Director’s Annual Report to the Community · Durham Black Educators’ Network Honours ... Director’s Annual Report to the Community 2012-2013 Director’s Annual Report to

Director’s Annual Report to the CommunitySuccess in learning to meet the challenges of the future.

2012—2013

The 2012-2013 Director’s Annual Report contains a number of QR Codes that if scanned, will lead you to a full version copy of the referenced document on our website: www.ddsb.ca

Table of ContentsMessage from the Director of Education

Message from the Chair of the Board

Durham Directions: Our Plan for Student Success

The Board Improvement Plan

PILLAR: DURHAM DIRECTIONS—Promote Student Achievement and DiscoveryDWTS: Dancing with the Students ......................................................................................................... 8Giving our Youngest Learners the Best Possible Start ......................................................................... 9EQAO Results ............................................................................................................................................ 10Many Pathways to Student Success ..................................................................................................... 11Aiming to Reduce Stigma around Mental Illness ................................................................................ 12Technology Helps Drive Student Engagement ................................................................................... 13

PILLAR: DURHAM DIRECTIONS—Ensure Openness, Accountability and Safety Ensuring Effective Communication with the Community ................................................................. 14Take Your Parents to School Day ........................................................................................................... 15Partnering with Parents for Student Success ....................................................................................... 16Collaborative Effort Reduces Lost-Time Injuries .................................................................................. 17Durham District School Board Launches New Website ..................................................................... 18Effectively Managing Resources ............................................................................................................ 19

PILLAR: DURHAM DIRECTIONS—Implement Equitable Principles and PracticesCrafty Idea to Help People in Need ..................................................................................................... 20Durham Black Educators’ Network Honours Students ....................................................................... 21Creating a Welcoming, Caring School Climate ................................................................................. 22Aboriginal Education at Durham Forest Centre ................................................................................. 23

Mental Health Strategic Plan ...................................................................................................................... 24

And the Award Goes To .............................................................................................................................. 25

Milestones ...................................................................................................................................................... 26

Fast Facts ....................................................................................................................................................... 26

2013 Board of Trustees .................................................................................................................................. 27

The Durham District School Board is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The Board employs 7,000 teaching and educational services staff. With 129 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the Board accommodates more than 66,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the Board’s website at www.ddsb.ca Please follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB.

Superintendents of EducationLuigia Ayotte - Program Services/Staff DevelopmentJohn Bowyer - Whitby Schools/Safety & SecurityDoug Crichton - Special Education/Grove SchoolJanet Edwards - Employee RelationsEdward Hodgins - Business & TreasurerMark Joel - Operations/Transportation/Leadership Development

Jeannine Joubert - Oshawa SchoolsAnne Marie Laginski - Brock, Uxbridge, Scugog Schools & Continuing Education/DASS SchoolsLisa Millar - Pickering Schools/Early Learning and ChildcareCamille Taylor - Ajax Schools/School Community CouncilsDavid Visser - Facilities Services

Martyn Beckett - Director of Education, Secretary to the Board

Message from the Director of Education, Martyn Beckett

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2012-2013 Director’s Annual Report to the Community from the Durham District School Board (DDSB).

The basis for this year’s report is Durham Directions: Our Plan for Student and School Success, 2009-2013. This document, which we are in the process of updating, provides us with our guiding principles aimed at meeting our mission statement: “Success in learning to meet the challenges of the future.” There are three major pillars to this plan: ensuring openness, accountability and safety; promoting student achievement and discovery; and, implementing equitable principles and practices.

This report highlights school life in the DDSB. It shows how students and staff bring our guiding principles to life every day in the classroom, the school yard and the community. While we focus on academic success, we also strive to create a culture of caring. I believe we are seeing great success on both fronts, thanks in large part to the work of our many engaged stakeholders: staff, students, parents/guardians and volunteers.

The stories and information in these pages will give you just a brief glimpse into how we are providing quality education today to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Yours in Education,

Martyn BeckettDirector of Education

Message from the Chair of the Board, Joe Allin

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Durham District School Board, I am pleased to bring greetings and welcome you to the 2012-2013 Director’s Annual Report.

