The final month of the school year is always a bit of a whirlwind, and this June was no exception. From final field trips, celebrations, graduations, to tutorials, exams, and prepping for summer cleaning, it was a busy month across the system.

For me personally, it was a time to get those final school visits in. Attending graduations is always a special occasion for me, and I was fortunate to celebrate with elementary, secondary, and adult students graduating from their programs of study. Congratulations to the class of 2024! A special mention goes out to two of our students who were featured earlier in the year during our adult learners’ week celebrations. First, congratulations to Karlven Sarazin-Moise for his win at the 2024 Canada Skills competition held in Quebec City at the beginning of June. These are the Olympiads of the vocational trade world, and it is quite an accomplishment to bring home the gold. Karlven is a recent graduate of the hairdressing program at Gordon Robertson Academy, and he blew away the competition with his hairstyling skills.

Second, I am delighted to share the news that Danaë Josaphat, a student completing the Computing Support program at Verdun Adult and Career Centre, was the winner of this year’s provincial Chapeau Les Filles! Competition. Not only was Danaë recognized as a woman pursuing a trade in a typically male-dominated field, she has persevered despite personal and social challenges. You can read more about her in the June issue of the Pearson News. Congratulations to both of our adult learners on their achievements and for shining as examples for others. Kudos also to our teaching and administrative staff at Gordon Robertson Beauty Academy and VACC; these students have been very public in their praise for the support they received from the Pearson staff at their respective centres.

We know that every Lester B. Pearson employee brings a wealth of talent and dedication to their work, but two of our staff have been lauded for their exceptional teaching skills. Congratulations to Rosemary Hill, teacher at Beaconsfield High School, for being awarded the 2024 National Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Not only has Ms. Hill left an impression on students as an exceptional English teacher, but she has inspired generations of students by encouraging them to participate in entrepreneurship, environmental, and equity initiatives. On June 18th, she travelled to Ottawa to receive her award from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. A few days later, we also learned that Steve Dubinsky, music teacher at Westwood High School, was being recognized with a regional certificate for teaching excellence. Mr. Dubinsky has shaped the lives of countless students and budding musicians during his career. It was a special moment to be on hand last week at the Westwood graduation and witness the standing ovation and swell of applause as Peter Schiefke, MP for Vaudreuil-Soulanges, presented Mr. Dubinsky with his award. We are indeed fortunate to have teachers like Ms. Hill and Mr. Dubinsky who are so dedicated to their profession. They, like countless others, work tirelessly to engage and guide students towards excellence.

I was also reminded of the significant influence that adults have in the lives of students at the recent Playmas Montreal Gem*Star scholarship celebration. This mentorship and scholarship program for Black youth provides year-long activities and support to grade 11 students of high academic standing who demonstrate leadership potential. It was a moment of pride that eight of the 16 recipients recognized at the event held on June 7th were Lester B. Pearson students. I was fortunate to be in attendance and get to meet some of these exceptional scholars. The valedictorian of the 2024 Gem*Stars group, Asherah Page, paid tribute not only to the mentors at Playmas but also to those at St. Thomas High School who provided her with support and encouragement during her formative years. Congratulations to Asherah Page, Giovanni Greco from Beurling, LCCHS students Tracy Acoha and Ajhya Callendar, and Lakeside students Zoe Julien, Trevin Lockless, Fejiro Mukoro, and Latrell Orlando on this achievement.

Again, congratulations to all of the graduates of the class of 2024. We are so very proud of your accomplishments and wish you all the best for the future.

Finally, I end my report this month on a note of appreciation and gratitude. It was our 25th anniversary year, and we deserve a collective pat on the back. It was a school year of many highs and some lows; we travelled bumpy terrain and navigated some steep curves. Together, we persevered and arrived at the finish line, most of us with smiles and feelings of satisfaction on a job well done.

Warmest wishes go out to our two Assistant Directors General, both of whom are winding down their time with us. Steven Colpitts, thank you for joining us for this year during Ms. Marin’s sabbatical. It was an absolute delight to work with you again. We appreciate that you so willingly came back to the Lester B. fold, and thank you for bringing your wisdom, wit and charm to work with you every day. Enjoy your second foray into retirement! And thank you to Carol Heffernan, for a career of dedicated service to both the Lakeshore and Lester B. Pearson School Boards. Carol Heffernan’s financial acumen was matched only by her astute command of all dossiers that affected buildings and grounds, transportation, and international programs. She never met a problem she was not determined to solve. Carol, may retirement bring you much travel, golf, and time with your wonderful family.

I also offer words of profound thanks to our staff who never fail to go above and beyond for their students and colleagues. Thank you also to our parents and partners who join us on this learning journey every year, ready to help and support from the sidelines. And finally, thank you to our students for just being you. You come to school each day, brimming with purpose and potential and risk trying new things. You trust the adults around you to encourage you, coax you, and push you to be your best selves, and you deserve to celebrate your grit and resilience.

So, here we are, with another school year completed, a summer break for most on the horizon, and intense work behind the scenes about to begin to prepare for our August return! I want to wish everyone a relaxing break – may you find joy in the simple pleasures of summer – maybe that is an ice cream cone or icy drink on a steamy summer day, a swim in a community pool or lake, or a bike ride or stroll as the sun sets. May the days ahead be filled with whatever activities bring you relaxation and contentment.