Each day, we are focused on our vision of “Celebrating the gifts of each and every student by creating limitless opportunities for them to flourish, grow and become their best selves.” 

 

As a Board of Trustees and in the decisions that we make to support student success and well-being, we focus on the six Strategic Directions to guide our work:

• Centring students

• Support for student and staff well-being

• Equitable opportunities and outcomes

• Strengthen connections through family and community engagement

• Increase student learning through engagement

• Collaboration and compassion for transformation

 

As Chairperson, I am proud of the way we work together with WRDSB staff to help the students we serve reach their full potential. Throughout the 2023-24 school year we have received updates and highlights of the WRDSB’s progress on its Board Improvement and Equity Plan, the Math Achievement Action Plan and Structured Literacy Multi-Year Plan. We know that change takes time to take root and we are proud of the collective work of students, staff, families, caregivers and community members to improve academic outcomes and opportunities for all of the students we serve.

 

Increasing knowledge and understanding of literacy and math will ensure WRDSB students are set up on a path for success. Although there is still work to do, we have put in place the structures and plans to create meaningful change. WRDSB staff continue to build their learning and capacity to ensure that they are able to meet the needs of each student. We are proud of the dedicated staff who work tirelessly each day to create welcoming and engaging learning environments for all our students. Staff demonstrate a commitment to supporting student achievement and well-being inside and outside the classroom; from running a volunteer hockey program, hosting family and caregiver support sessions on using assistive technology tools and information and resources from psychology staff, to keeping our school facilities updated and accessible and providing engaging educational and extracurricular activities. We continue to provide learning opportunities that will expand students’ postsecondary pathways.

 

It has been my pleasure to lead Trustees and Student Trustees as we engage in governance and decision-making to help all WRDSB students reach their full potential. An important part of our work includes providing accountability and transparency for the public we serve. To do this, we will continue to work together with staff, parents and caregivers, and community members to support student achievement and well-being.

 

We are continuously improving the ways we communicate with families and communities as partners in students’ education. We remain committed to keeping you informed about our progress and measuring our success. Our Community Report Card highlights our progress with the Strategic Plan. We also continue to highlight progress through our BIEP, which incorporates several performance indicators to measure our progress. Our process for policy review includes regular feedback opportunities from the community and the live stream of Board Meetings helps to make Board decisions and governance accessible and transparent to all. Families and caregivers can also visit EngageWRDSB to learn about community engagement opportunities.

 

The WRDSB is transforming education and working to ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The many stories and highlights from the 2023-24 school year that are highlighted in this year’s Annual Report showcase the way that WRDSB is supporting students to thrive and the work is grounded by the foundation set by our Strategic Plan.

 

Trustees are also engaged in ongoing professional development offered by the Ministry of Education and the Ontario Public School Boards Association, as well as a human rights training series where trustees engaged in learning alongside senior staff, union, professional association leaders and senior management. Together, the WRDSB is building a culture of human rights and moving from words to actions.

 

We know it is important for all WRDSB students to feel a sense of belonging in their school communities in order to learn and support their overall well-being. Together, we continue to promote equitable and inclusive learning opportunities to foster a culture of sovereignty, human rights and equity in the WRDSB. 

 

Students are at the center of all of our decision-making and we continue to work together with parents and caregivers as partners in their education to ensure student success. Throughout the past year, Trustees engaged with students, parents, families and caregivers, staff and the community, listening and responding to feedback.

 

We continue to advocate for the constituents we serve on both local and provincial issues, from the funding available to school boards to issues that are important to our communities. We are committed to creating a culture of consultation and transparency with the communities we serve. 

 

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to extend my appreciation to all WRDSB employees, Senior Leadership and Director chanicka for their continued commitment to supporting WRDSB students’ academic success and well-being. Together, we will create learning environments where all students excel as they become skilled, caring, and compassionate global citizens.