A Message from the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees

Each day, we celebrate every student by creating opportunities for them to flourish, and grow. We collaborate with staff, parents, families, caregivers and community members by working together towards our shared goal of supporting the achievement and well-being of all students in the WRDSB.

 

As a Board of Trustees, we focus on the Strategic Directions to inform our decision making:

• Centring students

• Support for student and staff well-being

• Equitable opportunities and outcomes

• Strengthen connections through family and community engagement

• Increase student learning through engagement

• Collaboration and compassion for transformation

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WRDSB commits to fostering learning and working environments that allow all students to encounter academic success, feel a sense of belonging and explore their future pathways.

 

As Chair, I am proud of the accomplishments of the 2024-25 school year. The WRDSB’s progress on its Board Improvement and Equity Plan, the Math Achievement Action Plan and Structured Literacy Multi-Year Plan has created a solid foundation for students to succeed academically and promote well-being. Throughout the 2024-25 school year, Trustees heard updates on these plans and I continue to be impressed with the evidence based approach of staff and their steadfast commitment to helping students succeed on their chosen pathway. We will continue to focus on evidence based practice. The balanced budget approved by trustees supports these commitments. It meets provincial requirements and focuses on student learning and well-being.

 

Thank you for continuing to create school environments where students and their families feel welcome, seen and heard. It is important that our schools create a culture of human rights, equity and belonging, as well as to nurture learning environments where students’ can be curious and creative learners.

 

Improving academic outcomes and opportunities is a collective effort involving staff, students, parents, families and community. Together, we create learning and working environments that meet the needs of each student and staff member. It is rewarding to play a role in building a quality public education system that gives students the pathway to success. 

 

Trustees are responsible for providing accountability and transparency for our communities by practising good governance. Our process for policy review includes regular feedback opportunities from staff, parents, families, caregivers and community. The live stream of Board Meetings helps to make Board decisions and governance accessible and transparent to all. There are many other ways for students, staff and families to stay informed and engaged. Building relationships between school and home is crucial to student success. I encourage parents, families and caregivers to reach out following the Process for Addressing Concerns if you have any questions or want to discuss your child’s needs. I also encourage parents, families and caregivers, where possible, to visit your child(ren's) classrooms, get to know their teachers, and volunteer when possible. Becoming a member of your school community increases your ability to support your child and advocate for them when needed.

 

Trustees continue to advocate for increased funding to school boards as well as centring issues that are important to our communities. We are committed to creating a culture of consultation and transparency with the community and to offering opportunities for feedback. 

 

The Board of Trustees appreciates you all and thanks you for the many demonstrations of student success that you have led in the past year. A special thanks to those on the ground; EAs, teachers, CYWs, school secretaries, principals and vice-principals, custodians and other facilities' staff. Thank you too to all of you who work from the Education Centre. You make sure the system works. Last, but not least we thank senior leadership; the Director, associate directors and superintendents for their continued commitment to supporting WRDSB students’ academic success and well-being.

 

Maedith Radlein

Chair, Board of Trustees