Over the course of the provincial shutdown and school closures, it was with great pride that I

watched our collective efforts, that enabled Algoma District School Board staff to “pivot” in order to

• support students in their learning by providing focused learning opportunities and learning conversations;
• organize the drop-off of 500 food boxes each week to families;
• provide the Sault Area Hospital with almost one hundred N-95 masks from our shops;
• deliver over 2,200 devices and learning materials to households;
• reassure parents that we are here to support them;
• collaborate with health units to ensure we are protecting our school communities;
• keep our facilities clean following entry and exit;
• support our graduating students and their families to enjoy a safe celebration;
• sustain some professional learning along the way; and
• model perseverance to keep students fully engaged and motivated to complete their school year in the final weeks of June.

We knew it would be challenging for all of us to face the unknown, to try new things, to change and to adapt quickly to what was happening around us; but in every site, every department, every role, as looked across our district, I saw countless examples of our staff having the courage not only to engage and make a difference, but also to go above and beyond.

The graduating class of 2020 was required to celebrate very differently, and we recognized them for their remarkable character, hard work and resilience during this unprecedented time. We encouraged our graduates to avoid focusing on what wasn’t happening, but rather to focus on what lay ahead...words we all can appreciate. As Bob Riley said, “Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is revealed.”

The summer of 2020 was spent working with a variety of partners and stakeholders to gather guidance, input and insight as plans were drafted and re-drafted for the start of the 20/21 school year. We took a thoughtful approach to reopening to ensure plans incorporated the best decisions for the safety of our students and staff, and to ensure quality learning experiences and environments, all of this while providing supports for mental health and well-being for students and staff alike.

I am so very proud of our families, our students and our staff for not allowing what happened to us and the world during this pandemic to impede us or define us, but rather for choosing to let it demonstrate who we are. Regardless of roles or titles, we, collectively and collaboratively, demonstrated the true character and integrity of Algoma District School Board. I have said it before, and I will say it again... I am so proud to be... ADSB.

For one thing, the resolute, steadfastness of our team who handled (dare I say it?) the most unprecedented time in the history of public education. A complete shutdown of in-person teaching and a pivot to online, or at home, learning for every student in our board within a matter of weeks. In spite of our vast geography and connectivity challenges, we provided learning opportunities for our families for the remainder of the school year. Every member of our staff rose to the challenge of meeting the needs of every student whether online, through phone calls, door step deliveries of curriculum and healthy food boxes for our most vulnerable students. The summer months were spent planning, organizing, replanning and reorganizing, physical spaces, timetables and classrooms to prepare for in-class and virtual learning in an ever-changing environment. I am thankful for our staff, who in spite of many unknowns, greeted our students in September with

enthusiasm and positivity, allaying the fears of anxious parents and children.

We are a board that exemplifies a model of continuous learning, thus we listened to feedback and worked to support our families and staff to improve practice and meet the diverse needs of all our students.

I am grateful that our communities have heeded the public heath advice which has resulted in one of the lowest per capita rates of COVID-19 in the province. We know that if it is in our communities, it

can be in our schools. Thank you to all who work so hard to put health measures in place to allow us

to continue our in-class learning. This not only helps protect the health of our students and staff, but

also has an exponentially positive effect on their mental health.

What lies ahead for the coming year remains uncertain, but I am confident that our entire ADSB

team is up for the challenge.

In particular, I want to recognize the tireless efforts of our Director and the Administration Team who

have sacrificed so much to lead us well. You have kept us well informed. You have been open to

feedback and always willing to adapt to respond to the needs of our students and their families.

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