Staff

The Legal Department provides direct support to the Human Resources Department for matters related to personnel management and labour relations.

In 2005-2006, modifications to the Education Act pertaining to the verification of judicial records brought the Legal and Human Resources Departments together to review their existing procedures. Verification of judicial records now involves a consultation with a Quebec police force unit. These measures are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. Infrastructure The Legal Department is engaged in relations with suppliers and contractors, as well as in matters related to health and safety, for employees and students. The amendment to the Tobacco Act is an example. All administrators were provided with materials and information regarding the modifications to the law. Information sessions were also provided. In the area of safety, the draft policy on video surveillance was completed.

The frame of reference concerning police presence in educational institutions was introduced to our high schools. An information session held at the school board brought together members of the police force and administrators of our high schools, vocational and adult centres. Its aim was to promote a joint and effective action when the presence of the police is appropriate within one of our schools or centres. The Legal Department is also involved in the revision of the Safe School Policy which began in 2005-2006.

Community Partnerships

Students

Other Legal Matters

In terms of litigation, two significant cases were closed involving contractors and a new one arose. Major School Change required a great deal of legal time which concluded in court, as well as another case which involved exceptional students. Some requests for access to information were also resolved. A campaign was launched to promote the copyright legislation in the education system. Several schools were selected to participate in the data collection process as part of the agreement that gives the education sector permission to photocopy published works.

The Legal Department coordinated this process in cooperation with the Sector Directors involved and this work will continue in the next school year. Information was provided pertaining to Bill 95 (confessionality) and Bill 106 (verification of judicial records and school fees) with regards to new legislation. Training sessions were provided for principals on the new safety guide developed in cooperation with the School Tax Management Committee of the Island of Montreal.

The emergency preparedness file continues to evolve whereby workshops were provided to principals in order to assist them in completing their plan. Training sessions were also offered to the caretakers to demonstrate how to operate fire extinguishers. The school board acquired and distributed material to use in the schools in case of an emergency and software was developed for the emergency preparedness plans.All these plans can be updated with this software on the Intranet. The General Counsel attended information sessions concerning the Avian Flu and meetings were held with health authorities and other school boards. The collection of unpaid fees has improved and the process has proved to be more efficient. A regular follow-up is carried out and statistical data is available.

Archives

The implementation of the electronic document management process was pursued. At present, documents coming from Human Resources are digitized, as well as report cards, student files and the minutes of the Council of Commissioners.

The Document Retention Schedule was revised and approved by the Council of Commissioners and the Archives Nationales du Quebec. A number of documents were subsequently processed as semi-active and non-active.

The documents that were stored at John Rennie High School were damaged by water at the beginning of the year. This location was emptied and the documents were processed in order to select what had to be destroyed and what had to be transferred to the archives room located at Riverdale High School.

There was another flood at Riverdale High School in February, which caused major damages to the archives. This unfortunate incident required immediate attention and the damaged documents had to be processed by a specialized firm in order to recuperate them through a lyophilization process.

Requests for Marks

To obtain a copy of your report cards (bulletins) or statement of marks (relevé de notes), please contact Legal & Archives Services:

By phone:
      514-422-3000, ext. 3112

In writing:
      Legal & Archives Services
      Attention: Archives
      Lester B. Pearson School Board
      1925, Brookdale Avenue
      Dorval, Quebec
      H9P 2Y7

Please be prepared to provide the following information:
      • Your first name and family name while attending school
      • Your current address and phone number
      • Your birth date
      • Your father’s and mother’s full names
      • Name of the last school attended in the school board
      • The last year you attended the school
      • Grade levels requested for report cards
      • Number of copies required of report card and/or statement of marks
* Proof of identification (such as a medicare card, driver’s permit, birth certificate, etc.) is required as well as payment of a fee for authentication of documents.

Access to Information Act