Remi Poliquin
Counsel
FSSTT Celebrates 30 Years Supporting Students and Families
by Marilyn Santucci
Three decades of supporting students, families, and school communities were celebrated recently as current and former members of the Family School Support and Treatment Team (FSSTT) gathered to mark the program's 30th anniversary.
The celebration brought together past and present coordinators, technicians, consultants, administrators, parents, and community partners for an evening of reflection, reconnection, and appreciation. Guests enjoyed refreshments, shared memories, listened to speeches, and reconnected with colleagues whose work has helped shape the FSSTT over the past three decades.
Founded in 1995, the FSSTT was created to support students experiencing social, emotional, and behavioural challenges while strengthening partnerships between schools and families. Over the years, the team has become an integral part of the Lester B. Pearson School Board, working directly with students and families while also providing consultation and professional development to school staff.
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on the program’s evolution and the countless lives it has touched. Current and former team members shared stories that highlighted the power of relationships and the importance of ensuring that students and families feel supported, heard, and connected.
“Our 30th anniversary celebration was a powerful reminder that the roots of the FSSTT run deep. Bringing together people who helped build this team alongside those who are carrying it forward today, and together with our supporters, it highlighted both our history and our future. We celebrated where we have been and the continued growth that lies ahead. The event was a beautiful reminder that this team is more than a service—it is a community built on relationships, compassion, and a shared belief in supporting children and families,” said Janna Gillis, FSSTT Coordinator.
While much has changed since the team’s founding, its mission remains the same: building trusting relationships that support the well-being of children and families.
Several speakers noted that the success of the FSSTT extends beyond the direct support it provides. The team’s philosophy—that students achieve the best outcomes when schools and families work together—has helped influence the broader culture of the Lester B. Pearson School Board and continues to guide the work of educators and support staff across the network.
The evening also served as a reminder of the strong sense of community within the FSSTT itself. Those in attendance spoke about the respect, collaboration, and mutual support that have allowed the team to sustain its work for 30 years. Supporting students and families through difficult situations requires dedication and emotional investment, and many reflected on the importance of colleagues supporting one another along the way.
As guests mingled and reminisced, the celebration offered an opportunity not only to look back on three decades of accomplishments, but also to look ahead. The 2025-2026 school year marks the official 30th anniversary of the FSSTT, and additional stories and reflections will be shared throughout the year to highlight the people, partnerships, and moments that have defined the team’s legacy.
Thirty years after its founding, the FSSTT continues to stand at the centre of a network of care, connection, and collaboration—helping students, families, and schools navigate challenges together and ensuring that no child faces them alone.
