I imagine we are all still feeling deeply affected by the school shooting in Tumbler Ridge on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 10th. In a moment, lives were forever changed. When such a tragedy occurs in a school setting, it reminds me of how this could have been us. Observing the Tumbler Ridge community come together with such compassion and deep sensitivity, highlights the positive nature of humanity while that same community is struggling to process such a traumatic and tragic event. At the LBPSB we immediately sent a letter of heartfelt sympathy and support to the District 59 School Board expressing our acknowledgement of this unimaginable event and the unprecedented challenges in the days, weeks and months ahead. In mourning the community’s profound loss, we lowered our flags to half-staff across our school board. We also provided support for our own schools and centres for anyone needing to talk about their feelings and fears related to this terrible event. I also imagine how moved we felt by the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School staff who protected the students, and each other, using all means possible that afternoon. We sometimes hear that “lockdown” (Code Red) drills can be distressing for some students and staff, however, the Tumbler Ridge tragedy reminds us of why these drills are important. The LBPSB provides our school staff with many tools to help, with sensitivity, to prepare students for these drills. The Centre of Excellence for Mental Health at the LBPSB also provides many tools of support and resources regarding traumatic events that I suggest anyone can refer to who is interested in learning more about this topic.

Although we are inundated with reminders of “unofficial special days” on social media, through legislation passed in 2021 in Canada, (last week) “the third week of February is to be known as Kindness Week”. I am mentioning this because kindness, empathy, respect, gratitude and compassion are values I believe we share, and I hope, promote and embrace in the work we do at the LBPSB.

Pink Shirt Day, which many of our schools and centres recognize through the symbolism of staff and students wearing pink, is Wednesday, February 25 (2026). Pink Shirt Day is when we stand up against bullying while promoting kindness, inclusion and respect – LBPSB values. This day was initiated in 2007 when 2 students at a high school in Nova Scotia supported a student who was bullied on the first day of school for wearing pink. All students were asked to wear pink in solidarity and to stand up against bullying the following day, which they did. Pink Shirt Day is an opportunity for all of us to follow suit and to share messages of kindness.

Safe, caring and inclusive communities seem to be needed now, even more than before.

This evening, coincidentally, we have the pleasure of welcoming the Regional Student Ombudsman, Maia Aziz, who will be presenting her 2024-2025 Annual Report to the Council of Commissioners. The National Student Ombudsman is responsible for applying the complaint and report processing procedure in Québec’s education system.
As part of this province-wide and standardized procedure, the National Student Ombudsman is assisted by Regional Student Ombudsmen throughout Québec. Together, they ensure that student and parent rights are upheld. As a result, they contribute to the continuous improvement of education system services.

To add, February’s Black History Month was honoured in many different ways at our schools and centres through feature presentations, workshops, assemblies, and more, to explore and celebrate Black history and culture. I invite you to visit the article in The Pearson News which offers some highlights of the amazing events.

It is also the month of Ramadan, from February 17 until March 19, considered one of the holiest times for Muslims. We extend our best wishes and peace to those observing Ramadan during this time of reflection and compassion. Chinese New Year also began on February 17th (until March 3) marking and celebrating the beginning of spring and also one of the most important holidays in Chinese Culture. Happy New Year!

The LBPSB’s March break is just a week away. Take care, enjoy your time to rest, recharge and rejuvenate before the next stretch in the academic year.