It is a brand-new school year, I want to extend a warm welcome back  to our council of commissioners, our administrators, and our staff. I hope everyone has enjoyed a bit of a summer break, to find some downtime to enjoy with family and friends and especially this summer find new ways to keep cool. 

In the coming days, we will be welcoming back more of our staff back, all of whom are busy preparing for the first days of school for our preschool, elementary and secondary students. Our adult learners have also begun new semesters or new programs.

Back to school after summer recess is always an exciting time. Whether you are stepping into a classroom for the first time or returning with years of experience under your belt, this moment marks a fresh chapter filled with opportunity, promise, and growth.

We know that education is more than just delivery of curriculum – it is about connection, curiosity, and creating spaces where every learner feels seen and supported. And while we celebrate the excitement of a new beginning, we know there will be challenges to face along the way.

Reading the headlines this past summer, is clear that there are several issues that continue to affect education in Quebec. Staffing shortages, hiring freezes, budget compressions, the role of AI in education, as well as equity and inclusion continue to swirl around us as we begin the new school year. I wish to reassure everyone that the administrative team at the Lester B. Pearson School Board is well aware of our particular situation, and we are hard at work on these matters. As always, we will keep student success and the pursuit of excellence at the heart of our mission. Along with our Council of Commissioners, parents and other partners, we will do our utmost to support our hard-working staff while maximizing the high-quality levels of service we provide to our students.

Every year our leadership team adopts a theme to help guide us in our work and this theme is always anchored in our values as a learning organization. This year we are focusing on compassionate leadership. In these troubled times, it is easy to get mired in negativity, frustration, and impatience. We need to act with kindness and empathy, to not only model this for our students but to find ways to reach them and their families so that everyone can learn and grow together. Collaboration is a winning formula for our collective work.

As we move forward, let us all commit to listening, learning, and leading with compassion and grace. Let us make the 2025-26 academic year one of great purpose, progress, and joy. I wish everyone a meaningful and inspiring school year.