At the DDSB, we are ever-focused on our goal of “Success in learning to meet the challenges of the future.” For the past several years, our roadmap to that goal has been Durham Directions, which sets out our strategic plan for how to meet the goal and continuously improve.

It is the role of trustees to govern and set policy, and to ensure appropriate provision of curriculum, facilities, and human and financial resources to best serve all of our students. When we make decisions on those matters, we do so with Durham Directions as a guide.

Student success is our ultimate goal in the DDSB, and we have a host of people dedicated to it every day. We are so fortunate to have a devoted and talented staff, as well as such a committed group of volunteers and community partners. We are grateful for all they do to make our schools a better place to teach and learn.

We are currently updating Durham Directions to ensure we continue on our path to “Quality Education Today – for Tomorrow.” We look forward to the input of our many community partners as we proceed.

Sincerely,

Joe AllinChair of the Board

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Durham Directions: A Roadmap to Student Success

Durham Directions: Our Plan for Student Success – 2009-2013 is the document that outlines how the Durham District School Board (DDSB) will continuously meet its goal of; Success in learning to meet the challenges of the future.

The document was unveiled in 2009, after extensive consultation was undertaken to determine the key priorities and actions necessary to meet the DDSB’s overall goal. They are the strategic directions which provide a blueprint for decision-making at the system and school levels.

Durham Directions is supported on three main pillars:

• Ensuring openness, accountability and safety

• Promoting student achievement and discovery

• Implementing equitable principles and practices

“This document has provided us an effective roadmap to continued student and school success,” said Martyn Beckett, DDSB’s Director of Education. “The decisions we make map back to Durham Directions, which has served as an effective and relevant plan to keep us on that path.”

Through extensive community consultation, Durham Directions will be updated in the coming year.

Quality Education Today—For Tomorrow

Striving for More: The Board Improvement Plan

Ensuring ever-greater student success and achievement, Durham District School Board each year updates its Board Improvement Plan, a document aimed at furthering the cause of student success.

The Plan provides research-based specific strategies aimed at building on successes and meeting challenges. It is supported by four key pillars: Literacy, Numeracy, Pathways and Community, Culture and Caring. In each area, the plan not only sets out strategies, but specific goals and targets to be met. An array of data is used to arrive at relevant goals aimed at driving student success.

“The Board Improvement Plan touches on all of DDSB’s priorities: ensuring openness, accountability and safety; promoting student achievement and discovery; and implementing equitable principles and practices,” said Luigia Ayotte, Superintendent of Education – Program Services. “This is accomplished, in large part, by increasing engagement and closing achievement gaps where they exist. The plan provides us with a guide detailing how we will get there.”

The 6 Cs Related to the Board Improvement Plan

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Promote Student Achievement and Discovery Promote Student Achievement and DiscoveryPillar: Durham Directions Pillar: Durham Directions

Students who participated in the third annual Future Steps East/Central GTA Dancesport Ballroom Dancing championship hosted by Dr. Roberta Bondar Public School learned a great deal more than dance moves in preparing for the event.

“One of our goals is to support students’ development through the arts and physical activity, and ballroom dancing helps us meet that goal,” said Durham District School Board Director of Education Martyn Beckett. “But it also goes far beyond that. Learning to ballroom dance, then apply the skills learned during competition, brings to life many of the character traits reinforced in the DDSB every day. What better way to learn teamwork, respect, perseverance and courage?”

The event was part of a program which sees representatives from a dance company, a subsidiary of Burlington Dance, provide ballroom dancing instruction, based on the Ontario Arts Curriculum, to students across Ontario, including within the Durham District School Board (DDSB).

Durham students were joined by students from the Toronto public and Catholic boards, with junior and intermediate teams of 12 to 16 students performing dances including the Tango, Foxtrot, Merengue, Waltz, Cha Cha, Swing, Rumba and Salsa.

Students who participated said, while competing could be a little nerve-wracking, they felt they had, through ballroom dancing, learned new skills and gained confidence. And what’s more, many said they very much enjoyed the opportunity to participate.

“It’s all about having fun with what you’re doing,” said Dr. Roberta Bondar PS student Victoria Summerville.

DWTS: Dancing with the Students Giving Our Youngest Learners the Best Possible Start

Everyone knows how important starting off on the right foot is, and school is no different.

