Algoma District School Board

Director's Report 2021


Lucia Reece

Director's Message

The 2020-2021 school year was again disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant we saw a continuation of enhanced health and safety measures, lockdowns and the monitoring of case counts. Yet, despite the ongoing challenges and changing landscapes, the character of the staff, students and families across the Algoma District School Board continued to shine through, as we kept our focus on learning and on supporting the well-being of our students, each other and our communities. 

Even after starting the year in-person and having to move to online, we persevered to keep learning moving forward. This fall, as we experienced cases of COVID-19 in schools, students, staff and families worked together, along with our Public Health Units, to limit spread and keep everyone safe. Thank you to students, staff, families, community partners and our dedicated Board of Trustees for always keeping students, safety and learning at the forefront. 


While we could not implement all components of our Strategic Priorities, it is heartwarming to see the many initiatives and programs that continued. As you read this Director’s Report, you will see evidence of our focus on achievement, well-being and engagement, as well as stories that define our commitment to equity, Truth and Reconciliation, innovation, character and mental health. You will also see that learning is anytime, anywhere -- at school, outside, at home, online and even during the summer months – reminding us that “Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere!” 


I could not be prouder of our students, families and staff for their resiliency and perseverance. While COVID-19 continues to present challenges, our character and our collective efforts continue to keep the pandemic from defeating us, and instead reveal our commitment to learning. Thank you, all, for your ongoing patience and understanding. I know that as you review this report, you will be filled with the same sense of pride that I feel and will again see why I am so proud to be… ADSB.


Jennifer Sarlo

Chair's Message

The pandemic has once again cast its shadow across much of our work and although we are thankful for a relatively safe return to in-person learning, we continue to manage public health measures, outbreaks, and the prevalent anxiety and stress that comes with all of this.

Last year at this time, I focused on gratitude and I think that is where we must focus once again as we face uncertain days. I am so thankful for every staff member who has set aside their own anxieties and provided a positive, safe environment for our students to learn. I am thankful for volunteers and coaches who returned to our schools to provide students with extra-curricular activities when it was safe to do so. I am grateful for the tireless efforts of our administration, especially our Senior Team, who have had to become public health “experts” over the past year. Thank you to all for your leadership and care. You have sacrificed much to lead us well. We are thankful for the support of our parents, guardians, and community partners who care for the needs of our students every day.


We recognize the multidimensional needs of our students as we have returned to the classroom. Mental health supports remain a top priority and we are thankful for our team who provide our schools and our students with excellent resources. Re-engagement strategies have successfully brought many of our at-risk students back to the classroom. Differentiated instruction has never been so necessary as teachers deal with potential learning gaps from an extended period of learning from home. Our hybrid model has allowed us to manage outbreaks in our schools and, although challenging, it has proven to be a necessary model to remain adaptive to an ever-changing environment. We are thankful that over 98% of our students chose to return to in-person learning.


Despite the many unknowns that lie ahead, we will continue the important work of our strategic pillars of continuous improvement in Achievement, Well Being and Engagement. We will continue to focus on the needs of our FNMI students and commit to meaningful strategies that move us towards reconciliation. Using the data from our student surveys and census, we will continue the conversations with students through focus groups and other means to address the issues of equity, engagement, and well-being.


I want each of us to reflect on the many things we have to be grateful for. May we not get so self-protective that we neglect the less fortunate around us.


Thank you again for allowing me the privilege to serve as the Chair of the Board for this amazing, dedicated team. I am always proud to be ADSB.


Board of Trustees

Student Trustees


Senior Administration

(Pictured L to R): Superintendents Joseph Maurice, Brent Vallee, Frank Palumbo, Director Lucia Reece, Superintendents Joe Santa Maria and Marcy Bell

(Pictured L to R):
Superintendents Joseph Maurice, Brent Vallee, Frank Palumbo, Director Lucia Reece, Superintendents Joe Santa Maria and Marcy Bell

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