An end of the 2021-2022 school year message from Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the HDSB

Director Ennis reflects on a successful 2021-2022 school year.

Transcript

As we approach the final days of the 2021-2022 school year, I am pleased to congratulate all of you on another remarkable year of education.


This year has presented us with challenges and obstacles, and our students, staff and Halton families adapted and persevered.


When our schools reopened in September for in-person learning, I understood how exciting that was for families because it was for me, too.



I would also like to acknowledge how difficult it was for many of you to be in person, concerned for your health and that of your loved ones. Thank you to our staff for the dedication you showed that kept our schools open.


As the Director of Education for the Halton District School Board, I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible Board of Trustees and senior team. Their guidance, suggestions and collaboration were invaluable to me.


The September return to in-person learning afforded me the opportunity to visit schools to meet students, staff and supportive parents and guardians. I was shown the innovative learning that has been taking place this year and let me tell you, it was truly impressive. I also want to thank the administrators, teachers and staff who supported our students learning virtually, you did an outstanding job.



At the school level, I saw incredible focus on learning and achievement. I saw beautiful artwork, was introduced to important inclusive student-run associations, witnessed collaborative teamwork and participated in new school openings, which includes the expansion of the I-STEM program in Milton, but most of all I was most impressed with the kindness and inclusion which permeated all our schools.



Across the Board, we had much to celebrate.


We continued to fulfill key commitments in our 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan, which directs the Board’s focus for students and staff during the next few years.


We continue to engage our staff and students in important work such as equity and well-being.


We hosted another successful Human Rights Symposium focused on Identity & Human Rights, provided mental health and well-being information sessions for parents and group sessions for students, held a Director’s panel series that raised awareness on historical and contemporary issues of identity, inclusion and human rights, and released valuable findings from our Student and Staff Census intended to support every community to ensure we are meeting the needs of all students and staff.


We are fortunate to have dedicated staff and students in our Board and this is reflected in their accomplishments this year.



We celebrated staff receiving a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence as well as a provincial teaching award for technological studies. Students achieved remarkable success and recognition for participation in competitions such as the Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair, provincial robotics competitions and the Ontario Skills competition. We celebrated a student receiving the Ontario citizen of the year honour, three students receiving Schulich Leadership Scholarships and students claiming first place in Ontario French speaking competitions.


I want to give a big congratulations to all of our 2022 graduates. You have epitomized flexibility, adaptability and determination to succeed. We are so proud of you and wish you well in your future endeavours.


I encourage everyone to stay safe this summer, take time to relax with loved ones, and to rejoice in all that you have accomplished. You did it.


Thank you.