The Durham District School Board has a variety of programs aimed at ensuring the youngest learners get a great start, and in February 2013, was recognized with an award for one of them.

The Welcome to Kindergarten (WTK) Award for Partnership and Excellence recognizes DDSB’s demonstrated excellence in community and school collaboration, providing support to parents and their children, and being advocates for WTK and early learning.

The WTK program gives parents/caregivers and their children the opportunity to attend a family orientation in their neighbourhood school. At the orientation, families participate in activities using books, magnetic numbers and letters, play-dough, crayons, paper and scissors. Families have an opportunity to meet school principals, kindergarten teachers, school resource personnel and staff from community support agencies. As well, they receive a free WTK bag of early learning resources to take home.

In 2012-2013, WTK was offered in 99 DDSB schools. That number is expected to rise to 108 – all DDSB elementary schools – in the 2013-2014 school year.

WTK is one of several early learning programs offered to families for children before they even begin school. Also available are Parent and Family Literacy ‘Best Start’ Hubs and Mini-hubs also run out of a number of school sites. The Hubs offer free programs for children aged 0-5 and their caregivers, focusing on healthy childhood growth, development and school readiness.

“All of the research shows us that early learning experiences impact future success,” said Lisa Millar, Superintendent of Education, Pickering Schools/Early Years and Childcare. “We are pleased to be able to offer the best possible start to our very youngest learners.”



EQAO Results Provide a Snapshot of Student Achievement

Setting high expectations for student achievement, and measuring the outcomes, are part of the Durham District School Board’s (DDSB) focus on literacy and numeracy as key areas of learning. Results of Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessments are one such measure.

“We are constantly focused on student achievement, with a goal of continuous improvement and effort to close achievement gaps where they exist,” said Luigia Ayotte , Superintendent of Education/Program Services. “Results of EQAO assessments are among the many measures that inform how we deliver program and allocate resources to best support student success.”

In Ontario, elementary school students participates in EQAO assessment in Grades 3 and 6, while in Grade 9, the EQAO mathematics assessment is administered, and in Grade 10, students participate in the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test.

Parents/guardians whose children participated in the test in 2012-2013 have received individual student reports about their children’s results, and full details of DDSB results are available on our website at: http://www.ddsb.ca/Parents/HelpingYourChildSucceed/EQAO/Pages/default.aspx

Science OlympicsDurham District School Board students have an opportunity to go for gold each year during elementary and secondary Science Olympics events held at the Education Centre. Students are challenged to use scientific principles, scientific enquiry and their own imaginations and creativity to perform experiments, conduct research and work collaboratively – all under

stringent time limitations. This is one of the many ways DDSB students are engaged in the critical and creative thinking necessary to face the challenges of the future.

Many Pathways Lead to Student Success

There are many routes to student success and at the Durham District School Board (DDSB), students can choose from a wide variety of pathways to get there.

And that, says HGTV personality Paul LaFrance, who spoke during the spring 2013 Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) symposium at DDSB, is a very good thing. LaFrance told educators of the circuitous route he took to his career – one that, for a variety of reasons, he discovered more by good luck than good management.

It was only as an adult that LaFrance was diagnosed with adult Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). But, in retrospect, he said, it was clear it was something that existed undiagnosed when he was a student, contributing to a lack of success in a traditional classroom setting.

It wasn’t until he got a job with a fence-building company much later that he found his niche. “It’s unfortunate that I had to discover this by accident,” LaFrance told educators.

The path to apprenticeship and trades was not highlighted when he was in high school two decades ago. The lack of encouragement towards those careers that existed then is now coming to fruition with a shortage of such workers becoming an increasing economic issue, LaFrance said.

DDSB secondary schools now have a wealth of resources available to students to help them find the path to a career that is right for them. From OYAP, which allows students to earn a high school diploma while learning a skilled trade, to Specialist High Skills Major programs, which allow students to focus learning on a specific economic sector while meeting high school graduation requirements, students have many opportunities to explore different pathways to success.

The OYAP conference was one way to highlight one of the many paths students can take to career success, said Director of Education Martyn Beckett. “We are working to ensure students are aware of all the possible opportunities,” he said.

Visit our website at www.ddsb.ca/programs/secondary/pathways/ to learn more about Pathways to enhance student success.

