This is our second CSBA President’s Bulletin of 2020, and much has changed for Canada and the World! With the Covid-19 pandemic situation schools are closed and many people are working from home while all of Canada practices social distancing.
It has been extremely challenging for everyone during this time as education systems adapted to provide for emergency remote learning in a variety of formats, and school educators and leaders developed ways to connect with students as well as families in need. Trustees too have learned new ways to continue to provide governance leadership with boards now meeting remotely.
I would like to acknowledge the hard work of our education partners in implementing the best plans possible for our students. On behalf of the Canadian School Boards Association Board of Directors, we applaud the leadership being shown everyday by those in the public education system as we work through Covid-19 as a nation.
Trustees across the country may not be meeting face-to-face to discuss school board matters, but they continue to hear from concerned constituents and are responding to those concerns, helping to distribute information as it becomes available and ensure accountability measures and decision making in boards. While the details vary from province to province, one thing is consistent – the dedication of trustees to students and the education system they serve.
The CSBA also continues to function with remote offices and online meetings. The association is monitoring the situation across the country and is available to support provincial associations and members as needed. While annual gatherings have been postponed or cancelled, the executive committee has continued to meet regularly. The Board of Directors has also moved to online meeting to move the work of our association forward, and our website and social media have been a regular point of access for information on provincial COVID resources and news. It is an important time to maintain communication and connection virtually as we all work together during these uncertain times.
We are focused on providing leadership and support while paying attention to ongoing requirements. I appreciated the Board of Directors meeting ‘virtually’ for the first time on May 3, as we also explored new ways of conducting business to continue support to school boards and Trustees across the country. It was a valuable time for sharing and some essential decision-making related to adjusted events.
Through the Covid-19 pandemic there has been a lot of discussion around mental health for all Canadians. I had the privilege of speaking with Senator Stan Kutcher, a child psychologist and Nova Scotia Senator, on the importance of staying healthy and understanding the difference between a mental health crisis and normal stress emotions during a pandemic. He also shared important considerations for re-entry to school. The conversation was recorded and is available on our website, Facebook Page and Twitter. It was very informative and I encourage all of you to view the video.
I look forward to our continued work on behalf of trustees across the country, and the students we all serve.
Yours in education,
Laurie French