We are turning the page on the 2024-25 school year, and what a year it has been! Students have worked hard and are now enjoying the fruits of their labour as final report cards go out, and summer plans take root. Most of our staff are winding down the last of their end-of-year activities as they prepare to enjoy some well-earned vacation time.  Other staff are gearing up for a busy summer period of classes, construction projects and school cleaning.  I will offer some accolades and words of appreciation as we close out this academic year.

First, I wish to congratulate two of our Head Office administrators tonight who were recently recognized for their contributions to public education. A few days ago, Francois Hamel and Genevieve Dugre were each presented with Awards of Merit by the Association of Administrators of English Schools of Quebec. Nominated by their peers here at Lester B. Pearson, this provincial distinction reflects the hard work and dedication they bring to our leadership team, helping us make sense of laws, regulations, and policies which in turn strengthens our schools and the services delivered to students. From everything from construction contracts to anti-bullying legislation to creating procedures around complaints and risk management, they work tirelessly on our behalf. Merci Genevieve, merci Francois.

At the end of June, I had the pleasure of attending Playmas Montreal’s Gem*Star scholarship ceremony where 7 graduating students from Lester B. Pearson high schools were honoured. The Gem*Star Circle of Excellence program provides mentorship to Black youth through year-long activities and support to grade 11 students of high academic standing who demonstrate leadership potential. Congratulations to Valedictorian Keirah Scott from Macdonald High School, Julian Cicchetti from Beaconsfield HS, Josephine Charlot from St. Thomas HS and LCCHS students Iyahsis Thompson, Kishonte Millar-James, Saidou Sy, and Dorian Reynolds-Sandy. We wish these exceptional young people all the best in their future pursuits.

Congratulations again to our two student commissioners, Leah Al-Shourbaji and Lujain Hamdaqa who have completed their term on council as they have graduated from their respective high schools, Macdonald and PCHS. Lujain and Leah, thank you for your leadership, both at the Central Students Committee and here at the Council of Commissioners. I appreciated hearing the student perspective in your monthly reports, and I thank you for your candor and positive energy. Congratulations as well to Lujain for recently being bestowed the inaugural Kathleen Weil and Michael Novak Community Engagement Award by QESBA. Best wishes to both Leah and Lujain for every continued success. 

Finally, congratulations to the entire graduating classes of 2025. For those elementary students moving on to secondary, may you continue to thrive as scholars. For those graduating from high school or adult education, may your next life goal be met with success – whether that be post-secondary studies, vocational training, or the world of work. For those students finishing a vocational program with us, may your new career bring you opportunity and fulfillment. We have enjoyed a part of your educational journey, and we are so very proud of you, grads of 2025.

I will end this report on a note of appreciation. Thank you to all who helped make the 2024-2025 school year a success. To our teachers and support staff, thank you for helping our students learn and grow. Your dedication to teaching and learning has had an impact that will last a lifetime. To our administrators, thank you for leading your teams with inspiration and compassion. To our caretakers, daycare educators and all the technical staff who work hard before, during and after class time, thank you for creating the safe and welcoming conditions that all students and staff need. To my colleagues in the Directorate, Assistant Directors General Veronique Marin and Stephanie Stever thank you for your ongoing commitment and support. I am proud of the team we have built and all that we accomplished together this year. To our parents and community partners, thank you for your collaboration and understanding. Together, we met the year’s challenges with measured doses of patience, realism and optimism. Finally, thank you to the Council of Commissioners for your governance, for listening to administration and taking the necessary actions to serve our entire school board community.

We will soon begin the 2025-2026 school year. We look forward to another year of possibility, positivity and achievement. We know the coming year will bring new challenges, but I am confident that we have a solid foundation from which to tackle problems and seek solutions together.

I wish everyone a wonderful summer break. Enjoy the small joys of summer – skip a stone across a lake, eat some delicious ice cream, catch a sunrise, a sunset and even the occasional rainbow. Whatever your plans, may it be a time for rest and relaxation with family and friends. Happy summer!