel Abbot thanked the group and noted that in April they would focus on reviewing the Strategic Plan, revise it and select strategies that may be accomplished during 2015-16, the remaining year in the current plan.

8. Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm. Next meeting: April 8, 4:30- 6:30 pm Kinsmen Recreation Centre


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Agenda

LMLIP Education Sub-council Date and Time: April 8, 2015 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Meeting Location: Kinsmen Community Centre, Rm. 2A

Item Description

1. Chair’s Opening Remarks

2. Adoption of March 11, 2015 Minutes

3. Additions to Agenda

4. Central Council Update: Muriel Abbott

5. Workgroup Updates:

6. Joint Education/Employment Workgroup – Ashley

i. Joint JPS/Education Workgroup- Discussionii. Supports for School Staff – 2012 Position Paper – Discussion: Huda Husseiniii. Supports for Parents –

1. Follow-up with TVPIC co-chairs2. Welcoming All Voices distribution3. Connections with the French School Boards

iv. Community Partnership Committee Update – Emily Low, Helen Patterson

7. “We are London” show - Second theme

8. New business:

i. Review and highlights from the past year’s work plan. Begin updating the workplan for 2015-16.


10. Adjourn

11. Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 10, 4:30-6:30 pm, Kinsmen Rm 2A.

12. Upcoming meeting dates: June 10, September 9, November 18

2016: January 13, March 9


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Minutes

LMLIP Education Sub-council Date and Time: April 8, 2015

4:30 – 6:45 pm


Present: Muriel Abbott, Kathy Milczarek, Kate Kennedy, Mo Jeng, Helen Patterson, Emily Low, Kristibeth Kelly-Delgado, Phil Myers, Ashley Patterson, Denise Taylor-Edwards Gebre Woldemicael, Najwa Zebian, Sheila Carson, Huda Hussein, Maria D’Souza

Regrets: Esra Ari, Ana Enriquez-Johnson

Absent: Kelly Smith, Mahin Ghasemiyani, Lissette Ochoa, Janet Pinder, Jennifer Paterson, Nazia Bano

Item Description

Information, Update, Action, Lead and Due Date


Muriel Abbott welcomed the group and a roundtable introduction was made.


A motion to approve the March 11, 2015 Minutes was moved by Kate Kennedy, seconded by Mo Jeng, and approved.


None. A motion to accept the agenda was moved by Kristbeth Kelly-Delgado, seconded by Phil Myers, and approved.


a. Two new members-at-large have been approved and one of them, MahinGhasemiyani, is on the Education Sub-council.

b. The first episode of the ‘We are London’ show was aired on April 6, tapingmore episodes continues.

c. Four Sub-councils worked with students from the Community EngagedLearning Program at Western on four projects

d. The Settlement Sub-council is hosting an event on April 28.


i. Joint Education/Employment Workgroup – Ashley Patterson

No update. The group will meet on April 14.


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ii. Joint JPS/Education Workgroup - Emily Low & Kathy Milczarek

The objective of this project is to create lesson plans to be delivered to adult language learners. However, the group has not been able to work on it. Huda Hussein clarified that the Justice and Protection Services Sub-council (JPS) has the content and the Education Sub-Council was requested to develop the lesson plan. It was also noted that the Work Group has been given samples of the lesson plans created for the Police. After some discussion, it was agreed that Phil Myers and Najwa Zebian would draft the lesson plans. The draft will be shared with the workgroup when it is ready. There was agreement from both Emily Low and Kathy Milczarek.

iii. Supports for School Staff – 2012 Position Paper – Huda Hussein

Huda Hussein gave some background on the Position Paper, “Ontario Pre-service Teacher Education: The Case for Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Training”, that was written by the Supports for Teachers Workgroup in 2012. She noted that the Paper was submitted to the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities with the endorsement of nine Local Immigration Partnerships across Ontario. Huda noted that recently it was suggested that the Paper be resubmitted to the Deputy Premier, Deb Mathews. Muriel Abbott asked if there was consensus regarding meeting with Deb Mathews and resubmitting the Paper. It was agreed that it would be submitted with a caveat stating that it has not been updated after the previous submission.

