Welcome to our Council meeting this evening. Congratulations, as well, to our young essay writers whose ideas certainly provide for us a window into a view of the world from their thoughtful perspectives.  There is so much we can learn from the LBPSB students.

Commissioners have had the opportunity this past month to participate in governing board meetings, school board committees, policy work, community events, a professional development conference and just a few days ago, the retirement banquet for recently retired or soon to retire employees. Congratulations on your long-awaited and much deserved retirements! The work commissioners do is always intended to contribute to the LBPSB as best we can, within our mandate, roles and responsilities. We aim to help to provide the best services possible for all of our students, from pre-K for 4 year olds, to all others in the youth and adult sectors and within our means.

This evening our Council of Commissioners will be voting on the Administrative Staffing Changes for our schools and centres for the 2025-2026 year. I would like to thank all administrators of our schools and centres for the work they do. I would also like to thank you for your on-going, unwavering commitment to the students as you navigate many challenges in your daily work, especially, might I add, when this work is seemingly unrecognized by the government during current provincial negotiations.

At the LBPSB we have 36 elementary schools, 11 high schools, 2 adult education centres and 6 vocational training centres where we are the “custodians” if I could use that word, of approximately 19,000 students in the youth sector and 6,000 in the continuing education sector. Our principals and centre directors, leaders, in all of these schools and centres, oversee not only the students in their care, but also the teachers and support staff, the pedagogy, the budget, evaluations, data collecting, building and ground maintenance. They lean on their skills in decision-making, time management, listening and problem solving. They spend hours every day, supporting parents and guardians and the school staff as issues arise that need attention that day or week or immediately. The demands of principals extend well beyond the school day because they care, because they want the best for their school and centre communities, because they are fulfilling their passion for education. I am pretty sure any administrators listening are thinking, but you forgot… …all of these other tasks. What I want to emphasize, though, is that we value the work you do. We wish all administrators great success in your role and thank you for being the creative and dedicated leaders you are.

I will close this evening with a call out, across our school board, to everyone who will have the opportunity as we come to the end of the school year, to remember to thank and acknowledge the work of your principals, vice-principals, centre directors and assistant centre directors. It is too easy to get caught up in issues and frustrations of the day instead of long-term successes. We should always remind ourselves that in treating each other with respect and dignity, values the LBPSB promotes in our EDDI work, that kindness, civility and gratitude – and being good listeners – are the most effective tools in our communication toolbox.

Thank you.