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THE NEW TANNERTHURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010 11Message from Halton District School Board Acton Trustee Gerry OckendenAs we wrap up another school year for the Halton has maintained a commitment to opening students eyes students are recognized for their achievements. We have District School Board, its time for reflection on our and hearts to better understanding the environment and had occasion to celebrate the outstanding accomplish-individual trustee contributions, as well as those of the how they can, will and do play an integral role in its pro-ments of many Acton and area students this year. Board on our public school system in Halton.tection through classroom learning and field trips. The Halton Hills schools, once again, demonstrated won-As the trustee for Acton/Halton Hills, I believe it is increasing number of our schools becoming certified as derful success and results in numerous events this year important to bring a local approach to the table, but ecoSchools each year is a testament to that emphasis including Halton Music Showcase, Halton Technical equally valuable to contribute to the overall direction as a means to help students learn the value of Mother Skills Competition, Elementary and Secondary Art of Haltons public education system.Nature early in their lives.Shows, Public Speaking, The Eddies, plus athletic ac-A key piece of work in which trustees have partici-The Active and Safe Routes to School initiative is complishments of each school including the Special pated is addressing the goals of the Boards 2007-2010 valuable because it is providing a way for students Athletes Track Meet.Strategic Plan. It is a very important blueprint that sets out the objectives of the Board a process I have been When we talk about student achievement, very honoured to be a part of.It is especially important because it is a firm com-we must not forget that in order to be suc-mitment to student achievement, which is something cessful, students must feel comfortable and I truly value. It states the Board inspires and supports safe in their learning environment. We con-learning; creates safe, healthy and ongoing learning/tinue to address the I feel safe and I feel teaching environments; and provides opportunities for challenge and choice.like I belong feelings of our students as iden-Witnessing the Board implementing literacy and num-tified through the Boards annual School eracy objectives and moving forward with technology Effectiveness Survey. Trustee Ockendenin the classroom has made the role of trustee all that more fulfilling.The Board acknowledges that in order to fully realize Students and school communities also continued to its goals, parents/guardians play a huge role. lend their support to many worthwhile causes such as The Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) has be-Relay for Life, Jump Rope for Heart and UNICEF, and come an invaluable tool for trustees and Board staff to many other fundraisers, demonstrating their commit-reach out to parents/guardians as well as the community ment to good citizenship. Students, staff, parents and community have a great deal of which to be proud! While the Board continues its focus on student When we talk about student achievement, achievement, we would be remiss if we did not ap-we must not forget that in order to be suc-plaud those who collectively support our students in Halton. cessful, students must feel comfortable and From the outstanding staff in the classrooms of our safe in their learning environment. We con-community schools to the leadership of our school tinue to address the I feel safe and I feel administrators; from the support staff in our schools like I belong feelings of our students as iden-or at the Board office and other Board workplaces, we Gerry Ockendenall contribute to provide rich learning experiences for tified through the Boards annual School to arrive at school safely by walking rather than our students. Thank you to all who work tirelessly to Effectiveness Survey. Trustee Ockendenrelying on the automobile. By limiting the number of support the Boards commitment to students.vehicles arriving at school property, we are helping Thank you is also extended to those who give freely reduce everyones exposure to exhaust pollution and of their time and effort to support their School Coun-to improve student learning.teaching our students the benefits of green, healthy cils. Volunteers are also to be commended, as our The PIC provides a regular opportunity for parents to thinking.schools could not operate as efficiently without their network, share ideas, offer input and enjoy informative This initiative also reinforces to students the value commitment and dedication. We are indeed fortunate presentations on education and related topics throughout of staying fit. to have many community and business partners who the school year. It is a conduit to provide consultation I also want to add that I understand the sensitivity provide tangible support to our students and school opportunities to staff, superintendents, and the Director around the proposed sale of the McKenzie-Smith Ben-communities. Thank you!of Education and Board trusteesnett property. The Board is continuing negotiations for With summer fast approaching, I would like to of-Student achievement is a driving force behind the the sale of the property with the Town of Halton Hills. fer congratulations to those students and staff who are Boards many decisions. Thats why programs that I want to assure the community that we will ensure the moving on to new schools, new careers, and new chal-help our students reach their potential, like the Ontario best interests of MSB students are addressed through lenges. Acton High School will sadly miss Principal Focused Intervention Partnership (OFIP), differentiated any potential sale.Bert OHearn, Guidance Head Dave McConnell, and instructional strategies and the Pathways programs for Meanwhile, the Board is saying goodbye to Educa-Manager of School Administrative Operations, Mar-secondary students, have been extremely helpful.Wtion Director Wayne Joudrie, who is retiring this year. I lene Bogart, who are retiring, after many dedicated and hen we talk about student achievement, we must want to wish him all the best. He has been a pleasure to successful years of service to our community.not forget that in order to be successful, students must work with. I think he will be remembered for his total Whatever pathway you choose, best wishes for con-feel comfortable and safe in their learning environment. Wcommitment to the strategic plan, and always striving tinued success in all you do.e continue to address the I feel safe and I feel like to do whats best for students and staff.Once again, congratulations to staff, students, and all I belong feelings of our students as identified through As a trustee, I share in the tremendous pride of par-community partners on a very successful school year. the Boards annual School Effectiveness Survey.ents, staff, friends and community members when our Have a safe and happy summer!Success comes in many forms. Im pleased the Board Congratulations 2010 Graduates!Good Luck in your future endeavoursFrom the publisher & sta at