iv. Supports for Parents- Follow-up with Thames Valley Parent Involvement Committee (TVPIC) co-chairs:

Kathy Milczarek said Mayssa El Sayegh met with them. Denise Taylor-Edwards further clarified that the meeting with the two Co-chairs took place and she attended that meeting. She noted that the Superintendent of Schools, Paul McKenzie who was at the meeting, advised a 3-4 year delivery plan. He was also asking if electronic copy of the Welcoming All Voices (WAV) resource was available. Denise also noted that they raised the question of funding the production of the WAV. Muriel Abbott noted that 500 copies of the resource were printed with funding received from TVPIC and that two copies are available for each school (including public and separate schools). She also noted that the group will need to track the distribution of the resource and the DVD.

- Kate Kennedy reported that the Welcoming All Voices workshop would run on April 27. Emily Low said the group would be meeting to decide on who would handle different tasks and to ensure that distribution was not being duplicated. Huda Hussein offered the use of Question Pro to evaluate data collected from participants. Connections with French School Board: Ten copies were given for distribution to French schools.

v. Community Partnership Committee Update – Emily Low, HelenPatterson

No update as there was no meeting since the last update.

6. ‘We are London’ show – Second theme

Denise Taylor-Edwards suggested a show highlighting the importance of literacy at home even when English is not the first language. She pointed out that the first language helps develop skills in the second language. Najwa Zebian noted that research supports this argument. Muriel Abbott noted that newcomers and host communities need to recognize

Phil and Najwa to draft the lesson plan for adult English Language Learners

Huda to inform JPS on this decision

Huda to arrange a meeting of the working group with Deb Mathews


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that multilingualism is vital. After some discussion, it was agreed to take this theme forward to ‘We are London’. Muriel then asked Najwa if she was willing to be the guest on the first segment the show. Najwa responded that although she was nervous about being on camera, she would do it. Huda Hussein mentioned that a family that does not speak English as a first language would have to be featured and she asked Sub-council members to send her suggestions.

7. New business:

Muriel Abbott reviewed highlights from the past year’s work plan and in discussion with members updated the 2015-16 work plan.

Microsoft PowerPoint 97-2003 Presentation


Muriel Abbott thanked the group for staying a few minutes longer to finish updating the 2015-16 work plan.

9. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm. Next meeting: June 10, 4:30- 6:30 pm Kinsmen Recreation Centre


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Agenda

LMLIP Education Sub-council Date and Time: June 10, 2015 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Meeting Location:

Kinsmen Community Centre, Rm. 4

Item Description


2. Adoption of Apr 8, 2015 Minutes


4. Central Council Update: Muriel

5. Workgroup Updates:i. Joint Employment/Education Workgroup-Ashley, Helen, and othersii. Joint JPS/Education Workgroup – Phil & Najwa (lesson plan update)iii. Support for Parents-

- Feedback from April 27 session - Welcoming All Voices distribution

iv. Supports for School Staff- 2012 Position Paper – Update from Huda - Update from May 11 meeting - Phil

v. Community Partnership Committee Update – Emily, Helen

6. “We are London” show - Update

7. Old Business:

i. Complete remaining details of strategy for 2015-16ii. Confirm membership of workgroups


9. Adjourn

10. Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 9, 4:30-6:30 pm, Kinsmen Rm 2A.

