Director's Update: June 2024

Dear students and families: 

As we are on the brink of the summer break, I hope that you will feel a sense of progress and accomplishment as you reflect on the past school year. Our students have worked hard, played hard, learned new skills, solved problems and discovered new things about themselves and their communities. These achievements are not only reflected on report cards, but also in the stories that they have shared over the past year with their friends, classmates, educators, and families.

It has been wonderful to watch DDSB students shine and grow as the year unfolded. At each month's board meeting, the "Good News From the System" segment showcases the learning, talent, and growth of DDSB students (June Edition). Many of you will have celebrated the accomplishments of Grade 8 and high school students at school events recognizing significant completion milestones. At our recently held annual Student Recognition Night, the system acknowledged the resilience and leadership journeys of nominated students who are completing their final year at DDSB. This event awarded students who not only accomplished personal goals, but also made a way to support others in doing the same. These are young people who exemplify resilience, grace, and strong character.

This past June we saw genius in action at the unveiling of the Student Art Gallery in the Education Centre where students from all over the District submitted their work for consideration for the gallery under the theme of “My Journey, My Joy, My Genius.” The selected works are on display for a full year at the DDSB Education Centre.

In a similar vein, brilliant works by talented artists from Durham Alternative Secondary School will be on display until the end of the month at the Station Gallery in Oshawa.

Two weeks ago, we shared the excitement of the spirited athletes at the Abilities Track and Field event held at the?Civic Recreation Complex in Oshawa.?Over 900 athletes from 85 DDSB schools participated in the Abilities Track and Field meet on June 14.? This annual event engaged friendly competition for athletes from both elementary and secondary schools in both track and field events including adaptive sports. Certainly, the Education Assistants, Educator teams, and other DDSB staff were also spirited in their support for athletes. Their creativity and investment helped to maximize the engagement in and enjoyment of a dynamic sports event. It was truly a day of joy for athletes, staff, and families.

We closed off the year with three important themes acknowledging the diverse lived realities of the Durham community. June brought with it a focus on Indigenous history, culture, and identity. Students and staff engaged in important learning in schools and classrooms. At the Education Centre, we welcomed Dr. Pam Palmater and Chief Kelly LaRocca to chart a path of learning. Their words challenged us to continue to embrace our own responsibilities in response to the Calls to Action. Their words also served to acknowledge and inspire Indigenous adults and students in public validation of their cultures, heritage, histories, and identities.

Additionally, we recognized Autistic Pride Day on June 18. During the flag raising event, many voices shared their perspectives and experiences of Autistic and Neurodivergent youth and adults from many communities. It was a good reminder that we have much to learn from everyone in our community, especially from those who experience the world in ways that may be different from what most of us have come to expect.

And, as June is widely acknowledged as Pride month in Canada, we underscored our commitment to identity affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQI families, students, and staff. In addition to various events in the region and in the District, the DDSB signalled our intentions by raising the progressive rainbow flag at all our schools and the Education Centre.

These and many other experiences highlight the richness of the DDSB community. Our students, staff, and families create that richness. As we close the year and move into a break for the summer, I am encouraging you to continue to learn from each other in your family and?community experiences, your summer learning activities, or even through the adventures that you might explore in books and stories that you may encounter in the coming weeks.

I hope you will find some time for rest and relaxation during the summer months and that we will come back together in September replenished and ready to go.

On behalf of the senior team, have a great summer break. 

 
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education
Durham District School Board