Welcome Message - Board Chair
Posted on September 8
Tansi, Edlanat’e, Greetings everyone,
I hope everyone had a safe and restful summer. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I welcome back returning students and staff. For new families and staff, welcome to the Northland School Division (NSD) family.
As you know, the new school year is going to be a bit different due to COVID-19. For a number of months, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy Spencer-Poitras, with support from senior administration, principals, and directors, developed a robust re-entry plan outlining additional health measures and the learning options available. The approved plan includes the Board’s request that all students and drivers must wear a mask while on a school bus. This goes above and beyond the guidelines from the province which states mandatory masks for grade 4 to 12 students, and drivers.
Following the public release of the NSD 2020-2021 Re-entry Plan on August 12th, we have been meeting with education partners via Zoom or teleconference (First Nations, Metis Settlements, Metis locals, municipalities, community organizations) to discuss details and answer questions. The meetings have been very productive and have helped NSD enhance the plan. During those meetings, some of the leaders and administration representing First Nations, Metis Settlements, Metis locals, municipalities, or community groups, offered to help improve the safety measures. For example, some schools have received donated desk shields to provide extra protection for students.
The Board truly appreciates the support from the school communities we serve. In an effort to improve engagement with our communities, we have made a commitment to meet with local leadership on a regular basis virtually and in-person while practicing physical distancing. As you will see below, our commitment to improving relationships is one of four Board priorities.
Northland School Division Strategic Plan for Board Priorities
| Excellence in Leadership | Excellence in Relationships | Excellence in Learning | Excellence in Financial Practices |
| Priority 1: Through excellent leadership practices by everyone, everyone feels welcome and valued. |
Priority 2: Actively develop and purposefully work to maintain healthy relationships. |
Priority 3: Students achieve their potential in literacy and numeracy. |
Priority 4: Northland has a balanced budget for 2020-2021. |
When you look at these priorities, think of how you can help Northland achieve these priorities. I believe, working together, with our communities on these priorities, the potential for NSD students is unlimited. Before I conclude, I have an important message for NSD parents who haven’t decided if their child is doing in-school learning or at-home learning. It’s ok to take some extra time, but please make sure your child is registered. The registration helps NSD figure out teaching assignments, programming for your child, and funding we receive from the province.
Thank you for choosing and supporting the Northland School Division. I look forward to connecting with our community partners throughout this interesting year!
Sincerely,
Robin Guild
Board Chair
The Northland School Division