To view a graphical representation of DDSB’s EQAO results over a five year period of time, please visit:http://www.ddsb.ca/Parents/HelpingYourChildSucceed/EQAO/Pages/EQAO-Charts.aspx



Students Plan, Run Conference Aiming to Reduce Stigma Around Mental Illness

When members of Durham District School Board’s (DDSB) 2012-2013 Student Senate sat down to talk about issues affecting students, mental and physical health and well-being topped the list.

Out of that grew STATS – the Students Together against the Stigma conference – which ran for the first time in 2013.

The Student Senate is made up of Presidents and Prime Ministers from each secondary school’s student council. It meets monthly during the school year to improve communication between the Board and its students. The Senate is led by DDSB’s three student trustees, who provide student input at the Board table.

“It’s so important that the student voice helps inform the decisions we make,” said Director of Education Martyn Beckett. “We very much value the input we receive from these student leaders.”

The STATS conference was entirely planned by Student Senate, and workshops held at the event were student-conceived and led. Each secondary school in the District was invited to send five delegates who were interested in taking on a leadership role within their school, who would then take the message of the conference back to share with their peers.

“Mental health is a huge focus for the DDSB,” said Director Beckett. “I applaud the leadership shown by these students by organizing this conference aimed at reducing the stigma attached to mental illness. This can only help build the culture of kindness, empathy and compassion we aim for in our schools.”

Technology at the Point of Instruction Helps Drive Student Engagement and Success

The next step in a strategic plan aimed at increasing meaningful and effective use of technology in the classroom is rolling out – literally.

With an eye to stimulating and supporting best practices in student and teacher use of technology, the Durham District School Board (DDSB) began working toward the goals of a strategic plan in 2012 with the introduction of the Instructional Laptop Program.

Under the program, teachers were given 16 hours of instruction. They then received a mini-laptop, projectors and other related equipment for use in their classroom.

The program continued through the 2012-2013 school year, and in June 2013, the next step began, with laptop carts carrying mini-laptops rolling into classrooms.

In all, 147 laptop carts, carrying more than 2,100 laptops, have been deployed to allow for greater opportunities for mobile learning in the DDSB.

“We have integrated technology into the classroom in a meaningful way, ensuring proper training and resources so it can be used to drive student engagement and success,” said Director of Education Martyn Beckett. “Use of technology, in particular mobile technology, provides greater flexibility to meet students’ varied learning needs.”

To read the DDSB’s Instructional Technology Strategic Plan, 2012-2015 visit our website, www.ddsb.ca/schools/instructional technology plan or scan the QR code.

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Ensure Openness, Accountability and Safety Ensure Openness, Accountability and Safety Pillar: Durham Directions Pillar: Durham Directions

Committee Formed to Ensure Effective Communication with the Community

As part of the Durham District School Board’s (DDSB) commitment to open and effective communication, a Communications Ad Hoc Committee was formed and met through the 2012-2013 school year.

The committee’s task was to develop a strategic plan with a goal of ensuring effective communication throughout the DDSB. Members of the committee included trustees, staff and community members to provide expertise and an all-encompassing perspective. The committee acted as an advisory committee lending direction to the creation of a plan, to be rolled out in the 2013-2014 school year.

The committee used a communications audit, conducted in early 2012, as the opinion research basis for its work.

“We know that maintaining a two-way conversation with all of our stakeholders is the key to building the many relationships that are fundamental to a strong public school system,” said Director of Education Martyn Beckett.

Take Your Parents to School Day

Everyone’s heard of “Take Our Kids to Work Day,” but what about “Take Your Parents to School Day?”

Parents and guardians were invited to Eagle Ridge Public School by the Parent Engagement Committee. Once there, they had breakfast, heard from a guest speaker on raising resilient children, and had an opportunity to join in two integrated learning sessions. In other words, parents attended class with their kids.

“We know the role engaged parents and guardians play in their children’s education,” said Durham District School Board Director Martyn Beckett. “What better way to engage them than to show them what a typical school day looks like.”

In all, about 175 parents and guardians attended.

For parent Gail Lubczynski, who took part with her son Ethan, the day was “eye-opening.”