11. Upcoming meetings dates: September 9, November 182016: January 13, March 9


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Minutes

LMLIP Education Sub-council Date and Time: June 10, 2015

4:30 – 6:30 pm


Present: Muriel Abbott, Kate Kennedy, Helen Patterson, Phil Myers, Denise Taylor-Edwards Gebre Woldemicael, Mahin Ghasemiyani, Janet Pinder, Nazia Bano, Huda Hussein, Maria D’Souza,

Regrets: Ana Enriquez-Johnson, Kathy Milczarek, Najwa Zebian, Sheila Carson, Emily Low, Mo Jeng, Xiaoxiao Du

Absent: Lissette Ochoa, Esra Ari, Ashley Patterson, Jennifer Paterson


1. Chair’s Opening RemarksMuriel Abbott welcomed the group and noted that two members, Kelly Smith and Kristibeth Kelly Delgado, are no longer able to continue with the Sub-council. She thanked them for their contributions to the Sub-council and workgroups. She also informed the group that Ana-Enriquez Johnson won London’s 2015 Latino Leadership Award in the education category. A picture of Ana with her award was circulated among the group.

2. Adoption of Previous MinutesAdoption of amended April 8, 2015 minutes was moved by Gebre Woldemicael, seconded by Phil Myers. Revisions are: 5.ii Joint JPS/Education workgroup (second paragraph) It was clarified that Philand Najwa will draft lesson plans while the working group continues with its existing members - Emily, Kathy and Mahin plus the two JPS representatives, for ongoing work related to the lesson plans. 5.iii Phil indicated she will step down as lead of the Supports for School Staff’group. Due to recent changes within the work group members, this is no longer feasible and Phil is willing to continue as lead. The group also needs to make further changes to their work plan presented during the April 8 meeting. It was agreed that this would be discussed further as part of agenda item 7.i. Minutes as amended were approved.

3. Additions to AgendaNo additions were made. Motion to accept the agenda was moved by Janet Pinder, seconded by Mahin Ghasemiyani and approved.


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4. Central Council Update – Muriel Abbotta. The London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC) continues with its

Cultural Diversity Tuesdays. The next session is June 30 andentrance is free. There are no sessions in summer and the programwill resume in September.

b. Taping of the “We are London” shows continue in summer for thethree counties (Oxford, Elgin, Middlesex). The remaining Londonsegments will be taped in the fall.

c. The “I Am London” 2015 launch party held on June 4 was attended bythe Mayor, Deputy Mayor and a City Councillor. The event wascovered by CTV London and received positive feedback.


i. Joint Education/Employment WorkgroupThe work group met on May 20. Muriel informed the members that the Employment Sub-council had requested a joint meeting with the Education Sub-council before March 31, 2016. After some discussion it was agreed that members were willing to meet following clarification of the meeting’s objectives. Muriel will request an agenda for the meeting and it will be presented at a future Education Sub-council meeting for discussion.

ii. Joint JPS/Education Workgroup - Mahin GhasemiyaniThe objective of this project is to create lesson plans to be delivered to adult language learners. The Group met on May 12 and discussed how newcomers can be educated on what is and is not acceptable in family contexts. Information on resources available to them, if necessary, in family crisis situations will also be provided. The group has agreed on the content and Huda offered for project staff to attend the next meeting to obtain the material to forward to Phil and Najwa for drafting lesson plans. The final drafts will be evaluated by Sheila Carson.

iii. Supports for Parents

a. Feedback from April 27 session – Janet Pinder & Kate KennedyIt was noted that the SWIS (Settlement Workers in School) played apivotal role in the April 27 session. The turnout at 18 participants waslower than anticipated since 50 people were expected to attend. Itwas suggested that SWIS workers’ connections with schools shouldbe leveraged to introduce the ‘Welcoming All Voices’ resource binderto new parent council leaders every academic year.

b. Welcoming All Voices distribution - Phil Myers- Keeping in mind the group’s resources and constraints, Phil explained

that it was decided to hand deliver the resource to schools by September 25 in advance of the September 26 TVPIC conference. Each binder will be accompanied by letters for the principal and parent council leader. Help was requested from Sub-council members to deliver the binders to

Maria to circulate Minutes of May 20 meeting

Nazia Bano to join work group.

Sub-council members to volunteer to distribute binders.


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schools. - A social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter is planned before a

conference on September 26 to introduce the resource to new groups of schools.

