June 28, 2023—The following message was sent today to HPEDSB families from Katherine MacIver, Director of Education.
Dear Families:
As we close the 2022-2023 school year, we find ourselves thankful for many things, including our overall health and wellbeing, and the opportunity to learn together this year in person without interruption.
It has been a busy and exciting year in our schools with a focus on raising the bar in reading, math and destreaming. Our work in foundational reading strategies over the past few years is improving student success. Destreaming in Grade 9 has opened doors to pathways for students. Students had the opportunity to join sports activities, clubs, field trips and school activities that brought them closer together as a school community. Once again, I extend my appreciation for your continued support of HPEDSB schools.
As you may be aware, we have faced a challenging budget year, needing to reduce priorities in order to continue to fund ballooning costs in transportation, utilities and costs for supply staff when others are absent. We are thankful that the impacts of staff absenteeism due to the pandemic are behind us. However, we have big decisions ahead to ensure our schools have space for a growing population and also to bring expenses in line with government funding. This work will continue while we focus on what matters most: student learning and wellbeing. We are excited about the prospects that lie ahead for students with new modernized curriculums, a focus on foundational skills and opportunities for learning alternatives.
The Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, has asked that school boards share a letter for families, as well as a school year-end video to all students and a special congratulations video to 2023 graduates.
The summer brings with it a time for renewal, relaxation and also excitement for the upcoming school year. Whether your child is beginning their first job, enroling in a summer camp, or enjoying the outdoors this summer, encourage them to embrace the time and opportunity to try new things. I wish you health and happiness, and I look forward to welcoming you back to HPEDSB in September.
To our graduates, all the best to you in your chosen future. I am confident that our system has prepared you well for what lies ahead and hope you look at your time with HPEDSB with fond memories.
Yours in education,
Katherine MacIver
Director of Education
Letter from Katherine MacIver, Director of Education (pdf)