“Just seeing how student-centered it is, how interactive, so up-to-date,” she said. “And the teachers are so positive and encouraging.”

The event is a fantastic way to promote positive relationships between staff, students and parents, said Camille Taylor, Superintendent of Education, Ajax Schools/Parent Councils/Parent engagement.

“Inviting parents to take part in the actual school day not only engages them, but it serves as a reminder of the welcoming environment to be found in DDSB schools,” she said.

Education Centre400 Taunton Road EastWhitby, ON L1R 2K6phone: 905-666-5500 ~ 1-800-265-3968fax: 905-666-6474TTY: 905-666-6943 or 1-877-868-5575e-mail: [email protected]

@DurhamDSB

How to reach us:

www.ddsb.caDurham District School Board



Partnering with Parents for Student Success

Parents are partners at the Durham District School Board (DDSB).

From encouraging School Community Councils (SCC) to seek Ministry of Education grants to run events aimed at engaging parents to hosting the annual Parents as Partners conference, the DDSB strives to encourage a positive relationship between school and home, and to ensure schools are welcoming to parents and receptive to their ideas and input.

In 2012, DDSB schools received almost $48,000 in funding from the Ministry of Education to SCCs for activities aimed at increasing parent/guardian involvement in schools. In all, 51 SCCs were granted up to $1,000 to host events.

“The research tells us, very clearly, that engaging parents and guardians is key to student success, which is, of course, our ultimate goal,” Camille Taylor, Superintendent of Education – Ajax Schools/School Councils/Parent Engagement. “We are very grateful to our SCCs for developing creative and relevant grant submissions to enhance that participation.”

The DDSB also hosts the annual Parents as Partners event which, in fall 2012, included “Free Range Kids” mom Lenore Skenazy as keynote speaker.

Journalist, author, TV host and blogger Skenazy is best known for a column she wrote after allowing her New York City-bred son to, at nine years old, take the subway system home, on his own, from Bloomingdale’s. Within days, she had been invited to appear on current events shows on many of the major US TV networks.

She now travels extensively, delivering a message on raising self-reliant, safe children, aimed at helping parents become more comfortable allowing their kids to develop that resiliency.

“Lenore Skenazy’s message really speaks to one of the traits we know is key for our students,” said Taylor. “In order to meet the challenges of the future, it is imperative students learn to deal with the adversity sometimes met on the road to success. That will require resiliency.”

Collaborative Effort Reduces Lost-Time Injuries to Custodians

A collaborative effort to reduce lost time injuries amongst custodians resulted in a Leadership Achievement Award in Health and Safety from the School Board Cooperative Inc. for the Durham District School Board in 2013.

The award was a result of work done over the past several years to reduce musculoskeletal and other lost-time injuries to custodial staff. The program, called Participatory Ergonomics, was delivered in part by peer mentors from among DDSB custodial staff, and it has been credited with helping drop the number of days lost to injury from 1,002 in 2008 to 122 in 2010.

After a number of recommendations aimed at increasing worker safety from an audit were implemented, a second stage of the program kicked off: the Ergo Schools program. It first launched in four new schools that opened in September 2009. The goal was to equip each of the schools with all ergonomic tools and equipment and develop safe standard operating procedures for the custodial tasks most likely to cause injury, including shoveling snow, garbage disposal, mopping, moving furniture and supplies, wiping surfaces and vacuuming.

But the challenge was to determine how to deliver training on the procedures to the more than 500 staff spread across the 140-plus schools and facilities in the DDSB, so they could be used in all schools. That’s where custodial staff took an even more active role. Thirteen custodians were specifically trained to pass along the training to the rest of the group. Training modules were developed and peer-to-peer training began.

By the numbers, it appears to have been a great success.

“Our custodial staff’s dedication to working collaboratively has resulted in a safer, more secure working and learning environment for staff and students, and the significant reduction in time lost to accidents allows us to manage resources more effectively,” said David Visser, Superintendent of Education - Facilities Services. “Kudos to all who worked to make this such a success.”



Durham District School Board Launches New Website - www.ddsb.ca

As part of the Durham District School Board’s (DDSB) ongoing commitment to open communication, a brand new website was unveiled in June 2013.

