Navigating the Future with Human-Centred AI

In an era of rapid technological change, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both incredible opportunities and profound responsibilities. As your Director, my approach to any innovation is guided by a single, unwavering principle: the Dignity of the Human Person. I am not just looking at how AI can make tasks faster; I am looking at how it can support our educators and students while remaining rooted in our faith and ethics.

To ensure our path forward reflects the values of our entire community, our Senior Team and I recently launched a system-wide AI Vision Survey. We reached out to staff, students, and families to gather your thoughts, concerns, and hopes for how this technology should—and should not—be used in our schools.

A Collaborative Vision

This initiative is a true team effort. Our IT specialists are working alongside classroom teachers to explore tools that can personalize learning for students with diverse needs, while our secondary school leaders are examining how we can maintain academic integrity in a digital world. I want our students to be masters of technology, not subjects to it. By listening to the feedback from our families first, we are building a framework that prioritizes human connection and critical thinking over automation.

Innovation with Integrity

The feedback from the survey has been illuminating. It has highlighted a shared desire for transparency, data privacy, and a commitment to ensuring that AI tools never replace the vital relationship between a teacher and a student. By grounding our "AI Vision" in the feedback of our community, I am ensuring that we lead this change with caution, care, and a clear moral compass.

What’s Next?

Our leadership team is currently analyzing the survey data to draft our foundations for AI in education document. This draft will be shared with staff and Catholic School Advisory Councils for further refinement before being finalized. I am committed to an ongoing dialogue as this technology evolves, ensuring that our "CommUnity" remains a place where human potential is always nurtured by faith and wisdom.

Accountability Corner

Reporting to our Trustees: I ensure our Board of Trustees receives regular leadership accountability reports. Recent updates include the mobilization of the $36.1M Owen Sound high school.

Our Faith Partners: I maintain a close consultative relationship with His Excellency Bishop Joseph Dabrowski and participate in local Deanery meetings to ensure our work harmonizes with our parishes.

Mandates & Compliance: Our team is finalizing mid-year reviews for the Special Education Plan and the Board Action Plan for Indigenous Education, ensuring full compliance with the Education Act.