HAMILTON-WENTWORTH CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Re-elected Chairperson Patrick J. Daly: New year presents opportunity to "move forward"

Just as Advent signals the dawning of a new and hope-filled era, so too is the start of a new year of elected service a summons to newness and change, suggested re-elected Chairperson Patrick J. Daly at the December 1, 2020 Initial Meeting of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. The Initial Meeting of the Board marks the mid-point of the trustees' four-year term of office.

Calling this time an opportunity to "move forward," Daly urged trustees "to envision how we continue to realize our mission" amid the many and very real challenges of the times.

"Catholic schools are places where mission is realized through Christian community, where the goodness and witness of teachers and other staff is central to the formation and evangelization of students," he noted.

"With the increased reality of virtual learning and the ever-increasing influence of technology, I believe we are living in an unprecedented time of challenge but equally, or more so, of opportunity to "move forward" with laser-like focus to create structures and allocate resources that most directly impact those areas that distinguish publicly funded Catholic schools."

Daly focused his comments on three specific areas: leadership/structures, relationships and equity in educational opportunity. Stressing that the enormous amount of work and planning associated with the school reopening has only reinforced the critical importance of shared leadership, he suggested that the current reality and challenges/opportunities of the future require a vision of leadership that encourages and rewards initiative and responsible risk-taking.

He recommended a review of the board's leadership development program to ensure the continued identification, recruitment and selection of faith-filled visionary leaders. He also suggested a re-imagining of administrative portfolios to better align with current and future trends. As examples, he cited a holistic view of Human Resources that encompasses all aspects of staff well-being, including faith formation, equity and pastoral care; an elementary and secondary curriculum that supports both in-school and virtual learning; and a vision of Corporate Services that integrates good stewardship with Risk Management and Information Technology.

"A future-oriented review of these and other structures would focus on service to students and schools," said Daly. "As researchers have concluded, one of the goals of such restructuring would be to assist leaders to remain closer to the core of teaching and learning where they are most likely to make a difference to students.'"

Any renewal must include a focus on relationships, he indicated, adding that moving forward' necessitates consideration of the current influence of each of the partners and a re-imagining of strategies to strengthen the essential triad of home, school and parish.

In the area of equity, Daly indicated that despite continued priority on initiatives that support the achievement and well-being of all students, the learning gap associated with the extended school closure and the educational impact of virtual learning, particularly on socio-economic disadvantages and special needs students, invite a review of how resources are funded.

He also added that "it is incumbent to acknowledge that anti-black racism and anti-indigenous and other racialized racism exist in our community and schools."

While the establishment of an Anti-Racism in Education Committee and the hiring of a System Equity Officer are important first steps, Daly pledged, on behalf of the board, to listen to those with lived experiences and thoughtfully consider the work and recommendations of the committee as part of the board's commitment "to do better and do all we can to eradicate the evil of racism and discrimination."

In other comments, he talked about the importance of good stewardship, including the maintenance of adequate levels of reserve. Thanking Associate Director of Corporate Services, Paola Pace-Gubekjian for her strong leadership, especially during the school closure and reopening, Daly added that this degree of commitment will be necessary to ensure that the resources are in place to introduce strategies and initiatives in support of "moving forward."

Daly concluded his address with words of thanks to Bishop Crosby, his family, fellow trustees, Director of Education David Hansen and members of Senior Administration, principals and vice-principals, administrative and support staff, teachers and school staff, parents and students for serving as sources of celebration and hope.

"It is my prayer that as we open our hearts and minds to the promise of moving forward' and new beginnings, we do so in the words of St. Ignatius of Loyola: Act as if everything depended on us; trust as if everything depended on God.'"

Daly also welcomed and congratulated newly installed Trustee for Wards 3 & 4, Tyler Iorio and indicated how much the board was looking forward to working with him.