The website is located at the newly-streamlined address www.ddsb.ca and has an array of new features aimed at user-friendliness and ease of access.

The site is the culmination of a more than year-long project involving a team of several DDSB employees, each bringing a different area of expertise to the table. As part of the project, any DDSB schools that have not yet done so will also move over to the new, easier-to-navigate platform.

“We are so pleased to be able to offer this new, more adaptable site, which will allow for greater ease of access for our community and is capable of serving multiple platforms,” said Director of Education Martyn Beckett.

New features include a ‘rotator’ component, which provides system-wide or board news. The “What’s New” area features current news releases. “Spotlight on DDSB School News” features stories from the Communications Department on schools and programs as well as links to media stories about the DDSB and its schools.

A calendar of events provides information on upcoming dates of significance, board meetings, school anniversaries and PA Days. A new subscription service allows subscribers to receive a weekly email with links to the latest news, events and information from the DDSB.

“Communicating openly and proactively with the public is one of the many ways we provide accountability,” Director Beckett said. “We are pleased to provide a new tool to help accomplish that goal.”

We welcome your feedback on the new site at: [email protected].

Director’s Report - Effectively Managing Resources

Operating BudgetThe Durham District School Board’s 2012-2013 operating budget was balanced and included revenues and expenditures of $663,657,170.

The operating budget reflected all changes to provincial funding and the corresponding impact on expenditures.

The budget included the expansion of Full Day Kindergarten from 66 to 159 classes. 2012-2013 was the third year of the five year Full Day Kindergarten implementation.

Capital BudgetThe 2012-2013 capital budget included revenues of $88,197,754 and corresponding expenditures of $88,197,754.

Included is $2,500,000 in Educational Development Charges that will support the purchase of a school site located in Ajax.

The capital budget also includes $61,246,277 of Ministry funded and board approved capital projects, as well as $24,451,477 in interest and debt related financing.

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Crafty Idea to Help People in Need

It was a crafty way to help out people in need.

Brenda Hopper’s Life Skills class at Pine Ridge Secondary School raised money by reusing items otherwise bound for recycling.

Students turned empty, clean cans into “Anything Cans,” to be used as containers to hold anything from pens to cotton balls. Then, they sold the cans to raise money for children living in poverty.

Ms. Hopper was spurred to action after attending a DDSB conference and hearing an array of statistics on poverty in Canada.

“While I was not shocked, I was concerned by the number of people with disabilities living in poverty,” she said.

Ms. Hopper and her students began collecting empty cans, which Ms. Hopper says “symbolize that we have enough but others do not.” They ensured they were well-cleaned. Then, using pictures from various printed materials, like calendars and scrapbooking pages, students began decorating the cans, turning them into functional works of art. Each one was laminated and emblazoned with a special label, bearing the name of the student who designed the can.

The cans were sold for a minimum donation of $2, with the just over $1,000 in proceeds going to a local organization called Dreams and Wishes, which helps children living in poverty, especially, but not limited to, those living in area shelters.

“In helping out in the community, these students have also shown empathy and kindness, two of the character traits we seek to foster development of in the DDSB,” said John Bowyer, Superintendent of Education/Whitby Schools/Safety and Security. “Our communities are better places thanks to the caring demonstrated by student projects like this.”

For student Kleanthi Markakis, the program has provided a behind-the-scenes view of the fashion industry “I’d say it really brings out who you are,” she said. “It really challenges how you view things.”

Durham Black Educators’ Network Honours Students

Four secondary school students, two elementary school students and a long-time educator were honoured at the first annual Durham Black Educators’ Network (DBEN) Activating Student Success Awards Reception, held in spring 2013.

The student award was granted to students of Caribbean or African descent who show leadership characteristics. Award winners were Cassidy Bowes, a Grade 8 student from Applecroft PS; Maya George, a Grade 8 student from Cadarackque PS; Kiana Bonnick, a Grade 12 student from Sinclair SS; Lena Hall, a Grade 12 student from Maxwell Heights SS; Chelsie Johnson, a Grade 12 student from J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate; and, Tayo Odueke, a Grade 11 student from Pickering High School.

“These students are living examples of the character traits we hold so dear in DDSB,” said Luigia Ayotte, Superintendent of Education/Program Services. “We talk about our students becoming future leaders, but really, these students are already leading the way.”

