One of our top priorities as a school board is creating an
environment that enables our students to focus on learning and be successful.
That means creating environments where students are safe and feel safe, where
all of our students know that they are welcome and supported, and where they
see their identities reflected, valued and celebrated.
Championing Equity and Inclusivity
Championing Equity and Inclusivity is one of the priorities
outlined in the Board of
Trustees’ Multi-Year Strategic Plan. We are fortunate to live in one of the
most diverse regions of Canada, and welcome students, staff and families with a
broad range of identities and experiences. There has been much work underway at
the Board in the past few months to ensure we are providing all of our students
with a safe, equitable and inclusive learning environment, including:
Providing Board-wide
training for over 12,000 school staff on anti-Black racism.
- Bringing
together over 250 students and staff at our annual SpeakOut
conference for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
- Acknowledging
Treaties
Recognition Week, and learning about the importance of treaties and
treaty relationships in Canada from First Nations community
members.
- Hosting
a labour market information night for parents to learn about current and
future career opportunities and employment trends.
- Bringing
together hundreds of members of the education community for three days of
learning focused on Indigenous Education and Equity at our world-renowned Quest conference.
This is in addition to the ongoing work taking place in our
schools. It is also important that our families know and feel that they are a
valued, respected and important part of our school community. We recently held
regional school council forums that brought together school council members
from across the region to learn and share together on important topics such as
engaging families, vaping and more. It was wonderful to see so many family
members there.
The Board of Trustees was also pleased to receive and commit
to taking action on the recommendations in response to the Anti-Black Racism,
Antisemitism, Classism and Islamophobia community consultations.
Winter Months
With the winter weather already upon us, I also want to
remind families that school transportation may be cancelled on extreme
cold or inclement weather days, and there may be rare occasions when emergency
weather conditions result in school closures. To ensure families are
aware, last month, we tested a new system to send text messages to families in
emergency situations only. Information about transportation cancellations and
school closures will also be available on Board and school websites, Board
social media channels and local media.
Many of our students and families will be celebrating days
of significance and holidays in the coming weeks and months, and I wish you all
the very best for the season. I hope everyone has a safe and happy winter break
and we look forward to welcoming students back in January.
Allan Tam
Trustee, Markham, Wards 4 and 5