- Denise reminded the group that September 3 is a Professional Development Day, so staff will not be available to meet on that day. She also asked if the binder would be distributed to other counties. Muriel responded that some schools in Oxford and Elgin had already received it. She pointed out that every school with the Thames Valley Parent Involvement Committee (TVPIC) would get a copy and asked Huda if other Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) could be requested to deliver binders to schools in other counties. Huda responded that since LMLIP is the lead, she will contact the Oxford and Elgin LIPs and request them to distribute the binder in their schools.

- Janet asked if they could provide information on the number of schools in their county and Huda mentioned that she would contact them.

- Denise offered to request a letter of endorsement from the Thames Valley District Board (TVDSB) Superintendent of Schools, Paul McKenzie, which will accompany the binder.

- Janet mentioned that she can deliver some binders but only after September 26.

iv. Supports for School Staffa. 2012 Position Paper – Huda HusseinHuda mentioned that a meeting request had been sent to Deputy Premier Deb Matthew’s office and a response is awaited. The meeting is to submit the Paper, “Ontario Pre-service Teacher Education: The Case for Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Training”, that was written by the Supports for Teachers Workgroup in 2012. It was previously submitted to the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities with the endorsement of nine Local Immigration Partnerships across Ontario.

b. Update from May 11 meeting – Phil MyersPhil noted that work group comprises only four members now, so the work plan has to be adjusted to the decreased capacity. The group is

working on a position paper outlining the benefit of diversifying the existing teacher workforce to be more reflective of the local population. The plan is to complete it by Spring 2016. Tools including email and drop box will be used to communicate instead of meetings.

v. Community Partnership Committee Update – Helen Patterson- Helen noted that the CIC will be sending a Request for Proposals on

June 22 with a submission deadline in August. - The committee discussed portfolio based language assessment and the

lack of resources for higher level learners. She mentioned that new methods of tracking attendance have been introduced, allowing students

Huda to contact Oxford & Elgin LIPs for information on schools and to arrange distribution by their LIP to schools in the county.

Denise to provide list of schools in Strathroy

Sub-council members are requested to join the work group


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to provide their attendance records when applying for citizenship. - Presentations are being planned to educate parents on the new Sex

Education curriculum for Ontario schools. Many newcomer parents are anxious about the change and the presentation aims to address those concerns.

6. ‘We are London’ show – Second themeThe second episode by the Education Sub-council will be taped in the Fall and Najwa has agreed to be interviewed for it. Xiaoxiao Du has tentatively agreed to have her family featured and more newcomer families are being sought for the episode.

7. Old Business

a. Complete remaining details of strategy for 2015-2016Muriel reviewed changes that have been made to the work plan and in discussion with members updated it as attached.

b. Confirm membership of work groupsMembership of various workgroups was amended as shown in the presentation attached.

8. New BusinessDenise shared information on two TVDSB programs:

- A King’s College initiative to attract international students has received overwhelming support from host community students. Huda suggested promoting similar initiatives by asking for volunteers and noted that help could be enlisted from students in Western University’s Community Engaged Learning program. Denise mentioned that a campaign similar to the 1,000 words campaign could be launched. Following discussion, it was agreed to revisit the suggestion at September’s meeting.

- TVDSB’s English Literacy Development has started a program called ‘Internationalization’ for newcomers with limited formal education. This allows youth to explore work place opportunities to learn about careers and work ethics at businesses owned by newcomers. The TDVSB is working with Montcalm and Beal to find placements for the youth.

9. Chairperson’s Closing Summary and Review of Action ItemsMuriel thanked the group and requested them to contact Huda and Maria if they would like to join any of the work groups.

10. AdjournMeeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm. Next meeting: September 9, 4:30- 6:30 pm Kinsmen Recreation Centre

Add to September agenda


1

Agenda

LMLIP Education Sub-council Date and Time: September 9, 2015 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Meeting Location:


Item Description


2. Adoption of June 10, 2015 Minutes


4. “Welcome Back” activity: Phil Myers

5. Old Business:i. Updates from Welcoming All Voices work group (e.g. launch-Sept. 26, distribution)

6. New Business:i. “Save the Date” : Muriel Abbott (+ discussion by all)ii. Letter of Understanding: Muriel Abbottiii. Work Plan activities for 2015-16: Phil Myersiv. Use of social media (supporting strategy)

7. Central Council Update: Muriel Abbott


9. Adjourn

10. Next Meeting:

11. Upcoming meetings dates: November 182016: January 13, March 9


2

Minutes

LMLIP Education Sub-council Date and Time: September 9, 2015 4:30 – 6:30 pm


Present: Muriel Abbott, Kate Kennedy, Helen Patterson, Phil Myers, Mahin Ghasemiyani, Janet Pinder, Nazia Bano, Kathy Milczarek, Najwa Zebian,Gerardo Castro, Hanein Assad Madlol, Huda Hussein

Regrets: Denise Taylor-Edwards Gebre Woldemicael, Ana Enriquez-Johnson, Sheila Carson, Emily Low, Mo Jeng, Xiaoxiao Du, Lissette Ochoa, Esra Ari


1. Chair’s Opening Remarks Muriel Abbott welcomed the group and noted that Jennifer Paterson has moved out of London and can no longer continue her membership. Muriel introduced new member, Hanein Assad Madlol, a student at Western University.

2. Adoption of Previous Minutes Motion to approve June 10, 2015 minutes was moved by Kate Kennedy, seconded by Kathy Milczarek and approved 3. Additions to Agenda No additions were made. Motion to accept the agenda as circulated was moved by Janet Pinder, seconded by Kathy Milczarek and approved.

4. Welcome Back Activity – Phil Myers Members were given six sticky notes and were asked to provide three benefits they gained as individuals by their involvement with the LMLIP and three benefits that their respective organizations gained by their individual involvement on the LMLIP. 5. Old Business

i. Updates from Welcoming All Voices work group (launch – September 26, distribution)

The group was informed that most of the binders had been delivered by volunteers. A few remaining schools will receive them in the coming days. St. Thomas Elgin has delivered all their binders. Oxford County will pick up their binders next Thursday. Everyone was thanked for their time. September 26, Launch:

It was reported that the group will be meeting next week to discuss the launch. Group was reminded that this initiative is the Home and Schools Associations and the Welcoming All Voices group has been invited to present. Group suggested that the event may be opened to all parents regardless of their being with the school councils or lead

Kate will take the suggestions to the

group’s meeting.


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parents; to ensure that there is a plan to have many attendees including principals. 6. New Business:

i. “Save the date” – Muriel Abbott Muriel noted that initially the Education and Employment Sub-councils were scheduled to meet on October 21, 2015. This meeting has now been cancelled and instead a consultation meeting with all LMLIP Council and Sub-council members will be held on October 21 (1-5). Members have received the “save the date” note which was sent out by staff last week. The Governance Task Group from the Central Council is seeking input for the 2016-2019 LMLIP Strategic Plan. Muriel encouraged the group to plan to attend the session as members’ input to the next strategy is very crucial to the work of each Sub-council. Muriel noted that as a preliminary discussion to the October 21

t consultation with the

LMLIP members, the following question will be discussed: What needs do you see on the horizons for newcomers and immigrants in London & Middlesex in the next three years? After some discussion, the following ideas were put forward:

- The projects and ideas that we as a Sub-council worked or are working on, need not be discarded

- Needs are still the same and may vary with the expected arrival of refugees from Syria and elsewhere

- Build on what we have done as a group - Mental health issue impacts all aspects of life - Strengthen the link between employment and education sub-councils - Immigrants need to be given the full and correct information on the licensure

process before they arrive - more opportunities for immigrants to learn soft skills and that the

degrees/certificates is helpful but the transferrable skills are of the same importance

- ethnic communities to be educated on giving ‘advice’ and that no one experience correctly reflects all experiences that immigrants may face

- educate communities to share what they know and refer to resources for more information (examples were given around misinformation that communities share on Children Aid’s Society or on licensing processes)

- expectations of immigrants vs realities (immigrants need to learn about Canadian culture to integrate)