Also honoured at the event was retiring Glen Street Public School Teacher Renée Page, who received an Award of Distinction. Page left the segregated US south in the 1950s. After attending an all-black college, she took a teaching job in Arkansas in the 1960s – just as integration began. Arriving in Canada in 1973, Page went on to teach at Harmony Heights, Applecroft and Glen Street Public Schools.

“We are extremely grateful to DBEN for all they do to support student and staff success,” said Director of Education Martyn Beckett. “Our goal is to support diversity through anti-racism and equity education and by attracting and retaining a diverse staff of dedicated professionals. DBEN’s work goes a long way toward attaining that goal.”

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Creating a Welcoming, Caring School Climate

Ensuring a climate in which all members of the school community feel safe, comfortable and accepted is promoted in a variety of ways at the Durham District School Board (DDSB).

The DDSB works to ensure it provides equitable services, programs and facilities while supporting anti-racism, equity education and acceptance of all through both every day school practices and special events.

“Our teachers and administrators constantly work with students to help them develop positive character traits and leadership skills,” said John Bowyer, Superintendent of Education/Whitby Schools/Safe Schools. “Fostering a culture of caring is held dear in our facilities.”

Special events also help fulfill DDSB’s on-going commitment to equitable principles and practices. For example, during the 2012-2013 school year, students and educators were invited to an array of special events aimed at encouraging embracing diversity.

It’s not only those who work and learn in our schools whose input we seek to meet this goal. The DDSB regularly invited parents and guardians of those who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) to participate in forums aimed at sharing experiences and offering suggestions for DDSB’s continued growth.

“We know from many sources that social realities like race, sexual orientation or faith may be barriers to parental engagement, and we know how critical parents and guardians are to the children’s education,” Director of Education Martyn Beckett said. “It is our job to break down any and all barriers to that involvement.”

New Tipi Graces Durham Forest Centre

In a clearing at the Durham Forest Centre sits a newly-constructed tipi, resplendent with hand-painted art depicting a girl, a boy and the Four Winds of the Earth.

The tipi was built to be authentic in the process and respectful to Indigenous culture. The art work on the structure symbolizes bringing boys and girls together from all four directions, to learn about the natural world.

Construction of the tipi was a collaborative effort. Outdoor Education staff partnered with mentor André Bosse, a member of the Shawanaga First Nation and Métis elder. Students who visited the centre helped prepare the poles necessary for the tipi. Finally, in October 2012, visiting students, Outdoor Education Centre staff members, Métis elders, and members of both the DDSB Aboriginal Education and Maintenance departments worked together to raise the tipi and create a new place of learning for DDSB students.

Not only does the tipi – an obvious fit for teachings on social studies and natural history - act as a new learning and gathering space for students and staff but it also symbolizes the character development and leadership focus of the DDSB.

“The tipi structure and the traditional teachings that go along with it speak directly to character traits like teamwork, responsibility, respect and integrity,” said Luigia Ayotte, Superintendent of Education – Programs Services. “The tradition of the tipi is a wonderful way to raise awareness of Aboriginal perspective and history.”

Beyond that, it’s an amazing place to teach and learn.

STAR – Students and Teachers Against Racism – program is one of the many ways the Durham District School Board works to create a positive, inclusive climate in schools. At Senior STAR, pictured right, students receive leadership training and information on initiatives focused on embedding equitable practices into school life.

DDSB Senior Leadership Team marks Pink Shirt Day.

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Mental Health Strategic Plan

Fostering mental health for students and staff is one of the key ways the Durham District School Board is committed to ensuring we meet our goal of “Success in learning to meet the challenges of the future.”

An ad hoc committee made up of trustees, educators and clinicians, was formed and met through the 2012-2013 school year to develop a report entitled, “Linking Healthy Minds for a Positive Future: Mental Health and Addiction Strategic Plan 2013-2018.”

The plan was unveiled in spring 2013, in advance of the 2013-2014 school year, which has been proclaimed the “Year of Positive Mental Health.”

“The committee started with the knowledge of the importance of the mental health and well-being of our students and staff, and the belief the school system can make a difference in supporting good mental health,” said Doug Crichton, Superintendent of Education/Special Education.

