The School Board has completed its Strategic Review and is now in the process of developing First Principles by which we will operate. From these principles we will develop smart goals that we will work towards for the next few years. I am very proud of my colleagues and senior staff who have been working on this project so that we may improve upon our success in Dufferin-Peel.

As I mentioned last time, we have a new Homework Policy that you will find on the school board web site at www.dpcdsb.org as well in your child’s school agenda. I believe that the policy is balanced and supports student achievement. You are welcome to discuss the new policy with your child’s teacher. The new school board budget will be approximately $822 million dollars to support 145 schools, 9500 employees and almost 83,000 students. We have had our grants cut in the areas of textbooks and technology and we continue to struggle to meet the financial demands in the area of special needs and transportation. You may also see the details of this budget on our school board web site. The good news is that we are continuing to improve in the areas of math, reading and writing in this board and continue to provide programs to schools to continue this improvement.

I am so grateful to the volunteers who continue to work in many areas of the school to help with sports and extra curricular activities. Your Catholic School Council works very hard to not only raise funds but to promote Catholicity in the school and parent engagement in many areas. Thank you for all of your work in welcoming the students and parents of Blessed Trinity. The Open House was an important success. You, collectively, have been a true gift to this school. Catholic Schools are distinctive and we cherish the right to enhance the curriculum with Christ centered beliefs that are woven into the fabric of our system. Special thanks to the teaching staff who delivers this distinctive curriculum and supports extra curricular activities each and every day. Thanks to all the teachers and support staff who have been so supportive this past year.

Father Vid and Father Mariush for their spiritual guidance. Thank you to Mrs. Rogers for her support. Of course, thank you to Mrs. Anderson your principal, who continues to foster and build community at St. Rose. Mrs.Anderson is always so proud when I visit the school to show me the latest accomplishments whether it is academically, in sports or in the arts. I always enjoy my visits. St. Rose is a wonderful school that truly does epitomize our mission of bringing together parish, home and school even during difficult times. This community will grow in the fall to be even better. Thank you Mrs. Anderson.

I wish you a safe and happy summer. May the good Lord always hold you in the palm of His hand.