Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) was pleased to welcome Ontario's Minister of Education, Paul Calandra, to Listowel Eastdale Public School on Tuesday morning as part of his continued visits across the province to engage with school communities and explore local child care initiatives.
Minister Calandra was joined by Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae and welcomed by Director of Education Graham Shantz, Principal Matt Gennings, Board Chair Michael Bannerman, Vice Chair Patricia Smith, Trustee Nancy Rothwell, and other senior board leaders. The visit began with a brief meet-and-greet and a tour of the planned child care renovation project site at Listowel Eastdale, underscoring the Board's commitment to expanding access to early learning and community partnerships.
The Minister then visited two classrooms:
In Mrs. Jennifer Jurjens’ Kindergarten class, the Minister observed students engaged in a literacy and numeracy lesson focused on symmetry. The class includes both Year 1 and Year 2 Kindergarten students and emphasizes early foundational skills.
In Ms. Michelle Spencer’s Grade 5 classroom, the Minister witnessed an integrated Literacy and Drama project, where students are adapting Indigenous Traditional Tales into puppet plays for younger audiences. The lesson fostered creativity, cultural awareness, and collaboration.
Later that day, the Minister also visited Anne Hathaway Day Care Centre, which shares space with Anne Hathaway Public School, to continue learning about AMDSB’s approach to integrated child care services.
AMDSB thanks Minister Calandra for taking the time to connect with students, staff, and system leaders and for recognizing the innovative work happening across our schools.