(December 2020) I am honored to continue to serve the Algoma District School Board as its chair for my ninth year.
As I reflect on our meeting one year ago, when we naively sat around this table looking forward to all that we hoped to accomplish in the upcoming year, we had no idea what lay ahead of us. As I look back and look ahead to a new year, I really want to focus on gratitude. As tough a year as 2020 has been, we have much to be thankful for.
For one thing, the resolute, steadfastness of our team who handled (dare I say it?) the most unprecedented time, in the history of public education. A complete shut down of in-person teaching and a pivot to online, or at home learning, for every student in our board within a matter of weeks. In spite of our vast geography and connectivity challenges, we provided a decent level of education to our families for the remainder of the school year. Every member of our staff rose to the challenge of meeting the needs of every student whether online, through phone calls, door step deliveries of curriculum and healthy food boxes for our most vulnerable students. The summer months were spent planning, organizing, replanning and reorganizing, physical spaces, timetables and classrooms to prepare for in-class and virtual learning in an ever-changing environment. I am thankful for our staff, who in spite of many unknowns, greeted our students in September with enthusiasm and positivity allaying the fears of anxious parents and children.
We are a board that exemplifies a model of continuous learning as we listened to feedback and worked to support our families and staff to improve practice and meet the diverse needs of all our students.
I am grateful that our communities have heeded the public heath advice which has resulted in one of the lowest per capita rates of COVID-19 in the province. We know that if it is in our communities, it would be in our schools. Thank you to all who work so hard to put health measures in place to allow us to continue our in-class learning. This not only helps protect the health of our students and staff, but has an exponentially positive effect on their mental health.
What lies ahead for the coming year is yet to be seen, but I am confident that our entire ADSB Team is up for the challenge.
In particular, I want to recognize the tireless efforts of our Director and the Administration Team who have sacrificed so much to lead us well. You have kept us well informed. You have been open to feedback and always willing to adapt to respond to the needs of our students and their families.
As we approach the holiday season, I want each of us to reflect on the many things we have to be grateful for. May we not get so self-protective, in our own little bubbles, that we neglect the less fortunate around us. May this Christmas season bring your joy, hopefully some rest, and continued good health. Thank you again for allowing me the privilege to serve as the Chair of the Board for this amazing, dedicated team. I am always proud to be ADSB.
