This month, Commissioners have, as always, been busy with committee work and attending various events or meetings at the schools and centres they represent. We take our work very seriously, first and foremost for the staff and students of this amazing school board. We are grateful and proud to be part of the LBPSB community.

Following the March break, we always look forward to the warmth and beauty of spring. This year has been different. Freezing rain, high winds, snow, and a true mix of many weather “events” brought some surprises our way. Any decisions the LBPSB makes regarding school closures when we are struck by ice, snow and wind are made with safety in mind and are of paramount importance. Earlier this month, during a strange week of weather, many schools lost power, roads were icy, high winds, and more unexpected power outages even affected our electric bus fleet when some were unable to recharge. The LBPSB is very lucky to have dedicated teams, depending on the needs of the day or week, who are very quick to respond to such situations, to emergencies and crises of all kinds. Thank you for being so available, and for working long hours and on weekends to provide such services for our community.

When tragedy struck the Macdonald High School Community on the weekend of March 20^th, when adored Secondary 3 student Eva de Witts-Blades suddenly lost her life, the Mac community and the LBPSB community at large, who were deeply affected and saddened by this terrible accident, immediately responded with deep sadness, compassion and sympathy for Eva, her family and close friends, and the Mac staff and students. Support services were provided for the community during the weekend, and have continued, with great care. On behalf of the council of commissioners, I extend our deepest sympathy to Eva’s family as you grieve the loss of your beautiful child.  Grief doesn’t follow a straight path. Please know the LBPSB is a compassionate community, available at any time to support you.

In a few days we will be breaking for a long weekend. It could be a difficult weekend for some. It may be a time for serious reflection or for welcoming joy. And for others, who will be celebrating Easter or Passover, take care in sharing this important time of renewal.