Joy Generators

BY: KATHY MCDONALD 

It is dizzying when you think that another Christmas has just ended. As I stop and reflect on the true meaning of the Christmas season and all that there is to be thankful for, I am filled with joy, gratitude, and hope. The symbolism around celebrating the birth of Christ and the anticipation of the possibilities can easily be transferred to the African, Black, and Caribbean community in the educational realm. I hope that everyone from the aforementioned communities will be resolute in pursuing excellence in all educational journeys.

There are several things that have transpired during 2018 that has been a great source of joy. However, I will be discussing my top three joy generators. First and foremost, I was given a mandate by the residents in wards three and four in Brampton to continue to affect positive changes that will benefit the students of Peel Region. For this, I am truly joyful. Very close to me in the “joyful arena” was hearing that Judge Donald Mcleod was cleared of judicial misconduct. It was clear to the four-person panel that Justice McLeod’s actions at no time undermined the public confidence in the judiciary, that Judge Mcleod is a role model in the black community especially to black youth and in many other circles, for example, the educational arena and that most importantly he was always transparent as he invariably would seek clarity and ask for direction when engaging in his advocacy for marginalized individuals and members of the black community. Lastly and by no means least I am overjoyed at the outcome of my August 29th, 2017 “Poverty Motion”. On Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 at the Peel District School Board (PDSB) Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee Meeting, The Focus on Poverty: Action Plan was received by the members present.

The Director of Education for the PDSB, Peter Joshua; a Research Officer, Kim Bennett; a member of the Workplace Equity team, Jaspreet Pabla and a PDSB principal, Craig Caslick present the one-year action plan with the “Focuses on Poverty” initiative. The working group that participated in developing this plan consisted of over twenty-two individuals from various departments within the board. This multi-departmental collaborative action plan targeted five specific action areas along with expected changes and impacts. In the near future, the actual timeline will be presented but the urgency of this work was not lost on any individual present.

The five action areas are Student Success and Well Being, Awareness and Understanding of the Impact of Poverty, Support for Families Living in Poverty, Equitable Allocation of Human and Material Resources and Equitable Participation in Programs. Some of the specific actions and targeted activities that will be explored: launching a poverty awareness and understanding campaign and deconstructing what poverty in the PDSB looks like by examining our data; supporting students that have significant family responsibilities and engaging community partners and resources. Taking a detailed look at how Board resources are allocated and taking the decisive step to overhaul how Board resources are distributed within the Board. Mr. Joshua was resolute in his resolve to ensure that vulnerable students will be treated equitably and he is cognizant of the fact the equality is not equity; the PDSB will seek to foster external partnerships for supplementary resources; the PDSB will work to ensure that vulnerable students have access to programs and supports as well as responsive differentiated instruction and the Board is also committed to nurturing strong positive relationships.

I would strongly encourage individuals to visit the PDSB website peelschools.org and review the logic model as well as the five action areas. If you are from another Board you may want to reach out to your trustee and inquire if any such initiatives exist within your child’s school board. In the absence of an action plan that supports students and families in poverty, join forces with your trustee to implement a similar action plan.

Christmas can be a very joyful time, a time when people are filled with the euphoria of hope. It is this hope that fuels my desire to see vulnerable students excel in the educational arena. It is up to you the public to hold us as a board accountable and keep guard to ensure that this report does not end up on a shelf. The fate of this work is partly in your hands. When the board begins its community consultations or asks for feedback please lend your voice. All voices matter and are important as we develop a comprehensive strategy to combat the adverse effect of poverty. While the PDSB cannot eliminate poverty, we can ameliorate its impact on our students. So, journey with me as we strive to ensure that no child is left behind and that the full potential of all students is realized. Walk Good! Belle Marché.