March 31, 2022 • Issue #35

Learning opportunities and initiatives demonstrating commitment to Thames Valley's Strategic Priorities and Operational Goals

Monday, March 21 was the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, an important day observed around the world. In line with our Strategic Priorities and this year’s theme, Voices for Action Against Racism, we recognized the day by highlighting ways that Thames Valley students are using their voices to fight racism and embrace equity and diversity in our schools. 

One creative example is a new diversity mural at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School. With the help of Indigenous artist Mike Cywink, students are creating a colourful and meaningful representation of the many cultures present at the school.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier has created an environment that affirms the identities of its students. The rich cultural diversity of its student population is celebrated through multicultural clubs, student associations and a genuine interest in learning more about their lived experiences. 



Hear more about the ways Sir Wilfrid Laurier students and staff celebrate the school’s diverse cultures.

Parents and caregivers with students entering Kindergarten in September 2022 are invited to attend a live, virtual information session on April 4, 2022 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

The online session will give participants an overview of Thames Valley’s Kindergarten program and provide information on how TVDSB schools will help support their child’s transition to Full Day Kindergarten. 

Parents and caregivers will also learn what a typical day will look like for their child, take a tour of a Kindergarten learning space and hear from parents who currently have children enrolled in Kindergarten. 

The Trustees have begun visiting a number of schools involved in the ongoing London Attendance Area Review. After touring the school facilities, we chatted with Superintendents and school administration about the challenges and opportunities in each school. It was a pleasure to learn about the many unique programs found across Thames Valley.

Thank you to school staff for making time to meet with us.

Lori-Ann Pizzolato

Chair

While many enjoyed a well-deserved rest during the March Break, there’s no stopping the inspiring hard work of Thames Valley students and staff. Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen students rally around meaningful causes, raise funds for those in need and stand up against bullying and discrimination. 



These past weeks have also brought significant change, both in our schools and around the globe. In the face of these changes, the safety and well-being of our students will always come first. 

As we continue to follow guidance from our local public health units and the Ministry regarding COVID-19 measures, many students are returning to the in-person activities they love – or are even experiencing them for the first time. On a global level, staff have also provided parents and caregivers with resources to guide their children through recent events in Ukraine and support their mental health. 

Watch our newest highlights video above to see more examples of our many recent accomplishments across Thames Valley that have been highlighted in the local media.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Cole and Ms. Chiarappa’s goal has been to help students self-regulate and find their calm. The Wilberforce PS teachers are using resources from School Mental Health Ontario and TVDSB’s Mental Health team to find mindful activities that help students and teachers find ways to manage challenging and uncertain times and promote well-being.  

Through discussions within their classrooms, the teachers realized that many students find comfort and peace within nature.  Building on this knowledge, much of the literature that they have explored this year has helped students make more personal connections to the world around them.  

When reading Thunder and the Noise Storms, by Jeffrey and Shezza Ansloos, Ms. Cole and Ms. Chiarappa found that students made an immediate connection to the noise and chaos of the world around them and that focusing on nature helped them find their calm.  

To recreate this atmosphere, they came up with the idea of creating light boxes featuring nature scenes that have special meaning to the students. The teachers have created a stunning display of the student’s work in a common area to help spread calm throughout the rest of the school. 

Thames Valley is proud of TVDSB alumnus, Lachlan McKinlay, who worked on the Oscar-nominated film, “Don’t Look Up,” as a special effects video editor. We asked Lachlan how his experience at Thames Valley allowed him to discover his passion for film.

How would you describe your experience in high school and how did it impact your goals in pursuing a career in the film and media industry?

I went to London South Collegiate Institute and I was really influenced by one class I had under Ms. Marzano, named Communication Technology. It was my first real kind of gateway into the film world. I think it was a very simple assignment but I just fell in love immediately.

Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in pursuing a career in film and media?

Seek out what you want in life and persevere. Perseverance, I think, is the most important ability to learn in life that will surely help you in the future.

How would you describe the impact that teachers have had on you?



I think teachers can have a huge influence from just showing a bit of enthusiasm and allowing students to really pursue whatever they want creatively. When teachers present an assignment and allow students to take that assignment in any direction they want and then encourage them along the way, it can really influence a student’s overall perspective on a certain topic. In my case, it was film and media.

What made you interested in a career in film and media?

Framestore was my dream job and I ended up sending out an email to the head of editorial. They answered my email and gave me a whole list of things I needed to do in order to have a career in visual effects.

For the next two to three years, I went down that email like a checklist. I went and got side jobs and read books and learned all this different editorial software just to have a chance to work there. But I decided it was now or never. I replied to the email that I sent many years ago and said, “Hey, I did everything you asked!”

Sure enough, they were impressed by my determination and gave me a shot. So, here I am working in the industry.

The United Way agencies of Elgin Middlesex and Oxford recently received a donation of $168,439 from the staff and students of the Thames Valley.

“We are thankful for our partnership with the United Way and the work they do in our school communities,” said Mark Fisher, Director of Education. “The United Way provides funding to the most effective and efficient programs that aim to impact our local school communities in a positive way. For many, the much-needed change in their lives starts with United Way.”

TVDSB has been running school and board events annually to raise funds for the United Way for a number of decades. The pandemic has put a number of these programs on hold; however, staff and students continue to step up to the challenge with new innovative virtual events and ongoing support through payroll deductions.

TVDSB thanks the many Site Champions, staff and students for their enthusiastic commitment to this year’s campaign. The donations will support the important and impactful work of the two United Way organizations in Thames Valley communities.