Anti-Poverty Task Force Poverty Does Not Equal Failure
Anti-Poverty Initiative - Top
The Anti-Poverty Task Force (APTF) was created in October 2005 by Dr. Chris Spence, Director of Education, to respond to the needs of the students of Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board who live in poverty. Since that time, APTF has been working hard to make sure that nutrition programs are in place, that students have access to clothing and basic essentials, and that every student from all areas of Hamilton are given the same opportunities to succeed.
As educators within Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, we have a moral purpose to make a positive difference in the lives of our students. Our work is educating and providing the support where children can achieve their full potential. If we can help alleviate the effects of poverty and reduce the barriers they experience, our students will be able to move through the doors we open for them, break the cycle of poverty, and look forward to a bright future.
The Anti-Poverty Task Force believes:
- Schools can make a difference in overcoming the effects of poverty on students in disadvantaged communities
- The school community has the capacity to support the needs of disadvantaged students
- The key to success is total involvement of all stakeholders
- There are schools where students with needs are concentrated, although there are students in need in most, if not all schools
- All students deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and in accordance with the HWDSB’s Equity Policy
The Anti-Poverty Task Force concentrates on three main areas outside the purview of the ongoing work within HWDSB (Click each heading for more information and how to get involved):
The Anti-Poverty Task Force also places a high priority on the following key areas:
Student Achievement
The Anti-Poverty Task Force is helping more students graduate through key priorities; Special programs (literacy, after-school, anti-bullying, drug awareness) and special staffing (teachers, educational assistance, social workers, learning resource teachers, special education support).
Safe Schools
The Anti-Poverty Task Force supports HWDSB’s safe school initiatives including community policing and safety essential for high-needs schools.
Program Sustainability
The Anti-Poverty Task Force is concerned about the sustainability of all initiatives to combat poverty within HWDSB. Presently, there are several, school-centred, principal-driven projects aimed at meeting student needs. APTF’s efforts will bring about system support and coordination.
Fundraising and Partnerships
The Anti-Poverty Task Force works with HWDSB’s Office of Innovation and Partnership to provide a system-wide initiative that helps all schools, including inner city schools, with partnership and fundraising strategies specifically to provide resources to those students who are without.
Compensatory Education
The Anti-Poverty Task Force is a sub-committee of HWDSB’sCompensatory Education Committee. Both Committees aspire to the same vision; to develop recognition, understanding, commitment and action from all stakeholders to ensure students in Compensatory Education schools have equity, access and opportunity to succeed.
To view the Anti-Poverty Task Force Committee Action Plan Items, click here.
Together, we’re better! Here is how you can help: - Top
At HWDSB, we are doing our part to ensure that barriers are reduced for students living in poverty. Our goals are ambitious and we rely on the support from the community and from our partners to help us make a difference in the lives of our students.
We have a renewed emphasis on partnership development here at HWDSB with the passage of the Partnership Policy and the soon to be released Guide to Educational Partnerships. These tools are available to help staff build stronger networks in their school community and increase the level of participation and contributions from external partners.
Every partner can make a significant contribution, whether financial or in-kind, to improve the resources for our students who are without.
If you would like to contribute and forge a partnership with the Anti-Poverty Task Force at HWDSB, please call Innovation and Partnership Officer, April Morganti, at 905-527-5092, extension 2661.
If you would like to make a donation, please make cheques payable to HWDSB Partnership and Innovation Office and indicate that you would like to donate to the Anti-Poverty Task Force. Please send them to 100 Main Street West, Hamilton ON L8P 1H6.
For more information about the Anti-Poverty Task Force and to get involved, please contact Co-Chair of APTF, Mike Rehill, Principal, Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School, 905-528-8363, or Joyce Munro, Principal, Woodward Elementary School, 905-545-8819.
For a complete list of the Anti-Poverty Task Force Committee Members, click here.
Donate - Top
You can make a donation to HWDSB’s Anti-Poverty Task Force in four ways, click here for more information.
Helpful Links - Top
Hamilton Stats on Poverty - Top
