Video Transcript
Hello everyone,
I am so pleased to unveil the Halton District School Board's new 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan. This plan is a blueprint, strategically identifying expectations for the HDSB over the next four years.
All school boards in Ontario are required to have a strategic plan. Our four-year plan will drive the work of our Board through 2024, with the primary goal of providing a framework for the success and well-being of all HDSB students.
This plan is the culmination of many months of work by the Board of Trustees and senior administration, and in consultation and collaboration with hundreds of stakeholders including you, our parent/guardian community.
The Multi-Year Plan is built upon and held together by five key areas, each with an identified strategic focus. We feel there is no doubt that HDSB staff and students will benefit from, and embrace, these important areas of focus that reflect the present climate and allow us to be prepared for future challenges.
So what exactly is the Multi-Year Plan? It is composed of five pillars: Equity and Inclusion, Mental Health and Well-Being, Learning and Achievement, Environmental Leadership, and Indigenous Perspectives and Awareness.
In Equity and Inclusion, we will champion supportive and inclusive practices to ensure equitable access to positive opportunities and outcomes for everyone.
In the Mental Health and Well-Being pillar, we will strengthen safe and caring school environments that promote well-being, and enhance relationships and positive learning and working climates where everyone belongs and feels safe.
In Learning and Achievement, we will create learning conditions to elevate student achievement, to foster a culture of high expectations to maximize student and staff achievement, and promote innovative strategies.
In Environmental Leadership, we will take action to help create a sustainable world. We will deepen opportunities to learn about connections between ecosystems, social justice and climate, as well as elevate local environmental initiatives and practices.
A specific focus on Indigenous Perspectives and Awareness is new in our Multi-Year Plan. It is a distinct area of the plan given that Indigenous peoples are not equity-seeking groups but ones looking to have their inherent rights observed, rights that existed prior to colonization and continue to exist today. Identifying this as a distinct pillar will help the Board promote knowledge and understanding of Indigenous perspectives and realities.
To further our commitment to this area, we have created the new permanent position of Indigenous Knowledge Guide and Engagement Advisor which is intended to provide ongoing expertise to staff, schools and departments across the HDSB.
While there are five distinct pillars to the plan as I just outlined, it is important to understand that no one area stands alone or above another as each is vitally connected.
We think this Multi-Year Plan is a document to be proud of as we move forward, helping our students become contributing global citizens. We are confident its full implementation in all areas of school and board operations will ensure our Halton District School Board students’ future success over the next four years, and beyond.
Thank you for your support of this plan.
Together, we will learn, grow and inspire.