To provide direction and focus for the plan, the committee focused on five key Links of Influence, including:

• Building resiliency• Breaking down the stigma• Building skills and knowledge• Engaging parents/guardians and families• Working collaboratively with community partners.

“We know good mental health is key to success, for both our staff and students,” Director of Education Martyn Beckett said. “This five-year plan maps out our next steps for ensuring we meet our commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of all in the DDSB.”

And the Award Goes To...

The Bruce Mather Award PresentedBarry Bedford, Durham District School Board’s Education Officer – Staff Development was awarded the annual Bruce Mather award in 2012. The award, established following the retirement of former DDSB Director of Education Bruce Mather, who served from 1984 to 1989, is granted annually to a staff member or team who has made an exceptional contribution to the growth of others.

Bedford, a Principal who was Staff Development Officer from September 2008 to June 2013, was recognized for his work in the area of equity, and specifically, for his work on LGBTQ issues.

Durham Black Educators’ Network Award of DistinctionRetiring Teacher Renee Page was granted the Durham Black Educator’s Network (DBEN) Award of Distinction at DBEN’s Activating Success award ceremony in 2013.

Page spent much of her childhood in Arkansas, then attended the Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College – now the University of Arkansas – during the Civil Rights Movement. Among her first teaching jobs was one in a school where the state had just begun integrating blacks and whites.

Moving to Canada in 1973, Page taught at Glen Street, Harmony Heights and Applecroft Public Schools before retiring at the end of the 2012-2013 school year.

New Award EstablishedThe DDSB in 2013 established a new Educational Services Staff Award. The award will allow the Board an opportunity to recognize an Educational Services staff member who has made an exceptional contribution to the support of students, schools or the growth of others. It will be awarded in the fall of the 2013-2014 school year.

Definitely DurhamThe DDSB’s Hall of Fame, showcases the success of its former students and celebrates public education in our community.

2012 Definitely Durham Inductees:• Dr. Elizabeth Allin• Neil Pasricha• Hon. M.M. (Mabel) Van Camp

The Durham Talking about Mental Illness Coalition, of which DDSB is a key element, received the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s 5th Anniversary National Mental Health Partnership Award in 2013. Among those accepting was DDSB Youth Counsellor Heather Hawco-Gray and Doug Crichton, Superintendent of Education - Special Education/Grove School.

26 Director’s Annual Report to the Community 2012-2013

Anniversaries

Celebrating 25 Years at the DDSB:

Lester B. Pearson Public School, Ajax

Maple Ridge Public School, Pickering

Pringle Creek Public School, Whitby

William Dunbar Public School, Pickering


Valley View Public School, Greenwood


Uxbridge Secondary School, Uxbridge

Official opening:

da Vinci Public School, Ajax

Ground-breaking:

Clara Hughes Public School, Oshawa

Additions and Renovations:

Brooklin Village Public School, Brooklin - $3.3 million renovation

Milestones 2012-2013 School Year 2013 Board of Trustees

Joe AllinChairperson Townships of Brock and Uxbridge

Chris BraneyVice ChairpersonCity of Pickering

Paul Crawford City of Pickering

Carolyn Morton Chair of Education FinanceTownship of Scugog

Michael Barrett City of Oshawa

Kathleen Hopper City of Oshawa

Larry Jacula City of Oshawa

Kimberly ZeppieriVice Chairperson Standing Committee Town of Whitby

Donna Edwards Town of Ajax Wards 3 & 4

Yvonne Forbes Town of AjaxWards 1 & 2

Christine Winters Town of Whitby

Fast Facts

Students:

Elementary - 46,672

Secondary - 23,151

Schools:

Elementary - 105

Secondary and Learning Centres - 24

Administrators and Teaching Staff:

Elementary Teaching Staff - 2,829

Secondary Teaching Staff - 1647

Elementary Administrators - 210

Secondary Administrators - 77

Quality Education Today — For Tomorrow

Durham District School Board400 Taunton Road EastWhitby, Ontario L1R 2K6www.ddsb.ca

Documents

Director’s Annual Report to the Community · Durham Black Educators’ Network Honours ... Director’s Annual Report to the Community 2012-2013 Director’s Annual Report to