December 7, 2023 • Issue #50
Learning opportunities and initiatives demonstrating commitment to Thames Valley's Strategic Priorities and Operational Goals
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Treaties Recognition Week | |
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Each year, the first full week of November is observed as Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario. During this time, Thames Valley schools are encouraged to participate in meaningful learning about Treaty rights and relationships. Staff are encouraged to teach about the importance of Treaties not just this week, but throughout the school year.
Pictured here are a Treaties Recognition Week display created by the students of Montcalm Secondary School, as well as the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Giant Floor Map, which was displayed at the Thames Valley District School Board’s Education Centre.
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Understanding and managing emotions is a key aspect of social and emotional development.
I recently visited the kindergarten classroom at Thamesford Public School where students were learning about how to be aware of their feelings so they can express them appropriately.
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Bullying Prevention and Awareness Month | |
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Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week in Ontario was November 19th-25th, 2023. This was an opportunity for Thames Valley students, school staff, and families to learn more about bullying, its effects on student learning, and how we can all help stop it as we know that fostering safe and positive learning environments is everyone's responsibility.
Thames Valley prioritizes relationship building and the Essential Conditions for Learning as a prevention strategy against bullying. The Essential Conditions for Learning promotes relationships, safety, connection, and regulation to support student learning. When students feel safe and connected to their teachers, their learning, their peers and the school community, they are better able to regulate, interact with others in healthy ways, and learn.
Please watch this short video about the Essential Conditions for Learning and visit our TVDSB website for more information.
These conditions are essential throughout the entire school year through Thames Valley’s Safe and Inclusive School Plans. To find out more about your school’s plan, visit the school website or ask the principal.
If students who are bullied, who bully others, or who witness bullying receive the necessary support, they can learn effective skills for developing healthy relationships, which fosters well-being and learning.
In addition, the links below provide additional tips, strategies, and resources:
· TVDSB – Safe Schools
· PREVNet Bullying Resources for Parents
· Media Smarts Resources for Parents
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As a district, we paid tribute to the memory of all Canadians who have dedicated themselves to this nation, acknowledging the honourable military legacy of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Black Canadians, Asian Canadians, women and other historically marginalized groups.
In 1919, the inaugural Remembrance Day took place, marking the anniversary of the armistice that concluded the First World War. Over a century later, our unwavering respect for the individuals who have bravely served and continue to serve in Canada’s armed forces remains steadfast.
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Each year, we bow our heads in gratitude, recognizing the sacrifices, cherishing the values of peace, freedom and unity that bring us together.
Grade eight students from Sir John A Macdonald Public School in London collaborated with veterans at Parkwood Hospital to make felt poppies. These poppies were used to make a wreath for the school Remembrance Day assembly.
Lest we forget.
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On November 1, 2023, at the Western Fair District Agriplex, Thames Valley DSB students in grades 7 through 12 got to enjoy the Level Up! Skilled Trades Fair.
Level Up! is a series of Ontario-wide, multiday career fair events that bring together the best in skilled trades professionals across industry organizations, post-secondary institutions, businesses, associations and more.
The fair was an opportunity for students to explore the possibilities of different career paths that are available in the skilled trades. These industries are constantly innovating, on the cutting edge of emerging technologies, and making a critical difference in people’s lives.
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Level Up! included hands-on exhibits, staffed by professionals across a wide range of industries, who were able to speak with students, and answer their questions. A panel of skilled trades representatives were also on hand to offer advice and insights about the exciting career opportunities available and the benefits of pursuing a career in the skilled trade industries. Skilled trades offer well-paid, stable, and flexible career opportunities. In turn, exhibitors were able to connect with a diverse group of young people who are hardworking, hands-on, passionate, and committed to positively impacting society! | |
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Thames Valley is pleased to recognize November as Hindu Heritage Month. Throughout the month, schools have engaged in learning activities to recognize and celebrate the many contributions of Canadians of Hindu heritage.
In recognition of Hindu Heritage Month, Thames Valley was pleased to partner with Hindu Legacy and members of the Hindu community to host a Hindu Heritage reception at Education Centre on Wednesday, November 15.
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The event was catered by Clarke Road Secondary School, who prepared a number of cultural dishes, including Mithai: sweet desserts traditionally enjoyed during Diwali.
Thames Valley extends its thanks to Hindu Legacy and members of the Hindu community for their collaboration on this reception as well as Thames Valley’s Hindu Heritage Month Classroom Resource Guide.
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Message from the Outgoing Chair | | |
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I am incredibly grateful and honoured to have served alongside such a dedicated group of Trustees and school board staff. The commitment and professionalism exhibited by everyone involved have been instrumental in Thames Valley’s progress. Together we have streamlined Board and committee reporting and enhanced relationships with all levels of government. We had open dialogue about how to best address our board’s rapid growth and began developing our new Multi-Year Strategic Plan. I genuinely believe we have made great strides this year and am confident that momentum will continue.
I’m excited to be changing seats and joining the horseshoe to move motions, ask questions and support Thames Valley as past Chair. Congratulations to our new Chair of the Board, Beth Mai and our new Vice Chair, David Cripps – I know you will both provide exemplary leadership on the road ahead!
Sincerely,
Lori-Ann Pizzolato
Past Chair and Trustee for London Wards 1, 11, 12 and 14
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Message from the Incoming Chair | | |
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I am honoured by the faith and confidence this Board has shown in electing me as Chairperson for the coming year. Thank you to past Chair Pizzolato for her leadership and mentorship this past year. Thank you as well to my fellow Trustees for their dedication in service of our communities. Finally, thank you to staff leadership and members of our communities - staff, families, volunteers, community partners - for their dedication and teamwork to serve our students.
As we continue the development of our new Strategic Plan, our focus will continue to be on supporting school communities and advocating for public education. Nurturing relationships and enhancing transparency will also be a priority. In the coming year I look forward to solutions-focused conversations and fostering opportunities that will best serve our communities. With open dialogue and a commitment to shared goals, we will move forward, together.
Sincerely,
Beth Mai
Chair and Trustee for London Wards 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13
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Message from the Incoming Vice Chair | | |
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The last year has been a time of significant change and growth for me and us. I’m committed to continuing to foster trust in our system, trust in our processes and trust in us. Together we will continue laying the foundations for the future Strategic Plan.
Public education is something I’ve been passionate about for a long time. During the year ahead, I will continue to use my experiences as a change management professional, entrepreneur, and school board volunteer to serve Thames Valley school communities, my fellow Trustees and school board staff.
Sincerely,
David Cripps
Vice Chair and Oxford County Trustee
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