While the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, work has continued across the country on behalf of our members and our students. Educators, administrators and government officials have been working to find safe solutions for learning in September, and trustees have been providing support through communication and governance of their public education systems.
It’s a stressful time with many questions, but by continuing to work together we can best serve our students and communities. I applaud those governments working in meaningful partnership with their local school boards.
CSBA meetings continue virtually, and I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Irvine Carvery, a former trustee from Nova Scotia and and social justice advocate for a series of interviews. Through these conversations it is our hope to social justice advocate for a series of interviews. support learning and awareness about racism in education in our country, including the challenges faced by people of African descent and how trustees can work to improve the system for all students. Our interviews are posted on our YouTube channel and links are found on our Twitter and Facebook accounts. I encourage everyone to watch these interviews and take the opportunity to learn, as I did, about the complexities that make up education in Canada. I’m also looking forward to interviewing Shelley Morse from the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, so watch for that video in August!
With the cancellation of Congress 2020, CSBA will be holding a virtual Annual General Meeting at 12:30 Eastern on September 28, 2020. More details are to follow, but I do hope you mark it on your calendars and plan to participate from a distance. Our Board of Directors will be happy to see you virtually!
While on the topic of Congress and the National Trustees Gathering on Indigenous Education, we also want to announce that the 2021 event will be held virtually. The Quebec English School Boards Association is hosting the event. Rather than meeting in Montreal, QESBA, in partnership with the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) and the Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA) will hold an abridged version of the National Gathering and CSBA Congress using only on-line tools. Planning is already underway for an interactive and relevant event that promises to be an excellent learning opportunity for all who participate.
I want to thank all of the trustees and school staff who continue to work to maintain students’ learning while keeping them safe. We have seen many creative ways that teachers and school staff connected with students and families, especially for graduation ceremonies. On behalf of the CSBA Board of Directors, I wish our 2020 graduates all the best.
I also want to wish everyone a safe and happy summer break. While it may look different for many of us, I hope this summer provides time for you all to relax, unwind and reflect as we prepare for another school year in September.
Yours in education,
Laurie French