The Director of Education for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board believes 2020 was a successful year despite COVID-19.
Sherri-Lynne Pharand has released her first annual report which is a requirement for all school boards by the Ministry of Education.
She says staff were able to rise to every challenge and led change, adapted to and thrived in virtual and changing physical environments and provided support to communities during the pandemic.
Pharand stresses above all, staff ensured that all students still had opportunities to learn.
She notes students demonstrated determination and commitment to learning.
Pharand says grade 12s completed their curriculum and graduated during a global pandemic.
She adds Kindergarten through grade 1 students demonstrated their adaptability with technology both during virtual learning as well as in regular classrooms.
Pharand says their two student trustees, including the first Indigenous Student Trustee, have worked hard to hear the voice of youth and bring their perspectives to Board discussions.
Here is the full 2020 Report from Director of Education Sherri-Lynne Pharand:
As I complete my first year with the KPDSB, I am honoured and humbled by the tireless work of our incredible staff, the commitment of our students to learning and the support of our families.
Our staff have risen to every challenge this year, especially those created by the global pandemic. As you read this report, you will see so many examples where staff have led change, adapted to and thrived in virtual and changing physical environments, provided support to our communities during the pandemic and above all, ensured that our students still had opportunities to learn. No matter their role, every staff member contributed to our ability to be flexible, change as often as needed, and continue our core focus, learning.
Our students have demonstrated determination and commitment to learning. Our grade 12s completed their curriculum and graduated during a global pandemic. Our Kindergarten through grade 12 students have demonstrated their adaptability with technology both during virtual learning and as a tool to enhance their learning in regular classrooms. In spite of the challenges, specialty programs like our Forest Schools, outdoor ed, SHSM, Coop, music, and many more continue to provide students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Our two student trustees, including our first Indigenous Student Trustee, have worked hard to hear the voice of our youth and bring their perspectives to the Board discussions.
Our families have assisted their children with learning at home during periods of virtual learning. They ensured that students came to school this fall understanding health protocols, ready to wear masks and social distance and found creative ways to support their school communities. We are grateful for your support and appreciate that we are all working together!
Together, students, staff, trustees, families and our community partners, we have focused on the health and well-being of our students and of each other. Never has it been more important to connect, to look out for one another and to look after well-being as it is during this global pandemic. The commitment to learn, grow, adapt and meet the challenges is visible throughout KP. This resilience is a key life skill for well-being.
While there have been many challenges this year, it is important to remember the many things we are grateful for. Research tells us that those who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they’re thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems. I am grateful for the opportunity to work together with you, as your Director of Education, on behalf of our students and communities.