- Employment and how it affects the mental health of individuals (some ideas around how to pursue this such as informing and educating employers on the benefit of hiring immigrants were suggested; organizing a career expo; adapting the model of “take your child to work” to “take an immigrant/friend to work”; using social media to educate both the host and the immigrant communities by sharing posters of successful immigrants; creating themes for social campaigns; educating immigrants how to make use of transferrable skills)

- Learn from other countries especially Europe with their current situation of accepting numerous refugees

ii. LMLIP Letter of Understanding:


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It was reiterated that the expected commitment from members as per the LMLIP Terms of Reference is 4-6 hours a month. Sub-councils meet once every two months and in addition to those meetings, members are expected to join work groups to work on identified projects and accomplish the respective plan(s). Members are requested to fulfil their commitments of 4-6 hours of their time to contribute on the projects. Members were asked to sign the Letter of Understanding and sing up to work on the different work groups.

iii. Work Plan activities (2015-2016) – Phil Myers Phil Myers noted as per the annual implementation plan, the group committed to accomplish the following by March 2016:

- Educate and inform on the value of increased braiding programs that will enhance employability for immigrants – adult education, joint with Education, employment

- Respond to local issues specific to immigrant parent and students. Explore and nurture connections between the host community and newcomer families within the school system by collaborating with school-based community partners.

- Recruit and deliver professional development workshops about providing services to diverse populations including the immigrant community, to education organizations, such as Fanshawe, Western, TVDSB, etc. Involves extensive liaison/recruitment with the organizations. Generic workshop materials already developed.

- Evaluate the Welcoming All Voices package implementation in the schools. Evaluation intended to occur in March, 2016.

- Write lesson plans for the joint, JPS/Education workgroup - Develop a position paper outlining the benefits of diversifying the teaching

workforce to be more reflective of the local population.

Members were requested to sign up for task(s) they would commit to until March 2016. Established groups were asked to call for meetings, draft work plans for their projects and share by the end of September with Project Staff or members electronically.

Members who were not able to attend the meeting will receive the same request to sign up for 2015-2016 tasks

iv. Use of social media (supporting strategy) Group noted that in the next three year plan, more use of social media will be employed by the group to engage the host community further


a. Council met on June 22, 2015; members from the Health & Wellbeing Sub-council presented a position paper on the efficiency of using professional interpretation in the health sector which Council endorsed

b. The Governance Task Group is working on drafting the 2016-2019 Strategic Plan

8. Chairperson’s Closing Summary and Review of Action Items Muriel thanked the group and summarized the action items from the meeting:

- Groups will have their action plans completed by end of September and shared with the Project Staff

- Groups will have 6 months to complete their commitments and reports to be sent to staff by end of February or beginning of March 2016

- Muriel reminded the group to attend the October 21 Consultation Session

Huda to send copy of paper to Phillipa


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9. Adjourn Muriel noted that November meeting has been shifted from the 11

th to the 18

th given that

the second Wednesday will fall on Remembrance Day which is a holiday for some services. Meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

Next meeting: November 18, 2015 (4:30-6:30 p.m.) at Kinsmen Recreation Centre


6

Agenda

LMLIP Education Sub-council Date and Time: November 18, 2015 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Meeting Location:


Item Description

1. Chair’s Opening Remarks – Welcome & Introductions


3. Adoption of September 9, 2015 minutes

4. Central Council Update- Phil Myers

5. Briefing: October 21, LMLIP Mobilizing Day 2016-2019

a. Report back from area of focus activity (Education) b. Report from other table discussions and Settlement Sector Meeting

