The Best We Can Be.

On November 25th, Commissioners participated in an evening workshop, in person, in this Board room, where we had an opportunity to further explore our roles and responsibilities and how best to work together and to serve the LBPSB community. We touched on some of the specifics of the Education Act, governing board participation, building relationships internally and externally vis-à-vis our work, channels of communication, committee mandates, policy work, the vast network of the LBPSB, and more. What impressed me was the commitment in the room, the engagement, the sentiment of “we want to be the best we can be”. What we were also reminded of is why we do this work and devote countless hours behind the scenes and in the LBPSB community to ensure the students receive an excellent education and the support they need for this to happen. In “The Best We Can Be” workshop, there was also an important focus on loyalty to the LBPSB, respect and trust among colleagues, and cohesion, to ensure a strong and effective Council of Commissioners. It is our duty to serve our communities to the very best of our abilities at all times. We are not here for us – we are here for you.

In the last 4 weeks, since our last Council meeting, in addition to our in-house workshop, the QESBA held an online professional development session for all commissioners and board administration on Trust-building, held its AGM, and subsequently, the December Board of Directors meeting. Some commissioners also attended the awesome and impressive 2 evenings of the math Olympics for elementary students, meticulously and enthusiastically organized by educational services. Along with attending governing board meetings and other activities, we held our first Executive and Audit meetings with their new memberships. On this evening’s agenda we will receive our external auditor’s report based on our 2023-2024 financial statements. The Regional Student Ombudsman is also here this evening to present this year’s regional report to the Council and the public.

As this is the last Council meeting of 2024, and as I think back to the past year, I am so impressed with the accomplishments of The Lester B. Pearson School Board. Day to day, week to week, month to month, the activity and commitment throughout this school board is astonishing. There are ups and downs, there are on-going challenges, there are budget rules to adhere to, and there are many diverse voices in the LBPSB to listen to and to respond to. The LBPSB is flourishing, is exceptional, and is in very good hands. Thank you to our entire network for all you do. Thank you to the Council of Commissioners for your work; thank you, with immense gratitude, to Dr. Cindy Finn for your leadership and patience throughout 2024.

As of December 20th, the LBPSB will be on a break for a few weeks of holiday. As we wrap up 2024 and ring in 2025, if you can believe it … already … I would like to wish our community time to embrace what you cherish and to celebrate what the world needs now (in addition to “love sweet love”) – joy, hope and peace.

In kindness,
Thank you.