Trustee Greetings
Dear
families,
It is hard to sum up
this past school year; it truly has been a year like no other. Many of our
students have been transitioning between virtual and in-person learning. Others
have spent the full year learning virtually as part of our Elementary and Secondary
Virtual Schools. Whatever option you have chosen, this year has been
challenging and has asked a lot of all of us - students, families, staff
members and community partners. We have had to be flexible and adaptable in how
we learn, teach and work. We have had to be diligent in learning new routines
and adhering to public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. And,
we have had to pay more attention than ever to supporting mental health and
well-being during this challenging time.
This pandemic has
affected different families in different ways, and I want to thank you for your
patience, support and resiliency throughout this challenging year. I also want
to take this opportunity to remind you that resources are available on the
Board website, including community resources, mental health supports, tips and resources to support online
learning, and tips for speaking with your child about COVID-19. These resources will continue to be available throughout the
summer.
Despite the challenges
this year, we have seen incredible examples of student learning and
achievement. I am incredibly proud of the determination, resilience, creativity
and perseverance demonstrated by our students. I want to wish a very special
congratulations to the graduating class of 2021. This is an important milestone
and while we are all disappointed that we are unable to celebrate in person as
we would have hoped, we look forward to honouring our graduates virtually.
Schools are working hard to make their virtual graduation celebrations a very
special occasion. We are very proud of our graduates and wish you all the very
best in the next chapter of your journey.
I also want to
acknowledge the hard work of our educators and staff members who have
maintained a focus on supporting students while navigating the challenges of
the past year. Our staff members have shown a true commitment to their own
learning in the service of our students, and have been participating in
webinars, online training modules and other professional learning
opportunities throughout the school year to enhance their own
practices.
Earlier this spring, we launched the Board’s Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy, with the goal to “achieve racial equity in YRDSB
schools for Black students and staff.” The strategy was co-developed by York
Region Black community leaders, YRDSB staff and in consultation with students.
Thank you to everyone who supported this work and participated in the launch.
We look forward to continuing this essential work.
The Board is also
preparing for the 2022 Municipal Election by undertaking a review of school
board trustee electoral areas. The boundaries of the areas the trustees
represent change over time due to population growth and changes in student
numbers. We are committed to ensuring that, as the region’s population changes,
electoral areas continue to reflect the communities we serve. Public input is
important to the Board of Trustees during the electoral area review. Throughout
the process there will be a number of ways for you to learn more about the
review and to provide input. Information about the Trustee Determination and Distribution is available on the Board website.
As was communicated to families in May, we are looking ahead to
the 2021-2022 school year. Our goal is to create a learning model within the
provincial funding allocation that meets public health requirements and is
centred on the safety and well-being of our students and staff members. To help
meet this goal, we are planning to implement a hybrid model of learning for
elementary and secondary schools, a model several other school boards have been
using during this current school year. Through this model, families will
continue to have the ability to opt for in-person or remote learning, and
placement for all students will be in their home school. I know there are many
questions about what this will look like and what to expect in September. The Board continues to provide as much information as
possible and has shared some frequently asked questions on the Board website about the model change for 2021-2022, this page will
continue to be updated. As planning continues and information becomes
available, we will provide regular updates to families. Please know that health
and safety of our students, staff and families remains our top priority. You
can also continue to find information on the Board website at www.yrdsb.ca and on Twitter @YRDSB.
As we go into the summer months, I want to thank you once again
for your support over the past year, and to wish you all a safe, healthy and
enjoyable summer.