6. Wrap-up from Welcoming All Voices group

7. Task group updates:

a. Work plan activities for 2015-2016

b. Canada 150 Celebrations – Kathy Milczarek

c. Emails - Phil Myers

8. Member Topic: Changing the day of Education Sub-council Meetings

9. Information Sharing


11. Adjourn

12. Next Meeting: January 13, 2016 from 4:30-6:30pm @ Kinsmen Arena Rm. 2A

Upcoming:: March 10, Kinsmen Arena


7

Minutes

LMLIP Education Sub-council Date and Time: November 18, 2015 4:30-6:30pm


LMLIP Education Sub-council

Present: Gerardo Crasto, Nazia Bano, Phillipa Myers, Kathy Milczarek, Helen Patterson, Mahin Ghasemiyani, Denise Taylor-Edwards, Emily Low, Hanein Madlol, Huda Hussein, Vivette Martin Regrets: Kate Kennedy, Ana Enriquez, Lissette Ochoa, Janet Pinder, Xiaoxiao Du, Esra Ari Absent: Sheila Carson, Gebre Woldemicael, Najwa Zebian

Item Description

Information, Update, Action, Lead and Due Date

1. Chair’s Opening Remarks Welcoming activity - introduce your partner and something you are proud of. 2. Adoption of Previous Minutes Motion to approve September 9, 2015 minutes was moved by Kathy Milczarek, seconded by Nazia Bano and approved. 3. Additions to Agenda No additions were made. 4. Central Council Update Dharshi Lacey, a representative of the Mayor’s advisory Panel on Poverty, made a presentation. They have a six month mandate, and Dharshi has asked the group to define poverty and any key resources. Email [email protected] with any ideas. Central Council would like to hear from each sub-council about the work they are doing. Idea is to present about Welcoming All Voices. Group decided it is too early to talk about the success of the program, decided to wait and see how it is received by the community. Group will revisit this idea once more information is gathered 5. Briefing: October 21, LMLIP Mobilizing Day 2016-2019

i. Report back from area of focus activity (Education) ii. Report from other table discussions and Settlement Sector Meeting

Group went through the document together and decided where each idea would belong. Some important points:

Is the group focus education or educating?

Syrian refugees settling - what is our role? We need to be educated and educate the public/school board on literacy levels

How can we support and collaborate with other councils?

First Nations education for newcomers

Main role will be Educating about Education.

mailto:[email protected]


8

6. Wrap – up Welcoming all Voices The project turned out well. Some main discussion points:

How can we reach isolated parents?

Create a support for newcomer parents

Evaluation and follow up now needs to happen, but has enough taken place for this?

Some SWIS workers have great stories to share

Reports have gone to the board Action Item: Group will work with Michelle Barkley and SWIS workers

7. Work Groups Updates: Work plan activities for 2015-2016

Education and Employment Joint Work Group: Wilma de Rond, Chair of Employment Sub-council has decided to put this initiative on hold for now

Connecting host community and newcomer families by collaborating with school-based community partners Kathy Milczarek and Lissette Ochoa will meet, to clarify what SWIS is doing. Mahin Ghasemiyani and Denise Taylor-Edward will be added to the task group.

Delivering Professional Development workshops to education organizations Ana delivered three generic education workshops at Fanshawe College for Social Work students. Ana will be the main contact for this.

Evaluating the Welcoming All Voices Implementation November 9, task group reviewed the document delivered in schools, to develop what we will evaluate. Still early to evaluate. Group is meeting again December 14

Writing lessons plans for the joint JPS/Education workgroup The Justice & Protection Services Sub-council has decided to drop this task.

8. Member Topics: i. Canada 150 Celebrations –Kathy Milczarek

Tabled to next meeting

ii. Changing the day of Education Sub-council meetings Tabled to next meeting

iii. Emailing – Phil Myers Tabled to next meeting 9. Information Sharing

Phil brought to the table on behalf of Ana. She asked if anyone in the group would consider being in the human library for Emily Carr Public School.

Denise would like to see Syrian refugee concerns be brought to the Central Council meeting and what will be the reception, and LMLIP’s preparedness. This is the time for LMLIP to emerge as a leader in the community.

Group will continue to work with Michelle Barkley to check about resource


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Phil thanked the group and a group photo was taken. Strategic Plan summaries will be sent out in December.

11. Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned 6:35 pm

Next meeting: January 13, 4:30-6:30 Kinsmen Arena

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